Do you give credit?

What is the big deal about citations? Citations give an author the credit of their work when another author uses it. This can be done whether using APA, MLA, Chicago, or any of the other citation forms. Citing is important for a couple of reasons: 1. It is illegal not to do so. 2. Morally, it is the same as stealing. 3. If you are a student it can quickly result in expulsion if plagiarize. The copyright laws are what protect authors and make it illegal to use work without citations. Even though they are just words, it is the ideas that are conveyed that are protected. I feel that this is particularly important. I have mentioned before that I have difficulties writing, therefore, when I occasionally spout off something I am proud of, I do not want someone to take it and say they were the author. Stealing, in any form, is still illegal, immoral, and hurtful to the victim. Citing is extremely simple with the access to information that we now have and takes only an extra minute. Plus, it also covers your butt legally and scholarly.