Citing the Front Page of the Internet: How to Cite a Reddit Post in MLA Format
So, you’ve stumbled upon a golden nugget of information on Reddit – a witty observation, a groundbreaking theory, or perhaps a truly compelling personal story – and now you need to give credit where credit is due. Citing online sources, especially those found in the wilds of the internet like Reddit, can seem daunting, but fear not! We’re here to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge to cite a Reddit post in MLA format with confidence.
Here’s the concise answer:
To cite a Reddit post in MLA format, you’ll need the following information: the author’s username (or real name, if available), the title of the post (taken from the post’s heading), the date and time of the post, the name of the subreddit, and the URL. The general format is:
Author’s Username. “Title of Post.” Subreddit Name, Date Posted, Time Posted, URL.
For example:
u/Throwaway_8765. “My cat just learned to play fetch and I’m so proud!” r/aww, 12 Oct. 2023, 14:35, www.reddit.com/r/aww/someuniquepostidentifier.
Breaking Down the Citation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dissect that formula and explore each component in detail to ensure your citations are as accurate and effective as possible.
Identifying the Author
The author in this context is the Reddit user who created the post. Always use the author’s Reddit username. If, and this is rare, the author provides their real name within the post itself, you can use the real name if you deem it more appropriate or if your instructor requires it. However, sticking with the username is generally the safest and most accurate approach.
Crafting the Title
The title of the post is simply the title the user gave their Reddit submission. Enclose it in quotation marks. Use the exact wording as it appears on the site. If the title is particularly long, you can shorten it while maintaining the original meaning and indicating the omission with an ellipsis (…).
Specifying the Subreddit
The subreddit name functions as the “container” in MLA terminology. This is where the post lives, like a journal or a website. It’s always italicized. For example, r/AskHistorians, r/science, or r/Cooking.
Pinpointing the Date and Time
Accuracy is key! The date and time of the post are crucial for locating the source and ensuring the reader can verify the information. Reddit typically provides the date and time in a clear and unambiguous format. Use this information exactly as it appears.
Providing the URL
The URL is the unique web address for the specific Reddit post. This allows readers to go directly to the source material. Copy and paste the full URL from your browser’s address bar.
Examples in Action: Putting It All Together
Here are a few more examples to illustrate the MLA citation format for Reddit posts:
Example 1 (General Post): u/ScienceEnthusiast. “Is climate change reversible?” r/science, 10 Nov. 2023, 09:12, www.reddit.com/r/science/someuniquepostidentifier.
Example 2 (Question in AskHistorians): u/HistoricalInquirer. “What was daily life like for a Roman soldier in the 1st century AD?” r/AskHistorians, 5 Dec. 2023, 16:48, www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/someuniquepostidentifier.
Example 3 (Post with Edited Title): u/ConfusedCook. “My sourdough starter isn’t rising! Help! [Edited for Clarity]” r/Cooking, 2 Jan. 2024, 11:05, www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/someuniquepostidentifier. (Note: the “[Edited for Clarity]” is optional and used only when you significantly alter the title.)
Citing Comments on Reddit Posts
It’s also possible you want to cite a specific comment within a Reddit thread, not the original post itself. Here’s how you adapt the format:
Author’s Username. “Re: Title of Post.” Subreddit Name, Date Posted, Time Posted, URL (with a note indicating the comment is within the thread).
For Example:
u/HelpfulRedditor. “Re: My cat just learned to play fetch and I’m so proud!” r/aww, 12 Oct. 2023, 15:00, www.reddit.com/r/aww/someuniquepostidentifier (comment within the thread).
Note the use of “Re:” to indicate a response to the original post. Ensure you link to the main post’s URL.
FAQs: Your Reddit Citation Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of citing Reddit posts in MLA format:
1. Do I need to include the number of upvotes or downvotes in my citation?
No. The number of upvotes or downvotes is not relevant for citation purposes and should not be included. Focus on the essential information: author, title, subreddit, date, time, and URL.
2. What if the Reddit post is deleted after I cite it?
Unfortunately, this can happen. If possible, try to archive the post using a service like the Wayback Machine (archive.org) and include the archived URL in your citation. If archiving isn’t possible, simply include the original URL. You can also add a note like “(Post deleted)” after the URL.
3. How do I cite a Reddit post that is behind a “NSFW” (Not Safe For Work) filter?
The citation format remains the same. However, you might consider adding a note in your paper that the cited content is NSFW, especially if the content is graphic or potentially offensive. This is a matter of academic discretion and sensitivity.
4. Should I include the “u/” prefix before the username?
Yes, always include the “u/” prefix when citing a Reddit username. This clearly identifies it as a Reddit user.
5. What if the author has deleted their Reddit account?
In this case, you would cite the post as “[deleted]” in place of the author’s username.
6. Can I cite a Reddit post in a formal academic paper?
Absolutely, but exercise caution. While Reddit can be a valuable source of information, especially for current events, social trends, and personal experiences, it’s crucial to evaluate the credibility of the information carefully. Use Reddit sources judiciously and in conjunction with more traditional academic sources whenever possible.
7. How do I cite a subreddit itself, rather than a specific post?
If you want to cite the entire subreddit, the format is:
Subreddit Name. Reddit, URL.
For example:
r/AskHistorians. Reddit, www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians.
8. What if there is no title given for the post (e.g., only an image or a video)?
If the Reddit post lacks a formal title, create a brief, descriptive title of your own. Enclose this descriptive title in square brackets. For example:
u/PicturePerfect. “[Image of a cat wearing a tiny hat]” r/aww, 8 Jan. 2024, 14:00, www.reddit.com/r/aww/someuniquepostidentifier.
9. Do I need to access Reddit through specific browsers for accurate citations?
No. Any standard web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) will work fine for accessing Reddit and obtaining the necessary information for your citation.
10. Does the MLA Handbook provide specific examples for citing Reddit?
The MLA Handbook provides general guidelines for citing online sources. The format we’ve outlined above is based on these general principles and adapted specifically for Reddit. Always consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidance.
11. Should I use “accessed” date for Reddit citation?
The MLA 9th edition generally advises against including an accessed date unless the content is likely to change or disappear. Since Reddit posts are relatively stable, an accessed date is usually unnecessary.
12. What if I’m citing a Reddit post that contains copyrighted material (like a song or a movie clip)?
This is a complex issue. You are responsible for ensuring your use of the cited material complies with copyright law. Simply citing the source doesn’t automatically grant you the right to use copyrighted content. If you’re unsure, consult with your instructor or a legal professional. You can note any copyrighted material in your citation by adding a note like “(contains copyrighted material)” after the URL.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately cite Reddit posts in MLA format, giving proper credit to the creators and enhancing the credibility of your research. Good luck!
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