A Direct Appeal to Peer-Reviewed Jounals...

Good Morning,

I present to you an alternative peer-reviewed citation style that I believe will improve the readability of journal entries, while losing none of the verifiability of the data presented.

Although the online encyclopedia 'Wikipedia' has a decidedly mixed reputation in the academic world (a phenomenon of systemic bias in coverage, otherwise known as 'Wikigroaning' is just one example of criticism), it is my conclusion that the format of Wikipedia entries have significant merit in the world of peer-reviewed journalism and the scientific community. I believe that this advantageous format system comes as a direct result of the sheer volume of information that is being presented, combined with the overwhelming number of "editors" whose input is questionable to say the least. I state once again that this presentation does not in any address the reliability of data available on Wikipedia, nor does it applaud or condemn the concept of information that can be manipulated by simply everyone and anyone. By all means, if that kid in class keeps plagarizing straight from Wikipedia every time you assign him or her homework, please suspend them and prepare them for their career at the bottom of everything.

Now then: look at this article. Now take a closer look. Did you notice the citation style right out of the gate under 'History and Background'? Do you see how the referenced citations are given in a numbered, superscript style, indicating citations given as footnotes at the end of the article? Now you did, because I told you to.

Doesn't this way of citation make it easier to concentrate on the article, without constantly distracting you with long citations? Admittedly, this is not a new argument, but it is valid nonethless. I ask you, ladies and gentlemen of the Secret Illuminati Guild of Peer Review and Mayhem, is this not a better mousetrap? Thank you for your time, and I humbly ask that take this blog entry in a light-hearted spirit and do not destroy my academic career with a petulant flick of the wrist, motioning your guards to take me to the holding cells to await my sentence.