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an ethical question

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by clingerman, Aug 14, 2007.

  1. clingerman

    clingerman New Member

    Here's a random one: I'm proofreading a friend's book on a baseball team from the mid-1900s. He utilizes the autobiography of the team's manager and uses "Smith said" for passages that were written in Smith's book. (he's citing everything in the endnotes, so it does not seem to me as if he's trying to take credit for work that isn't his). The debate is this: Ethically, does he need to write, "Smith wrote," or is there nothing wrong with "Smith said."? We've been having this debate for a few days. Would love the insight of anyone with experience in the field.

    Thank you.
     
  2. Mizzougrad96

    Mizzougrad96 Active Member

    It should be "Smith wrote..."
     
  3. sportschick

    sportschick Active Member

    Said implies that the words were spoken, so it really should be wrote.
     
  4. TyWebb

    TyWebb Well-Known Member

    Agreed, should be wrote.
     
  5. Ace

    Ace Well-Known Member

    Unless you are quoting something he actually put quote marks around in the autobiography.
     
  6. MU_was_not_so_hard

    MU_was_not_so_hard Active Member

    Smith wrote in his biography (or something to that effect) on first reference and periodically there after seems sufficient.
     
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