If you've spent 10 years on it, you should have at least a few sources for key points.
Ultimately, you're in a situation where you're being asked to serve as a teacher. But you're being asked to serve in that role by those who really have only learned one thing: that everyone lies. They've been told over and over to do your own research, think for yourself, use discernment. So, they do what is logical. They ask you for a source.
Welcome to how real science and real academia work. Yes, you have to cite your sources. They teach that to kids doing book reports in the third grade - or at least they did when I was in the third grade. I had to cite which encyclopedia or National Geographic or book I had referenced. It's not complicated.
I've written some of these replies. Some of it is esoteric and there really aren't good sources. When that's the case, I say so. If you're approximating from memory, say so. It's an internet forum. We do that. But do understand when someone wants to actually see a source. If you don't have one, admit it, or dig it up.
But remember, if you make the claim, it's up to you to supply the evidence of that claim's veracity. It's up to you to explain it in such a way that it convinces others. Otherwise, if you make a weak case, don't be surprised when people reject your answer and tell you you're full of it.
If you've spent 10 years on it, you should have at least a few sources for key points.
Ultimately, you're in a situation where you're being asked to serve as a teacher. But you're being asked to serve in that role by those who really have only learned one thing: that everyone lies. They've been told over and over to do your own research, think for yourself, use discernment. So, they do what is logical. They ask you for a source.
Welcome to how real science and real academia work. Yes, you have to cite your sources. They teach that to kids doing book reports in the third grade - or at least they did when I was in the third grade. I had to cite which encyclopedia or National Geographic or book I had referenced. It's not complicated.
I've written some of these replies. Some of it is esoteric and there really aren't good sources. When that's the case, I say so. If you're approximating from memory, say so. It's an internet forum. We do that. But do understand when someone wants to actually see a source. If you don't have one, admit it, or dig it up.
But remember, if you make the claim, it's up to you to supply the evidence of that claim's veracity. It's up to you to explain it in such a way that it convinces others. Otherwise, if you make a weak case, don't be surprised when people reject your answer and tell you you're full of it.