Wikipedia:Quotations

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Quotations are a fundamental attribute of Wikipedia. Quotes provide a direct source of information or insight. A brief excerpt can sometimes explain things better and less controversially than trying to do so ourselves. However, there are certain guidelines an editor should remember about quotations within Wikipedia.

1 How to use quotations
2 When to use quotations
3 When not to use quotations
4 See also

[edit] How to use quotations

The first thing to remember when using quotations within Wikipedia is that they must be sourced. In general, using three or more consecutive words from a source is a quotation. We do not want to plagiarize, so be sure to attribute it to the source. Quotes, especially those from living people, must be attributed properly. Any quotation that is not sourced may be removed at any time. However, a good faith search in an effort to find a source before removing a quote is appreciated. As a courtesy to other contributors, if removing a quotation, please say so on the article's talk page.

Second, editors should try and work quotations into the body of the article, rather than in a stand alone quote section. Wikipedia is not a list or repository of loosely associated topics such as quotations. A simple list of quotations would be better suited for our sister project, Wikiquote.

Similarly, quotations should be always introduced in articles. Stand alone quotations are not proper paragraphs. Quotations should be put in context and given any necessary explanation. As an editor, it is your responsibility to read the source of the quotation thoroughly, in order to prevent misrepresentation.

Third, while quotations are an indispensable part of Wikipedia, try not to overuse them. Too many quotes take away from the encyclopedic feel of Wikipedia. Also, editors should avoid long quotations if they can keep them short. Long quotations not only add to the length of many articles that are already too long, but they also crowd the actual article and remove attention from other information.

Fourth, there is normally no need to put quotations in italics unless the material would otherwise call for italics (emphasis, use of non-English words, etc.). Indicate whether using the italics in the original text or whether they were added later. For example:

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest! (emphasis added)

For information regarding the use of punctuation with quotations, including the use of quotation marks around quotes, please see the Manual of Style.

Quotations should generally be worked into the article text, so as not to inhibit the pace, flow and organization of the article. Longer quotes may need to be set apart, generally through the use of block quotes. Quoteboxes are another way to set a quotation apart from the article text. They should generally be avoided, as they draw special attention to the opinion of one source, and present that opinion as though Wikipedia endorses it; quoteboxes may be acceptable in certain circumstances, especially when the quote is itself notable, and a major part of the article's topic. If you think an article needs a quote set apart from the text through a quotebox or other method, please get a consensus on the article talk page first.

[edit] When to use quotations

When editing an article, a contributor should use quotations when:

using a unique phrase or term from someone’s speech or writing. (e.g. "Orwell grew up in a 'lower-upper-middle class' household. [1]")
dealing with a potentially controversial statement. Using the actual spoken or written words can help avoid controversial statements by editors. (e.g. Using "Coulter stated that '[w]e need somebody to put rat poisoning in Justice Stevens' crème brûlée. That's just a joke, for you in the media.' [2]" instead of "Coulter called for the killing of a Supreme Court Justice. [3]")

[edit] When not to use quotations

When editing an article, a contributor should try to avoid quotations when:

a summary of a quote would be better. This may be due to lack of importance, lengthy articles, etc. On lengthy articles, editors should strive to keep long quotations to a minimum, opting to paraphrase and work smaller portions of quotes into articles.
the same quote has been used elsewhere in the article. For example, offering a quote under a section titled "Influences" expounding on the influence of someone's religion when it has already been used in the "Biography" section should be avoided. There is no need for duplication.
the article is beginning to look like Wikiquote. Editors should remember that Wikipedia is, at its core, an encyclopedia, and not an opportunity to list the best and worst quotations pertaining to an article's subject. If there are many quotations, please move them to Wikiquote and place a Wikiquote template on the article to inform readers that there are relevant quotations regarding the subject.