3 ms·
> A set of brackets is a barrier to understanding between the reader and the writer. No, a set of brackets is a sign of respect for the original author who did
by eqvinox 6y ago
> A set of brackets is a barrier to understanding between the reader and the writer.
No, a set of brackets is a sign of respect for the original author who didn't spell their statement to match the writer's situation.
Any change to a quote that isn't clearly indicated would make me very, very suspicious whether the writer is misrepresenting what the original author said.
- jstanley 6y agoThey're not saying "change the quote without indicating that you did", they're saying "don't change the quote".
- eqvinox 6y agoSorry, I forgot to spell out that side since it's _very_ deeply ingrained in me: that would just be bad English. (For the cases where it's possible; there are enough where it makes the quote nonsensical or overly long without bracketing something.) Coincidentally, I'm a German native speaker :D