BrightEye
I may have misread the initial post, but I don't think Rosanne is asking everyone who participates in the History forum to list their credentials. As far as I understand it, it's about whether or not to cite books that gave you new ideas for posts or posts by other people that have inspired you.
But since I never post in the History forum, my comment is probably irrelevant because you seem to be asking about forum etiquette. Is that right?
If it were me, I would cite the book but not necessarily the person who alerted me to the book unless they had something of interest to say independently of the book. It's unnecessary. I'd say something like 'I've read such-and-such in [author & title of book; or relevant comments by other posters], and this prompted the following train of thought [insert train of thought]. What do you think? Or fancy exploring that?' That helps to distinguish your ideas from others.Rosanne said:So if I have read a book that you introduced me to and I have not said that you are the reason I now know a little bit more on this or that- forgive me- but it won't change. At the time I will thank you for listing the book. It is kind of like listening to an acceptance speech that thanks everyone back to Adam and Eve for their input into the recipients life.
But since I never post in the History forum, my comment is probably irrelevant because you seem to be asking about forum etiquette. Is that right?