FAQs

The Web Manager

Claim of Writing
Except where acknowledged, the opinion given in this web page is entirely that of the author

August 07, 1999

Q1. How to cite an on-line article (with respect to your field of study)?

A1. It’s simple! The way you cite is just the same as the conventional printed articles in respective journals. As a matter of fact, we only add the number of pages and its URL (Uniform Resource Locator, or simply means the web address), which are additional items in writing such references. It is possible to determine the number of pages right after printing the document, either using Web format (a normal web page) or PDF format. The document file contained in the web format can be converted by copying the whole web document into MS Word, with "minimal" editing processes.

However, the easiest way to determine the number of pages is when you are viewing your downloaded article(s) in PDF format using Adobe Acrobat Reader. A PDF formatted file is mostly preferred, since the article looks like in a journal page. It is also a shorter version compared to lengthy web page format. The inclusion of URL is mainly for future references. If the article is available in web and PDF formats, just include both of its URLs. For example, an article by Dr. Kim D. Coder is available in both format, so the citation should be like this:

Coder, K. D. 1998. Tree Root Growth Series: Soil constraints on root growth. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Forest Resources Publication FOR98-10. 8p. (http://www.forestry.uga.edu/efr/olddocs/pdf/for98-010.pdf) or (http://www.forestry.uga.edu/efr/olddocs/newdocs/html/for98-010-intro.html)

Another example is an on-line article by T. T. Kozlowski (a world renowned plant physiologist), published in PDF format, and thus, the citation for his work should be like this:

Kozlowski, T. T. 1997. Responses of woody plants to flooding and salinity. Tree Physiology Monograph No. 1. Heron Publishing, Victoria, Canada. 29p. (http://www.heronpublishing.com/tp/monograph/kozlowski.pdf)

Moreover, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have also highlighted issues on "Computers and Forestry" in its 1997 publication. For more information, please refer to UNASYLVA 48 (189).

Well, we have seen that the Internet is a revolutionized way towards low-cost and time saving global communication that could assist us in plugging into virtually unlimited information and knowledge resources. Amazingly, the technology itself does still evolve and such electronic applications could be useful in promoting worldwide forestry education and other subjects of interest.

Q2. Are these so-called “on-line articles” reliable for thesis writing? (In fact, the same rules also applies to working papers, be it conventional or electronic publishing)

A2. In my opinion, yes! These articles are reliable since the authors are respective professionals in their fields (even some of them are university professors!). Just in case if you have doubt, then you should make a thorough investigation of their publications in respective journals (conventionally printed journals).