17. Starting a Thread: When starting a thread it is best to express your own thoughts in your own words. Threads w/o original content may be summarily closed.
It's fitting, fine, well, and good that the initial, thread-starting post (called the thread's Original Post- OP for short) quotes another person or document.
References, particularly in matters of fact, are encouraged. But they are no substitute for your own thoughts in your own words.
Using your own words in your OP encourages participation. By starting the conversation with a contribution of your own time and effort, you show potential participants you are serious in your intention to engage in dialogue. It says that if they reply to your posts, you are likely to respond to theirs.
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