How to Cite a Blog Post in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in academic and literary contexts. When it comes to citing a blog post in MLA, it's important to follow the guidelines to ensure your work is properly referenced and gives credit to the original authors. This article will walk you through the process, providing a clear and detailed guide to help your writing meet the highest academic standards.

General Guidelines for Citing Blog Posts

When citing a blog post in MLA, the basic format includes the author's last name, the title of the post, the publisher, and the date of publication. Here are the key elements you need to include in your citation:

Author's Name: The author's last name followed by a comma, then the first name and middle initial if available. Title of Post: The title of the post in quotation marks. Publisher: The name of the blog or website that hosted the post. Date of Publication: The date when the post was published. Retrieval Date (optional): The date you accessed the post, if it cannot be retrieved from a permanent URL. URL (optional): The link to the blog post itself.

Example of MLA Citation for a Blog Post

To illustrate the format, let's use an example. Consider the following blog post:

Webster, Jessica. "The Impact of Technology on Modern Communication." Tech Innovations, 15 Nov. 2021,

This example includes all necessary elements, but let's break down each part in more detail:

1. The Author's Name

In MLA, the author's name should be formatted as follows:

Jessica Webster

2. The Title of the Post

The title of the blog post should be placed in quotation marks:

"The Impact of Technology on Modern Communication"

3. The Publisher

The name of the blog or website that published the post:

Tech Innovations

4. The Date of Publication

The date the post was published, formatted as day month year:

15 November 2021

5. The Retrieve Date (if applicable)

If the blog post is no longer accessible from a permanent URL, it's a good idea to include the date you accessed the post:

Accessed 10 Dec. 2022.

6. The URL (optional)

Finally, if the blog post has a permanent link, include it at the end of the citation:

[)

Creating Your Own MLA Citation

Now that we've covered the format, let's walk through the steps to create your own MLA citation for a blog post:

Identify the Author: Look for the author's name or artist's name listed on the post. If no author is listed, consider the author of the blog or website. Title the Post: Use quotation marks around the title of the blog post. Publisher: Determine the name of the blog or website. This is usually found in the header or footer of the post. Date of Publication: Find the date the post was published. This is often found at the top or bottom of the post. Retrieval Date (if needed): If the blog post is not available from a permanent link, record the date you accessed it. URL (optional): Include the permanent URL of the blog post, if available.

Why MLA Citations Are Essential

Proper citation is crucial for several reasons:

Avoid Plagiarism: Citations help you avoid unintentional plagiarism by giving credit to the original authors. Academic Integrity: MLA citations enhance your academic integrity and the credibility of your work. Peer Review: By citing others' work, you contribute to the academic discourse and provide a foundation for further research.

Conclusion

Citing a blog post in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create accurate and reliable citations. Whether you're writing a dissertation, a research paper, or a blog post, proper citation is a fundamental aspect of academic and scholarly work.