Are we being taught to plagiarize?

[jadaro2600]

I've noticed in College core classes, they teach English in such a way as to inspire quoting and sourcing.

If we use more than 20% of our space to quote, then we are considered to be plagiarizing the author(s).  But by proxy, when we quote, are we not importing an idea, be it supporting or otherwise, isn't this idea shared?

If someone came up with it first, is it their or everyone's?  I've always had a passive thought that if I don't want someone to use it, or say it, then I shouldn't make it available.  And I've lived in the relative cone-of-silence for many years as a result.

It is your duty to reply with quotations!

For the purposes of humor, consider this: If you can express your opinion with someone else's opinion, do you even have an opinion!?

[Azorus]

I was taught to quote, but most things i see are plagiarized.

[jadaro2600]

I was taught to quote, but most things i see are plagiarized.

I read somewhere that 90% of the internet is plagiarized; I decline to sight my source though.

[onthecuttingedge2005]

what country doesn't?

[Nadda]

I've noticed in College core classes, they teach English in such a way as to inspire quoting and sourcing.

If we use more than 20% of our space to quote, then we are considered to be plagiarizing the author(s).  But by proxy, when we quote, are we not importing an idea, be it supporting or otherwise, isn't this idea shared?

If someone came up with it first, is it their or everyone's?  I've always had a passive thought that if I don't want someone to use it, or say it, then I shouldn't make it available.  And I've lived in the relative cone-of-silence for many years as a result.

Personally i think quoting and plagiarizing really only limits the creativity of your opinions. If you include someone elses opinion into your own paper or research i think your still expressing your opinion. You would be expressing that you agree with the attached opinion, which in itself is still an opinion. However by simplying agreeing with someone elses thoughts you take away your own chance to broaden the subject with your experiences and your creativity.