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by zorpner 4133 days ago
As a component of discourse, asking for a source during an online discussion implies that such a source is not trivial to find, and thus calls into question the assertion for which a source is being asked for. Prepending your inquiry with "Really?" also contributed to that note of incredulity.

Particularly in a case where a source or citation is extremely easy to find, asking for one comes off as less of an honest inquiry and more of a rhetorical device designed to discredit the person making the assertion, regardless of intent.

1 comments

Don't make claims unless you're prepared to provide the source. It's not anyone's responsibility but your own should you put forth said claim.