How to Cite a Blog Comment in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 05/10/2024

In academic writing, it’s important to give credit to others by citing their work correctly. As more content moves online, like blog posts, citing sources accurately is even more important. While books and journals have set ways to cite them, citing online comments, especially on blogs, needs special care. This guide explains how to cite a blog comment in MLA format, making sure it’s clear and meets scholarly standards.

CITATION ELEMENTS FOR A BLOG COMMENT

• Commenter’s Name: To cite a blog comment, start by finding out the commenter’s name. If it’s there, include it in the citation to give proper credit. If the commenter is anonymous, you can still cite the comment without mentioning a name.
• Comment on Label: In MLA format, before mentioning the title of the article or blog post, use “Comment on.” This shows that the citation is about a comment made on that specific article, making it different from the original content.
• Title of Post: Put the title of the blog post in quotation marks. Make sure to copy the title exactly as it appears, including capital letters and any punctuation.
• Blog Name: Include the name of the site where the blog post or article was published in italics. This provides additional context for the reader about the source of the comment. Be sure to replicate the title exactly as it appears, including capitalization and punctuation.
• Publication Date: Include the publication date in the format of day, month, and year. This provides readers with context about when the comment was made and helps them understand its relevance within its publication timeline.
• URL of the Comment: Instead of using the URL of the blog post, use the specific URL of the comment. This makes it easy for readers to check the source and see the comment in its original place.

EXAMPLE CITATION FOR A BLOG COMMENT 

In this instance, Andrew Lewis is acknowledged as the commenter. The term “Comment on” introduces the title of the article, “Breaking Records: A Closer Look at Olympic Sprinting,” published on FastTrack Sports News on May 10, 2024. The specific URL of the comment enables direct referencing.

Verify the Reliability of the Source: Before citing any online content, ensure that the source is reputable and credible. Look for information from established websites, organizations, or experts in the field to maintain the integrity of your work. Check for Authorship or Attribution: When citing online material, try to identify the author or creator of the content. If the author’s name is available, include it in the citation to give proper credit. If the author is unknown, consider the authority and expertise of the website or publication. Use Descriptive Titles: When citing articles, blog posts, or web pages, accurately reproduce the title of the source material. Pay attention to capitalization, punctuation, and any special formatting used in the original title to ensure clarity and consistency in your citation. Provide Accessible URLs: Include the URL of the source material in your citation to allow readers to access the original content easily. If the URL is long or complex, consider using a URL shortening service to create a more user-friendly link. Additionally, ensure that the URL is stable and does not contain any tracking parameters or session identifiers.