Adding “value” to those around you comes in many forms. It may be delivered in your actions, shared thoughts or words, possibly through accomplished tasks. The intrinsic value comes by way of what is shared, as well as method of delivery. It may or may not be your thought or words, but nonetheless offered up by your actions on one channel or another.

Recently I was in conversation with some friends on this topic. The discussion was sparked by a recent article in Social Media Today about “Tweet Lifting,” and those folks employing this technique to communicate — whatever the rationale may be.

I referenced the Social Media Today article about “Tweet Lifting” on the Twitter microblogging platform, using the 140-characters Short Messaging System (SMS). Some say with only 140-characters available, there often is not enough space to disclose source or document origination.

Space is tight on Twitter, no doubt about that! To increase users’ ability to share useful information, URL shortening services rose to the challenge. The article gives a great example of how content can be shared through Twitter, crediting the source, adding to it for relevancy, if desired.

Regardless of how information is shared, attribution of sources is important. On Facebook, I like using the “@whomever” (my word) feature. When I share a post or onshare an item of interest, I prefer to let the person know I am crediting them, and making it available on my channel to my network. In this way, I am furthering their idea or words by passing it onward, adding value to my contacts and networking with the originator — simultaneously!

My long-held philosophy regarding the essence of networking is NOT: showing how smart, pretty, rich or better than everyone you are… it IS: showing an interest in things and people around you, issues, ideas, innovations – and sharing them, with the intent of adding value to your network – thereby building your network. I believe that is the connecting point for a network, and the value provided.

For those who habitually or stylistically don’t credit or in some way attribute sources, eventually material providers get weary and wary. This is a great way to get blacklisted. While there seems to be a never-ending flow of new people into the marketplace of ideas, this technique is not good for the errant user’s reputation, and a huge waste of time to be constantly on the mend or reinventing a new persona to pass oneself off as, in order to reinvade an established market.

Apparently attribution of sources and “lifting” of even entire blog posts and articles is a concern many have. I have heard privately from others who have documented this. As a professional writer for many years, I have been aware of this reality. With the free-flow of information and ideas today, I don’t think anyone is surprised. In fact, it’s been fairly well acknowledged by most.

As a long-time writer and an author, I view source documentation as an instrument of support for a concept or presentation, since of course I already know I’m not smart enough to know everything, nor could be a resident expert on all things. It also offers stability upon which a great new idea may rest, which helps to persuade. Used properly, it can be a powerful foundation for communication. It is not a sign of weakness or an indicator of  a lack of intelligence. It is a connecting point and a valuable cornerstone to all communication.