Linking isn’t just a matter of etiquette or geek culture (although it is both of those things). It’s a fundamental aspect of writing for the web. In fact, the ability to link is arguably the most important feature of the web as a communications or information-delivery mechanism. Before the Web came along, journalism and other forms of media were like islands unto themselves, each trying to pretend that it existed alone, without any connection to what came before it. Links are like bridges and roads, allowing these islands to connect to each other, and making it easier for readers to draw connections.
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The ethic of the web, as Jeff Jarvis repeatedly points out, is “do what you do best, and link to the rest.” If Kouwe or his employer had fully embraced that approach, he might not have had to apologize for anything.
I’d like to think that Tumblr is above this sort of thing, but it’s really not. I’m willing to bet that 75% of the blogs on Tumblr are photography sites that don’t link to the creator of the piece or where they found it.
Link or die, son.
