What exactly is common knowledge?

[Azure Skye]

I just started working for a site that doesn't ask for resources and I'm wondering if this is safe or smart. The last thing I want, or need, is something to come back and bite me on the butt even though I'm trying to play smart. Am I being overly paranoid?

[herdon]

No sure what you mean by 'common knowledge' or 'resources' or how you could be bit in the butt for using common knowledge.

[princessvessna]

Common knowledge comes into play in the realm of plagiarism. It's considered to be knowledge that would be readily available to all. If it is, then you wouldn't have to quote where you get it from.

It can either be common knowledge available to the whole population "The United States has 50 states" or among those in a certain field "Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and tobacco all belong to the same plant family".

It's a bit tricky, though, to see if it really is common knowledge. It's best to err on the side of caution. Even though I deal with a lot of "common knowledge" - facts about plants - I try to verify it as much as I can. My own rule is whether I can find it on at least 3 different websites. I try to use university ones myself.

I would just say..cite when possible. Be safe.