All of these referencing questions are really interesting (and also scary… how is that one PhD student functioning?) I had the distinct pleasure of using Chicago, MLA in-text, and APA over the course of my undergrad due to being an honors student (requiring me to take more math and science) and minoring in English and History. Then I did my masters in Film Studies in Ireland and used MHRA for every paper except my thesis—they let me use Chicago on my Thesis because that was what I was most used to at that point and because that’s how Film Studies papers and books are mostly cited in the US, where I am from. I don’t remember disliking MHRA but it was something new to get used to. Chicago is my favorite system but I think any citation system that uses footnotes or endnotes is superior to in-text citation because it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the work. MLA in-text was the bane of my existence for a while.
Look, ever since this topic came up, my inbox has EXPLODED. People have strong feelings about their citation trauma and/or previous nonsensical reference system, and they want to share it. So I am glad that we are all in this stupid, stupid boat together.
And yes, I shall add you to the list of the supporters of the Only Correct Referencing System (footnotes). Because I mean. Obviously.
