Watch out for government reports and anonymous press releases. They sometimes list an organization as the author. That’s not the same as no author. If it says “U.S. Department of Agriculture,” use that as the author. It’s like a team jersey—it identifies the source.
But if no organization is listed either? Then yes, you fall back on the title. It’s the default mode for anonymous texts.
PPT - How to Create a Works Cited page in MLA Format PowerPoint
Just remember: you are not a detective. Your job is to cite, not to solve a mystery. If the author is missing, move on. MLA gives you a pass.
A Funny Mistake I Made
I once forgot a citation for a blog post with no author. I panicked and wrote “Unknown Person” in the entry. My professor wrote back: “Is that their actual name? Or did you just make it up?” I felt like a kid caught drawing a mustache on a library book.
So learn from my shame. Stick to the title. It’s cleaner, smarter, and your professor will nod like you’ve done this a thousand times.
And honestly, future you will thank present you. No more guessing, no more “Anonymous” jokes. Just a smooth, easygoing citation that says: “I know what I’m doing, even when I don’t.”
