If it is true that “no man [or woman!] is an island,” then it is equally true that no piece of writing is an island, isolated and alone. Instead, writing is connected to a broad web of other writings as a writer extends, responds to, or challenges what others say. This has always been the case, but today it’s especially important to remember that all writing exists within a rich and broad context and that all writers listen and respond to what others have said, even as they shape messages about particular topics and for particular purposes that help them connect to their audiences.