Research article inspired by a question on MSE? This question has been migrated from the MSE.
I am writing a short research article that was inspired by a question posted on the Mathematics Stack Exchange. Is mentioning this in the article viewed as unprofessional/undesirable?
I specifically mention in the introduction that the paper was motivated by an MSE question and provide a citation to the question but am not sure how an editor may view that. Is this a generally acceptable thing to do?
Assuming that you weren't the original source of the question, then it is entirely proper that you mention and cite it.
Interesting mathematical questions can come from anywhere and from anyone. But if you are inspired by the thoughts of another person, then hey should get credit for that.
Ideally a citation should point to a real person, though anonymity on SO may make that impossible.