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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

... but copying word for word is just called stealing.

I was notified by another blogger yesterday that one of my posts had been copied on another blog.

It's always flattering to find that someone appreciates what you have written. It does my ego good to be quoted. I love when people link to something I've written. But to copy someone else's work and present it as your own -- that's just wrong. Morally and legally wrong.

I reviewed the blog and found she had actually copied a second blog post of mine, as well.

I left her a comment on both pieces and as of this morning they have been removed.

I've probably already wasted too much time documenting and feeling violated, but I guess it's going to take me a while to chew on this bone. Perhaps the fact that she received more comments on my blog posts than I did is what's eating me. Perhaps I'm just stuck with this junior high mentality -- wanting someone to notice that hey, "She's copying my work!"

But there's a part of me that feels a little betrayed by this person I don't even know. She is obviously a creative individual from the content of her blog, and as one creative person to another, why would you want to cheapen your own creative expression by presenting someone else's work as your own?

Anyway, I'm not the only person she has copied. I hope she takes all her plagiarized posts down, because she's the only one who knows the extent of her deception, and that maybe the blogger-powers-that-be remove her blog all together.

It's a shame. I love the way blogs give the average, everyday person the ability to share their world and their thoughts. I realize that anybody could be writing anything and there's not necessarily truth to everything you see written. But it's a shame that there are people who don't trust their own thoughts and words enough to simply share themselves.

If you like what someone has written -- link to it. Leave a comment and let them know. Just don't steal it. Don't reprint it without permission and credit given where credit is due.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know I'm a big fan. Sorry I don't comment more! Maybe your copier is reading this post today and will realize she's caught. Melissa

Anonymous said...

Tracey: I just wanted to let you know that I apologize.. Don't really have an excuse for copying your work. Just an apology. The posts are removed ( I think you said you already saw that). I have made my blog private as well just so that I can keep it for my close family and not lose the rest of the content. Sorry for posting here but I had no other way to contact you.

Unschoolers Rock the Campground said...

WOW
I hope this doesn't ruin blogging for you.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad she took them down - although going private posts means can continue to be copied at will and the "outside world" won't know the person is being a complete fraud. Nice. :(

Anonymous said...

And I hope this person gets help - sincerely. To copy multiple people's posts to pass them off as your own? Something isn't right - self-esteem, self-confidence, something is off. That can't feel good.

Tracy Million Simmons said...

Melissa: Since you are willing to IM with me nearly every day, I'll give you a break on the comments.

Sebrina: The apology helps. I'm not sure making your blog private is the answer, but trusting and diving into your own creative source is. An apology to everyone you've ever copied is well overdue.

HRM: Thanks for stopping by. I don't see this as being a big hiccup in my blogging efforts. I have lots of other hiccups, but this will not be one of them ;-)

NC: Thanks again. It's nice to know there are people who will speak up when they see a wrong.

Anonymous said...

Tracy: I have disabled my blog. I really am sorry. I feel terrible right now. Yes I did steel your posts (and it wasn't just the two. It was actually 4). And a few other people. But it is all gone now. I wish I could look inside myself and find out why. I don't want to lie and steel. I didn't think my own stuff was worthy I guess.

Warmly
Sebrina

Cap'n Franko said...

I made this comment on Linda's post about this. It's obviously appropriate for you, too:

I’ve been thinking about your plagiarist who admitted she doesn’t know why she tends to “lie and steel.”

She’s probably so blonde she’s platinum. She has some gall-ium! Tell her to cesium and desist or you’ll whack her with her own iron. She deserves a barium enema but she’s such an asshole I’m certain she has a titanium. Ewwww. After that ya better wash up in the zinc at her palladium style home.

When you contacted her was her response germanium to the question or did it go over like a lead balloon? Well, in either case, I wouldn’t give a plugged nickel for someone who thinks she’s a wit but is only halfnium right. I think she has a tin ear cuz she’s a mercurial fan of Donny Osmium. I’m surprised she didn’t throw a tantalum when you confronted her.

This story makes my heart thor-ium for you. I’m so blue, I’m cobalt; but you, my dear, are as good as gold.

You should call the coppers!

Ok, I’ll stop now. Sorry! (grin)

Tracy Million Simmons said...

Thanks, Frank! I love commenters who have fun with words even when they are commenting.