Friend Friday--Copy Cat!
1. What are the 'unwritten rules' about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?
The same ‘unwritten rules” apply for any artistic content. At the very least, credit the source—even if it isn’t an exact copy—cite your inspiration. A link is even better!
2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when is a post imitation and when is it copying?
To me, imitation is using parts; copying is using the whole thing. We all get inspired and take pieces of what we see around us. Sometimes it may be unconscious. Sometimes a great thought may come simultaneously to two people. But if the imitation/inspiration is consciously done, then please cite the source.
3. Taking another blogger's idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is necessary to credit the original source?
Yes, for me, it’s about being professional. After all, almost everything has been done sometime before!
4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other bloggers? Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing?
Absolutely! I have my paradigm blogs—and I hope I have thanked the blogger personally for the idea or inspiration, which I would do via email.
5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?
Maybe—but I am pretty new at this so I wouldn’t assume it was my blog they were imitating! If it did happen to me, I would probably address the issue privately via email. If it happened again, I would make mention of it in another way.
Great post! I like your definition of copying...using a part as opposed to using the whole. ~Serene
ReplyDeleteGreat comments. Thanks. And you look great today!
ReplyDeletehttp://southerncomfortga.blogspot.com/2010/11/grin-and-bare-it.html
It can be hard to decide what goes on a blog. Bloggers seem to break out into those who're doing it like a hobby and those who consider it good for business.
ReplyDeleteWhere my husband works his management wants the analysts to blog, but they don't want them to give content that clients would otherwise pay to see away.
I think the safest thing is to not post things that you would feel cheated if someone copied it.
P.S. I checked out Sarah's Key this morning. If I don't like it you know who I'm going to blame!
ReplyDeletei thought your answer to number 2 was especially insightful. I know in my writing I have caught myself "unintentionally" borrowing an image. When I catch myself at it, I eliminate it. If creativity is the re-combination of disparate pieces, I don't know how any one can CLAIM one piece as theirs.
ReplyDeleteWe actually discuss this problem in my creative writing classes. Creative writers...steal, while composition students may be accused of plagiarism. It's an odd discussion because none of my younger students have any idea of their work being "intellectual property."
You and Serene both had such interesting answers to these. I wish I'd taken the time to do this week's set of questions. Ah well. Can I just copy yours? KIDDING!
ReplyDeleteI was really struck by your answer to the first question. I think blogging should be approached in the same way that you would look at another form of art. I think too often people approach blogging from the business side and are caught up in page views and statistics. I think that's where some of the copying comes in!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that it would be a hell of a lot more work to try to copy someone else's personal style than to just be authentic and wear/blog about/ what feels right and looks well on you!
ReplyDeleteHello....I just found your blog link...so happy I stopped by...super cute blog...love your posts...Im a new follower:)
ReplyDeleteCant wait to read more:)
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Serene~and I liked yours as well!
ReplyDeleteLisa~thanks and thanks for coming by~
Rose~there really is a different way of thinking for the professional...In my past life, graphic designer and fashion designer, one must always be wary of someone copying for profit. I read other Friend Friday posts, and there were some awful stories out there of professional theft, and copyright infringement. I can relate.
Oh, I wasnt in LOVE with Sarah's Key, btw...it was book club book, but on the best seller list.
Terri~and you and I discussed this a little, because of the lack of rules in the fashion industry. Can you tell an original idea from a stolen one by the end of the school year?
Vanessa~lol!
Becca~so true, but at the end of the day, creativity will prevail!
Lisa~I think so too, must be so hard to research the stuff!
Collette~thanks so much--enjoy my blog and I will visit yours!
Interesting questions and I appreciate your thoughtful answers. I have heard of people lifting craft tutorials from blogs, word for word, including pictures and claiming that they wrote it. That's just wrong. But there doesn't seem to be a way to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI'm copying/reproducing some of my old christmas ornaments form the 1940s and 1950s for myself this year and thought I might try to sell them sometime. They won't be identical but they are definitely copies. Thoughts?
Kathy
Kathy