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I can't believe I'm writing this post. I really can't. Every day there is something to read about how the Internet is a wide open platform, open to everyone and anyone who wants to use this gigantic blank canvas to express themselves and exercise their free speech rights. So, it was with total shock and dismay that I learned this week a blog post I wrote last week was plagiarized. TWICE! Now I'm not talking about someone lifting my idea, a sentence, or even a paragraph from the post. My post was copied, word for word and pasted on a website where they took credit for the writing. In the other instance, large portions of the post were translated to Spanish and posted on a website. Why would someone do this instead of taking advantage of their unfettered ability to express themselves?
My daughter said, “You haven't made it on the Internet until something like this happens! Congrats!” She may be right, but these acts saddened me. I was so disappointed in these people it put me in a real funk for several days. Then I decided to do some research and share what I learned with you.
Copyright laws as they pertain to the Internet are a moving target. Many copyright related issues pertaining to the Internet are constantly changing, just as the Internet itself is constantly changing. What we do know is that copyright laws were enacted “To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.” (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8).
WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works and your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is the act of stealing and passing off the ideas, words, or other intellectual property produced by another as one's own. For example, using someone else's words in a blog post without citing the source, is an act of plagiarism.
SOME HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The first copyright laws were enacted in 1790 and in 1976 copyright law followed international law, extending copyright for 50 years after the death of the author/creator.
President Clinton signed the “Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act” into law on October 27, 1998. This Act extends the terms of almost all existing copyrights by 20 years, to provide copyrights in the U.S. the same protection afforded Europe. The basic term of copyright protection is the life of the creator plus 50 years, was extended and increased to life plus 70 years.
It is not necessary to have a notice of copyright (i.e. © 2012 Brad Friedman) for material to be copyright protected. Once something tangible is produced, text, graphics, music, video, etc. it is automatically copyrighted.
It's a pretty clear violation of copyright laws to cut and paste my blog post onto your website. It also appears to be outright plagiarism.
Why do people plagiarize and violate copyright laws? Laziness? Maliciousness? Lack of character?
What do you think?
I mean, it was a really good post 😉
I’m glad you took this opportunity to remind (hopefully not inform) everyone about plagiarism.
I’m sorry that this happened to you. It sucks.
Take heart, they may get away with it in this lifetime, but they will be judged for it in the next.
Thanks Dan. As it turns out, I sent a pretty stern email and, in both cases the situation was resolved with my name being added to the post. In my glass-half-full perspective, I’d like to say both instances occurred out of ignorance rather than malice.
WOW, I am sorry to hear that. I hope you can go after them. I use My Free Copyright. What do you recommend? Lisa
Lisa, fortunately I was able to resolve both situations with a stern email. thanks for the “My Free Copyright” tip. I’ll have a look at that.
I think people plagiarize because they are lazy and envious. How did you find out?
Great question Melissa! I found the post that was in English because, occasionally, I practice what I preach. I recently wrote a post on “Listening” and I found the post that was stolen in English while “Listening.” I was notified of the Spanish speaking plagiarized post from a Twitter follower who notified me of the post and then offered to help me out by translating the email I sent asking them to give me credit. Thought this event was incredibly irritating, it reinforced my belief in the Human Being ans was also an excellent example of the way Social Media really is social, and those of us participating in social communities are really here for each other.
Hi Brad,
copying and using parts of a blog post without mentioning and linking to the source not only is illegal – it is just dump. Because it’s a missed opportunity to engage! We all know that bloggers love backlinks to their websites. So mentioning the original Author usually gets his attention. It is almost 100% certain that the author will have a at least quick look. If the post includes something interesting that adds value to the copied part, chances aren’t so bad that the author might even link back to your article or tweet it. I.E. Both sides can benefit from this. Not to mention the possibilities and value of growing a network of like-minded bloggers.
You nailed it. That’s why I have such a hard time figuring out why people do this kind of stuff.
Truly beneficial, thank you for submitting that.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Brendon. Glad you enjoyed the post!