Do you know what’s ridiculously hard? BEING ORIGINAL. It’s harder than doing backflips on a dragon during the Autumn equinox while eating an apple and building a model pirate ship. (No, no, that’s not even a hyperbolic metaphor, stop looking at me like that.) Mostly everyone in the blogosphere is on the lookout for new ideas for post discussions or ways to spruce up their blog or make our blogging voices more interesting — just IDEAS IN GENERAL. We are all Treasure Hunters For Ideas.
And that is a good thing. Never ever be afraid to go frolicking through the internet looking for post inspiration. You don’t have to rely 100% on your brain to come up with everything from scratch.
The trouble is figuring out when you’re a Treasure Hunter or a Pirate.
This post was inspired because I see my post ideas go wandering around — with zlich credit. IT BREAKS MY FRAGILE DRAGONISH HEART, FOLKS. If I inspire a post for you, I am actually honoured. It’s kind of awesome to know my brain is that fabulous. (#humble) But I work super hard to try and spin old topics in a new way and think up bookish things we haven’t discussed in a while. So when people take that topic and use it and I KNOW they read my blog, it just makes me super sad.
“But but but how do I know if I’ve been ‘inspired‘ or if I’m ‘copying‘, Cait? HOOOOOW?” you ask.
This is exactly what I want to talk about. IT’S HARD TO KNOW. Even I make mistakes sometimes. (Yes, I, Queen of All, confess to mistakes. What even is this life.) So I have a list of general guidelines. BUT THEY ARE ONLY GUIDELINES. I’m rather a deluded pineapple myself and spend 84% of my blogging life making it up as I go along. But I think if you focus on being a) polite, and b) considerate, with all things blogging — then you’re on the right track.
SYMPTOMS OF POTENTIAL TREASURE HUNTING
- You read someone else’s blog post and think, “That’s an excellent topic but that blogger didn’t talk about THIS ANGLE OF IT” and then you go write the post. You say “This was inspired by Genius Blogger”. You write your point of view marvellously. The End.
- You find a list of blogging prompts from google. Or you look through the archives of Top Ten Tuesday. You find a list of prompts on Pinterest. You write blog posts = you don’t need to credit. These prompts are for everyone to interpret!
- You’re reading my post about Siblings in Books and you see I wrote a list of “sibling cultures” and I mention something about buying gifts for siblings and then using them for yourself (I am genius) and you suddenly think “OH I WANT TO WRITE A POST ABOUT BOOKISH GIFTS”. You go write the post. You do NOT need to credit me. (When someone else’s blog posts sparks and idea that is detached from yours, no credit needed.)
- You’re writing a post about Heroines in YA and suddenly you see Fellow Bob Blogger has written one about the same topic. CUE GASP. You did not copy. You’re okay. You decide to delay your post for a few weeks and then you post and you do not need to credit. (But if you’re still super worried, you can link people to Bob’s discussion.)
- You want to post about unique formatting, ooooor author-to-reader relationships ooooor your criteria for a good epic fantasy. Other people have done these before. A million times. This is okay. Write the post in YOUR style and with YOUR voice. No credit needed.
SYMPTOMS OF POTENTIAL PIRACY
- You have a great idea for a discussion post, you write it…then you vaguely remember Fellow Bob’s Blog having done a similar thing and probably inspired you. You post anyway without credit because they won’t notice, right?? (Often they do notice and it hurts.)
- You see Fellow Bob’s post and they totally botched that topic (in your opinion) so you write your viewpoint logically and sensibly and post. You don’t credit Fellow Bob. This is not nice.
- You see someone’s tweet so you turn it into a blog post. No credit, because it’s just a tweet, right? #No
- You see how I call my followers “pineapples” so you call your followers “blueberries”. It’s still copying, my friend. (Unless you run a very fruity blog and it fits with your already established theme, I suppose.)
You need an image for your post, so you take Fellow Bob’s photo. You credit them, but you don’t personally ask permission. No. This is like taking Bob’s cake and saying “I got this from Bob” but you didn’t ASK Bob if you could have the cake. Bob might share? Bob might not. Always ask personally or it’s stealing. (Unless you’re specifically promoting Bob. Like you’re doing a round-up of your favourite instagrammers and you put some of Bob and Algernon’s photos in your post with the ONLY intention of sending people to follow their instagram and promoting them. That’s cool. Do that. I don’t believe you need to ask to promote others.)- You really like that super unique post Fellow Bob did, so you do your own version. Maybe you do link to Bob’s, but you basically just rewrite Bob’s post in your own words with a few extra twists. Unless you’re adding to Bob’s post, don’t do this. Don’t rewrite. #pirate
An important thing to note is that bloggers don’t OWN ideas.
Doing “pros and cons” reviews don’t belong to anyone. Bookish photography doesn’t belong to anyone. Taking a #shelfie doesn’t belong to anyone. Tweeting #bookwormproblems doesn’t belong to anyone. Discussing feminism in YA doesn’t belong to anyone.
But look at HOW you’re doing it. Are you trying to put your own twist on things? Are you vaguely aware someone else is heavily inspiring your post? If in doubt, ask the person you’re being inspired by. If in doubtier doubt, just don’t do it.
Although…what is “original” anyway??! There’s nothing truly new. I let myself be inspired by other bloggers, though I do mostly attempt to forge my own path because I find conjuring up ideas very very fun (the dragon secretaries are also very helpful in their ability to make inspiring teas and cake). But I DO post topics that others have covered. There’s honestly nothing completely new out there. In fact, I’m 99% sure someone has written a post just like this, somewhere in the vague tangles of the internets.
Being Inspired Is…
…seeing someone eating cake so you go eat some watermelon. You’re both eating. But different things.
Being Inspired Is…
….seeing someone take a bookish flat-lay photo and taking one yourself, but using different objects and different arrangements.
Being Inspired Is…
…reading my post on How Realistic Should Books Be? and then being Kaja or Jo and expanding on my topic in specific directions while crediting me for starting the discussion. (I loved both your posts, by the way!) My topic inspired them, but they explored avenues I had not and came up with marvellously unique and interesting posts.
Inspiration vs Copy is always going to be hard to figure out.
But it is important okay?! Because some of us work reeeeally hard to attempt to be original and it’s sad for that to be made void by people “borrowing” without a care.
All the same: DON’T STRANGLE YOURSELF BY OVERTHINKING THIS. Half the time it’s a coincidence that your idea looks like someone else’s. Half the time it’s not even worth getting hung up over. JUST BE AWARE! Credit those who inspire you. Delay posts if they’re too similar to someone else’s right now. Try to spin old topics in a new light.
EVERYONE is going to write posts that sound the same at some point. And that’s okay! Ideas are universal. It’s how you twist them to make them YOURS them that makes the difference.
Be a treasure hunter, not a pirate.
UNLESS YOU CAN BE JACK SPARROW AND THEN, TOTALLY GO LIVE YOUR DREAMS. JACK SPARROW IS AWESOME.
This is something I’m so, SO SO freaking terrified of. What if I accidentally copy someone??? I would never ever ever do it intentionally — that’s just not who I am — but I live in perpetual anxiety that I have, unintentionally, copied someone. (I mean… I don’t THINK I ever have… but what if I have!?!?) I have had someone use my pictures before though which made me a little angry, and I literally had no idea what to do about it. >.< I just left it alone though… I'm not really the confrontational type, hah.
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And then there’s the issue of seeing a similar post AFTER you’ve posted (which you mentioned above), but what if THEY think you’ve copied them when you really haven’t?! Ugh.
DUDE YES. I STRUGGLE WITH ALL OF THESE. 😭 Recently I and another blogger I only vaguely know of apparently posted on a very similar (and obscure!) topic like within days of each other. Gahhh. I was so so worried that it’d look like I’d copied even though I never actively read their blog. LIFE IS SO HARD SOMETIMES. But at least if we’re worried about this, that means we’re trying hard not to copy, right?!
Anyway, we shall build a pillow fort and huddle in it away from our unintentional anxiety-ridden potentially-copying mistakes.
(I am not the confrontational type either. 😂 I’ve only confronted ONE person stealing my instagram pictures and it was messy and awful so I let everything else go so far. gahhh.)
This post immensely took me back to my last year in college when I was writing my thesis. I was so terrified someone would somehow say that I plagiarized this other person’ thesis which I took as a reference/previous study that would support my argument. I really made sure that I put my own twist in it and, besides, we weren’t talking about the same literary work. Only the theory was the same.
Okay I might be completely delusional, but that’s how I live most of the time.
I think Briana said it best in her comment way above, that those who are worrying about it have won half the battle already. I hope it’s true!
Thank you for this great post, Cait! I truly find this post helpful. Now I know where to stop myself from worrying about writing my blog posts.
And also, Captain Jack Sparrow all the way!
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I thought this comment would appear at the bottom of the comment section 😂
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Firstly, JACK SPARROW ALL THE WAY.
I completely agree with your analysis and felt my heart (LITERALLY) break for you when you post idea was copied the other day.
I’m on no way a big blogger or anything and I do get inspiration from wonderous bloggers but I don’t think I’ve ever struggled with post pirating? What’s theirs I theirs and that’s always pretty obvious to me.Stealing isn’t cool- even on the Internet.
BUT (and omg this scares me so much) I’ve been blogging since like, 2013? On WordPress but I only got my own domain thingy this year (5 second dance part because #SteppingUpInTheWorld) and I started reading your blog in 2014? Maybe? Yes, I checked. But I was like a secret ninja reader because I was scared of bloggers and moths (you know, reasonable things like that).
And I’ve always been a crazy cat loving, cupcake devouring, Christmas loving blogger but (I think it occurred to me this year) THAT OMG YOU LOVE CAKE AND USE BRACKETS IN YOUR POSTS AND USE DIFFERENTFONT SIZES AND OMG HAVE I BEEN COPYING YOU?
Like, if I look back at my first posts from 2013 (I cringe when I look back -it’s horrible reading about young Kats opinions) I KNOW that I was still a cupcake loving cat freak with an obsession with fonts and ramble-like writing and I’M NOT BLIND. I SEE THE SIMILARITIES. I mean (I know I’m rambling sorry!) I know you were blogging before me and even before I was reading your blog I was like this but now that I talk to you and you read some of my posts I FREAK OUT AND HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD THAT YOU DON’T THINK I’M COPYING YOU.BECAUSE I SWEAR I’M NOT (and in all truth there are still tons of things that are different about well, EVERYTHING you blog, write and say BUT I STILL WORRY – like, all the time).
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AGREED. WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO BE JACK SPARROW, HONESTLY NOW????
Stealing isn’t cool. Toootally agree. I mean, accidental stealing happens, and I don’t want to noose anyone for it, because we ALL make mistakes, right?! And I’m pretty sure I’ve probably written posts in the past that have been too similar to other ones.
BUT DUDE, OMG I IN NO WAY THINK YOUR BLOG EVER COPIES MINE. <3 Our voices are completely different. Don't even fret over it. Honest now!! 😀 And who doesn't love cake, pfft. Anyone who doesn't love cake and feel like blogging about it all the time is either lying to themselves, or lives a very sad life.
Ahem, anyway. DO NOT WORRY OVER THIS. I 100% think you're fine. 🎉 🎉 (And awesome, btw. Your blog is amazingly wonderful.)
I think that anyone who is taking the time to seriously consider whether they are copying/plagiarism because they want to make sure they aren’t, they’ve already won half the battle. In my experience, people who plagiarize do it either because 1) someone they honestly missed the memo it was wrong (hard to believe, but it happens occasionally) or 2) they have a sense what they’re doing isn’t right, but they’re determined to do it anyway and hope they don’t get caught. The way someone reacts to being caught should easily distinguish between people who were truly ignorant and people who were trying to copy without consequences.
So I think your advice to credit if you’re unsure is good. Even if you’re legitimately “inspired” and reacting to something someone else wrote instead of rewriting their post, they’d probably love it if you mentioned their post in yours.
TOO TRUE!!! If you’re aware and cautious about it, I reckon you’ll be doing fine. 😂 And if we make a mistake, well…we can fix it!
And I agree about your opinions on plagiarisers too. I’ve heard of people confessing to not knowing it was wrong. Like, idek if I believe that??? But I prefer to try and think the best of people. *nods* As long as those people do take the consequences when they get told the right way. Some deny it. :O I’ve had a minor battle over someone stealing my instagram pictures. Like usually I just let it go? Because it gets too icky too fast. GAHHH. But it’s just not right.
I teach college students, and a lot of the other instructors assume “someone taught them about plagiarism before; they know what it is.” But in my experience, that actually isn’t always true. I’ve had college seniors claim that no one had told them about plagiarism their entire time in college–which might be true if everyone was assuming “someone else had told them.” I’ve never had these people actually plagiarize, though, because I teach about plagiarism before assigning any essays.
The people that do plagiarize and get caught usually give the school some sob story about how they didn’t know and this was the first time they’ve done it and they’re just so sorry–and it’s hardly ever true. Mostly they’re sorry they were caught. This has been my experience with bloggers who plagiarize, too. I had the misfortune to be among those plagiarized by Samanatha Reed. Her initial answer was the standard “I’m doing nothing wrong and I refuse to stop.”
As Austin Kleon says, “Steal Like an Artist”! Great post… but it’s difficult, isn’t it? I’d say, copying is OK as long as you do not copy/paste. Ideas are all pretty much out there… no matter what we say or do, chances are, someone else have already said it. The real art is taking that idea, mix in your own, and then present it in a way that is uniquely YOU! Even if the idea itself is not. Did that make any sense? May be not… It’s 3:30… in the morning… after all…
Just to prove my point… I totally said just about everything that you said in this comment… just in my own way… pffff hehe oh well =)
It totally made sense!! I haven’t read Steal Like an Artist but I’m pretty sure I agree with the principle. ;D There’s honestly nothing new out there…and we’re ALL going to say the same sort of things. But sometimes it can be too close, you know? Like imitating a blogger too much or basically just rewording their post. <-- Those are no nos in my opinion.
Yeah, unfortunately that happens too… =( And the world of the inter-webs of the internet are such that even when you find them, it’s difficult to do anything about them because, well, information is everywhere… who’s gonna spend the time and effort to prove it was stolen? And even when you have proof, then what???
It’s slightly irrelevant, but just on account of publishing without asking: I did a photoshoot once, of this couple/business partners duo at their studio/shop during a workshop they were hosting. It was purely for recreational purpose, and later on I shared the photos with them. As in I emailed the photos… soon after those photos were everywhere on their website… being used for promoting their business… nowhere in their website did they credit me for the photographs… not only that… after a month or so, they even used one of my photos on a printed magazine! Again, no credit. Forget credit, they didn’t even bother asking for my permission for whether or not it was OK to publish these photos… imagine my surprise, when I I saw the magazine… and holy…. …. that’s my damn photograph! What were my option at that point? I did reach out to that couple, and mentioned that they at least should have asked me if it was OK for them to publish these photos or not… true they were the subjects, but at the end of the day I was the one behind the camera, and the photos were my creative property… oh well… I let it go, with… “next time, please ask”…. ahh anyway… sorry, I know this was totally irrelevant and not related to copying.or being inspired, but I guess I just wanted to share the dilemma of your intellectual/creative property being misused and not being able to do anything about it. =(
DUDE THAT’S SO AWFUL. I feel really bad for you about that photoshoot. 😖 That is definitely unokay of them…and it’s really hard because like what are you going to say? Plus the magazine too. gah. Plus it spoils things for you too. Plus I find that when people steal off me, I lose motivation for what I was doing. 🙁
I had this discussion a few weeks ago with a few fellow bloggers actually, but over other bloggers paraphrasing reviews and mine in particular. I don’t like it. if you use the same key phrases in the same order and also use the same quotes, that’s plagiarism in my opinion. The same goes for discussions. If you’ve posted a discussion or opinion post and someone else decides ‘oh that was great, I might write about that too’, at least site where your inspiration came from.
It’s a fine line but if the blogger is deliberately using other discussions as a springboard to their own, give the original blogger a shout out. But I tell you Cait, I’ve been plagiarised word for word and had my reviews blatantly paraphrased by seasoned bloggers even, and to me it’s all still plagiarising. All we have are our words and opinions and it shits me when those are stolen from us.
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Agh, I saw that on twitter that you got completely plagiarised. THAT IS REALLY AWFUL AND MAKES ME SO MAD. I don’t even understand how people think it’s okay??! Like they must honestly think that the author won’t find out??? Or how else could you justify it? Arghhhh. Did you ever get them to take it all down?
This was a really, really good post! I’ve found that in the past, I can get inspired for blog posts by reading a post, think about something that a blogger offhandedly mentions (like, it barely even gets a sentence’s worth of attention) and then go do a post about that. Knowing firsthand the struggle of blogging and how hard it is to make up original ideas and the hours dedicated, I will ALWAYS re read that post and the one that inspired it after writing to make sure that I don’t need to link it and that I’m not blatantly copying the author. And I will confess…. As a newbie blogger, I used A LOT of photos off the net and didn’t copy back to them at all. However, I didn’t realise at the time of the implications of copying someone else’s photos. I was a complete deranged pineapple! So THANK YOU for pointing me in the right direction! Have a great evening.
Yayyyy I’m glad you liked it, El!! 😀 And ME TOO. I’ll see like a random sentence in a post or a website or an article and that’ll inspire me for some topic that honestly isn’t even attached to the original. 😂 Which is awesome. I like how brains work sometimes. :’) But gawsh, yes it’s hard to come up with ideas.
*whispers* I did the same as a newbie blogger with taking photos. Getting worried about copyright is actually what drove me to start book photography, which I’m ETERNALLY glad about because it’s now my favourite. :’)
THANK YOU FOR READING. <3
Yes! I once kinda started an ‘inspired’ serial blog story, but I did credit the person who inspired me. I felt a little bad at first but it was just the general idea, and then when the author actually commented on my post saying how much she loved it I was just like ‘phew, that’s all good then’ and I continued doing it. It’s so nice to know that they don’t mind having inspired you. 🙂
Aww, that’s nice of the author! And as long as you credit than I think it’s okay! Some people do ask the original blogger for permission, but I think it depends on how much their work is influencing yours, if that makes sense?
But YES. It’s really nice when bloggers leave stuff open to discussion and sharing and writing responses!! 😀
Oh my God, have I done this? I mean, I don’t THINK I’ve done this, but just because I don’t THINK I’ve done this doesn’t mean I haven’t done this. THIS being something I’m borderline paranoid about.
The thing that worries me if when I post something and then, afterwards, I see a similar blog post. My soul just dies inside of me because what if they think I copied them? It’s even worse when I’ve scheduled something to go up and I see something similar minutes before it posts. :'(
I use GIFs from Giphy, but I’ve read that that’s okay because that’s why people put them on Giphy. If I need book covers, I either (badly) take a pic myself, or take it from Goodreads.
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TRUST ME. I’M PARANOID ABOUT IT TOO. 😖 And omg my archives are riddled with stolen photos (though I’ve hopefully removed most) and post ideas that should’ve credited authors but didn’t. IT’S AGONY. And I’m sure I mess up even now. But as long as we’re aware and trying, right?! And zomg, the other day I apparently did a discussion EXACTLY like someone else’s, and we posted hours apart. *cries*
(I’m not worried about gifs because technically the person who made the gifs doesn’t own the movie material. So it’s all one big copyright calamity so I just don’t even fuss over that one. :P)
This is something that sort of struggle with. I try and make sure that I do different posts than other people.
One thing I would like to clear up is that I call my followers ‘creampuffs’, and you call yours pineapples(both are foods). I am not trying to copy you, and here are two reasons:
1) I started calling them that before I discovered your blog
2) the nickname creampuff comes from the webshow Carmilla, which I am addicted too.
Just thought I’d clear that up.
I guess the only posts I do that are the same as other bloggers are tags and link ups. It’s kinda funny, I have this paranoia about copying someone.
ALSO THAT NEW CHAPTER OF THE DEAD BOY AND THE PAPER CUT KILLED ME. *sobs*
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OH OH DON’T EVEY WORRY!! OF COURSE YOU’RE NOT COPYING ME. 💕 (Also I have watched half of Carmilla [it’s the vampire one right?!] and it’s hilarious, ehhehe.) I definitely don’t have the monopoly on food names, omg, no no. hehe.
I also am quite paranoid about copying! Like even putting this post up made me sweat because WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE JUST BLOGGED ABOUT IT?! Gah. We are all human and I think if we try hard and acknowledge mistakes then we’ll do okay. :’)
ZOMG I’M SO SORRY ABOUT DEAD BOY. *gives you comforting cake* I hope everyone likes the last chapter tomorrow. *gnaws fingernails*
*sighs with relief* thanks Cait. YASSSS CARMILLA THE VAMPIRE ONE YAY!! How many seasons have you watched?(there’s two seasons as of right now, and a prequel season)
I sure I’ll love the last chapter! I’ll probably cry, but that just means that you succeeded in making your readers feel(which is the goal of most writers, right?)
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ONLY HALF OF THE FIRST ONE. I get distracted too easily and forget to finish stuff.🙈🙊
(Omg of course, I just want to mAKE EVERYONE SUPER SAD. MWHAHAHAHA.)
This is definitely a very important conversation to be having, Cait. I find that it is very important to credit the people who inspire you. I think even if it was a small point in a post that sparked an idea you write about, it would still be gratifying to acknowledge the post that inspired you. Maybe it’s nothing major, but it also acknowledges that blogger that inspired you – and it is heartwarming for them, I’m sure, that they’ve managed to reach someone, to spark off another discussion. I know that’s something I plan on doing if ever something I read inspires a post. Because it also tells that blogger that people are reading their posts, their posts are resonating with others – and it could make bloggers connect and form friendships through mutual inspiration, which is a very big draw for me tbh.
I might be rambling, I hope I made sense. But thanks for taking the time to write about this, Cait!
You’re totally not rambling! That makes a LOT of sense!! And as a blogger, it really makes me feel pleased when people write responses to my discussions or whatnot. :’) It’s really encouraging/motivating!!
This is such a good post, Cait! This was super helpful to me (as I’m super new to the blogging world) as a reference point. I’d never dream of copying someone, but it’s a good topic to think about and discuss.
If you ever inspire a post of mine I will definitely call you ‘Genius Blogger (a.k.a. Cait)’ because you are seriously awesome. 😀
And I would always want to be Jack Sparrow. Always. XD
AHhh, I’m glad it was helpful!! 😀 And omg, too true for me as well: I never want to copy people, but I confess I’m sure I’ve done it accidentally in the past. I think the more you blog the easier it gets to realise when you’re copying more, perhaps? (BAHAHAH, I’M HONOURED. AND LAUGHING. OMG YOU’RE WONDERFUL. 😂)
“seeing someone eating cake so you go eat some watermelon” AS IF THAT’S EVER GOING TO HAPPEN. I like watermelon, but, like, cake, come on.
*ahem* but anyway. This is a really interesting topic. I guess the good thing is when one of us does a “top 10 things I like to see in fantasy” or whatever, it’s going to be a completely different post every time. Mostly.
I do hate seeing other people’s book photography being used. And people just say “image not mine” underneath and I’m like BRO. I do Pinterest finds in award posts (as in, a Liebster or something where I’m listing facts, I intersperse them with prettiness) and just start with a general “images not mine, from Pinterest”, buuuut I think it’s different if you’re reviewing Throne of Glass and use someone else’s arty Throne of Glass pic in your post? I think? Is it fair to say that’s a difference?
BUT ALSO, thinking of Pinterest, I’m just considering that as I love your book pics (as we know), I have Pinned them before (with credit). IS THIS OK?!?!? Because I never really considered the whole “Bob might not want to share” angle before but you are right. So do you mind if your book pics are on my Pinterest? If not I will obviously remove them forthwith. Sorry! Should have thought of this before. Until then
I remain
Your devoted pineapple
Emily
IT’S JUST A METAPHOR, EMILY. WHO ON EARTH WOULD EAT WATERMELON OVER CAKE????? No one that’s who. Ahem.
And true! There are like topics that go rooooun and round and rooound eternally but people still manage to make them THEIRS and it’s interesting and awesome. (Like top ten ANYTHING basically. 😂 Or favourite author posts or “get to know me” posts!)
And totally agree about the “pinterest’s not mine”. Because pinterest doesn’t own the photo?!? And it’s lazy. If you DO use photos you have to go find the original source, particularly when it’s fanart, because you NEED to credit the original artist! I have no idea about the copyright though, so I just avoid all pictures. 😂 Which is haaaard when I do writerly posts and end up just fully linking my pinterest board. I’M JUST A WORRYWART IS ALL.
But omg of course! Of course! Pin away!! When I said “Bob might not want to share” I meant using the picture on your own post, like, just to spruce up your post and make it pretty. If that makes sense? Sharing and promoting others through pinterest or twitter or tumblr or whatever is AMAZING AND DEFINITELY WONDERFUL. (I also appreciate it so much. <3) I don't believe we have to ask to promote other people! So definitely don't be sorry. 😂
Argg, this is so hard for me! I usually link back, but I always freak anyways whether I’m going to receive an email that says I copied them!
It isssss such a worry, and I honestly worry about it myself. BUT AS LONG AS WE TRY HARD TO BE ORIGINAL, RIGHT?! And there’s nothing new out there, so often times “copying” a topic CAN be coincidental.
This has always been a worry of mine, especially now that there are so many different people, blogs etc out there now a days. There’s just so much original content! ps. If I ever plagiarise something of yours or anyone else’s by accident, feel free to let me know! I would hate to have unintentionally used someones work.
Oh I totally get the worry of it all…and trust me: I WORRY TOO! I think the important thing is to just be aware and write in our own voices. Don’t lose sleep over it! Just we should do our best! 😀
Eee, Cait! Thanks for mentioning my post! As I was reading this, my post on lack of periods in fantasy was in my mind, and so I was reading through your do’s and don’ts and trying to make sure I did things correctly, and then I saw you linked to me, and I’m all, “CAIT LINKED TO MY POST, THIS IS AMAZING!”
I find it really difficult to come up with discussion ideas. I can go weeks without writing a discussion, despite thinking I need to shake up my blog content so it’s not just reviews, because I simply can’t think up a topic. You post so many discussions, and I always get a little envious, because I don’t know how you do it… but now I do! So thank you for the tips in coming up with ideas! 🙂 I shall look on pinterest and Top Ten Tuesday, and will go back to checking out Oh The Books’ Master Discussion Topic List which I have saved in my bookmarks, but keep forgetting I have.
Sometimes I am inspired by your blog posts, and an idea is sparked by something you say. But I always tend to mention that in my comment in reply to your post, say I’ve had this idea because of this post, would you mind if I wrote about it. I don’t even draft a post until you’ve replied to say yay or nay. It’s just respectful, in my opinion. And I always credit – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because if I’m inspired by a post I normally (with you, always) love it, so I actually want my readers to read it. It just makes sense to me to share the love.
I don’t think I’ve ever had ideas stolen from me, but as I said, I don’t come up with many that often. Though I did have two ideas… that I’m now struggling to remember… I should have written them down, for god’s sake! OOH! Gendered covers! That was one. And… something. Can’t remember, but I’m going to write gendered covers down now.
Great post! It’s so sad to hear people pirate your ideas. I would have thought it was just common sense and common decency to give credit where it’s due, and not simply steal things. I really don’t understand it.
Hahah, omg, you’re wonderful Jo! And you are a marvellously polite and considerate blogger. I AM JUST SAYIN’.
I CAN TELL YOU MY SECRET THOUGH. 😂 I get my discussion topics out of what I’m reading…so like right now I’m reading a book with a TON of characters and I can’t help but wondering if people prefer heaps of characters or not so many…ergo It might make it into a discussion. ;D I get most of my ideas out of the books I read, that way (even though they’ve no doubt been takled about before) I know I’m definitely not getting my inspiration from someone else.
I don’t understand why piracy happens either. :/ I hope a lot of it is just uneducated mistakes? Hopefully this raises some awareness!
I love this post, Cait! You pretty much nailed it on the head with everything you said. And it just so happens I was venting on Twitter last night about pretty much the same thing, but in bookish design sphere, as I feel like there is one person out there blatantly copying mine and Lauren’s designs. So I can agree with everything you said. Inspiration is one thing, but you need to put a twist on it and make it your own in some way, and also credit never hurt anyone! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Agh, that is the WORST, Evie, I’m so sad for you. 🙁 Are you going to confront the person? Also; I feel like I have pretty vastly different design skills (erm, lack thereof 😂) to you, but if you ever feel I’m being too similar, DO tell me!! And thank sos much for sharing this post <3 You are ever so kind.
I so do agree: it's about making something YOURS. People shouldn't be afraid to look for inspiration, but they have to know when they're stepping over that line and just outright copying. It makes it so disappointing for those of us who work hard to be as original as we can.
When I was little my sister used to copy all of my drawings. It was infuriating. She would maybe change a few colors but otherwise it was the same. When I pointed it out and asked her not to do it she should deny that she was copying. When I would tell my mom she would roll her eyes and say I should be flattered that she liked my drawing enough to copy it.
I would be like, I AM flattered but could you please tell her to stop because IT WASN’T HER IDEA.
This was a big thing back then that looks little now, and is minuscule in compression with people staling your blog posts. But I guess my point with it is that the same principle applies no mater what age you are or what medium it is. Yeah, it’s flattering that some enjoys your work, but IT WASN’T THIER IDEA. Seven year old me knows this feel Cait. Seven year old me would like to comfort you (and also probably beg for cake)
I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with it, but I think you dealt with it in the best possible way. You were tactful and allowed people room for error and showed them how to improve. You’re so stinking nice. (How is a Slytherin this nice? It’s a ruse I tell you. A ruse.)
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Little sisters, omg, they are the worst sometimes. Little stealers. Tbh, though, my sister started writing American Girl books (shh, I know we’re Australian) and she got SO MUCH ATTENTION FOR IT, that I started. And look at me now. She’s not even a writer. I basically fully stole my career idea from my 7 year old sister when I was 12. Hmm. ANYWAY. MOVING FORWARD, NOW THAT WE’VE ESTABLISHED I’M JACK SPARROW…
But at least my childhood career theft was just the concept, not the THING. 😂 And yes it is “flattering” I guess…but it’s more annoying? I get annoyed. I realise it’s hard to come up with inspiration, but that doesn’t mean a person can make MY hard work void by stealing it.
YES IT’S ALL A SLYTHERIN RUSE. The real me comes out in my book writing, as you well know….
I’m kinda afraid of accidently copying someone. Books are such a narrow topic and there are so many book blogs that we’re bound to discuss some of the same stuff. I try really hard to put my own spin on every post I write.
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We ARE all going to discuss the same stuff eventually, AJ! So don’t freak out about it! (I honestly didn’t want this post to terrify anyone. 😂) More just be aware of where you’re getting inspiration from and do your best to be YOU. 😀
I have an inspired vs copying linking question:
Last year, I published a reading kit guest post on another blog. In that post, I cite the fact that I first found out about reading kits through an Epic Reads blog post, which I linked to. I actually really got into the kits, and this year I decided to start a reading kit series on my blog (one kit for every book I cover). In the first post of my series, I link to my guest post that mentions Epic Reads, but I don’t cite Epic Reads directly. I don’t think it’s necessary to cite ER in EVERY kit, since it’s a series, but do you think I should go back and add a link to them in the first post of my series?
P.S. I should probably clarify that by “I really got into the kits,” I don’t mean Epic Reads kits. I just saw the one post from them. I mean the kits I was making.
So I’m a completely deluded pineapple and actually have no idea what a reading kit is. 😂 Brb, googling…
I GOOGLED SO I THINK I GET IT NOW. Do you know if Epic Reads is the only one who’s done it? Tbh, it’s not a new idea, right? Because people have done like “fangirl starter kits” for ever. I honestly am not sure….🙈🙊 Like if they directly inspired this post series for you, even though the starter-kit idea is not new, then I think it’s probably the right thing to do to cite them. But go with your gut! I am definitely not entirely knowledgeable on this!
Thanks! Strangely enough, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who finds it confusing. They’re definitely not the first or only people to do reading kits, but I’ll go ahead and add something into my first series post, just to be safe (maybe I’ll just clarify that the guest post I’m already linking to explains how I first found out about kits).
Thanks for the help! 🙂
Very interesting! i think there is a fine line as well, and it CAN be crossed. But, i have a few differing opinions.
There are 1001 bloggers out there and 10 of those people COULD HAVE inspired someone. As you said, there are not many ways of being completely original, so at some point, THE TOPIC would have been talked about before (as you said). However, if I was inspired directly about YOUR post I would link to you, but if I saw 10 of the 1001 people talking about it, too? I wouldn’t. You are basically contributing to the discussion. i mean a vague I HAVE SEEN MANY PEOPLE DISCUSS THIS LATELY. Otherwise, I feel our posts would always start out with, “inspired by blah blah blah”
I also ran into a situation about a title name. it’s (apparently) pretty common, but at the time i came up with it and searched, that person’s post were not coming up. then later, they were. We talked and worked it out, though, because the name isn’t even unique. Point is, sometimes things happen, and you don’t mean to “copy” but it looks that way, regardless of how well you think you did at “searching” and always worrying about that is stressful. just do your thing,
I also think timing is huge, for sure, because just the other week I saw a fellow blogger post something in relation to something that I had in my drafts (for over two weeks). However, and this may come off rude, they didn’t inspire me so I am not gonna change my schedule for the POSSIBLY they might think so. I’m just not. we had a great idea and wanted to share at the same time. the end.
ALL THAT being said, I do see a lot of direct copying which makes me sad. There IS a difference between copying and inspired by, but I think just saying it’s that simple isn’t true. There are many levels to it.
Great topic! 🙂
OH I totally agree with you! I don’t think there’s anything new under the sun. Honestly, I don’t. And I’m 100% sure someone has blogged about THIS topic before. And I totally think that it really matters when it’s directly inspired and when it’s a response post. There are so many topics that are just reused all over the place and we don’t need to credit.
And I’ve also had posts scheduled that someone else beat me to posting and the topic was too similar. Tbh, it depends for me? If the posts are REALLY similar (even though I know I haven’t copied) I often delay it a few months. But sometimes a topic isn’t enough to shout “copying” anyway. I think. Like if you and I both post our top ten favourite female heroines, the lists are going to be different, right? The execution of the post is; the style; the voice; and the reason for posting it. So I think we can’t get too hung up about it, especially if we know we are NOT copying.
I really more wanted to raise awareness for people who do get heavily inspired by others. And direct copying. And I definitely agree that there are levels to it: and I hope my post conveyed that.
Yeah, I agree that it would depend on the topic for sure. Especially if the post I saw was along the same lines as mine, even though it’s different. There are so many blogs out there, it’s hard to gauge ya know?
I do think, however, that some get heavily inspired like you said and depending on the context, needs to be credited.
On this topic, what are your thoughts on tutorials? If someone posts a HOW TO and you think, “OH MY THAT IS HOW YOU DO IT.” Or “wow, that’s a great idea!” Should that person credit them?
You mean like if someone posts a tutorial and that inspires you to then do a tutorial on the same thing? Then yup, you should definitely credit the person! And be careful that you’re not just rewording what they’ve done. 😛
No, I mean if I write one about how to… paint a horse, and then you go and paint a horse. (LOL seriously, my mind is blanking right now)
Just looking for your thoughts on it, simply because there are so many bloggers switching their niche to HOW TO blogs and such, I see SO many!
“Be a treasure hunter, not a pirate” may be my new life motto even though I have a serious obsession with all things pirate related. (I’m even keeping a tally of how many pirate and seafaring related books I read this year.) This was an amazing post and such an important topic in the blogging community. I think it’s something we all struggle with because what is original anymore. In my mind the greatest measure is that you are using your own voice and opinions. That alone is unique. I’m also a big proponent of crediting people. It doesn’t hurt one single bit and it’s super easy. Better to err on the side of caution as well. But most important of all, HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE BETWEEN INDIANA JONES AND JACK SPARROW? That’s torture, for goodness sake!
Duuude ME TOO. I am 100% going to write a pirate book at some point because I’m obsessed with them. Zomg, they are amazing. (And if you have any pirate-y book recommendations for me, PLEASE SAY. I NEED MOR EIN MY LIFE. 😂 ahem.)
Yes, I do think it’s a topic we need to raise awareness about! But not panic over, necessarily, because I don’t want to terrify anyone. And I totally agree with you: write in your own voice/style and any topic will become personal to you. *nods* And YES. Better safe than sorry with the crediting, right?!
I DON’T KNOW. THAT’S WHY I LFET YOU TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM. I NEVER SAID MY POSTS WERE KIND.
OH MY WORD. This is exactly the blog post I needed to see today!! The other day I saw one of my most original blog ideas on someone else’s blog. I hadn’t seen it before I started the blog series, but I still felt like I was copying. It was a huge blow to me. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS BLOG POST. You are the absolute best. This post is definitely getting bookmarked so I can keep coming back to it. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
(oh, and I’d rather be Captain Jack Sparrow!)
YOU ARE MOST WELCOME. <3 Although I'm sad this has happened to you too. It's always so hard to know if someone else is copying or being coincidental, right?? Because there's always a chance it's just a coincident.🙈🙊 (But sometimes it’s really obvious that it’s just stealing…gah.) *sends you comforting cake*
This scares me Cait because I don’t do well with confrontations or attacks…. I try to be very mindful about not copying other bloggers, and I only follow/read a few blogs, but I am still really scared of being labeled a pirate! I mean, totes understand that Jack Sparrow is awesome and all, but I don’t necessarily want to be called one, you know?
I mean, what if I honestly just have the same topic as someone who I don’t even follow?
I also read a commenter on my blog (totally different post topic, btw) say that someone actually called her out for using the phrase “let’s talk” as a way to encourage interaction on her blog. She really had to change it to something else just because she didn’t want any drama. But my understanding is that using that phrase, a phrase that perhaps more people use DAILY IRL or even on other blogs doesn’t mean it’s copying. Right? I mean, you use “let’s chat” and I use “let’s discuss” and I’ve seen other blogs use either of rhe two phrases but I don’t see that as copying. Right?
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I totally get that! BUT OMG THIS ISN’T SUPPOSED TO BE A SCARY BARKING POST!! *Gives you comforting cake* I just want to bring awareness. And I think if we’re aware, than the battle is mostly won. So don’t fret too much, okay, Zeee?
There will ALWAYS be coincidences. I’m sure if I googled right now I would find people who’d written this exact topic. But they didn’t inspire me to write this — general circumstances did. So I know I’m not copying. NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. <-- remember that. And yes, omg, absolutely. That's ridiculous that that blogger had to change. In fact, I think she should've just said "NOPE" and stuck to it because you cannot put a trademark on something like that. Same as I wouldn't ever tell someone "hey don't call your followers pineapples" (although I know that's a bit more obscure, but still) because hey, I don't own that word. And how many ways are there to end a post and open it for discussion?! Chat/Discuss/talk/??! Gah. I think people can be far too pedantic. I totally agree with you: that's not copying.
Well…you’re the only one I “know” that call her followers pineapples (I think that’s genius, by the way) and since you already are well known in the blogging community, it does “sort of” belong to you, right? Although, you can;t go after someone for using that word to call her followers, it’s still WRONG, IMHO.
Thanks for the comforting cake! I hope it’s the corner cake (because that is my absolute fave part) hahaha and thanks for reassuring me. I always, ALWAYS think twice before posting something.. I have decided not to post things because of this, actually…
Zeee @ I Heart Romance & YA recently posted…Blogger Insider: The Get to Know Me Tag
it’s so hard, honestly. I saw fellow blogger do the burn, rewrite, reread book tag and I though ”Oh that’s cool, I wanna do that too” so I mentioned her with a link to her blog in the first sentence.
Sometimes it doesn’t go like that, though. We have this, for us completely new concept, in which we share parts of our writing journals with quotes, story ideas, names and such, but I’m sure SOMEONE our there has already done is…Do I need to mention whoever did it before us? I don’t think so because I don’t know who.
I think when someone gives you the idea to write a blogpost you should definitely, always mention them,
I have the same problem on Tumblr. I have 8300 followers on my book account and there is always someone out there trying to take your picture and say it’s theirs. I’ve had this problem when my account was less big but my pictures got a lot of reblogs. I now put the name of my tumblr on every picture I post. Go ahead people and copy my photo, everybody will see it’s mine, unless you’re actually going to take the time to photoshop my URL off, which has never been the case hahahha.
Great blogpost as always!
Lots of love, Amber.
http://thenamelessbookblog.blogspot.nl/
Oh that’s totally cool though! Because that whole Burn/Rewrite/Reread is a tag thing and it goes around!! So you didn’t even need to link, imo, but it’s super nice (and safe!) that you did.
And I TOTALLY agree! I only think we need to be citing if we read a post and go “I want to continue this idea” or “I have something to add to this thought” and then we write it as a response. Some things are universal! Book hauls! Sharing writing! IT IS. So don’t worry to much over that.
Dude, gah, I get that. -_- Me on instagram basically. I’ve had to ask several people to stop reposting my photos (WITHOUT CREDIT GAHHH) and I’m sure there are others I don’t even know about. I watermark everything now too. Which sucks because I hate watermarking but at least it deters the pirates. 🙁
I have wondered about this many times. I love all the discussions and I read so many blogs its hard for me to know if i ever saw it before. When I come up with a discussion idea I do it before I go looking around at blogs for the day or after a couple days missing so my head is clear. I think sometimes the topics maybe the same because there are only so many book topics to discuss but the way they are or the details can be different. Can i say though an idea i come with up has never been done before. No and that frustrates me because I so don’t want to take someone else’s idea. I do know though if I can’t remember ever seeing it than I probably didn’t steal it. Even if it has been out there somewhere in the past. It is worriesome though, i would hate to accidently or not knowingly steal and idea. great post.
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That sounds lik ea great method for writing your discussions! And honestly don’t panic over it, because we ALL are going to want to discuss the same things. I’m 100% sure someone else has discussed “copying vs inspiration” before! 😂 It’s about doing things in our voices/styles, I think, and the angle we come across. And I think if we’re aware, we’ve won half the battle, right?!
I was with you 100% until you asked me whether I would rather be Indiana Jones or Jack Sparrow. WHY MUST I MAKE THIS DECISION? Sparrow might be a complete idiot but I’d be him any day to wear that getup. Then again, Harrison Ford . . . Ahem.
In all seriousness I think this is a great post and I really like your analysis of which is what 🙂 I hate that moment when you write a post, edit it, and schedule it and then la di da, *gasp*, see someone else has posted a super similar thing. It’s like, well dangflabbit. Thought I had that one. I like to think I’m on the ball with these things, being a History student makes me have nightmares about copyright/plagiarism (I kid you not (also I just discovered that I cannot spell plagiarism)). Pretty sure you will always be my inspiration to write <3 *sounds of aww in the background*
I’M SORRY. IT WAS REALLY CRUEL OF ME. Tbh, they both destroy things and have sass and have awesome hats. I want an awesome trademark hat. WHY DON’T I HAVE ONE.
*tries to balance a pineapple on my head*
Aghhh, I hate that moment too. 😂 Because that happens to me sometimes and it’s like “I KNOW I DIDN’T COPY BUT THEY’LL ALL THINK I DID CUE TEARS”. Usually I stagger those posts. Give them a month? Or 6? 😂
I can’t spell plagiarism. Spellcheck and I are best buds, actually. We’re tight. We are never ever ever leaving each other.
This is so helpful! There are SO many times when I see a discussion post that makes me think and gives me an idea, but I almost never blog about it because I can’t tell whether I have enough ideas that are genuinely MINE to make an entire other post. Like if I see a really great post and I just have ONE THING to add, I’ll probably just put it in a comment because I don’t think there’s enough of my own thoughts for another post. I think that’s the issue of being inspired, but not enough, if I’m making any sense? Like it’s inspiration with my one idea, but if I tried to make it into another post, it would be copying. (Probably. I still don’t really know.)
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I get that! It does make sense! And I think it does depend…like I get inspired from people’s blog posts in really detached ways? But I don’t often jump on them unlesssss it’s very very different. My #1 source of inspiration is discussions out of books I’m reading (ie: right now I’m reading a book with a ton of characters so I’m thinking of a discussion about how many is too many characters…at least that way I know the idea is coming directly from ME [and the book] and not another blogger. And hopefully it’s safe. 😂)
I think if I ever have someone copy one of my ideas and don’t credit me I’ll just be super passive agressive and just keep linking back to this post until they get the point and take it it down or give me credit. Because this way of doing things is totally FOOLPROOF.
But, really? This is something that I worry about all the time. I would never intentionally copy someone without giving them credit, but there’s always seeing a post that’s about the same topic as yours AFTER you’ve already written/posted it and worried that they’ll think you copied.
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HAaaaa. At least you confront! I NEVER confront. *cries* Actually I confronted 2 instagram stealers. The first was very messy and awful and I was trying to be SO polite, but they kept deleting my “please don’t steal my photos” comments and aghhhh.
And YES, I totally have done that! Only recently actually….I had a post scheduled and it had the EXACT SAME TITLE as someone else’s. I took it down. 😂 But I plan to post it eventually because I didn’t copy and our content and opinions were wildly different. I just figure I’ll give it several months.
I hope I have never done this to anyone before. I mean not that I know of, I know I would not like someone doing it to me.
Agh, yes, it’s a hard thing to judge and it’s always hard to know. But as long as we’re aware right?!
Really enjoyed this post! I think it underscores the fact that digital comms changes the way we all discover and learn new things, and ultimately how we think. I often worry about how book blogging is becoming more and more prescribed (at least in our minds) when really, we’re all seem to be unconsciously conforming to each other.
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I hadn’t noticed us becoming all the same, tbh, but of course it could happen, like with anything. We only have a certain amount of topics to blog about, I guess. 😂 But style and voice make a HUGE difference. I just hope people continue to look hard for new fresh ideas and don’t get complacent and “copy” or “borrow”, you know?
Ciao! You make some excellent points here! Crediting other people for their ideas is a basic rule of our society, and it’s a good one. This post helped me to figure this sort of thing out because the world of the internet can be very vague about what is or is not ok. It’s not like Literature class where I follow a very specific way of citing sources (MLA format). So, having you come out and define these things–that’s a gift. I’m going to treasure this post and reference back to it.
Dude, YES. The internet if very vague about grey-areas. And honestly, I’m not sure if my guidelines are 100% correct anyway…so I think it’s a matter of going with your instincts and being super aware so that you do your best. If we do our best, we’re on the right track, eh?! 😀
I’m glad you did this post! I’m super terrified of this because I would never ever want to copy anyone or not give them credit. 😡 I mean… if I did a post and linked to you saying you inspired it, is that okay?? Because I’ve done it a couple times… One thing I struggle with though is if somebody really offended me or made me feel worthless and then I DON’T mention them because I don’t want them stumbling across it and seeing me specifically saying THIS PERSON SAID A MEAN THING NOT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT ME BUT IT FELT LIKE IT AND THEY MADE ME DOUBT MY WORTH OF EXISTENCE. Like…. that sort of thing. So is it okay to post something that was “inspired” by something else in that way? I DON’T EVEN KNOW. -_- This thing confuses me so much and makes me afraid to post things. Meep. But this post of yours is wonderful, and thank you for bringing attention to this important topic! And please, if you ever ever ever see me unintentionally copying you or you suspect it, PLEASE TELL ME AND I WILL APOLOGIZE AND MAKE IT RIGHT! <3 I'm still figuring out this blogging thing and I loveth my blogger friends so much and if I ever did something wrong that hurt them I would try to right it. I've always figured that linking to/crediting/promoting people was okay, but I'll be thinking more carefully on it too. IT'S SO CONFUSING. But bless you for this post and I hope things get better for you because I know it must be devastating when this happens to you. :-/ *HUGGLES* LOVE YOU CAIT. <3
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YES! That’s totally okay! PLEASE DO IT IF YOU WANT! 😀 I am 100% for response posts, because it’s kind of awesome that I’ve inspired someone that much to go and continue my conversation. *nods*
I think it all depends, though? Like if you’re writing a response post to an unnamed blogger it can be okay depending on the topic. Because some topics are just totally universal right? Like if a blogger posted that books should be censored and banned and then YOU got frustrated at that and wrote a response but didn’t like to them…I think that’s okay. Because it’s a big topic, right? And it comes up all the time. (I’M LIKE NOT EVEN SURE IF WHAT I’M SAYING MAKES SENSE.) Go with your gut. 😂
It is confusing, but seriously don’t fret too much about it!! I think if we are AWARE than we’re going to do our best to do the right thing. If we mess up? Then we fix it. It’s not the end of the world *HUGGLES YOU BACK* I didn’t want to freak anyone out, so pleeease don’t be too worried. <3
TRUTH.
Coincidentally, this post inspired me. I’m writing a post on if there is truly nothing new under the sun writing-wise.
This was a great post (then again, all of your posts make me laugh and are sparkling little unicorns).
I can’t wait to read it! 😂 And I’m really pleased it’s inspiring…because THAT IS JUST SUPER NICE TO KNOW. *blushes happily*
Interesting topic, Cait! I’ve never thought of this before, being a newbie to blogging. Plagarism is bad and honestly, the thought of writing posts or even making graphics that looks similar to someone else’s is scaring me now! Thank you for bringing light on this issue!
Aww, DON’T BE SCARED ALEX!! I more wanted to bring awareness, not to terrify anyone. *gives you comforting cake* I think once we know it can be an issue and just remember to credit our inspirations, then we’re on the right road, eh? (And don’t worry: I have messed up royally here in the past…but it’s a learning experience.)
Totally true! I so agree with you. But sometimes I think the person doing that doesn’t even realize that it might be wrong. But yeah everybody should keep in mind that an inspired post and copying is something totally different, and they should respect their limits otherwise this community might fall prey to chaos.
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Too true! And that’s why I think we need to bring awareness to it? Aaaand I think coincidence DOES play a big part, because, I mean, there’s only so many bookish topics for us to talk about, so odds are we’re going to talk about the same things. Which is totally fine. It’s just style and execution copying (and blatant just rewording) that is being a real problem, I think?
Yes yes I agree!
LMAO I absolutely 100% LOVELOVELOVE this post! I ooohed, I squawked, I maybe fell over on my head from laughing too hard…This post is wonderful, and I thank you for posting it.
This topic is SOOPAH important, and I am so so happy to see someone taking it on and trying to get people thinking about it. Thank you. A million thank yous in various forms of flying glitter and bow-tied penguins.
Also, your humor? So spot on. I would love to live in your pocket for a day; I bet your life is about as entertaining as mine. 😀 (er…which sounds a lot more creepy than it’s meant to. please don’t pull out the pepper spray! I mean no harm.)
Omg I’m so glad, Beth!! 😂 I really didn’t want it to come across preachy or anything so I’m monstrously pleased that worked. *nods* And YES. I think we just need to bring awareness to this? Because honestly I don’t think some people think about it…because it’s such a grey area.
BAHAHA YOU’RE HILARIOUS. As long as you don’t mind sharing the pocket with cake crumbs and mini dragons?
Yes, I think you’re right–awareness must be brought to those who don’t realize! XD
Nononono. The cake crumbs and dragons are going to have to make room for meeeee, because…I mean…neither of them are very good at sharing, are they?
PROBABLY NOT. There might be a Hunger Games in my pocket at this rate….
Thanks for writing about this. Most of the time I do browse the blogs I like and wish I could write like that, and sometimes their style unconsciously influences mine. This also happens when I’m writing a contemporary story and I’ve just watched and episode of Downton Abbey. Suddenly, my 21st century teenage hackers from Tennessee are saying things like, ‘By Jove, old chap!’ and ‘Would you like some tea with that, dahlin?’
I recently am quite obsessed with Paperfury (I hope this flatters you, cuz then my work here is done!) and I think you’ve begun to influence my style as well. I suddenly find myself very wary of my content, (I did give credit when I tried your format of simple quick sentences, mini topic pods, if you will) But it’s very easy to overlook.
Thanks for this article.
We can be inspired but we must be mindful of course 🙂
Omg it does flatter me. 😂 YOU ARE SO NICE (and I’m honestly honoured that you enjoy my blog!) And I think it’s all a process of growing and developping our own voices, right? Tbh, when I visit your blog, I don’t think you’e copying me, if that helps. ;D
And yes! This is just something I think we need to bring awareness to and be cautious about *nods sagely*
I have seen someone refer to you as a pineapple queen? How come? xDD
Hm, it’s quite sad that people have been copying you 🙁
Oh that just happened. 😂 I started calling my followers after random pieces of fruit and pineapples stuck! 😛
There is DEFINITELY a line between copying and being inspired. I mean, there is always going to be someone somewhere who has done something similar to you but stealing an idea when you haven’t even vaguely thought about the topic before is a bit mean (unless you put your own spin on it and give credit, obviously). Although, some post formats are like templates – like the idea of a book haul or a recap or ‘a list of reasons why you should read X’. Those can be interpreted and moulded by everyone and it’s fine to take tips/advice/learn from others’ posts. But when someone writes basically the same thing as you on a topic that you tried so hard to be original about? Erm, no thanks.
This is such a good post, Cait, and a really important discussion to have! 😀
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Yes exactly! I couldn’t agree more! And we all do book hauls and top-ten-lists and stuff. That’s just universal. And also when someone copies a post and styles it the same as yours? I’ve had that happen…gah. It’s like they’re not even trying to be unique. 😖
I think what you wrote is very true, Cait, because oftentimes it can be hard to see the line between copying and inspiration. I try to make sure to ask permission before I write post if someone inspires me, but I most definitely always link back to them. I’ve been trying more and more to ask if I read a post if I can then write my own post on the same topic (which I’ve done with you on multiple occasions, I believe!) and I find that they really appreciate it when I do that. Even if I see something on Twitter that inspires me, I’ll still quote them and try to link back to them with the post saying, “Hey, what you said inspired me to write this!” I know that I’ve been asked if someone could write a post based on mine and I was so happy and honored that they’d want to!
I think it’s definitely important to remember that being inspired means that an idea may not be original, but the way you write it and what you take from it are okay – just don’t forget to give recognition for it; if it’s copying, either paraphrasing or straight up copy pasting without recognition, then that’s just a big no-no.
Also, I’d be Jack Sparrow because HELLO. He’s CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW.
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AND CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW HAS THAT HAT, WHICH IS AWESOME. (Actually Indiana Jones has a cool hat too…omg…I need a trademark hat.)
And I totally don’t mind response posts to mine, Rayna! I think your posts are fabulous, so here is a blanket “go for it” for my blog, okay? ;D 😂 And YES. I think it’s nice to ask, but just absolutely definitely for citing sources. Plus linking to other bloggers and things just shares the love, which is nice. :’)
And YUP. I thoroughly agree. I’ve had a few commenters saying they’re too scared to write discussions because of accidentally-potentially-copying…and I think that’s actually sad! We shouldn’t be scared about it. eVERYTHING has been done before. We just need to do it in our voice/our way and be creative, and if in doubt — link to the inspiration. *nods*
Hiiii LONG TIME NO SEE. Look guys, it’s the Queen of Blogging! *frantically points at you*
This is actually really funny…I was just thinking about writing a blog post about how to bring originality to your posts! Great minds think alike! That being said, I don’t even want a hint of piracy on my hands, so is it okay if I go ahead a write the post, oh holy exalted Queen?
THIS IS ACTUALLY GENIUS THOUGH. I really needed this post when I first started blogging! I was “inspired” by so many posts and it wasn’t for like a month that I was like waaaaiiiiittttt a second. Now I’m super paranoid by accidentally ripping people of SERIOUSLY I HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT ANGRY BLOGGERS.
I look for inspiration in my other interests, like ballet and Broadway, then I just bookify something I like and then it turns into a totally new thing! That way I know I’m not copying anyone else’s idea. phew!
OH HELLO BECCA!! *waves wildly* HERE, HAVE SOME CAKE AND WELCOME BACK. Ahem.
Zomg, that is kind of hilarious. 😂 I was actually terrified posting this and wondering if someone else would post something on the same day. AHHHH *sweats nervously* Dude, it is totally fine though! Bringing originality to posts is a great topic and so needs to be done! It’s different from mine anyway, I think. ;D
This is such an important post, because I do see quite a lot of plagiarism in the book blogging community! Like you said, it’s completely okay to be inspired be someone’s post – the book blogging community is such a creative place, and you can get loads of ideas. But taking their idea for a post is horrible. I have a massive long word document of post ideas, but if I see someone post something from that list (even though they didn’t take my idea; we just have the same idea), I’ll just delete it! Simple as. No one likes to be copied, even if you didn’t intend to steal their ideas.
Fabulous discussion topic! 😀
Denise | The Bibliolater
Denise recently posted…ARC Review: What I Thought Was True
Yup, I see a lot of copying/plagiarism too and it’s super sad. It’s good to raise awareness about it! (Even though I was super nervous about this post, because I hate confrontation…not that it’s really confrontation?! But kinda…)
I do think that there are no new discussion topics out there though, so you don’t always have to delete your ideas! Sometimes even just giving it a month or two is enough anyway, particularly if you’re going at the topic in a different way. It all depends though, of course. 😂 WE JUST HAVE TO DO OUR BEST!!
Um…Jack Sparrow. Anywhoo, I totally agree on these points. I think some people don’t care at all and that’s not good and others care/worry too much and that’s not good either. People will have similar ideas. It happens. What can you do? But yes, when you’ve read someone’s post, and you want to expand on that, credit them. It helps! 🙂
-lauren
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(He is notoriously fabulous. IT’S THE HAT.)
And yes, I don’t think we can worry too much over this, because coincidence happens. As long as we know WE aren’t intentionally copying or not-citing our inspirations. I think awareness over the issue does wonders, right?! (Plus doing response-posts is free advertising for the original blog, so that can be great! :D)
This is such a great post Cait! I’m always scared that when I think of a certain topic while reading and write a post on it, someone else will have written it already. What if they read my blog and think I copied them? I’m always afraid of offending someone, or hurting their feelings by accident. I do always link someone’s post if I actually recall it inspiring me. Like you, I linked to you when I did my birthday post on 22 things I want to do before I’m 22. Because I remembered you inspiring me. But what if you forget? I do think that you have to link if you were truly inspired by someone else. I’m just always so scared of hurting someone’s feelings…
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I feel like at least if we ARE afraid of it, we’re more likely to not do it?!? But I don’t think we should lose sleep over it!! As long as we know we aren’t copying. And there IS nothing new out there.
I didn’t even come up with the 22 (or whatever number 😂) things to do before your 22. So don’t worry about that! heh. I actually stole it off my sister…and I don’t know who she got it off. GAH. THINGS CAN GET SO HARD.
This is a great post, and I think this is something that so many of us struggle with on the regular. This kind of anxiety is definitely normal (and good), I think. We’re not total wackadoos for feeling freaked out about accidentally swiping someone’s content. We want to be respectful of each other and are concerned about stepping on someone’s toes. IT CAN HAPPEN, though. To anyone. When it happens the best bet is: own up, apologize, and be more vigilant.
My first year of blogging I copied another bloggers meme unwittingly. I put a twist on it but it was very similar. Looking back it really WAS a case of “pirating” that I thought was “inspiration”. I wasn’t trying to be malicious (I think people rarely are trying to be). The blogger contacted me about it, but was really nice. I was entirely embarrassed and immediately stopped the meme. There were no hard feelings and I learned a bit of a lesson. It all worked out.
I think that as long as we always have in mind to be respectful of each other then we can work in this creative field harmoniously. I used to teach Research Methods to undregrad and graduate students and one of the lessons was on plagiarism. The “When in Doubt – cite it” method was pretty effective. I think that’s a good method for blogging too. When it doubt – credit it.
Oh I totally agree! Plus I feel like if we ARE worried about it then we’re aware and probably less likely to do it! And I think coincidences do happen, and we can’t get all hung up about it.
And I agree: I think people rarely are trying to be cruel. It’s just inspiration is hard to find?? And we make mistakes. And we don’t know better. 😂 I pirated a LOT of photos when I started blogging because I had no idea. Argh. I’m so embarrassed now. But at least the blogger was really nice about it, and like we all go through learning curves, right?!
Omg fantastic post! I always try to keep these things in mind. I definitely don’t want to steal anyone’s ideas and what not. But we do all inspire each other and that’s perfectly fine. It can be hard to tell at times, but one thing that pisses me off is stealing a photo! That’s not even being unsure, that’s just piracy. Thanks for posting this and we all just need to keep this in mind and be thinking before posting. Even though mistakes do happen. 🙂
AGH. YES. Stealing photos is just never okay! And there are tons of places for free photo resources too, so I don’t really understand why people do this. >_> Mistakes definitely do happen, so I think we have to be polite and considerate about trying to police it, but YUP. More awareness!!
I 10000000% agree with your guidelines and would define it exactly the same. The grey was it just inspiration/ how much has it been copied question is something we’ve come across on other blogs often. There’s been a few times a post style was incredibly similar/ a picture Alise made had been used (without permission but still crediting us) and it made us uncomfortable but we still weren’t sure if we could outright accuse them of whatever. It’s a very grey area.
It can be hard to figure out if you’re about to cross the line into copying and I’m terrified of doing it accidentally (e.g. forgetting that I read a similar post months ago, coincidentally posting a similar post around the same time as someone else even though we’ve never talked about the topic before). There’s even been times Alise and I have come close to deleting scheduled posts because we were worried they were too similar to someone else’s. I say if in doubt, credit the inspiration and link back! Or even shoot off a little email of “do you mind?” because 95 % of the time I’m sure Blogger Bob will say go ahead and/or appreciate the link.
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Agh, yes, it’s really hard when it just inches into the grey area. And confrontation = my least favourite thing. So I always let it slide, but then I guess people don’t even KNOW it’s a problem unless we talk about it, right?
And YES, Blogger Bob is usually like “that’s totally fine”. I haven’t heard of anyone saying no to that kind of thing. I actually wrote a post recently about Why You Should Write A Book…only to read someone’s blog and find they had done one. Literally same title and everything. AGH. Our reasons were 100% different but I decided not to post anyway. I might one day? Because I know I didn’t copy, but I’d give it months and months and even then I’ll revamp it a bit so it’s more different. *nods*
I’m REAALLY terrified of this myself! I don’t know if I’m valid enough to say it though, but I think you’ve got the basics right. Whenever I write a post that struck an idea for me from another blog, I make sure to credit them.
What I’m most afraid of is when I write a post I, and someone says they’ve made that kind of post too and I totally had no idea! This hasn’t happened before but I surely hope it never will. >.<
I’m glad it was helpful. 😀
I love this post. I used to get a lot of inspiration from other’s blog posts, but I don’t like any of the ideas I get when reading others because I feel like I’ll just make a lackluster version of their post. And I like coming up with my own ideas and talking about things that I think would make a good post.
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I like coming up with ideas too! *hi fives* I get a lot of discussion ideas from just the books I’m reading. Like I’m reading a book right now with sooo many characters I AM DROWNING, so I’m kind of thinking of writing a post about how many characters is too many. So that is an extremely helpful way to come up with new ideas. 😂
I think this is an extremely relevant topic in the blogosphere, but I can’t say that I’ve ever had any terrible experiences with anyone copying my work (and I don’t think I’ve ever copied anyone else:P). I have had it where I post on something and someone else posts soon afterwards, but generally I just chalk it up to a coincidence and move on.
I think the biggest issues in copying are the stylistic ones. Copying someone’s style is not cool. In my opinion it’s okay to use elements that you like (like using GIFS, or stroked out text etc. etc.), but you have to incorporate that into your own style.
When I was in my first year of university I had a huge fear of accidental plagiarism in my papers, and that translated to how I blog. So I always link, even if it’s remotely related, because a) it’s the safe thing to do and b) why not share the love.
Also, lately I’ve been really into writing response posts (and by that I mean I’ve written like one, haha). Sometimes someone just says something that I must expand upon, and I think that’s one of the best parts of blogging, if handled correctly:)
Great post!
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Coincidence DOES need to be taken into account FOR SURE. *nods* Because often times two blogs will post something similar and they don’t even read each other’s. (I’ve done this with another blogger before. Like the same discussion within a week of each other, I believe, but neither of us read the other’s blogs and it was a mutual reader who pointed it out. I just consider it coincidence and move on. :P)
Copying style is really difficult. :/ Because it’s also really obvious? And I know a lot of newbie blogs haven’t figured out their style yet, so YEAH. I get that. But it is frustrating when I come across a blog calling their followers “pineapples”. Hmm.
“Why not share the love” is an EXCELLENT point too. I LOVE IT.
And response posts are great! I totally am all for them! I actually think that, if you invite discussion at the end of a blog post, you are actually encouraging response-posts. 😂 Well that’s what I go for anyway. ;D
I think you’re right when you say that there probably isn’t really that much ‘new’ we can actually come up with these days, Cait. And inspiration is definitely important, and linking to posts that inspire us is a way of saying ‘thank you for coming up with that great idea! I have a different take on it, but you totally got me thinking.’
And it’s true that it’s really hard to come up with ideas… which is one of the reasons why I don’t have any discussion posts these days, even if I love them 🙂
Keep on keeping on, Cait <3
And because your post inspired me, and also put some perspective to the inspiration / copying thing, I have just drafted my first discussion post in a very long time!! It’ll be posted on Thursday, and it has to do with inspiration and what to do with it 🙂 Thanks Cait!!
YAYYY, I can’t wait to read your discussion, Lexxie. !! 😀
And yes yes, I totally agree that it’s hard to come up with anything new. And often times I think posts-that-are-too-similar are often just coincidence anyway. I start to get twitchy when it’s a very obscure discussion that I’ve posted and I find it on someone else’s blog, down to the way they’ve written/voiced it, plus in the same format. It’s like they’re not even trying. -_-
I think we shouldn’t be scared of doing discussion posts, though! Just write in our voices and be careful where we get inspiration from, right?! 😛
This is such an excellent topic to bring up, Cait!
If I see a post I really like – usually a discussion – I usually mention in the comments that I might like to do sort of a response post to theirs, and people are always really receptive to the idea. I think it’s wonderful <3
But I AM sometimes worried that unintentionally something I do will be similar to something someone else is doing! It doesn't keep me up at night, but it's a little pebble in my shoe sometimes.
Thank you for taking about this!
Eeeep! I’m glad you liked the post, Annika!! 😀 And yes totally! Most people don’t mind about response posts, and I definitely encourage it. Because in a way, it’s advertising for the original blog and it kind of knits us together as a community and shares content around, right?! #LIKE
But I think we don’t need to overly fret over this. It’s more OUTRIGHT copying that’s a problem. Like if you can’t think of a post so you literally borrow someone else’s. We are always going to post stuff that sounds similar occasionally, and I don’t think we should lose sleep over it. *nods*
This is an awesome post! When someone copy’s you and doesn’t give credit it really hurts! But then again I do it sometimes 🙁 Thanks for this 🙂
Nabila // Hot Town Cool Girl
It’s super hard to come up with original content, for sure. *nods* But I’m glad it’s bringing awareness not to do this! 🙂
I AGREE WITH YOUR ANALYSIS. This was a vibrant, lovely post. I think I would be Jack but for the sake of blogging, let’s go with Indiana. Are you into sports?
Yayyyyy, I’m glad you liked it!! I WAS SO NERVOUS. 😂 And as awesome as Indiana Jones is, he tends to break everything he touches so at this point IS HE EVEN BETTER THAN JACK SPARROW? WHAT HAVE I STARTED.
(I run, but apart from that, I don’t really do sports. I’m not terribly coordinated. 😂)
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This is SUCH an issue. I have had a few people tag me in their posts because they used my graphics and then they will just say “I got this from {here}, hope that was okay.” in their post. Could they not have taken an extra couple of minutes to ASK ME? I doubt I would ever say “absolutely not”. It’s the PRINCIPLE of the whole thing. Also, originality is very hard to find and basically everything anyone ever thinks of has been thought of before, but there is a difference between writing something that came from your head and rewording something that came from someone else’s. Great post, Cait! I completely agree.
DUDE YES. I know right?! Garrrh. It’s just polite! And plus it gives us an idea of where our stuff is trotting off to, instead of just randomly finding it someday and going “Okay, so this person is borrowing from me…right.” *sighs*
Thank you for sharing my post! 😀 And for linking to Jo’s as well, it’s great, I already stopped by her blog to comment. Yay for discovering new people!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a person copy my posts/photos. But then my blog is hardly of the same caliber as yours. I know a fellow blogger did a similar post to the one I did but she linked back to me, which was nice – and her post was different from mine. So far, I haven’t had bad experience with this, but I absolutely get why you get upset when people take your ideas and recycle them without acknowledging you.
Originality is HARD, I always struggle with topics for discussion posts and such but if I do borrow a topic, I always make sure to link back, even if the final result has completely deviated from the person’s original post. I think it’s good practice!
I hope your copycats (CopyCaits? :D) find better things to do than taking your content.
Your post was MARVELLOUS! And I’m honestly chuffed that my post inspired two people to write such awesome articles. :’)
It is upsetting, but at the same time I’m always hyper-aware that maybe I’m just overreacting. 😂 So I rarely ever confront copiers. I do like it when people expand on my discussions though, because it is kinda free promo for me if they link back. It’s nice when we we link-back and are just altogether nice and considerate as a community. *nods* BUT OMG ORIGINALITY IS THE HARDEST.
CopyCaits. 😂 😂
I’m so afraid of this! I always tend to give credit, to be honest, even if it was just ‘inspired’. It can’t hurt to introduce another blog to your followers and I avoid the after posting anxiety, which goes something like: OMG THEY WILL THINK I COPIED AND THEY WILL HATE ME AND I WILL DIE. So, yeah 😛
YUP. I agree!! 😂 When in doubt: credit…and save ourselves the anxious worry. heheh
This is kind of a timely post for me because I’ve been noticing/getting aggravated about a few of these things lately lol. I take copyright really seriously. I’ve been considering making a whole post about using images because I feel like many people don’t realize you need explicit permission, that you can’t just give credit and that’s it. Though I’m not sure whether promoting someone constitutes Fair Use. Especially if you have affiliate links or anything on your site that can make you money. But most people don’t mind being promoted and *probably* won’t get upset about it. Sorry, I’m getting off track.
Writing in a similar way to someone else also seems to have become a problem. Just write with your own voice, people! I noticed someone use one of my phrases in the same way I always use it the other day, and it just kind of irked me. I’ve also seen other blogs that write like *you*, calling people pineapples and whatnot, and that makes me angry even though I’m not the one being copied.
But it can definitely be a gray area sometimes since there are really no new ideas for posts, and some topics are done a million times. Anyway, I’m off to go edit my own realism in books post and make sure it’s not too similar to yours lol.
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Eeep, yes you should totally do a post on images! It really surprises me when people just go “disclaimer, these images aren’t mine”…like what exactly does that achieve?! It’s kind of funny…if it wasn’t illegal. AHEM. But then, I have totally been oblivious about copy-right for images in the past so I get that it happens and people don’t know better. But it’s good when we talk about it!!
As for the promoting and is it fair use…gah, I don’t know. I feel like if I’m linking to my favourite, say, instagram accounts and the ONLY point of using their photo is to say “go follow them” and link it and everything, then I feel like that’s okay. But I don’t honestly know in terms of whether it’s legal. 😳
And I DO know it’s hard to find your voice sometimes.🙈🙊 Eeek, but it still doesn’t make copying acceptable! And yus…seeing the “pineapples” going around is kind of frustrating for me, because it was my thing. And now it’s just everyone’s thing. But I hate confronting it?! But it honestly truly bothers me. 🙁
TREASURE HUNTERS FOREVER. If anyone’s ever copied my posts, I wouldn’t have a clue because I’ve never seen anyone do it. BUT I AGREE. Coming up with blog post ideas is super-hard. I have a huge list of them in my bullet-journal but sometimes an idea that sounded good to start with isn’t so appealing after a while.
Totally going to start calling my followers something ridiculous like papayas though :’)
(I’m joking. People think I’m loony enough)
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I hardly ever know unless someone else tells me.🙈🙊 But gahhh, I’ve literally stumbled across people rewording my posts and writing uncredited discussions off tweets I’ve done and…yeah. I MEAN IT COULD JUST BE COINCIDENCE. So I don’t like to run around in blazing righteousness. I figure a post like this can cover the basics. 😜
THE LOONY ONES ARE ALWAYS THE BEST, WE KNOW THIS.
Definitely an important discussion, Cait! Plagiarizing seems to have become a major problem at the moment, especially with reviews on Goodreads, and I”ll never understand why. Sure, sometimes people say something that sounds so awesome that you wish that you had written it yourself – but why not just give them a shoutout or something? Tweet the review link. Repost the pic (with credits) on Insta. Don’t copy it for goodness sake!
Obviously as a blogger it can be hard to make discussions unique. There’s only so many opinions/sides to the discussion in the first place so it can be hard to make sure your post is different enough from the others with the same POV on the topic. I would never, ever even consider plagiarize in the first place but if I was inspired by a post then I’d link it up in the intro. How hard is that for people to do? And if someone thinks my post is too similar to one of their’s, they can just DM and we’ll talk. Sometime you realise a blog post is similar to what someone else wrote but because you don’t follow them/run in their circles, you didn’t realise. I have no problem with someone posting a response post any of my discussions/posts as long as the acknowledge that.
I’m sorry to hear you were the victim of this, Cait. I hope that person reads this post and fixes their mistake!!
YUP. It does. Which is much sadness. I mean outright plagiarizing is just unacceptable ALWAYS, but I think a lot of subtle copying goes on too? And I’m not sure if people just don’t know the difference or don’t care. But yesssss, SO TRUE. There is no excuse for stealing, just, nope.
I know sometimes people don’t confront copy-cats because they don’t like the drama/confrontation. *raises hand* 😜 I kind of decided just to do a blanket post instead, but it’s true that just talking is really helpful too. And often times when there’s similar posts but the bloggers don’t even know each other…I totally think that’s just coincidence! It’s ALWAYS hard to know if it was a coincidence too, right?! Gah. Blogging is tricky.
I completely agree with your thoughts here, Cait! I love this bit you said in particular: “Ideas are universal. It’s how you twist them to make them YOURS them that makes the difference.”
As writers and content creators, I think we should always make the effort to own ideas- make them truly ours. How you described treasure hunting is extremely accurate and I know it’s very helpful to opening the eyes of fellow bloggers out there who want to learn the difference. Thank you for sharing this!
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Yayy I’m glad you liked it, Hazel! I know out-right plagiarism happens and that’s just unacceptable (imo) but I think there’s a lot of subtle copying going on as well? And I think it’s just because we bloggers struggle to know where the line is. Soooo, hopefully this will help! 😜
Dearest Cait,
I am never, ever eating watermelon instead of cake. If it makes me a pirate I am okay with that.
Love,
Shannon
In all seriousness though, THIS POST. Okay, first I am ALWAYS terrified that I am going to unconsciously post something that someone else has. SO SCARY. I never want to be “that guy”, you know? I try not to be- I google every last name and such, but GAH you never know! Or what if I DID read something somewhere, not remember that I read it, and somehow my elderly mind thought that I came up with it?! (This causes actual nightmares- because then I’d be a jerk AND an old lady, and that is fun for no one.)
Now, onto the other end of this- the end you seem to be on right now. ::Sigh:: I think the problem with being unique is that ALL the people want to be unique- but instead of being their OWN brand of unique, they try to be YOUR brand of unique. And let’s face it, my blueberry (sorry, I had to), you are definitely one of a kind. Plus you’re successful. So little lost bloggers will be drawn to that. I figure this must actually happen to you a LOT because A) You wrote a post about it; and B) I have seen it, out in the wild; and C) it has even happened to little old me, so I have to assume it’s happening to bigger bloggers on a much larger scale.
It’s so hard because like you said, what do you even do? I am not confrontational either, and I also approached someone only once. Because it was a post that was quite nearly word for word, and I was so upset and hurt and angry that I couldn’t even see straight. They said it was a coincidence and took it down, but I still was uncomfortable with it of course.
But then you have the more subtle stuff- like your “pineapple” example. I mean, obviously it’s from you! But what do you say? “You, over there, stop calling people fruit!”? So no, you have to bite your tongue and let it go. Which sucks, if you ask me. Which you kind of did, by leaving this big old comment box for me 😉 The subtle stuff grates at me a lot- I almost wish it WERE word for word so I could yell at someone (fine, cry and meekly confront them, but a girl can dream) and be done with it. The subtle stuff, especially from people who are in the same blogging circles, is HARD. When you see someone using the same exact Top 10 idea on a freebie day (and it’s a super weird idea, AND they posted it a day after you AND they used the same gif- that isn’t a coincidence!), or the same name for a feature, or whatever. I try to give credit if it is due- I mean, I remember that when I wanted to use a quiz, and I saw you use a quiz, I credited you for… quizzes. Which, sorry Cait, I don’t think you invented the quiz, BUT I did get the inspiration from you, so credit was due! Stuff like that.
And a sidenote- you can always tell me if I have like, done something offensive. I would NEVER want to upset someone, or make them feel like their creativity has been stolen. Though I assume more often than not, it’s the people who don’t really care if they’re stealing your ideas that are going to be the repeat offenders and such.
Oh and to answer your questions, SURE I will be Jack Sparrow, though I haven’t seen the movies, so maybe this is a bad choice? Who knows. And I think you are spot on with the definition! I mean- I don’t think I would EVER care if someone did a similar post if they just did a quick “got this idea from here!” thing. It just seems like that is what nice people do? Why not be safe and give credit? It takes all of 30 seconds, and you probably make someone feel happy!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…Review & Giveaways: Water’s Wrath by Elise Kova
FINE. BE A CAKE PIRATE. Tbh, I kind of want to be a cake pirate? It’s my next bestselling book idea I’M SURE. Pirates the dash around the high seas and steal cake. I’LL BE A BILLIONAIRE. ahem.
Agh, but yes. I mean, I get it? Because when I was a Tiny Blogger Tot, I’m 99% sure I was trying to emulate my idols too. But my brain is such a freakish fish I kind of ended up like…THIS. And I’m guessing people like it (JUST GET A FEELING) even though sometimes I have no idea why. 😂 And I do honestly hope that half the time they don’t mean to copy me? But I see it a lot. 🙁 It’s kind of frustrating. I’m no longer very unique…because there are a ton of blogs emulating what I do. *heavy sigh*
BUT YEP. CONFRONTATION = SUCKY. I only confront people when they steal my photos now? Because the posts is just too hard to tell. 😭 But I did recently have someone take a topic (it was an obscure one) and then reword it and use it. And I KNOW they read my blog because I was on their blog to comment back. Least to say, I didn’t confront. #wimp But I won’t be commenting on their blog anymore. Just gonna remove myself from temptation of, you know, MENTAL DESPAIR.
HAHA. Yes! I didn’t invent quizzes. I do take full credit *flips hair majestically* for getting book bloggers using them, because I’m like 99% sure no one was until I started. 😂 But that definitely falls under the category of “nobody owns this”! So I’m okay with that!
AND YEAH. I CAN’T TELL PEOPLE TO STOP CALLING EACH OTHER FRUIT SALADS BECAUSE…THAT WOULD BE WEIRD AND CONFRONTATIONAL. And It’s too haaaaard, Shannon. Omg, give me cake. (Speaking of cake, the amount of cake-talk in the blogosphere has doubled recently. Interesting…)
Omg you are like the least offensive person in the history of EVER. <3 And might I Just say that this is one of the best comments?! *hugs comment* *hugs you* THANK YOU FOR THIS. It's really nice to chat about it with people who understand. :')
Wait. Though. You haven't seen ANY Pirates of the Caribbean movies? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE, SHANNON? BLOGGING AND RAISING KIDS AND STUFF? SHEESH. NO EXCUSE. *throws the ocean of pirates at you* (Just kidding. 😂 Pirates of the Caribbean are kind of cliche but wonderful.)
Well done on another amazing discussion post!!!!! It really got me thinking about copying, inspiration, treasure hunting and pirating. I’ve always worried about plagiarism, copying and the question about whether content is original or not. Definitely one of thee most AWESOMEST posts and discussions I’ve read in a while! I thoroughly agree with everything you rule… Whoops! I mean wrote…
Aww, thank you!! I’m so relieved too, because I was mega-nervous about this one. hehe I’m glad you liked it!
This is a great post Cait! And something I think a lot of bloggers struggle with as sometimes it’s hard to know where to draw a line. Many of my topics are inspired by something and I usually try to catch that thought and write down how I came up with the idea so I can at least explain that to my followers and credit the bloggers or inspiration source if possible. I also once had it happen that another blogger and me posted about the same topic very close together, which was a bit weird, but it was obvious we both had written a very different post, it was just a weird coincidence. I also once had a post where I forgot to link the source and later went and changed that when i remembered the exact post where I got the idea from.
And indeed there is nothing really original out there, but it’s important you give your own spin on a topic or add your own original view point. I also think waiting a bit before you write the post is a good idea, so you don’t exactly remember the post you got inspired by, but do remember the post you wanted to write. And credit the other blogger is very important, I’ve seen my topic served as inspiration for others and usually a flattered they got inspiration from my post. I think it’s great blog posts can inspire others like that, the important thing is to give credit and never go too far into copying, but I agree it can be a fine line at times. And it’s good to be aware of that.
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Yesss, I totally agree! And I think it’s good to talk about this and raise awareness, right?! And coincidences DO happen so I don’t think we can be too pedantic about things. I more get twitchy when it’s, for instance, a post of mine that I see someone else talk about it but they’ve written it in my style and used all my points…that just feels like copying to me. Even if you use your own words, it’s still my post, eh? BUT YEAH. Coincidences happen too! so I don’t like to get all righteously indignant about things just in case. 😂
Great post! And love the Jack Sparrow gifs! He’s the only kind of pirate to be!
HE IS. HE IS ENDLESSLY AWESOME. Also his hat = yesss.
What’s funny is that I wrote a blog post about how I was really worried that I was copying YOU and YOUR style too much when I first started blogging a few months ago. But this a a great guide if you are not too sure.
Excellent post as always, Cait!
Omg you did?! 😂 I should go find it! I mean, if you’re worried, then it’s a good idea to just concentrate on finding your own voice and doing things in your own way. 😀
This inspired something for me. It made me realize that a completely unrelated discussion I had on Goodreads was a great topic for a blog post. I’m pretty sure that’s a situation I wouldn’t have to give credit, but I would anyway. I like to explain why I’m talking about things.
Yup, I don’t think you’d have to give credit for that, but it’s nice if you do. I mean, it doesn’t hurt, right? I’M GLAD I INSPIRED YOU. 😂
I try and credit everyone for everything; even if they convince me to spend my hard earned money on a book. I even credited Amy Rolland when I changed to the font she had on her blog. Hehe. Yeah, asking is the best thing. Great post. 🙂
Wow, you really are the best at this then. 😂 Asking is always wise though…can’t go wrong if you ask for permission right?! :’)
This is such a great post and I completely agree. It’s SO HARD to be 1000% original with your post ideas (although you mange it pretty well). I know there have been times when I have done a different spin on someone else’s topic idea, but I didn’t give credit for my inspiration. Oops! I promise to be better than that. But I am proud to say that I have never copied anyone’s ideas or post. It’s one thing to overthink whether you need to give credit for something that is pure inspiration. But if you have to question whether you are copying someone else, then there is no question: it’s a copy.
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Aw, thanks, Cynthia. 😂 I try really hard…but I still discuss things that we’ve ALL talked about!! Which is fine and great. I quite like reading everyone’s opinions on the same topics anyway. *nods* But yes, omg, I’ve messed up before. *hides* I think it’s about learning curves and just being aware and doing our best when it comes to inspiration.
(And I totally agree that if a person thinks they might be copying? They probably are. >_>)
This is a great discussion, Cait! (I promise I won’t copy it! lol)
I think it is a tricky subject. We’re all inspired by things around us, and it’s so easy to take that inspiration and turn it into piracy without realizing it. I’m often afraid of being too much like the blogs I read. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I haven’t done a discussion post in awhile?
Culture might play a part, too. I know that in my technical editing job, I see some students plagiarizing sources because in their culture, it is seen as respectful. Completely different from the culture here. I know that’s not quite the same thing, but that’s what it made me think of.
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At the start of my blogging entry, I copied review request policy from a blogger I love, thinking that’s a policy and it can be the same. She approached me and actually coached me into what’s right and wrong in the world of blogging. I am glad she did, she still is one of my favorite bloggers. Now that I have come a long way after that, when I think about it, I actually feel embarrassed and terrible for even thinking that. But, that was a mistake and I have really been careful from that first time. Your post may be that coaching blogger for many people. Great post, as always, Cait.
That’s really good that it all worked out!! I’ve done things I highly regret when I started blogging too, omg, but it’s a learning curve, right?! We all have to start somewhere. *nods*
Fantastic post!
I’m always worried about copying someone else’s post…and I have once written a post only to see someone else post a very similar post before I finished writing it.
I don’t think I ended up finishing it, because I was worried after reading their post that I would accidentally end up copying something.
But still, this is brilliant. Because it is important to distinguish between stealing ideas and being inspired, and people do need to be aware that the distinction does exist.
Also, I LOVE that analogy with stealing Bob’s cake.
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Coincidences can be such a problem right?!? I always get sooo worried if it happens to me, even if I didn’t copy!🙈🙊 If I notice someone posting about a topic just before I do, I usually delay mine, but we DO all talk about the same things eventually. *nods*
I’m glad you liked the post, Cassie!! *flails*
Oh, this is a good post. Inspiration is everywhere and sometimes it’s difficult to decide if you’re copying or spinning the idea in a completely different way. But I always try to credit bloggers when I know that they’ve directly inspired me to write a post. Plus, if they’ve inspired me, then I probably really like their blog/post and I love directing more traffic and followers to them! But I do get a little worried when I post something and afterward realize that someone had written on similar topic not to long ago. I hope they don’t think I was trying to copy them. 😛
It’s aaalways so scary when you DON’T copy but it looks like you could’ve, right?!🙈🙊 *hides* I have done that and felt so nervous about it. But coincidences happen and I think we have to allow for that too!! 😛
Awesome post, Cait!!!! So sorry that you have had to deal with copying, it can’t be nice. I always struggle with this and it is why I do limited discussion posts, but I will be changing that. I always felt everything I wanted to discuss has already been done a million times, and I never wanted anyone to think I was copying them. But I’d just be doing a discussion on MY thoughts on topics – like covers, ratings and everything else. And that is totally okay. So I am getting a bit braver now and want to get all my discussions posted.
I like to think I always give credit when someone’s post has inspired me. Like that time where your awesome post on the books that changed your life or something made me want to do the same. So I did, and then I linked back to yours.
But yeah, completely agree with everything you have said in this post. ALWAYS GIVE CREDIT!!!!! It is so important. And I like to ask permission for things – like using photos. But sometimes don’t when I am just promoting that blogger/instagramer. But I do try. Like when I asked if I could use yours on the TTT post – although, if I am honest, if you hadn’t answered in time I was still going to use them haha!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
My number one worst nightmare is every time I post find it AND THEN find a similar post somewhere else that I only see AFTER the fact. Then I’m like ‘ OH NO, what if they think I copied them!!!!???!!!’. That is a horrible feeling >.<
EEeep, thank you!! *happy flails* Tbh, I don’t think this should scare us away from doing discussions! Like I fully intend to do a post on series vs standalones eventually and I KNOW that’s been talked about a gazillion times. It won’t be new. But it’ll be written from my point-of-view and in my style. And I think that goes for everyone right?! And we have to be calm about coincidences too *nods* My biggest gripe is having people reword my posts and make them their own (definitely happens a lot sadly).
I honestly don’t think we need to ask when promoting other bloggers/instagrammers!! I mean, has anyone ever been like “no I don’t want you to direct more followers to me”!?! 😂 It’s only when we use their photos and pass them off as our own or just use them in our posts to prettify them that there’s a problem I think. *nods*
AND YES OMG. I have the “what if they think I copied them” thing tooooooo. I’ve done that twice this year actually and it was terrifying. But I knew I hadn’t copied because I didn’t even actively read their blog. YUP. NERVE-WRACKING.
Awesome topic and points brought up as usual Ms. Pineapple 😉
Question/issue I have is I read bajillions of blogs, and over time, ideas might stick. And ages later might spark blog topics but I would not remember what blog inspired it or how long ago. How do you treat that? There’s nothing new under the sun and we all just share our interpretation of various topics.
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Well, like you said, there IS nothing new under the sun! And I don’t think we need to credit people when we’re talking about obvious topics that everyone discusses now and then, right? In my opinion, it becomes more of a problem when bloggers are just rewording other bloggers’ posts. Or when you KNOW you got the inspiration from somewhere but you don’t bother crediting. If that makes sense?
Yep, this is all so perfect. I do sometimes worry when I’ve had an idea and I’ve noted things down and then spot something very similar. Like, I know I didn’t copy – but others don’t! It’s really hard to create a unique post now, because there’s probably already someone who’s done it before! Personality and opinions are what make those posts stand out though, and you can’t fake that!
There’s been a lot about copying on twitter lately in passive aggressive tweets… I do think it’s difficult to really say whether someone has copied unless it’s practically word for word, and I also think some bloggers are a little too possessive over certain topics. Like I saw someone getting annoyed because some else had started a ‘specific day of the week favourites’ series and had obviously copied… Those kinds of posts have been around like forever. I don’t think one person can just claim the idea now.
Yes I totally get that struggle! I HAVE IT TOO. I honestly just recently had a discussion post all written up only to see someone post about it before I did. Gah. ;D I figure it’s okay just to let that kind of thing wait and rest for a while and then post later. (Maybe a few months?) Particularly when the content of the posts is so very different, it’s just the topic was similar. *nods*
BUT YES! Personality and style means a lot, and when that’s being copied, it’s super disappointing.
And I totally agree. Ideas don’t even really belong to people. Especially the large ideas! I mean no one can say “I own the idea idea of writing a review in lists”…that’s just silly. Whiiiiich makes this a REALLY hard topic to define on what IS truly copying vs just general thoughts 😂
This is a great topic post! Plagiarism is very prominent in the writing and blogging communities and I think it’s important to understand the concepts of inspiration and stealing ideas. It’s hard to be original nowadays because the Internet is a place where ideas are constantly being spewed out into the public and people are constantly taking in information from outside sources. I think as long as writers (of blogs, books, etc.) know the difference then the Internet can become a better place. Thanks for the awesome post! Your humor slays my blogging heart.♥
EXACTLY! I couldn’t agree more!! Like nothing is new out there, but presentation matters a lot. And also rewording someone else’s posts is just entirely a no-no. But coincidences happen, too, and I do believe we have to cut each other some slack sometimes. ;D
ERMAGERD. I’M GLAD YOU THINK IT WAS FUNNY. 😂
Thank you so much for these guidelines! I just started out and I hope I will never do this. I’m always afraid I will eventually do this by accident. What if I copy someone without realizing it? That would be terrifying and hurting someone else’s feelings. Again, thank you!
I totally get that! I actually have the same worry and I’ve been blogging for nearly 5 years. ;D So I think if we’re just aware and do our best, then we’re on the right track, eh?!
Well, you already know that I had my own little freak-out about this topic when I felt like I had gotten too close to your post idea and not credited you specifically enough. I try to be VERY conscious of this and always give credit where credit is due – I probably went a little far toward the overthinking side of things, but I’d rather have it go that way than the other, so I’m okay with that. The whole thing gave me a new level of awareness that I’m glad I have now! I think spreading awareness is the absolute best thing you can do about this issue!!
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And I still think you were fine, actually, Nicole. 😂 *sends you cake* And plus you still credited me in that post so I think it counts! Ever since I wrote this post, though, I’ve been way overthinking it too…but better safe than sorry right?!? And I feel like if we ARE thinking about it a lot, then we’ll be less likely to make mistakes. (Although coincidences happen and I think that’s fine too. 🙂
I came across your post in the Ultimate Rabbit Hole Linky and reading all the comments it is quite a dilemma.
I once wrote about photos and funerals, how I hate my photo taken and what my family say about when I die and they have no photos of me. I have gone through a very traumatic death so it is a subject very close to our hearts. I started the post in the morning and only posted it in the afternoon. The next morning in my inbox popped an email from a blogger who I followed with the exact same topic. Funerals and her hating photos. We live in different countries with a big time difference. I took it as purely coincidental because she had also been through a death gone far too soon. I have though wondered if she thought I copied her or if she did copy my idea. With the time difference it was hard to say. There were never hard or bad feelings and I don’t even know why I stopped following her blog. I think she changed to self hosted and the email subscription stopped. Sorry for the long comment 😉
Hiiii! *waves wildly* Thanks for visiting, Dianne! 😀 And omg don’t be sorry for the comment. 😀 I think that’s a super interesting coincidences, tbh, and it makes you wonder right? I mean, I think sometimes we get TOO pedantic about it, but it always seems odd when something is THAT similar, right? Eeeep!
Hi Cait,
I think what freaked me out more is that someone had the exact same thoughts as me at the same time 😄
I did worry though that someone who read her blog and mine may have thought I copied her because I just blog my thoughts in an online journal and she was a real blogger ( a term I use to explain the difference). But you right it has always felt odd to me
Why DO you call your readers pineapples? I’m new:)
I’M NOT EVEN ENTIRELY SURE. 😂 I think it started because I used to call everyone “blogglings” and then “squids”…and then I got addicted to Psych and there are pineapples everywhere there. So I started calling everyone pineapple. 😂 😂 IT MAKES NOT SENSE, I REALISE THAT.
Okay, just wondered if you were like from Australia or something and that’s a thing there…
YES. I am from Australia. I didn’t know pineapples were a thing though??! hehe.
Wait, you really ARE from Australia??? Well whadya know about that! I got the impression from your spelling of certain words and a few things you’ve said that you weren’t from America but I didn’t think you were actually from Australia.
It’s not a thing!!! Not that I know of anyway… I just thought maybe it was and I missed the memo:)
YES YES I AM!!! G’DAY MATE!! 😂 I probably should do an Australian-ish post at some point. I’m rather shameful since I don’t even talk about things like ANZAC day or Australia day. *sighs* My brain is like “books books books” and forgets everything else. 😂
I would totally prefer to be Jack Sparrow, because he never got stuck out in the desert with Nazis after him and tons of bugs and snakes and crawling through caves (I’m claustrophobic)…on the other hand Jack is at sea a lot, and I hate boats. Hmmm. Maybe I need to think about this.
I struggle with this issue from time to time too! I guess as you say, when in doubt, put up links…I do think there’s nothing truly new on the web but we all do have new angles and opinions or ways of saying things. So it really bothers me when people don’t even TRY to put up something new. It’s like, how lazy are you? Or how low on self esteem, that you have to steal someone else’s work? And I guess with how much time I put into blog posts, especially if I’m taking photos or writing a reallllllllly long book review–I would be so mad if someone else stole it and put no work into it. Blogging is a labor of love! It can take hours to make a post. People need to respect that and not steal work without asking and posting credit.
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At least they both have great HATS right?! Hats are very important to the adventurer life. *nods sagely*
It is reeeally sad when people just outright plagiarise. I know, for the copying, some people don’t know much better? Like I’ve legit had people just outright copy my posts and then TELL ME ABOUT IT, which is really super awkward and I don’t know how to handle that.🙈🙊 Ahem. But I like to think that they just don’t know the etiquettes instead of are being malicious. SO IT IS HARD! I think most people do a grand job of trying to be unique and do links and things. 😀
Blogging is so totally a labour of love. I couldn’t agree more! Which is probably why it’s extra super disappointing if we work hard for something original and it just gets taken, right?!
Cait, in what universe does someone eating cake inspire somebody to eat healthy food? There should at least be like potato chips or crackers or cheese or something instead of watermelon. Something that has the possibility to make you fat! (Or maybe this is just me, hahaha.)
First of all, I love the pirate theme of this, because it made me smile. Second of all, I love the pirate theme because it was wholly appropriate for the subject at hand. I think this can be a little tricky subject, so this is good discussion material. I think for me, the thing is “when in doubt, link back to the person you were thinking about when you wrote this post.” I’ve written response posts to people’s ideas before, and I do like leaving treasure hunting open to that—it’s a good way to collect many ideas on the same subjects at one time. Still, it’s important to keep everybody in the loop in those and make sure that everyone knows that there is credit due!
So yeah. I think you have the bases covered, but I thought I would add that.
I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT, HEATHER! *flails enthusiastically* Although I have to agree that the watermelon vs cake metaphor was silly. I mean, who even would ever eat watermelon when cake exists? Cake vs chocolate??? THAT COULD WORK??
And YES! I think if one is doubting or worried about it…just link! I know sometimes we don’t REALISE we’ve been “too heavily inspired” so that can be a problem. But I think if we’re aware then we’re well on the track to making things original and giving credit where it’s needed, right?
This is a fear I constantly have! Reviewing books on a blog opens a can of worms for others to want to debate your opinion. That’s great but what if they don’t debate with you and just take your ideas? How do we go about having conversations that don’t lead to spark ideas? Nail biting thoughts happening here.
It is a worry! And it’s also very hard, sometimes, to figure out if one is copying or just being inspired. But hopefully these guidelines help!😂 (Although they’re totally just guidelines, heheh.)
Wow – quite the thought provoking post. I don’t generally write much outside of reviews on my blog, so It didn’t really occur to me people would pilfer ideas on bookish/ blog related discussions. Kinda naive of me I suppose….
Otherwise, gotta love how you refer to your readers as Pineapples. My boyfriend and I teach english in China and he call’s all his students Potatoes. When I asked him why, he says it’s so that when he see’s a student in the supermarket or something and doesn’t remember their name (They seriously look different when they aren’t in the classroom – its like they morph or take their glasses off or something lol) he can just say, “Hey potato.”
I can my students chickens – but that’s in the plural form and doesn’t work so well in the singular. “Hey chicken” just doesn’t work lol
Great post!
Hey Cait!
I just wanted to say that this post just gave me the much needed inspiration to create this month’s reading challenge for NBRC@Goodreads.
I’m going to call it “Are You a Treasure Hunter or a Pirate?” and it’s basically to browse friends bookshelves and either be inspired by them and find new treasures or to read them (author, books, etc). It’s all on my head now, I need to put it on paper and I’ll let you know the final result.
I’m glad I inspired you, hahaha. Crediting me?
Always.
I also credited our time turner comments exchange on today’s post.
This is so true! While, I don’t think anyone’s copied my ideas (they’re top rubbish, aha!), I really think it’s important. I think the only time I MIGHT have been a pirate was when my title of my post was extremely similar to someone else! I feel so guilty. I’m definitely going to find that post and credit them. Other than that, I haven’t pirated any of Bob’s work. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
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Yayyy!! And I honestly have done slightly pirate-y things myself, before I knew any better. 🙈🙊 So it happens to the best of us! The trick is to learn and just go on *nods*
Very interesting post, thank you very much!
The internet has grown so big that it might give a wrong impression that everything posted on it is public and free to use for everyone, without giving any credits. Some people justify themselves with the thought “It is already on the internet, so the author is probably aware that this information will be used and shared”. But I believe deep down every person knows whenever the post is stolen or inspired. Because when you are inspired, you at least feel grateful to the person who made you feel that way and do not hesitate to give references to the original content or ask permission to use it . And I believe the excuse “I didn’t know it is considered plagiarism” is not valid anymore since there is a lot of information and articles on internet that clarify the plagiarism issue that updating every day, for example the one posted on the blog I help with, you can check it here, if you’re interested: http://blog.noplag.com/understanding-and-preventing-plagiarism.
Thank you again for sharing, And for all the GIFs 🙂
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I TOTALLY AGREE. *nods* I think people think that stuff on the internet is free….and like I think there are people who are genuinely confused. But half the time it’s just outright stealing and it’s so disappointing.😭
The metaphorical language that you use to feed the reader brain is flowery to the greatest extent. It captures from the first line and doesn’t let the eyes go to the another blog post. The sentences take me like spring waters pulling me against the stream. And this is what is called mastery. You didn’t say “plagiarism is bad”, but you left such a feeling. And I hope that your words will gather the minds around this issue. Because it seems that people are becoming absolute apathetic to the question of authorship. The shock bomb for me was the news on plagiarism occurred at the King Juan Carlos University in Spain (source: https://unplag.com/blog/academic-plagiarism/ ) Academia has the situations like that, since such kind of bad examples lead to dishonesty development among young generation. Stealing shouldn’t be a trend! Never it will be. That’s why, I don’t appreciate that much-talked-of book “Steal Like an Artist”.
Oh, I meant, “Academia has to PREVENT the situations like that”
Aww, thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed my post. 🎉🎉
Wow, this is such a fantastic and thought out post! There have been a few times when I noticed other bloggers copied my images without asking for permission or giving credit, and I had to go so far as to add watermarks to my post headers! I love how you listed some great ways of telling the difference between copying and being inspired.
Oh my goodness, this post is amazing, and also, your blog is absolutely gorgeous!!
I love that you included the bit about how using someone’s picture is always stealing, even if you gave credit the person, if you didn’t ask for permission first. Excluding the example you outlined, of course. And all the PotC GIFs are very much appreciated!! :’)
Thank you for bringing attention to this issue, it’s so important that people be more aware of it. <3
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Aww thank you for reading this and enjoying the post! I really appreciate it. (And definitely used pirate gifs on purpose here.😂)