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Plagiarism
by Meam Wye
This post is slightly off-topic - something that is, unfortunately, quite frequent but nevertheless very frustrating.
One of my post was plagiarized a few weeks ago and yesterday two more instances of plagiarism of my posts 'List of Muslim scientists' and 'Ibn Sina (Avicenna)' came to my notice. It is frustrating to suddenly find your very own post, written after long hours of hard work, research and dedication, on somebody else's blog - that too under somebody else's name! I fail to understand why people plagiarize. If one doesn't have the talent to write original content, why not do something else that he/she is really good at.........nobody can be expert at everything and everybody is good at something.
To discourage further plagiarism, I have decided to change the style of my posts. I will be putting less details in each post and would be highlighting only the significant points. This may slightly disappoint the regular readers of this blog to whom I am very grateful for their very encouraging and friendly feedbacks. I feel that the solution to this problem is to put the details in a book form. I especially wish to sincerely thank Mr.George Polley [ Tostada Speaks and GeogePolleyAuthor ] who had been encouraging me for quite sometime to give this blog a book form. I have a high regard for him not only for his intellect and wisdom, but I truly find him a great person with a loving heart. Thanks Tostada! One of the first readers of this blog, Tricia has supported me constantly through her positive and touching feedbacks. She has been very sick since last one month and hasn't been online since last ten days. These net friendships are so odd. You do feel the joys and sorrows and feel connected but you feel completely helpless when the other person can't go online!
I hope that my net friends and blog readers will bear this change with me. Definitely, a detailed version with references will appear in the book. I am open to suggestions regarding the blog/book and am looking forward for any input/support/guidance. A sincere thank you for all your support and kind words.
Read in a Reader
November 1, 2009 3:39 PM
Hi Meam,
I Stumbled your post, listed it on Digg with a description of your post, & tweeted it. I totally support the changes you are going to make, I look forward to reading your book when it comes out.
November 1, 2009 5:39 PM
It is truly unfortunate that you have to limit your level of artistic expression due to fear of plagiarism. I do not understand how someone could just steal your work and attach their name to it. This is truly shocking. I, for one, enjoy your attention to detail and would love it if this did not completely alter that.
November 1, 2009 8:00 PM
Meam, sorry to hear of the theft, it is not a form of flattery, it is what it is, THEFT.
big hugs
November 1, 2009 8:03 PM
@George Polley: Wow! This is very supportive - sharing the post on three social networks....Thank you very much.
November 1, 2009 8:05 PM
@Tough Cookie Mommy: Thank you for your kind words and support :)
November 1, 2009 8:19 PM
Hi Meam!
I can certainly understand your frustrations and I think putting this material into book form will be great. I can't wait for the book to come out.
If you are interested in controlling the rest of your content from being plagerized then I recommend checking out www.tynt.com. If people copy material from your site, this program will automatically link it back to your webpage. There may be other sites similar to this so it might be worth a look.
Best of luck with the book!
November 1, 2009 8:33 PM
Hi Meam,
Have you thought of contacting the person who stole your work or leaving a comment on their blog stating that you own the copyright to the post? Maybe the person thinks no one will notice and now that you have noticed, maybe they will at least give you credit.
Also check out the DMCA (Digital Millenial Copyright Act) on Wikipedia.
November 2, 2009 7:27 AM
Oh my. I've heard about this, but I didn't know anyone it actually happened to. It's just terrible, and frankly shocking. Yes, if they can't write original content, why don't they do something else? Sorry.
November 2, 2009 10:56 AM
Meam, I am not surprised by this behaviour because some people do not want to spend the same effort bloggers do before posting when a blog is valuable. I liked the ideas presented from the commentators before me.
November 2, 2009 6:47 PM
@plainolebob: I agree. Unfortunately those who steal are too busy in copy-paste to read this! Thank you.
November 2, 2009 6:50 PM
@Nathan: This is a wonderful tip! I'll check it out. Thank you so much for sharing.
November 2, 2009 6:52 PM
@Cathy: yes, it is a reality. This is has happened to many blogger before and will perhaps continue in future as well.
November 2, 2009 7:10 PM
@Hicham: I agree with your logic. Thanks for stopping by.
November 2, 2009 7:14 PM
@ChrisJ: I've contacted the person on twitter (only available contact on the blog), but I haven't got any response. I like your idea of posting a comment.....will try it out. I've read the DMCA article. Thank you for your feedback and tips.
November 3, 2009 3:33 PM
Meam-that's really dreadful. One wonders what satisfaction anyone could possibly get from stealing someone else's work and ideas. good luck with the book and let me know of further details. Your posts are so informative and comprehensive I hate to seem being downsized this way.
November 3, 2009 10:56 PM
Sorry to hear that your work was plagiarized...It's really very disappointing. Whoever that blogger was could have at least mention your name or at least link your blog....I've seen a lot of blogger doing the same copy and paste thingy and I honestly don't get it...How could anyone live for just copying post from other without even including their own opinion over the issue they're discussing. Shame..
You could make your post private, limited only to your followers or friends. But of course, good luck whatever you'd come up with.
XO
November 4, 2009 2:39 AM
Its really a big problem bloggers face. why people do this ind of act while it is clear that there ranking will get effected.
waiting to see the book form of your wiork.
November 4, 2009 12:13 PM
The ignorance and misinformation about copyright and fair use has escalated as the numbers of content thieves and e-beggars has dramatically increased. Bloggers are expected to be able to sort facts from fiction, so if you are a newcomer becoming familiar with copyright law is part of the territory.
This post includes will assist with protecting your digital works http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/how-to-copyright-your-digital-works/
You can use copygator to locate who has stolen your posts or you can use copyscape or both.
This post is a comprehensive one on the subject http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/copyright-basics-for-bloggers/
The procedure for reporting copyright violation via a DMCA complaint is found in this post http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/splog-off-dealing-with-content-theft/
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. The truth is that everything we post online is subject to thievery by those who lack ethics and a moral base that deters them from such behaviors. As the blogosphere has been inundated by those who intend to make an income from blogging the instances of copyright violation and plagiarism are growing in number everyday.
November 5, 2009 7:18 PM
@nothingprofound: Perhaps those who steal content don't even realize that they are doing something wrong. No excuse, just a thought. Thank you for your kind words.
November 5, 2009 7:24 PM
@butterfly: It is a copyright violation even if your content is re-published completely with your name/link (if published without the author's prior permission). Many times, it happens that Google shows your article on the plagiarized blog before your original source blog!
I've now disabled copy-paste on my blog. Hopefully, this will discourage plagiarism.
November 5, 2009 7:25 PM
@Khalid: Indeed it is frustrating. Thank you for stopping-by.
November 5, 2009 11:32 PM
@timethief: Thank you so much for your very detailed, informative and helpful comment. I have always found your blog http://onecoolsitewordpress.com to be a very valuable blogging resource :)
November 7, 2009 3:29 PM
That is dreadful, and your anger is justified. I understand the feeling because the same thing happened to me a few weeks ago. Someone had changed a few words in one of my posts and claimed it as his own.
If there's a silver lining here, it's the fact that you will be putting your excellent material in book form. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we look forward to reading it!
November 8, 2009 7:50 AM
Sorry to know that you also had to undergo a similar experience. The tips shared in the comments above are quite useful. I hope you also find them valuable.
Thank you for your encouraging words regarding the book :)
November 15, 2009 6:42 PM
I am sorry you experienced that kind of theft here. When that happens it is like a part of you is taken away, I know.
I love your article and the information you share so effortlessly because it gives me a view of a world I really am fascinated with these days. I met a young man in one of my workplaces a long time ago who was from Pakistan and I so enjoyed our conversations on life and faith.
Meam, I to look forward to your book - keep us up on how it is coming along!
November 15, 2009 6:43 PM
That truly is frustrating and a real problem. Your solution sounds like it just may do the trick. Keep us posted on the book progress.
November 16, 2009 6:53 AM
@Ciss B: Thank you for your kind words, understanding and support. I have started working on the book .... a bit slow now but hopefully would gain momentum after a few days :)
November 16, 2009 6:55 AM
@customerservice: Thanks for stopping by and your friendly comment :)