I expect by now most of you have heard about the latest case of plagiarism in which the victim was Liz Fielding - read what happened to her at her blog. Here are links to posts by Diane and Womag about it too.
I just do not understand – at all – what someone gets from stealing someone else’s work. What possible feeling can anyone take away from doing something like this?
And why do they think they can get away with it?
It is very true that e-publishing and the internet makes it easier for things like this to happen. But it also - thankfully - makes it easier for people to be caught and brought to book as you will see from Diane's post!
The only reason for doing this I can think of is the person thought a publishing credit would help them get other work accepted - it might but only if they can produce something themselves that's as good as the piece they stole. Presumably they couldn't or they'd have subbed that instead.
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteThe point of writing is having thought up and done it ourselves surely? What's the point of copying. Crazy!!
What a nasty - and I would have thought thoroughly unsatisfying - thing to do!
ReplyDeleteI think someone who plagiarises must have a very low opinion of themselves and their own ability. I guess they want to see their own name being credited with something because their self-esteem is so poor. But it surely can't bring an iota of genuine satisfaction for them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrendous discovery for the real author it must be. I would be so miserable and angry if it happened to me.
I would rather write all my life and never be published than put my name to someone else's hard work.
It seems that this particular person has done this several times, Patsy.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Suzy, what is the point? I don't get it.
It is horrible isn't it, Frances.
Well put, Joanna - your last sentence sums up the heart of a true writer.
OH Theresa - just read your comment on womagwriter and you've also had a story stolen! :-( I'm so so sorry. I hope whomever stole your story got their comeuppance too.
ReplyDeleteI find these thievery of stories so upsetting! This Kay Manning is unbelievable. How long has she been doing this and what's to stop her (or him?!!?) from doing it again under a different guise?!!? There seems to be very little protection when it comes to publishing online - I mean KM also stole articles wholesale and not just stories. Very depressing. But I shall go over to Diane's post now to see what may and should be done to stop this thievery!!
Take care
x
It's a horrible and very sad business all together. Extremely foolish of a person to put herself in such a position. The real authors will continue to prosper while the thief's reputation is in tatters.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't believe that this sort of crime would exist. Like Joanna said, I would rather stay unpublished. The true enjoyment of writing is obviously not enough for this person.
ReplyDeleteIt was a long time ago, old Kitty and I posted about it here in July 09, but yes I believe the person involved was upset and embarrassed (as well she might be) and had to pay back the money she'd made x
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, Rosemary x
You are so right to call it a crime, Maggie, that is exactly what is is x
Yes I read about this earlier this week. Shocking is all I can say. Caroline x
ReplyDeleteI do wonder how this person is feeling right now, Caroline, whether she has any conscience at all x
ReplyDeleteSome people are a bit sad. But what I think is worse is the way that people steal work and deprive the rightful owners of the reward of their work. I know someone who has worked hard on a music album for months and it was ripped off and on 15 free download sites the day before its official release. Absolutely despicable.
ReplyDeleteGood ol' Karma. I'm glad she got found out and doubt she will ever do it again, or get published on her own merit under her own name now! I'm thinking with this all out in the open maybe/hopefully will deter other 'thieves' from doing the same. Thanks for the post Teresa x
ReplyDeleteThat is dreadful, Jenny. As you say, despicable.
ReplyDeleteThat is the hope, Diane, that it will deter others!
I remember reading about the theft of your story at the time, Teresa and it was only by the merest chance you found out. How many more have gone undetected? And I thought you were so good not naming her. I would have told everyone who would listen about her.
ReplyDeleteHer name is imprinted on my memory, Marian - I don't think I will ever forget it. Looking back she got off lightly, but it was theft and fraud wasn't it.
ReplyDeleteIf it ever happens again I will not hesitate in naming names!
This is just shocking.
ReplyDeleteXX