Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Proviso – definition: a stipulation or condition Unfortunately some of us have been the victim of plagiarism. The definition –  Plagiarism is the “wrongful appropriation” and “purloining and publication” of another author‘s “language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions,” and the representation of them as one’s own original work However, this definition only skims the surface of the hurt, anger and frustration a writer feels when their hard work and endeavors are wrongfully stolen. Many of us have warnings on our blogs and websites in the hope to deter these parasites. Whoever steals has no moral fiber in my book. I have recently applied a new safeguard called Copyscape but of course there are numerous other systems you can use. Have you got one or two you would recommend? This article raises some questions as well as answers others but is geared to screenplays and movie scripts primarily. However the tips are quite useful. http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/qa/write/protection.asp This super graphic is from: http://libguides.uwf.edu Another link gives tips as well: http://www.ehow.com/how_5144486_avoid-plagiarism-steps.html Recently I was inspired by a fellow blogger’s photographs of a series of windows. Before I even wrote a word or posted anything I asked permission to use them. The windows inspired a short story, which can be found on 26th April. It is a matter of courtesy apart from anything else to ask the artist if they are willingly to let you use their work, whether it is visual, written or otherwise. Quotations must be attributed to their source and so should any work you are siting. Let’s protect each other and report any stolen work as soon as we discover it. Our community is strong, we can defeat the thieves.

A simple graphic explaining the differences between plagiarism and copyright issues (Photo credit: Wikipedia)