Since the issue of lying writers is in the news I thought I would talk about it. Lying by a writer is part of a much larger issue-rights and plagiarism. These are just my thoughts. I invite your comments.
Plagiarism is, of course, the use of someone else’s words, thoughts or ideas as your own. Although this is not a crime (as of yet) it is a big no no. As our world becomes more and more technological the question of intellectual property rights, I feel, will become bigger and bigger.
But plagiarism is not the same as copy write infringement. Copy write infringement is using someone else’s stuff without their content while plagiarism is using someone else’s stuff as your own. There are always a number of legal cases about each everyday. With so much being online is has become easier, intentionally or not, to plagiarize. Just cut and paste. Many writers who have been accused of plagiarism claim to have done so unintentionally by not giving a proper citation or by missing a quote. That’s right. If you miss a quote (“ or ‘) it may be judged by some as plagiarism.
Unless it is a blatant cut and paste the judgment of plagiarism is very subjective and depends on who is doing it and in what context. Much like the lending industry (where I came from) those in journalism and academia are expected to police themselves. So, one editor may not feel mistaking ‘ for “ is a big deal and may think the writer just does not know how to use them correctly. But, for another editor it may be red alert and time to call the Gestapo. The arts is different where copying a master like Michelangelo or Bach is acceptable and encouraged. Often called “learning from the masters.’
I can not speak much for academia because I have no experience writing in an academic setting.
Can You Plagiarize Yourself
Sounds crazy I know. The answer to this depends on who you talk to and in what industry. Generally, self-plagiarism is not often found in the non-fiction or fiction world that I am in. I have heard it is a common issue is academia where a researcher will have to refer to an earlier work to explain a new understanding of it.The only reason I can think of outside academia is if there is a rights issue and a copy write issue with it. If your work has been published by X and you sold the rights to X. If X placed the work for copy write then you can plagiarize yourself plus that could be copy write infringement.
My Take
My advise on this subject is in one word ‘don’t.’ There should never be a question about where your work comes from. Having more citations than your think you need is always better. If you are not sure error on the side of caution. You never hear of someone getting into trouble over too many citations.
There will be future posts about copy write and rights issues. It is best to understand these things early one in a writing career so they do not become a problem later on.
