Showing posts with label plagiarism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plagiarism. Show all posts

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Or is it?

I think we've all been in a situation where you and a friend have bought the same dress or shoes or necklace. We usually laugh and say something like, "Great minds think alike." 

If a friend intentionally chooses to buy something you have, copying your appearance, it's wise to remember the adage at the beginning of the post.

But, what if someone copies your work? I have a different take on that. In 1975, I student taught in kindergarten. My supervising teacher  had made many creative center activities. I was in awe of them - both her and the activities. I effusively praised her creativity while worrying about how I could create things like that if/when I got a job.

In September of that year, I'm looking at professional books in my new school and what do you think I see? Yep, you're all so smart. I see those "creative" ideas that my former sorority sister had "created". Oh, did I forget to mention that part? Yes, this was my friend. Double pain.

Thirty-six years later I still remember that feeling of inadequacy. But, I learned I could find anything I needed in a book. (No, I didn't learn to not plagiarize. I'd already learned that lesson in grade school.)

For more about this issue in the blogging world and Pinterest, please read Allison's post here: