Comments on Copyright Infringement

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err...

What a mess you've made.  Why not just handle the plagiarism situations properly to begin with...

ltlmac70

posted by superflymom119 on September 1, 2004 at 10:11 AM | link to this | reply

Blogit policy on copyright infringement

Blogit is not a newspaper or magazine. Blogit is a venue that connects readers and writers but we do take copyright violation seriously.

The best way to ensure that copyright infringement is addressed quickly is to follow the suggested procedure. Typically, when the procedure is followed, the issue is resolved very quickly. Copyright owners are quick to notify us, and we are quick to take immediate action.

We've posted our reasoning for our current policy on Town Square.

Regards,

Brian
Blogit Team
www.blogit.com: The online writing marketplace.

posted by BlogitStaff on August 31, 2004 at 10:10 AM | link to this | reply

Response

We've posted this in response elsewhere but I thought I should post this here too.

We encourage strong opinions about all Blogit policies -- that is how change happens -- as long as it does not violate Blogit policy, e.g. by intentionally posting to make purely negative or disruptive comments, or being disrespectful to Blogit staff members. And, we typically do not suspend someone over a single incident.

Thank you.

Brian
Blogit Team
www.blogit.com: The online writing marketplace.

posted by BlogitStaff on August 31, 2004 at 9:43 AM | link to this | reply

Brian - I am asking you kindly to please reinstate T99 - yes, she did

get passionate in her arguments, but we have all done that - that is the reason we are here - to get passionate and not be censored, within reason, for it. We are all quite distressed about her eviction from Blogit and I feel I am also to blame for this. Plagiarism is a holy terror to those of us who write for a living - we should be allowed to be passionate about the safety of our work. Please don't punish T99 for taking up our cause.

posted by Hollee on August 31, 2004 at 8:55 AM | link to this | reply

If T99 has been removed just for her comment...

Then that sucks and is an abuse of power, in my opinion. I think we all need to hear from Blogit Staff on this one, asap, before we loose more Bloggers over it.

posted by Kay-Ren on August 31, 2004 at 8:44 AM | link to this | reply

In situations of plagiarism and copyright infringement that Blogit

needs to give concerned bloggers some undertaking or assurance that the matter is being looked into.
Very often it feels like nothing is happening and this is most frustrating for people who are concerned bout these issues. It is only natural then to seek some answers and undertakings and without them speculation mounts.
I think that has happened in this case and I know I have felt dismayed at the slow progress at times when I when I have lodged complaints here and advised original authors about plagiarism here

posted by beachbelle on August 31, 2004 at 5:06 AM | link to this | reply

Brian...

...fair point below.

But did T99 really deserve to be BANNED????

I know there are sometimes circumstances that are beyond the realm of ordinary bloggers like myself, but here, it seems T99 was banned for her comment below.

Would you care to reconsider?

D

posted by DamonLeigh on August 31, 2004 at 2:14 AM | link to this | reply

T-99, You're seemingly OUT OF CONTROL!!

You stated, "...if something appears to be out of line, why not put the burden of proof on the errant Blogit writer instead of forcing the REST of us to do YOUR dirty work by hunting down the original author?" YOU have chosen to do the "dirty work" here by "hunting down the original author. YOU have chosen to take it upon yourself to be the whistle blower....and to possibly, somehow, justify yourself as some sort of martyr. WE GET IT! We "HEAR" you!! Not stifle the tactics and focus on your own life; your own blogs already! God, don't you EVER just let it go???

posted by SpitFire70 on August 31, 2004 at 12:34 AM | link to this | reply

Response

Thank you.

posted by BlogitStaff on August 30, 2004 at 7:42 PM | link to this | reply

The Digital Millenium Act does not REQUIRE you to publish *anything*, so if something appears to be out of line, why not put the burden of proof on the errant Blogit writer instead of forcing the REST of us to do YOUR dirty work by hunting down the original author?   The DM Act protects you in case you MISS a plagiarism case, but it does NOT require you to WAIT until the copyright holder contacts you. 

When we can present you with evidence that it was not original work, suspend it, and demand the Blogit writer show just cause why it should be reinstated.  I feel it makes Blogit appear very unprofessional that you do not take action until legally required to.   The Seattle Times certainly didn't wait until the original author contacted them before taking action.  As soon as they were advised by a reader of a possible impropriety, they investigated, found problems and confronted the writer, Stephen Dunphy.  That's how a professional publisher handles it, and that's how Blogit should handle it..

It is certainly not good publicity for Blogit when the first a published writer hears of you is that someone on YOUR board has stolen their work.  Surely, you would want to protect your good name by letting them know that you take an active interest in protecting the rights of ALL writers. 

--T99

posted by Tamara99 on August 30, 2004 at 1:29 PM | link to this | reply

katray

Actually, all that is required is a brief statement by the author, as described here. We always take immediate action when we receive a notice, and a number of members have been suspended for repeated copyright infringement.

The majority of copyright infringement on Blogit is handled quietly and quickly because of a statement being sent to us. Most members are never even aware that it has occurred.

There is no need for a battle. If you see copyright being violated, we would appreciate your help in stopping it by simply pointing the copyright owner or a representative of the owner to this page.

Thank you.

Robert

posted by BlogitStaff on August 30, 2004 at 12:33 PM | link to this | reply

Tamara99

We have to follow the law, and the law requires a brief statement. For details, please see the Digital Millenium Copyright Act.

Robert

posted by BlogitStaff on August 30, 2004 at 12:25 PM | link to this | reply

I agree with Tamara. Myself and two other bloggers were involved in a similar situation with another plagiarist here awhile back and it was not pleasant; no backup from Blogit staff until the protests and anger finally started mounting against the blogger, from fellow writers and the original authors. Meanwhile the plagiarist blatantly continued breaking the law. Why are we expected to fight the battle?

posted by Katray2 on August 29, 2004 at 10:00 PM | link to this | reply

Letter To Dave Eskin From Ernest Partridge

>Dear Mr. Eskin,
>
>As you are fully aware, I am the author of "Suckers for Jesus" which
you
>posted under your name in Blogit under the title "The Repubicans [sic]
are
>Using the Christian Right."
>
>I am filing a notice of copyright infringement to Blogit.
>
>I therefore demand that you immediately post on Blogit a statement
that I
>am the author of the article that you have claimed as your own, and
that
>said statement include a public apology to me and to the readers of
Blogit.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Ernest Partridge

posted by Tamara99 on August 29, 2004 at 4:45 PM | link to this | reply

Look familiar?

http://www.rense.com/general56/nbul.htm

20. World according to Dave - 8 hours ago
The Politics of Bullying - The best thing John Kerry did at the Democratic...
By Daveeskin - News & Politics

 

posted by Tamara99 on August 29, 2004 at 4:12 PM | link to this | reply

I'm asking for a policy change.

 Bloggers - please read and post your thoughts for Blogit. 

posted by Tamara99 on August 29, 2004 at 11:41 AM | link to this | reply