What is Plagiarism?
by Joe Massingham
Volunteer Coordinator for Creative Writing Institute
Let’s not beat about the bush… plagiarism is theft dressed up. Just in case you aren’t familiar with the definition, it means ‘to take and use the thoughts, writing, inventions, etc of another person as your own,’ (OED)
People who plagiarize do so because they want to appear more learned, more educated, more professional than they are. It is usually a sign of insecurity or inferiority complex. Plagiarists long for recognition they cannot obtain on their own.
In most cases, though, their attempt at misrepresenting their abilities or knowledge backfires on them and they gain a reputation as dishonest and dishonorable writers.
Sometimes plagiarism happens accidentally. Researchers tend to rewrite things they recall in their sub-conscious. The brain spins into top gear, frantically searching for lost information. Little pieces seep back in until the writer finds fiendishly clever work and weaves it into the nest. Without conscious effort, plagiarism occurs while the relieved writer is humming, “What a good boy am I.”
Within weeks or months, a sneering critic points out that the idea is not original and the crime of plagiarism is exposed to the light of day. For honest writers, it is acutely embarrassing. The small band of deliberate plagiarists, however, knows no shame so they just curl their lip and take another sip of latte.
If you discover you’ve been unconsciously guilty of plagiarism, let the world know you are aware of the error. Rewrite your piece to eliminate the problem and take whatever steps necessary to avoid further incidents.
On the other hand, you may discover someone has plagiarized you. This is more likely to happen if your writing includes some sort of specialist information. If, for example, you’re an expert on bald eagles, keep an eye out for other material on your favorite topic. Here is the place to check: http://www.copyscape.com/. It will cost you a nickel to see if someone has ‘borrowed’ your expertise (but you must purchase them in lots of $5).
How many consecutive words can you print without rephrasing? Three. THREE. Anything more than that rings bells in high places.
There are various possible remedies if you have been plagiarized, but that’s a topic for another article. In the meantime, the best way to avoid being a plagiarist may be to remember Shakespeare’s words:
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Visit http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com today to find more great tips.
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