Is it Creativity, or is it Stealing?

I know many of you watching have felt this pain, I hope you will share your story of how you handled it in the comments section!

How can we help people, that like me when I was that kid in the store taking the barbie shoes, might not realize they are stealing?

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
  • SheilaThorpe

    … this particular topic is so my bete-noire! I work in the photographic industry and have found that internet use coupled with the rise in ‘free content’ is making this issue even harder to pin down as many people feel ‘it’s’ theirs to take. I find this happens from a conceptual point of view too…and it is irritating…but if a concept of mine sets of a train of thought in someone else and that is acknowledged as you did that is not only good karma…but keeps my karma, calmer :)

    Many thanks for raising this issue in such an amusing but thought-provoking way.

  • Phyllis

    Your video really hit home with me today. Well, sadly, I admit that I have used words or a brief sentence to generate content but after watching your video, I will not steal shoes ever again. Being that I am so active on many social networking sites, it is so difficult for me to watch plagiarism go on day in and day out. I confronted a so-called friend who copied a concept I was using several months ago and our relationship ended over it. For the best, right? I have had whole entire concepts or ideas stolen right out from under me. I am shocked and appalled. I usually just let it go or justify it some way but it t never feels good. Anyway, I am glad to hear I am not the only one who feels this way – Thanks for being so honest Anne and sharing.

  • Gwen O'Neill

    Powerful. As a professional musician, I have struggled with this all my life. Although not my current focus, I still have problems getting people to understand that photocopying a piece of music rather than purchasing it is like walking into a store and taking a dress off the rack. Your point of view is something that we all need to be reminded of as ideas constantly float through our brains. Remember to be proactive about crediting others and making ideas truly your own. Great post!

  • Gwen O'Neill

    Powerful. As a professional musician, I have struggled with this all my life. Although not my current focus, I still have problems getting people to understand that photocopying a piece of music rather than purchasing it is like walking into a store and taking a dress off the rack. Your point of view is something that we all need to be reminded of as ideas constantly float through our brains. Remember to be proactive about crediting others and making ideas truly your own. Great post!

  • http://islandperspective.com/ Renee Ludwigs

    Great insight, Ann, about the difference between plagiarism and inspiration. Copying other people's stuff and calling it your own is wrong, wrong, wrong. But being inspired by someone's work that eventually leads to your own creation happens all the time. Look at all the similar TV shows, books and movies. I believe that what goes around comes around. (Some might call it karma.) When you're genuine and authentic in your concepts and ideas, it shows in the ongoing and long-lasting quality of your work. Let's be originals!

  • LouiseEdington

    I hate copying and plagiarism but it is hard to come up with original ideas. Throughout literature authors have been inspired by other authors and have made it their own and so it should be within SOME and blogging. More great tips from a great coach! Thanks Ann!

  • http://www.SiliconValley365.com Dawn Thomas

    Very pertinent video, Ann! I have had many ideas “stolen” from me from people within my industry without ever being consulted. I used to look at it as, “imitation is the best form of flattery,” but I do not anymore. There are some things that I spent thousands on which were copied by someone else with only a slight name change, etc. Because I love to help people, I would have likely opened up my “brain” and given lots of ideas had I been consulted. At the end of the day, it doesn't feel good when it happens time and time again. There are so many ideas on the Internet available to grab inspirations from–just please ask. I do have “idea” folders for different projects, but I think your idea of a board where things are “in my face” might work better. Thank you for another superb vblog!

  • ireneturner

    I agree with you that there aren't a lot of original ideas out there, especially in my industry of Interior Design…but making it your own is always important. I guess in Interior Design it will always have a slight difference or spin by nature of how one puts it together in the larger scheme of the entire project.
    Since beginning blogging it's sometimes difficult to come up with ideas, so it's almost inevitable that I get inspired by others. And yes…making it my own version or spin is VERY important to me.
    Thanks for the reminder Ann. And I love the idea of an “idea board”…coming up in my office, I have just the place!

  • http://www.ourlittlebooks.com Julia M Lindsey

    I think this can be challenging when we are bombarded with ideas on the internet each day. It is very important for authors to remember to keep their ideas fresh when writing a book or blog post. I like your idea of keeping the idea on an idea board. I use a graphic organizer when writing so that I can categorize my ideas to later compile into a book or post.

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    Great point, Ann. You always make me think. It's true the world is full of copy cats who fail to acknowledge where they copy from. So yes stealing. Easy to do. Being inspired by a seed planted by others is really what makes all the creativity out there so exciting. Letting the idea mellow and transform on the board is clever. I like that.
    Although its also true that there is a creative consciousness, where a lot of us think about the same things at the same time. Sometimes its surprising what can come out of blending stirring and shaking to your own beat.

  • http://atticusuncensored.wordpress.com Heidi Alberti & Atticus

    Original inspiration can sometimes be difficult, and I agree with Lindsay's comment about going out and experiencing life. I find that going to new places or mingling with different people, or just getting out in nature, facilitates creativity.
    Music is also a muse for my writing, as the emotions evoked by music—whether it's Mozart or Marley—fuel ideas.
    Since my blog is the world through my dog's eyes (“commentary to give you paws…”), I consciously avoid reading other similar writings. I want to keep Atticus's voice clear and defined, and I'm afraid that, subconsciously, another writers' ideas may seep in.
    Thanks for the interesting vlog. I really enjoyed it.

  • Donna McCord

    I am so impressed with how you recognize and bring to the light so many situations that most people don't even see or think about! I had never thought about what you said in this video, but looking back through your perspective, I am definitely going to be more aware and sensitive to how I am inspired by others' ideas. The last thing I want is to be a thief! I have been frustrated before by how I have seen competitor's copy certain advertising we have done, but have never thought there was much anyone can do about that other than focus on doing something different going forward! How to help people realize they are “stealing”? Suggest they watch your video for one!

  • http://www.passionsatplay.com/ Cheryl McDonald

    It is challenging to come up with new ideas all the time. I often go to the museum or galleries to look at how other artists work and It inspires me to bring that idea into my own creative process. It feels so much better to do that than to just blatantly copy anothers work.

  • http://twitter.com/LindsayFultz Lindsay Fultz

    While a little longer than a typical vlog post, the 7min was definitely worth it. How can we help people you ask?. By doing just what you are doing with this video, educate, educate, educate. You mentioned you read a lot and that is a wonderful way to expand ones knowledge and get the creative juices flowing. What also helps me think outside of the box is to step away from Twitter, FB, social media in general and get out and live for life experiences. If all one does is read blog after blog, Twitter link after link, a lot of the messages tend to all blend together and can seem like one massive thought. Following a wide variety of profiles does help you get different opinions on the same subject though which is refreshing.