Comments on: Is it Creativity, or is it Stealing?

By: SheilaThorpe

SheilaThorpe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:19:00 +0000

… 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.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:33:19 +0000

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.

By: Gwen O'Neill

Gwen O'Neill — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:24:46 +0000

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!

By: Gwen O'Neill

Gwen O'Neill — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:24:46 +0000

By: Renee Ludwigs

Renee Ludwigs — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:16:00 +0000

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!

By: LouiseEdington

LouiseEdington — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:59:06 +0000

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!

By: Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:10:58 +0000

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!

By: ireneturner

ireneturner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:26:28 +0000

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!

By: Julia M Lindsey

Julia M Lindsey — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:22:05 +0000

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.

By: Jennifer Duchene

Jennifer Duchene — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:32:47 +0000

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.