"Is It Plagiarism or Copyright Violation?"  by Susan Dunn, MA, Marketing Coach

Plagiarism is derived from the Latin plagiarius ("kidnapper"), and refers to a kind of intellectual theft defined as "the false assumptions of authorship, the wrongful act of taking the product of another person's mind, and presenting it as one's own.” (Alexander Lindey, Plagiarism and Originality)

According to Gordon Harvey, Harvard Univ. Expository Writing Program:

“In academic writing (unlike everyday speech), all language, information, and I ideas not the writer’s own are scrupulously attributed to their original sources.  Knowledge never stands alone.  It builds upon and plays against the previous knowledge of previous knowers and reports, whom scholars call "sources."  These are not, in a scholarly paper, the source of your particular argument (you are), but rather persons or documents that help you arrive at your argument. They are sources of information that you interpret; of ideas that you support, criticize, or develop; of vivid language that you quote and analyze.”

When you do a research paper in college, for instance, first you go back and read what everyone else has said about your topic.  Then you draw some conclusions, make some new points, and – the point of it all – hopefully advance the field of knowledge.

You mention who said what and when, as a way of history, and then you move forward, attributing to those who went before you.  Or you make a statement and use data from writers and researchers to back it up.

Not to plagiarize is an agreement among scholars.  “Academic discourse communities,” says The Plagiarism Tutorial, Texas A&M http://firstyear.tamucc.edu/wiki/Resources/PlagiarismTutorial
, agree to refer scrupulously to one another’s writings and research findings by placing borrowed terms and phrases in quotation marks, and by explicitly linking quoted materials to [those who wrote or said them].

UC Davis calls it The Art of Mastering Scholarship, and has an excellent definition here:
http://sja.ucdavis.edu/avoid.htm .

When you plagiarize, you ultimately cheat yourself.  To quote the Portland School system, “the purpose of collecting information is to create your own thoughts and ideas around the information you have read and taken notes over.  If you copy someone else’s words, you are not forming your own thoughts and creative style.”

 IS IT AGAINST THE LAW?

I like Ron Shook’s comment in this regard, because it’s kind of a gray area.  We know copyright violation is against the law.  Plagiarism, on the other hand, says Shook, “is moral outrage.  It is certainly true that a plagiarist can commit copyright infringement. But what happens when for instance, I lift wholesale information that is either in the public domain or which has had the copyright lapse? I’m plagiarizing but not infringing on a copyright. In those cases, the objection is moral/ethical rather than legal.”

This question is being tossed around on one of my lists.  I think it’s a matter of, well, Emotional Intelligence - how you conduct your life when only answerable to yourself, and how you respect others.  Laws are enacted when people fail to do what's right -- watch what's going to come up with cell phones shortly.  And everything that’s legal to do isn’t the right thing to do.

Use your Emotional Intelligence.  If you're saying what someone else said, quote them. How can you know for sure where the line is? Take The EQ Foundation Course(c) and develop your intuition, your ability to know things without  knowing how you know them. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and attribute.   It's the right thing to do.  “Can I get sued for doing it?” is not the question to ask. “Is this the right thing to do?” is.  Check out the Legal Information Institute's overviews of copyright laws and trademark laws.

This mandate to document sources fairly and accurately is unique to academic writing.  At CoachVille, for instance, or for articles on www.ideamarketers.com , or in much business writing, no documentation of a ‘fact’ is required.

©Susan Dunn, MA, internet marketing coaching, consultant, web strategies and web design, article-writing, ghost-writing.  http://www.webstrategies.cc .  For eBooks on marketing, go here:
http://www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.html .

SEE our MLA Citation Guide

 

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Types of Writing

Persuasive Writing

-This purpose of persuasive writing is to convince the reader of something. The focus of the writing is in extolling the merits of choosing one thing instead of another.

Example Topic: Capital Punishment is a fitting sentence for a criminal convicted of certain crimes. I would first decide how I feel—I’ll go with this—Capital Punishment is a tragedy of the American Justice System. Far too often the jury trial convicts innocent people….

Basically then the rest of the essay would give reasons why Capital Punishment shouldn’t be practiced.

Things to remember…

1. Don’t waiver back and forth in your paper. You are trying to persuade some one that what you believe is correct.

2. Often persuasive papers fail to give the opposing facts full view. This is inherent in the writing style.

3. Avoid using personal pronouns.

4. This is sometimes called an argument paper.

Expository Writing

Expository writing is the type of writing you read most of the time. Textbooks are written in this style. Basically, the word expository means explanatory. The purpose of expository writing is to explain something to someone else. Science books explain chemical reactions occurring in Photosynthesis. Social studies books explain what was happening at particular points in history.

Most of your writing assignments are expository in nature. Generally, expository writing requires the writer to include all the facts about a given topic. If your teacher says to do a research report on the conditions of the American Farmer during the Great Depression you will be writing the facts of the situation.

Things to remember… 1. Pay careful attention to the accuracy of your facts. This paper should be factual and not offer your opinion. 2. Do not include “I think” “my topic” In other words personal pronouns are a no, no here. 3. Don’t Plagiarize! Cite your sources properly. Any information that is not considered common knowledge which you read and reiterated from a source has to be cited. Ideas are the things which are stolen not words. In other words, it needn’t be a direct quote to require citation. The author of the idea must be given credit.

Creative Writing

Creative writing is by far the least restrictive but can be terribly difficult. Creative writing topics include things like poetry assignments, write a story or play assignments, and any other type of writing whose purpose it is to create a product designed to entertain the reader.

Creative writing doesn’t always mean free writing. For example, my ninth grade literature teacher asked us to write a paper on Oedipus Rex from the viewpoint of the pillow.

You may also be asked to write historical fiction—meaning you create your own characters but place them in a historically accurate setting.

The point here is that creative writing includes more than just prose and poetry. Fiction has all sorts of genre, all of which is creative writing.

"We share what we know, so that others may grow".

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candle to it.

- Margaret Fuller (that's a metaphor, btw!).

                                               *

"We share what we know, so that others may grow."

                             *   
Sharing some more Writing Tips (based on interviews with
some famous American writers)

by Craig Lock

This article was based on some interviews with famous American
writers and is written in point form, from notes that I've
taken from some excellent books (see Author's Note at end)...

I believe that anyone with a little talent can become a writer,
look at what Judith Krantz has achieved. It's not so hard to write,
the trick is staying a writer, day after day, month after month,
year after year. A single book doesn't make a writer - but the
totality of one's work does.

NB: Always write to please yourself. I have to write - write from
the heart, the gut.

James Michener only started writing at the age of 40. He thinks
as he walks. Think about the next days writing in advance.

In fiction, SHOW rather than tell. The way you learn to write is
to write. Practice makes "purrfect"...and that's how good writers
perfect their craft. Read a lot: novels, fiction - that's how you
learn to write well. Rewrite and re-write, which is "fine tuning"
your story. It's like polishing a fine gem from a rough stone.

Ernest Hemingway: "There is no sense in writing anything that has
been written before...unless you can beat it."

"Work every day - no matter what has happened the day or night
before. Stop when you're writing well. Then you'll never get
stuck."
- Ernest Hemingway

The human mind works subconsciously, while you are relaxing. If
you worry, your brain gets tired.
Concentration and focus, I believe,  is the key to writing
success.

"If you write a hundred short stories, and they are
all bad, that doesn't mean you've failed. You fail only if you
stop writing."
- Ray Bradbury

Erica Jong: The theme running through all of her books is the
quest for self knowledge. Van Goch only sold one picture in his
lifetime - to his brother! Hope for me then!                     
                                         *
THE NOVEL:

PACE, PLOT
(getting from point A to point B) and THEME are important here;
but the key element in fiction is CHARACTER. It makes the people
come alive; so that THEY tell the story. So write visually.

Joseph Wambaugh (author of The Onion Field) said: "There
are writers around with more talent than I; but there are none
more DISCIPLINED than I."

Wambaugh sets a goal of writing at least 1000 words a day. If an
emergency stops him, he writes 2000 words the next day.
Irving Stone on how to write:

1. Dramatize
2. Use plenty of dialogue
3. Bring your characters to life
4. Use anecdotes and humour.
                                                         *
 In summary...
Writing for me is a mixture of TALENT and DISCIPLINE. Perservere
and stick with it - no matter what.

I don't believe one can
be taught to write; but you can be taught to communicate. If you
can't take the criticism, you're not a writer. The "crit" may
read a book in 2 or 3 days and not get into it; because
critiquing is so subjective.

* PUSH yourself daily. Develop good writing habits.
* STICK WITH IT - DISCIPLINE is the key here. Then,
* TRUST in your ability.

Finally... Just be the very best you can be... and live your
writing, as well as your life dreams.

Happy writing and enjoy the journey.

Craig Lock
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

Author's Note: This article was based on a number of excellent
books on writing: 'Write and Be Published'  by Anna Rogers, 'The
New Zealand Writer's Handbook' by John Parsons, and 'On being a
writer', edited by Bill Strickland.

These three excellent books were a great help to me early in my
writing career. I'm sharing this piece in the spirit of helping
aspiring* writers. I hope the above information may be helpful to
you in writing creatively.

* What's the definition of an aspiring writer?
A waiter!

The "original" Online Creative Writing Course
http://www.craiglock.com/writer/index.html

Craig's FREE e-book Steps to Success is now available at:
http://www.bridgeniche.com/stepstosuccess/

P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already
tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

WHAT IS WRITING STYLE AND HOW DO YOU DEVELOP IT?

by Craig Lock

What is style and how do you acquire it? We all have a natural style. Style is simply the way in which you put words together when you are writing. It is a reflection of your speaking and
thinking habits. Clear, muddled? Some people write in short staccato sentences, sometimes even without using verbs. I believe style can reflect your personality, eg. serious, brusque,
friendly, chatty, "whacky, breezy"... and so on.

In some ways, people can write differently to the way they speak.

I don't usually speak much...but I use plenty of words in my writing!

Good style is essential in any writing.

You won't get published without good style.

It means writing with clarity and precision.

Writing is a craft which needs to be learned and practiced, so be
self critical.

I try to write simply and with little doses of my 'weird' or 'bizarre' (not bazaar) sense of humor and have written this article in a "short and sharp, punchy" style.

I also have a serious, yet simple style for my novels on South Africa. They are written "from the heart" In a totally different style to this lesson/article's "brief, punchy and to the point"
style. I wrote ANGOLAN DAWN in a different style to my other novels to portray the way an unsophisti- cated big word!) Angolan migrant laborer would see the world, think and speak.

In my non-fiction works, like this article and my self-help books, I try to write in a style that will best accomplish my writing aim: to "inform, entertain and hopefully even inspire people to reach out and become all they are CAPABLE of being".

HOW TO USE DIFFERENT STYLES

Your style can vary from time to time to suit the subject.

A good writer is able to vary their style to suit the subject matter and the publication concerned.

For example, use short simple sentences when writing for very young children.

When writing articles for magazines, keep them strictly factual and to the point.

No room for my flowery sort of language!

Style varies from publication to publication.

Some prefer to stick strictly to the facts of the matter, while others allow their writers to digress.

IS YOUR MEANING CLEAR?

That for me is good style.

TONE This reveals your unique personality. It means "how are you coming across" ? #

# Can I end a sentence with a "preppie"?

Is your tone angry, arrogant, breezy, sarcastic, bitter, ironic, cynical or informal? What do you think is the tone of this lesson
(article)?

Tone may be used to inform or instruct.

You should use variety in your choice of rhythms.

In my non-fiction works, I try to write in a simple and unobtrusive style, with the odd "whacky" bit of humor thrown in to keep the reader entertained, as well as informed.

I believe anyone can improve their style by reading and writing more.

Look at how successful authors do it and make a mental note (I have no time for reading these days!).

Practice your own writing regularly, stand back dispassionately and look at it.

Read the words out aloud, or preferably get someone else to read your work out to you. Ask yourself this important question: DO
THE SENTENCES FLOW NICELY?

Look at the flow: Is there variety in the length and structure of the sentences?

Correct awkward phrases or obvious repetitions.

Check is your meaning clear?

With no waffling (must heed that one!).

Then rewrite and rewrite to improve the quality of your work.

Top writers rewrite many many times over.

Be aware that style can be changed to suit circumstances.

Style is very individual - it is your own style...and is YOURS alone - your unique personality "shining through".

Style may be simple, formal, and even utilize slang, or be more complex with long sentences, sub-clauses and paragraphs; but it should never lose its essential clarity.

The essence of good style, I believe, is SIMPLICITY. In writing articles for say, newspapers, your preference will largely depend on your market.

For example in the UK, British newspapers like 'The Sun' generally have a short and sharp style - to appeal to the masses.

'The Times' usually has longer and more demanding prose to stimulate "more edu-ma-cated" readers.

I've written this article in a "short and sharp, punchy" style.

I also have a serious, yet simple style for my novels on South Africa. They are written "from the heart" In a totally different style to this lesson/article's "brief, punchy and to the point"
style. I wrote ANGOLAN DAWN in a different style to my other novels to portray the way an unsophisticated big word!) Angolan migrant laborer would see the world, think and speak

In my non-fiction works, like this article and my self-help books, I try to write in a style that will best accomplish my writing aim: to "inform, entertain and hopefully even inspire people to reach out and become all they are CAPABLE of being".

* When I write articles for "the international market" of the net, I don't target particular countries and try to adapt my writing style. I've found that people around the world don't seem
to mind the fact that I may use "funny" words or spelling - small details, like "s's" instead of "z's", color or color...as long as the grammar is reasonably correct. I just try to write in my
"natural style with the odd bit of whacky and zany" humor - one in which I feel comfortable (seeing I was brought up in South Africa with British English) and suggest you writers do the same.

My advice is just find your "natural style" by writing as you Speak - as practice writing in your "natural style" breeds confidence. I hope this article may be helpful to you in learning more about your own "natural style."

Happy writing

Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com

The various books* that Craig Lock "felt inspired to write" are available at: http://www.bridgeniche.com

* Hard copies and e-books: Fiction and non-fiction, novels, travel, humor, inspiration, self help and money books

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED.

A Research Guide 

"The goal of this Web site is to provide all the necessary tools for students to conduct research and to present their findings. Site provides a Quick Click to Search Engines, annotated Research, Writing, and Style Guides (MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian, CGOS, CBE, Harvard), and Worlds of Knowledge housing some of the best education Web sites in a Virtual Library arranged by the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The DDC was created by Melvil Dewey in 1873 and was first published in 1876. Web sites in this virtual library are organized somewhat loosely by subject according to recent editions of the DDC.

 

The site also provides guidelines on: How to write an A+ research paper, How to effectively deliver a presentation, How to format a research or term paper, How to quote passages, How not to plagiarize, How to write Footnotes and Endnotes with examples on writing First Footnotes and Endnotes in MLA style plus a Footnotes Sample Page and an Endnotes Sample Page.

 

See also How to write Parenthetical References or Parenthetical Documentation using MLA style with examples and a Parenthetical References Sample Page. Site includes How to write a Bibliography or a Works Cited page, a Works Cited Sample Page using MLA citations, as well as a chapter devoted to Bibliography Examples where you can follow simple examples on how to write a bibliography not only for books, magazines, encyclopedias, newspapers, maps, charts, interviews, videos, movies, etc. but Internet citations as well.

 

Included in this Web site are Abbreviations of Months of the Year, Days of the Week, Books of the Bible, as well as Abbreviations, Facts, Flags, Maps of States in the United States of America, of Provinces and Territories in Canada, and of Countries of the World with International Country Codes and National Anthems.

http://www.aresearchguide.com/