Having been published numerous times as a song writer, as well as an author, I know only too well about plagiarism. Yet so many people still have so many misconceptions of the topic.

Plagiarism is NOT writing a sentence exactly the same as anyone else.Considering the many millions of people in this world, surely sooner or later we are going to find someone who thinks rather similar. Or someone who says exactly the same thing at some time in their lives. It's all in the context of use, that plagiarism comes into being.

Plagiarism is NOT having the same ideas as another person either, as we all, at times, are on the same wave length as another person.

Plagiarism does NOT involve seeing something in the same light as another.Basically agreeing with what they have said, yet penning something about it in our OWN words.

It's so hard to accuse anyone of plagiarism as it is essential to prove beyond a doubt that the thought WASN'T this person's. And how does one do that? Unless word for word is used in written works. And even then it is still so hard to challenge something a sbeing plagiarized.

Many years back, I met a woman who was a songwriter, we sat down and challenged each other to write a song titled. "Boot scooting baby" well two hours later we were both in for a big shock, as hers began with "She scooted out to the dance floor" Mine began "She walked onto the dance floor." Now we had sat several feet away from each other, while three other peole were in attendance. Neither of us were plagiarists, we both were simply on the same wave length!

It amazes me how many people scream "plagiarist" simply because at times, someone does not cite where they gained their knowledge.Yet in my own case, my knowledge is often simply due to personal experience.So why should I feel the need to state that I have some intelligence of my own?

It's the same with inventors at times, we often think of something we feel is a great concept.Yet before we know it, someone has marketed our very thoughts.

Plagiarism is when someone reads something, then rearranges the paragraphs, but still has the information word for word.

It is when someone places song lyrics in posts,(songs that are copyrighted and already well known to others.) And then claim fame for themselves.

Plagiarism has NEVER been the act of taking a concept and elaborating on that.(Not if your elaboration is much more detailed and differs in several areas.)

Learn more about this author, Shenni Bubb.
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