WhatsTheBuzzAbout.com

Using Ideas, Language, and Intellectual Property without Permission

It seems that many people believe that it is acceptable to use another’s ideas, etc., without even discussing it, much less getting approval.  Have you noticed photos used or quotations made without attribution? If so, you have observed just the surface of what is prevalent.  Let’s take a few examples.

Using Photos and Images

How many times have you seen photos used in postings on blogs or in other documents when you cannot find any source for the photos or the images? Often free photos are used, but many times they are not and there is no attribution for them.  Individuals may not have obtained authority to use certain photos or images but are not deterred by that—perhaps they do not even consider the ownership.

Sometimes, the photos and images may be familiar to you, but if you try to locate the source it is impossible. We have great search programs for words, but few search programs for images. If you want to use the same image, you are left with little help in finding the owner in order to obtain approval to use that image.  Have individuals used your images without approval?

Using Language

A certain web site manager used identical introduction, invitation, and thank you language for his group as the language used by another web site manager who had multiple sites and who had developed and used the language to standardize the approach. When the issue was raised to the first individual who had simply copied the language and replaced the name of the web site with his, he quickly changed his modus operandi.  He knew that what he was doing was not appropriate, and he simply waited to see if he would be caught. Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery. Had he contacted the other manager first, it might have proven beneficial to both to work out some sort of strategic alliance and coordination. Alas, he blew it by copying something that was already copyrighted and not coordinating.  Have you used language that someone else used and not checked with them to get his or her approval?

Using Ideas

Another individual developed a great introduction idea for a posting in a group. The group owner wanted to adopt it in other groups and wrote to the individual to get approval. He or she never received a reply and went ahead and used it in other groups and invited that individual to join those groups. The individual who came up with the initial idea was able to observe that it was used and expressed no objection.  The idea took off and has been very effective in helping individuals become connected.

However, in another case, a web site owner was speaking with a potential strategic alliance partner about some domains that he or she had. The potential partner agreed that it was worth moving forward on the concept of the domain names. The next thing that happened was that the potential partner registered a similar domain name and launched his own platform. Now, much later, he wants to consider a strategic alliance again. What do you think the web site owner should do?  It is one thing to forgive a dog that bites and quite another to go back into the same yard again where the dog spends his time. 

Summary

It is rarely in your best interest to use ideas, language, images, photos, or anything else which is the property of others and which is not authorized for you to use. Integrity is something for which there is no compromise. These examples present small ethical issues, but they give you an idea of the standards by which people operate. Either your work is original or parts of it are not and you should make it a point to give proper credit when required.

What is your buzz about?

Should You Brand Yourself Through Posting?

Have you noticed that some individuals post new information, others post opinions, and others simply post links to other people’s work, news articles, or web sites?  If you step back, you will see a trend for your postings. Are you contributing new information and insights to groups or are you a referral library sending people to other locations to retrieve information?

Posting New Information

If you provide new content, new information, and fresh ideas using your expertise, you are doing the group and yourself a great service. Others can benefit from your gifts without leaving the site and therefore, can remain focused on the group, the topic and the content that site provides. They are encouraged by your postings to follow suit thereby enriching the group as a whole. The value of the group, understanding of the dynamics of the group, and focused conversations will be increased.  You will also begin to be recognized for your contributions and your expertise.

Posting Opinions

If you post opinions, you are spurring conversations and communication. You may evoke controversy as a result and you need to be prepared to tolerate, ignore, or accept negative responses or judgment which you may or may not deserve. However, you are increasing others’ awareness of a topic or position and causing them to think about it. Posting opinions alone is not a problem. However, if all you post are opinions, your value to the group is limited by your self-imposed limitation. Think about stepping out and sharing information as well.

Posting Links

If you post links, you may be providing new information. However, you are inadvertently sending people away from the group. Posting links alone does not necessarily build your credibility as a person with knowledge, insight, or expertise. If you want to post a link and can do so in the space allotted, think about including information about the link and what is significant in your mind which makes that link valuable. Posting links which are referenced in an article or posting that you wrote is of value and necessary. However, often individuals simply post a link with no commentary and no reference as to the significance of the link. You will see postings that simply say something along the line of “check this out” and then the link.

Branding Yourself

What you post will determine whether you are establishing or cementing your own brand. Think about the content of your postings and whether they will add to or detract from your mission, your goals, and the purpose of the group. If you want to ensure you are continuing to brand yourself according to plan, make certain that whatever you post is clearly attributable to you and is of value to the readers.  

What is your buzz about?