If you have a website, you need to protect your content.
There are endless numbers of lazy lowlifes out there who recklessly “borrow” and “use” the content of others, thinking absolutely nothing of their shortcuts. Whether they come across it online, on Pinterest, or wherever… without the appropriate steps being taken, this is still theft. Copyright Infringement. FRAUD. Why should you care? Because their duplication of your original content can lower YOUR google ranking by penalizing YOU rather than the thief…
If you have a website, you might want to take a look at what copyscape can do to help you. You might be surprised by what you find if you run a search of your own site… If you do find that someone has stolen your content, copyscape will advise you on next steps to take.
Then there is the issue of your photos…
If you are not taking your own images for your website, you should strongly consider it. If you are taking other peoples’ images — you should stop immediately. Do not assume that it is enough to simply type the name of where you saw the photo… or do the ‘hail mary’ move of “saw it on pinterest”. These sloppy errors can get you into legal trouble. Try checking your site and your images through TinEye to see if anybody else is using them. If you want to learn a little more about photo copyright, I refer you to a previous post on Copyright Issues for Bloggers.
Original content is what separates the pros from the amateurs.
I am being nice when I call lazy dishonest people amateurs. Take the time and effort to deliver fresh, original content- and make sure you are protected against those who do not. Anybody who gets exposed for plagiarism can well expect a public current day version of tar & feathers …or worse. Excuses of “intent” or naiveté simply will be of no help to you. The mistake could cost you untold amounts in legal expenses. In three words: not worth it. If you are unable to find the content originator — and ask for permission, don’t proceed with the content.
Well said! A site’s own photos, unless using media photos from a company/sponsor, do make a difference. Love your characterization “hail Mary pass” on the via Pinterest as a source. Lameo! I click away from those sites because it shows they don’t care to do the work. 99% of the time you can find the true source of a Pinterest photo – not always. But when one really knows what they are writing about, they likely have their own photos not be just an armchair author.
yes, of course, Lisa, there are exceptions, great point…
Fantastic advice Courtney! I’m going to look into all of this further. Thanks and have a great weekend. xo Nancy
Thanks Nancy, let me know if you find anything…
well, here you go helping us again-doing the homework! Thank you! I need to look into this.
Thanks Rita!