Not going to worry about the formatting of this post … suffice it to say, I am taking all my blogs offline. I’ll give this post a day or two to alert regular readers, however.
A nice woman from England, experiencing her own plagiarism issues, alerted me this morning that at least one of my posts was plagiarized. I immediately did my own search, using a unique set of words from within the post in question. Sure enough, there was my post on someone else’s blog; predated by a year, but there nonetheless. Not talking a word or two here … rather, the entire post … pictures and all … was lifted.
To make matters worse, looks like someone else might have stolen the entire blog.
I will be dealing with Google/Blogger to resolve the issue. But in the meantime, I am going offline.
This may be the incentive I’ve been looking for to return to personal journaling.
Sorry to leave any stories hanging, but in an already busy lifestyle, I do not need the additional hassle of monitoring blog posts to ensure they are not stolen.
The reasons why people steal posts matter not one whit to me. THEY ARE IDIOTS AND THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO IT.
But why does it bother you? In all seriousness, what difference does it make...?
ReplyDeleteWhy would I want someone else living my life? The blog has never been about creating a worldwide audience so much as writing a journal I can refer to for virtual memories. And if others "read and enjoyed" those experiences ... great. Anything above and beyond that is unacceptable.
DeleteOkay.Whatever's important to you. It wouldn't bother me at all. Especially since it's probably posted on some obscure site where it's never going to be seen anyhow.
DeleteSeems to me, +Kevin Read, that Erin's blog posts are excellent travelogues, something that people could make money doing and many do. My blog is never as detailed or as researched as Erin's, and I completely understand why she does not want someone else taking credit for the extensive work and research she does to post her stories, much less her excellent wildlife photography.
DeleteI completely agree with you, Sue Malone!
DeleteSorry you're having to deal with this, understand why you're taking the blogs offline...hopefully it will get resolved and you'll be back. Safe travels and we'll see you down the road.
ReplyDeleteOh heck. I think it's hit all of us. Does this mean you won't be finishing your Antarctic travels online? I hope not. But if you do, I'll understand. Blogging is becoming less fun, isn't it? Idiots and worse. I don't quite get Kevin's response. My blog is written by me, for me and my family and friends, and not for someone else to steal. What's the answer, beyond going offline, do you know, Erin? I'll miss your posts....
ReplyDeleteBecause I don't get what difference it makes. Where ever it was posted, it's probably on some obscure site that nobody ever reads anyhow. Although I don't understand why a thief would steal a blog post, I also don't see the big deal.
DeleteI honestly don't know, Nickie. It's very frustrating. Looks like the weather in Colorado might be crappy the next couple of days, so I may have time on my hands to do research instead of hiking
DeleteObscurity is not the point, Kevin. Each to his own. I choose to let it bother me, so I will take steps accordingly.
DeleteI've never heard of this before. I, for one, will miss your posts.
ReplyDeleteI knew of it ... I guess I was just naive enough to think it wouldn't happen to me.
DeleteYes, Erin, and Judy, I had heard of it as well, and so far it hasn't happened to me that I know of. However...I would say that it just goes to show how your blog posts are for a much wider audience as a travel journal and excellent travel writing and photography that your average blog.
DeleteI can understand why you're upset and I think I would be too. I'll miss reading about your travels and seeing your great photography.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this. I guess I'm not surprised this happens, but I never though anyone would steal an entire blog or blog post. I did find one of my photos somewhere else once.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely ridiculous. We enjoy so much reading about you and Mui's adventures. You do such a great job, and I love your photos. I can see why someone else would want to use your material but that doesn't make it right at all. So very sorry. Please write to us if you can and let us know how you to are doing. God Bless you and your travels. You are two of the really good guys!
ReplyDeleteIt's your blog.. Your words and your pictures!.. Never mind the fact that it's your life and your adventures that some has 'stolen'.. Of course it's a problem and it DOES MATTER!!
ReplyDeleteErin I hope you find a satisfactory resolution to this. I love reading your blog and viewing your pictures. I guess your blog has gotten "too good" if someone is willing to steal the content. (I don't think I'll ever have to worry about that.) Best of luck to you and Mui. Don't be strangers.
ReplyDeleteHmm this is not good :( I hope this will be resolved. Im going to miss your photos, Erin, not to mention the stories behind them. Looking forward to any path you have taken where we can still follow you, what ever platform that would be. I will be on the lookout too, for I don't want anybody to plagiarized my work.
ReplyDeleteYup, the front range in CO will be getting severe thunderstorms this weekend. Enjoy the weather where you are and come to CO when it calms down.
Stay safe we will stay tune.
I have never even thought about this issue. Your blog is a very serious travel journal unlike mine so I suppose Sue is right, they might be able to make some money by stealing it. Money seems to be at the bottom of everything. I hope there is a way to make it "private" to only those whom you approve and that I'll be one of them. :-)
ReplyDeleteSherry, if I combine my two blogs ... because at that point it will no longer make sense to have two blogs ... and go private, I will place a post here and ask those interested to email me. I have emails for some readers, but not for all, and I believe it is the email address that allows others to access private blogs. But I have to further research that.
DeleteSorry to hear that you are having these issues with your blog. I will be sorry to see you go.
ReplyDeleteWTF??
ReplyDeleteDon't recall quote origin, but it sure applies.
Hang in there.
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but you lack my creativity, personality and talent, so just stop it before you hurt yourself"
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this. I feel for you. It happened to me in 2013...see http://travelbug-susan.blogspot.com/2013/04/v-is-for-violated-thurs-apr-25.html. I worked with Google on copyright infringement, filled out all their forms, and they did shut it down. However, I should probably check again because it's been a while.
Please do work with Google, I'm a big believer in shutting down plaigerizers. I hope you will continue blogging or give us some way to follow you. We'll miss your writing, travels, and photos.
Susan & Bob
I am so sad to learn about this latest turn of events with your blog. So many people enjoy your gorgeous photographs and beautiful words and will miss reading about your adventures. I was especially looking forward to following your visit to Colorado. It is such a shame that one (or more) rotten apples spoil things for you and for everyone else. I wish you luck in trying to resolve this mess.
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering if you could make your blog private so that only you could look at it. Would that help so that you could keep it running for your own private usage?
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the options I am researching.
DeleteThat is the craziest thing I ever heard. I can understand your feelings on it, your blog is very personal and you put a lot of time and effort into it. Selfishly, I don't want to lose touch.
ReplyDeleteBut copying an entire blog sounds more like stealing your identity.
ReplyDeleteNot really, anonymous, because the "scraper" makes no pretense at being me ... and his/her blog is filled with posts from multiple blogs.
ReplyDelete