Dear Plagiarist,
I must admit, at first encounter I was misled, fooled. When you wrote in to express your admiration of my blog and my books, I was flattered. When you asked for my advice I told you what I knew in good faith. I did not read your blog. I hardly ever add new subscriptions to my Google Reader, preferring to stick with the old dozen or so, keeping their links warm even when they go on breaks. And so, I did not know what tricks you were up to. You were even less popular than me - there was not much chance of anyone figuring out what the hell was happening, that you were indeed the thief of my voice.
I am no stranger to plagiarism. It is rampant on the web. I have seen friends fall prey to it when entire blog posts have been lifted and passed off as the thief's own. I have bristled in indignation. We have all come down on such people in herds, criticizing them vociferously. In most cases, such people tuck tails between legs and slink off, only to resurface again somewhere else later.
But you, you don't lift passages. You lift my style. I wouldn't have known this had this eagle-eyed friend not pointed it out. It piqued my curiousity enough to read your blog and honestly, my heart sank. Just a random phrase here, a certain turn of phrase there and you were running a diluted Radio Parul of sorts. I tried to be flattered about it at first but the nauseating feeling continued. You see, inspiration needs to be credited. Had your banner declared in a bold font that your blog is nothing but a tribute to me - a fan-blog, if you please - it would have completely taken the edge off but now, I only feel robbed of my words.
Everyone knows what a tricky thing the writer's voice is. If we read and admire any author, we tend to get influenced by them. I have shouted about my own love for PG Wodehouse from the rooftops and every time a 'What, ho?' leaves my mouth or my pen, it is a tribute to that master of wit. But I am no Wodehouse, I am just a small-time writer with barely two books under my belt, none of them astounding successes. When you get inspired by me and pass it off as your own, you are doing me a great disservice.
It is easy to call someone out when direct lifts are being made. How do you call someone out when they take your life - your easy-going husband that contrasts your own hyper self, sleepless children, adventures in resorts, hotels, planes, your childhood and how you want it to influence your children, your difficulties with the help, your everlasting affair with books - and write about it in a strikingly similar style and show no remorse? Perhaps you, dear plagiarist, justify it to yourself saying that these are common themes and anyone could talk about them. The only problem is that you would be lying and you know it. Had it been a little less subtle, I would have had no qualms in reporting you and believe me, I know what I am talking about. I am a writer and understanding copyright laws is important for me. But you, you are copying themes, making a mish-mash and then reflecting in stolen glory.
I know there are bloggers out there who lead lives uncannily similar to ours. I don't want to name my friends in this letter (which is all about you, really) who could be my long-lost twins, so similar are our attitudes and values and yes, even lives. The only difference is - their voices are their own. And so, when they get book-deals and publish articles, I rejoice and revel in their success. When you do the same, it's a direct hit on my own creative process. If you need me to jog your memory, although I suspect there is no need for that, perhaps you should read this post once again and remember how you lifted it. And this. And this. And this. And Chapter 14, page 135-138 of Bringing Up Vasu - That First Year too. I know I am not the only one you copy from. It is only a matter of time before the others figure it out too. Do consider that.
I must admit, at first encounter I was misled, fooled. When you wrote in to express your admiration of my blog and my books, I was flattered. When you asked for my advice I told you what I knew in good faith. I did not read your blog. I hardly ever add new subscriptions to my Google Reader, preferring to stick with the old dozen or so, keeping their links warm even when they go on breaks. And so, I did not know what tricks you were up to. You were even less popular than me - there was not much chance of anyone figuring out what the hell was happening, that you were indeed the thief of my voice.
I am no stranger to plagiarism. It is rampant on the web. I have seen friends fall prey to it when entire blog posts have been lifted and passed off as the thief's own. I have bristled in indignation. We have all come down on such people in herds, criticizing them vociferously. In most cases, such people tuck tails between legs and slink off, only to resurface again somewhere else later.
But you, you don't lift passages. You lift my style. I wouldn't have known this had this eagle-eyed friend not pointed it out. It piqued my curiousity enough to read your blog and honestly, my heart sank. Just a random phrase here, a certain turn of phrase there and you were running a diluted Radio Parul of sorts. I tried to be flattered about it at first but the nauseating feeling continued. You see, inspiration needs to be credited. Had your banner declared in a bold font that your blog is nothing but a tribute to me - a fan-blog, if you please - it would have completely taken the edge off but now, I only feel robbed of my words.
Everyone knows what a tricky thing the writer's voice is. If we read and admire any author, we tend to get influenced by them. I have shouted about my own love for PG Wodehouse from the rooftops and every time a 'What, ho?' leaves my mouth or my pen, it is a tribute to that master of wit. But I am no Wodehouse, I am just a small-time writer with barely two books under my belt, none of them astounding successes. When you get inspired by me and pass it off as your own, you are doing me a great disservice.
It is easy to call someone out when direct lifts are being made. How do you call someone out when they take your life - your easy-going husband that contrasts your own hyper self, sleepless children, adventures in resorts, hotels, planes, your childhood and how you want it to influence your children, your difficulties with the help, your everlasting affair with books - and write about it in a strikingly similar style and show no remorse? Perhaps you, dear plagiarist, justify it to yourself saying that these are common themes and anyone could talk about them. The only problem is that you would be lying and you know it. Had it been a little less subtle, I would have had no qualms in reporting you and believe me, I know what I am talking about. I am a writer and understanding copyright laws is important for me. But you, you are copying themes, making a mish-mash and then reflecting in stolen glory.
I know there are bloggers out there who lead lives uncannily similar to ours. I don't want to name my friends in this letter (which is all about you, really) who could be my long-lost twins, so similar are our attitudes and values and yes, even lives. The only difference is - their voices are their own. And so, when they get book-deals and publish articles, I rejoice and revel in their success. When you do the same, it's a direct hit on my own creative process. If you need me to jog your memory, although I suspect there is no need for that, perhaps you should read this post once again and remember how you lifted it. And this. And this. And this. And Chapter 14, page 135-138 of Bringing Up Vasu - That First Year too. I know I am not the only one you copy from. It is only a matter of time before the others figure it out too. Do consider that.
So do me a favour - get real, get original and get a life. You cannot borrow from someone for all your life. Do the decent thing by me, by you and your family - I'm sure they can take no pride in someone who is swelling up like a toad (a completely original phrase that you will not find even on Google) in work that is only a derivation of the original. Derivation, without credit is also plagiarism, my friend. Plus don't you want to be the real thing for once in your life? Try it, it feels great.
Right then -ouch- we have reached the end. I have no doubt in my mind that you will read this, just like you do every word I ever write. I also have no doubt in my mind that you know who you are.
I wish you well, provided you stop your stealing ways.
Parul
19 comments:
I rarely comment here and read your posts on and off..I really do wonder if anyone can call someone a plagiarist just because someone sounds like someone else.I have no clue who the copy-cat is ,nor have i read the posts, so I might be completely wrong.But saying that your "voice" is being copied by someone else and that someone is a plagiarist sounds a little too much. Just my two cents.
Bhargavi....hey, I remember you. You wrote a review for BTWC. I can see you are struggling with the whole concept of voice theft. I suggest you read aneela's post on the subject, she explains it very well. Otherwise, my mild suggestion is that you let it go. This letter is meant for only one person and I know she will understand.
It would be nice to have your two cents on the good days too. Just saying.
Loved Aneela's post. I hope that the person doing this will figure out that her own life is worth writing abt and create her own special voice.
PS: how come no one wants to steal the idea of 4 kids?
i spent half the evening wondering if it was me?
and the other half of the evening i spent eating my palak panneer version 1.0, still wondering if it was me.
pps: sraikh: nice try.
Ouch Parul .That's terrible - One can only hope that the person plagiarising your works realises the foolishness of what she is doing .
Sraikh....be careful what you wish for!
Mim....let's focus on the important things, how was the palak paneer?
Eve's lungs...this is a step in that direction.
palak panneer was 2.0 quality. only because a friend entered the kitchen and took over the cooking. i was left to do the grinding and spilling.
the contents of the mixie were on my kurta and half the kitchen.
clean up, therefore, had to be upped to a never-seen- before 3.0 level.
so when do we meet the ctrl+c gal. or am i her?
mim...I have ensured that my palak paneer is always perfect. My mum makes it. It's so much more fun talking about food than plagiarists.
Take this as a sign of your fame and your writing style. Heck, woman, no one has yet copied my research papers yet. Not even the abstracts!
In other news, had koftas and tamarind rice last night, and somehow thought of you :) Do you like them?
how awful. i rarely comment but do love reading your posts. i rarely finish a post without sporting a goofy grin which i furtively hope no one notices. just wanted to tell you that i really love the way you write. i haven't read either of your books yet but hope to rectify it soon. and though i haven't read the plagiarist's posts, i'm sure that they can't ever measure up to the original. hope you keep writing.
Are u not going to reveal identity?
Hi Parul, I think its terrible to steal someone elses thought,words or as you put it voice. A very well written post.
My question for the person is why write a blog when there are no personal thoughts or voice to pen down ? Whats the point ??
I Googled "swelling up like a toad" and found 2860 references, none of which were this blog...I also found more than 1500 other blogs by Googling "my easygoing husband." Just sayin'....
I think you need to have more confidence in your own writing. Your voice is unique, even if there are many elements of your life and your style that are shared by others.
I haven't commented in a long time,but this one made me stop and comment..I mean..ridiculous!! What is it that makes people do something like this?
LOL@Sraikh and Mim-Keep Practising the Palak Paneer,so that the next time,I have a layover in Malaysia,I can pop-over for lunch!
gah parul! second Starry! are we not to know who it is?!
i did copy your idea of monthly milestones and was tempted to copy the letter writing thing too, but i cant make it half as funny, fun and sensible! :)
cheers!
The voyeur in me is really curious now :) Just for the record.
Copying is terrible. But well, hopefully you've done enough pranayaam to let it out of your system now. Hugs. Hope 'she' stops now and finds 'her own' voice.
Your posts have been lifted this blatantly?! Terrible thing to do. Am glad that you wrote about this.
I dont know if your posts have been lifted because you dont tell who is doing the deed?
Not to throw a wrench on your bubble, but you copy a lot of things sub consciously from other authors too, especially phrases that are oh so american and not taught for sure in Indian Grammar schools. There are no originals left anymore ala Charles Dickens or Dumas or Tolstoy. Having said that if somebody is copying your style (if you have one) will be really diffcult to prove, unless they are Lifting whole sentences and paragraphs verbatim. Thats the risk you take, blogging.
Maddie
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