As a fairly new book blogger and one working hard trying to find my own voice, I could of course have tried to plagiarize other fabulous reviewers but honest people just don't do things like that! It's stealing! Book blogging takes a lot of time spent reading and writing, and taking someones word from them is not only a crime but a great offense and shows lack of respect for other people.
I struggle hard to be a better book reviewer as I'm guessing most of my fellow book bloggers does as well. I strongly doubt that anyone will find my reviews worth plagiarizing(as it probably shines through my ramblings that English is my second language) but knowing the amount of time and effort being spent book blogging I can only begin to imagine what it must feel like to see ones own review on another blog.
It's not a contest about being the one getting the largest pile of ARC's. If the plagiarist has gotten a review copy from the publisher that means the publisher wanted your honest opinion about the novel, not one that is already out there. They have spent money shipping the book your way so don't waste their time and money.
The moral is don't steal the work of others, whether from a book blogger or any one else, it definitely doesn't make you more popular. The community doesn't work that way and someone will notice your crime, maybe not today but someone will notice. And you know what? It will most definitely not make you a better book reviewer!
Some way more articulate posts on the above mentioned matter:
- Adele over at Persnickety Snark: Plagiarism - The Silent Crime and A follow up.
- Steph Su over at Steph Su Reads: Plagiarism in the Blogosphere.
- Tirzah Price over at The Compulsive Reader: Just a reminder - Paraphrasing is plagiarism.
- Kristi over at The Story Siren: My one piece of advice.
- Lenore over at Presenting Lenore: Plagiarism Is So Not Cool.
- Liz over at My Favorite Books: Let's talk about Plagiarism today!
