I Gave Him the Care He Needed

As a writer, the only thing that brings you satisfaction is to publish your work and communicate it to the world out there. But what happens when someone grabs your work without your permission and publishes it as their own?

Unfortunately, this is the reality many writers confront, and it’s precisely what happened to me.

I committed my time to studying new authors articles yesterday, where I encountered a dreadful deed that has the possibility of harming my reputation. I came across an article that, by merely viewing the subject, I felt the element of familiarity.

So, I opt to open it, and while I was reading, I’m not very sure if I am reading my piece or someone else's work. But one thing is certain: I once wrote something like this. 🤔😲 I noticed that the writer plagiarized my essay genuinely, without my knowledge or consent.

Before I proceed, I would want to hear from you. If this occurs to you, what would be your reaction?

Anyway, let me illustrate the repercussions of plagiarism.

Plagiarism is an infraction that the penalties may harm both the plagiarist and primary author, since media can take significant action on both sides.

Plagiarism has the ability to ruin the reputation of the plagiarist and lead to a lack of confidence from his followers; it may also lead to suspension or revocation.

Plagiarism has its implications on the original author also; when someone steals your work, it simply means they are stealing part of your credit, which means they are indirectly gaining from your work monetarily.

Meanwhile, this was my behavior upon finding that someone had stolen my carefully produced piece.

Immediately I discovered that one of my old articles had been stolen. I scrolled down and pinned the particular article, then crosschecked it with the plagiarized one. As soon as I reconfirmed it, I was so furious and wanted to report the person, but on second thought, something came to my mind: 'For someone to steal my article, does that mean I’m a good writer, or is it because the article in question gained hundreds of claps and comments?’?

Though I later found out that it was because the article garnered dozens of comments and claps, the plagiarist thinks if he should write something like this, he would also get such a high number of claps and comments.

Well, I chose not to complain at first and simply send the individual a courteous private letter to pull down the article and never to steal not just my stuff but any other person’s own.

The plagiarist returned to my reply swiftly, apologized for his wrongdoing, and pledged never to engage himself in such conduct again.

Did I do the right thing?

I feel I did the right thing for now, albeit I learned three (3) great things from the event:

It is extremely crucial to preserve your intellectual work by being alert about plagiarism.

It’s always wise to approach such a scenario properly and gently.

Plagiarism is a serious act that carries significant implications for both the plagiarist and the original author.

As a writer, always remember that your work is important; therefore, don’t let anybody take away your reputation.

THANK YOU 🙏