Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Plagiarized, but Triumphant!

*****

Today, I'm posting an update from Jane Banning. Many of you will know her as "Carmen" from my recent post on plagiarism. Jane has done a tremendous job of battling her plagiarist. I thought we'd all benefit from seeing what she's done. Her story is full of valuable lessons to us all.

If you're interested in reading Jane's rightfully published work, you can find it across the internet. A Google search should help you find it. Jane also has several pieces published in the 30 Days, 30 Writes chapbook. Use the link at right to navigate to a pdf copy.

Now to Jane's update:

Since the last post, several things have happened.

-The person has agreed to try to find all the sites where the poem was sent and posted. This is a very good thing. He isn’t blocking me on it. To help this along, I have set a Google alert for his name and the title, so I get notified any time either appears. Then I make sure to follow up with the editor, forwarding the original email I sent to this person, which has my poem. Thank goodness for the brilliance of the ‘sent’ box. Thank goodness I keep all my correspondence about my writing.

-Every editor, all six of them, have agreed to take the poem down. Many of them have expressed disappointment, shame, or disbelief. A couple of them have added multiple exclamation marks to their replies.

-For my part, I’m much more cautious about sending work out. Several people have commented that while critique is always helpful, I should trust my instincts and my abilities. I’m listening.

-I do not believe that this episode is a form of flattery. I do believe it is – not ill will against me personally – but the result of cavalier indifference, inattention, laziness, and carelessness. I suppose I could go all out with a lawsuit or injunction. I could turn from trust to bitterness. But I’m not made that way. If this poem does need a lawsuit, I’ll get it one. In the meantime, I’m moving forward, writing, and keeping on.

Thank you to everyone who commented on the post; your support means more than you can know.

5 comments:

J.C. Towler said...

You go, Jane. And don't let this incident completely disabuse you of the help a critique group can provide. Just know your circle and keep it tight.

Thanks for the update, Greta.

--John

... Paige said...

thanks for sharing this information with us all

Stephen said...

Thank you for the update. It's a shame how a violation of trust can have such far-reaching consequences. Still, like John advised, don't allow it to keep you from the benefits of faithful friends who can provide you with a sounding board or a fresh set of eyes.

Linda said...

Thanks Jane for outing yourself -- and this guy! I cannot imagine how difficult the past days have been. And thank you for the information, very much appreciated. I think JC hit the nail on the head -- keep your critters close. Hang tough, girl! Peace, Linda

jb said...

Thanks Linda, Stephen, Paige and John! I haven't heard anything for a while from 'him' so perhaps we're done.
Please let me know if there's ever anything I can do for any of you.
And Greta: thanks for providing the venue for this exchange.
jb