Comments on: Inspiration VS Imitation

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:47:36 +0000

First of all, let me say that I love the way that you link to other bloggers. I think that’s a great way to “play it forward,” something that you’ve always done (and that I appreciate greatly).

I think that if a post is intended to answer another post, or if the other post is quoted, then there should be a link.

However, I also see Anne and Winnie’s points.

Speaking for myself, I often blog about problems that I am experiencing or have experienced. I don’t necessarily base my posts on something that I read, but many of my experiences are common to a lot of people. It makes sense that there would be a lot of posts out there on the same topic.

For example, I know that I’ve blogged about stress before. It’s something that I have to deal with from time to time and I know that I’m not the only one blogging about it.

I also use an editorial calendar and whenever possible schedule posts in advance.

All in all, good thought here (and a good topic for discussion).
.-= Laura Spencer´s last blog ..Debunking the Freelance Writers as Corporate Trash Myth =-.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:51:39 +0000

Excellent points Deb… but ultimately almost everything is derivative. Although I do work to give credit where it’s due I also know darn well that even my best “original” idea is build on someone’s or maybe several someone’s.

I do, however, look at writing blogs for ideas and often find I find one that sparks a whole different track…

Like all of us I stand on great shoulders.

Thanks,

A
.-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..How To Improve Your Writing 2 – Resource Roundup Tuesday =-.

By: winnie

winnie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:06:44 +0000

My inspirations come from day to day things, it could be one word or a whole sentence I hear, from people or just watching or listening….depends. I love it because i never know what I am going to come up with. Good read I call it.

By: Heiddi

Heiddi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:16:35 +0000

Hi Deb – I agree with Dawn above. Give credit where it is due and then write. Use quotes, articles, or posts as a jumpstart (letting the readers know what you think) name the person who provided the info and then put down your point of view. As Dawn shared, every person has a particular perspective and worldview. I wouldn’t want anyone copying my work without credit nor would I do it to someone else. Great post!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:15:56 +0000

Thanks for this post, Deb! Great food for thought. I think even if we agree w/ every point another writer makes, we will add our own perspective to it without realizing it. (Unless, of course, we’re flat-out plagiarizing.)

Everyone comes from life with different experiences and views things differently — even if we set out to imitate someone else, we would bring something new to the discussion.

My advice would be to write from your heart. Look at the experiences you have that support the argument you’re making. Use anecdotes and examples to support your argument. (http://freelancewritinggigs.com/grammar/?p=143 In other words, show, don’t tell.)

Your experiences will be different from the other writer’s, therefore your perspective will be different. Even if you are simply choosing other words to say essentially the same thing, the WAY you say it will cause others to interpret it differently, to get different things out of it, than they did from the original post.

And, of course, you’re right: Always, always give props to the original post that inspired yours.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Writing, Editing & Coaching Services =-.