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Instructions to Catch a Thief ~ A Primer On Plagiarism Detection - Updated

It is a sad state of affairs when we have to talk about content theft taken from our personal blogs. There Copyright is hardly a day that goes by that I don't hear about someone getting their hard written words, photos or designs stolen.

As a pioneer of the internet, I staked my claim on a domain and published it back in 1997. Eleven years ago before there were many examples of real estate websites. My family will attest, when I built my first website, I practically went under ground to learn how to not only write the content to attract the consumer, but to solve the mystery of Microsoft FrontPage and publishing it. I didn't have a mentor, I had a book and a million and one "trials and errors."

My first website was a miracle.

It was a miracle I figured it out and actually got it done. It was also the ugliest thing anyone ever laid eyes on. Not a little ugly, major league, big time ugly! But it worked. I made it.

Best of all, it made me money.

As time passed I learned more, grew the website bigger and made even more money.

Then one day I discovered my site was being used in various classes as an "example." How cool.

Not!

The next thing I learned was others were not simply using it as an example they were copying it. Some in totality others bits and pieces.

That was wrong, so wrong.

Obviously others agreed with me and took it a step further. They saw a business opportunity in fleshing out copyright violators thus creating a wonderful program called

C O P Y S C A P E

What copyscape does is simple, is searches the web for "matching text" and highlights the text for you to view.

Copyscape catches a thief

If you would like to give it a whirl, go to http://www.copyscape.com

Just for grins put in the URL for my Denver Relocation page. Here it is cut and paste this into your browser:

http://www.kristalsellsdenver.com/destination/

Now the results might change, but currently you will see a list of sites that have a certain number of matching words/sentences to the content on my page.

Here's tonights example:

Copyscape found infringement

Notice how Copyscape highlights the matching copy? This person obviously used either my site or another one who copied my site. The sequence of the words is just too much of a coincidence.

But You Are Thinking...I Don't Have the Time to Track These Thieves Down...

It doesn't really take much time. Copyscape has a subscription program where you set up your URLs to be checked automatically at a frequency you choose. On that frequency the system will send you a list of the offenders.

It takes hardly anytime at all to protect your content. The hard part is getting the brainless droids to take it down. I could write a book, compiling the moronic excuses I've heard.

Copyright vs. Copyright done right

If you have a content rich site the first thing you need to do is register your website with the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. You can get the forms and fill them out yourself or hire an attorney to do it for you. I strongly suggest you hire an attorney to do it right the first time.

Now some of you are saying "but if I write it I own the copyright." Yes that is true, but the difference is in "proving damage" vs "statutory damages."

Lenn Harley is much more of an expert on this, so read her blog on plagiarism/copyright violation. I am not an attorney, so please consult one for legal advice in your state.

I can tell you from experience, it is worth the price to register your copyright officially.

What Do You Do When You Find an Offender?

Knowing the anger that arises when you find a violator, you want to scorch the earth and slap them silly. Resist the temptation. First make a copy of the offending website to your HARD DRIVE. IF you don't do this first, I guarantee you it will disappear.

I make two copies, one of the Copyscape page and another of the actual webpage. Both get saved in a special little file with the title "THIEVES." (It needs no more explanation.)

Once I have the pages tucked safely away in the THIEVES file, I send out a "CEASE and DESIST LETTER." This is usually an email if the offender has a small offense.

In the case of the moron who copied 48 pages of my site, I first called him. Then I emailed him, Then when he didn't respond, I sent the case to my attorney.

He took it down.

OK Now that you know how to protect yourself, I suggest you follow my example. We have to be diligent in our efforts to give credit where credit is due. Reblogging needs to have the appropriate permission. Reblogging without permission is not right, it is stealing, pure and simple.

Remember words are not the only part of a copyright. Photos and design can be copied too. MY best suggestion is "when in doubt don't do it."

Hope this info is helpful. Now I'll sit back and read the comments and I know someone is going to ask how I made the graphics.

LOL, guess if you really want to know you will have to subscribe to this blog!

Credits:

I would like to thank Michelle Minch ~ Home Staging Pasadena & Los Angeles for suggesting I reblog my post on Copyscape.

Other Posts of Interest:

Protecting Your Good Name

Developing a Website? Watch Your Step!

Catching a Thief...

UPDATE ~ I wrote this post last night. At that time there was only one infringer of my url, today there is another one. This one is even a better example of a BAD EXAMPLE. (Is that OK to say or am I being politically incorrect?)

Who cares. Go visit the Brentwood, TN site at http://www.homesaroundnashville.com/homesaroundnashville/relocation.asp

Note the photo with my name on it. Scroll down, see my little RSS Graphic, if you click on it, you will be taken to MY RSS Subscription page.

If anyone knows these people, please tell them kk is giving them some link love on this blog. :)

There's no contact number on the site that I could find nor an email. I had to sign up for their IDX search. Maybe they will call me!

One can only hope.

Contact info for plagiarizers

Day 3 Update: Mr. Bill Berkley called me today in response to my filling out his IDX search. He was totally taken back when I told him about his site using my content, photo and graphic.

As I walked him through the issues, letting him log on to his own page, he never noticed the copyright and my name on the border of the photo! Poor guy, when I pointed it out he finally saw it!

He was rather upset because it seems he paid a lot of money to a "web designer" who recently updated his site. Funny when I clicked on the site credits the designer's site was down. Me thinks Mr. Berkley will have a conversation with the designer soon. Stay tuned.

No. I didn't slap anyone silly...yet.

Posted by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 on 10/19/2008 07:13 PM

Comments (111)

Plagiarism Detection in the Technology and Tools Channel

plagiarism, copyright infringement, copyscape, website

Post is included in group: Active Rain Groups
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111 Comments on Instructions to Catch a Thief ~ A Primer On Plagiarism Detection - Updated

OCT

2008

Thank You.I will share this with our group. that probably sounded bad since this all about not stealing LOL.-Dinah

Kristal, Excellent primer on catching the content thieves. I've used Copyscape in the past and have caught offenders as well. It's a shame we have to spend valuable time protecting this valuable asset, our own intellectual property.

Thanks for the info. As owner of a relatively new site into which I have put lots of effort, I'd hate to see it stolen.

Kristal, Thanks I have noticed blogs about content being stolen and I have wondered how to check. This is one reason I love AR so much.

Kristal: I'm glad you have revisited this subject in light of the numerous posts about plagiarism. I assume you are talking about the Copy Sentry subscription from CopyScape when you say it will check your URL for you. I only wish they came up with a subscription program for sending out the cease and desist letters too.

Kristal, just for grins and giggles, I tested one of my featured AR blogs on Copyscape. BAM! Another member is using it as the seller page of their website. Are you sure I can't scorch the earth and slap them silly?

So, are the different colors different people, or is this all one person stealing different phrases? If you want to use a blog example in a class, you must ask permission - I never thought of that use!

I'm setting up my own blog and have been reading everything that Lenn writes on this topic. Thanks for this great information.

Neat tool. I saw it on another post and thought "I wonder if this post is copy protected". Indeed it was. I couldn't copy and paste anything from the post. I may decide to implement this tool too. ~ Evelyn

Kristal,

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that information with all of us on AR...it is sad that AFTER YOU worked so darn hard to make your site...someone comes around and reaps the benefits... talk about being "used"!!! I'll definitely share this information with my colleagues...Thank you.

Interesting post. People get ideas from what others write, but that is all it should be an idea, not stealing verbatim.

Dinah ~ LOL I see what you mean! Actually spreading the word on how to protect your work is a good thing. Maybe it will put some fear into the minds to the lazy.

Richard ~ It is a bummer to have to spend even a minute in such a negative search. Unfortunately it is a reality of life anymore.

John ~ You are wise to put the proper measures in place to protect your site now.

Larry ~ AR is a wonderful resource for learning isn't it?

Michelle ~ Thanks so much for the suggestion. I remembered to add you to the "credits!" :)

Lisa ~ Be my guest! I know exactly how you feel.

Evelyn ~ Everything written is copy-protected. It is not wise to "borrow" any written word unless you have permission. I've allowed permission for this post to be "reblogged" so be my guest! Spread the word.

Rebecca ~ Thanks for spreading the word. It is helpful just letting others know they can be detected.

Kathy ~ Oh you are so right! Reading blog stimulates ideas and makes us all better for it. We just don't need to steal others words and photos.

Elaine ~ The different colors you are seeing are on one blog that scraped my content and tried to change it somewhat.

hi Kristal, it's difficult to believe in this day and age that some people still don't realize how stupid and dangeours (legally) it is to plagiarize.

On the topic of copyright, I thought you might enjoy a branded copyright graphic, my treat, no restrictions on usage, it's yours! ;-)

garaughty, blog graphics, kristal kraft copyright

Marti, Thank you what a lovely gift! I will use it on my next blog for sure! :) Thank you!

Kristal, I can't thank you enough for this well-written, informative post. Michelle Minch pointed me in your direction yesterday and I see from reading this, that she also asked you to re-blog it onto Stage It Forward. She's such an awesome lady!

I just discovered on Friday that my website content has been stolen (611 words) which is pretty significant, by one individual - an Active Rain member. I found this out thanks to Copyscape. I wrote a blog about it on Friday and sent the offender the link to it. I have not heard one word from her as yet and she has not removed the material either from her site.

I just followed your suggestion [right down to the name of the file :-)] and made a copy of her site as well as a copy of the Copyscape pages.

It looks as though I'm going to have to get a cease and desist letter drawn up and served on her. Would you suggest that I have the letter sent first before notifying Google or her website host, or should I do those things before sending a letter? I'd greatly appreciate any advice you have on that and again, thanks so much for this great information.

P.S. I love the graphic that Marti sent you. How nice of him!

Charlene ~ I am so sorry to hear you are being robbed of your efforts! It's really hard to say how far you are going to have to go to get the offender to remove the copy. Sometimes they only know how to steal and not un-steal. Perhaps if you give her until Monday she might actually open her email and get with the program! If the offender was an agent, I would be on the phone to the managing broker. That usually provokes a response. The next step is to go to Google and the host. The attorney is an option, but only if you are prepared to lay out a significant retainer.

Personally I beleive we need to develop a WALL OF SHAME where we post offenders. OUCH!

Yes, Michelle has been most helpful, she is a very thoughtful person. I so love Marti's gift! What a thrill to be presented with it! He is a super designer too! I am very lucky today!

I hope your day gets better tomorrow. In the meantime don't stress over it. You got to take it one step at a time.

Good tool Kristal. Sometimes a simple Google Search does the trick too. I have taken some web content that I thought I have seen before, but seen no credit to another source. When I pasted the content in my google search, it came up verbatim on other sites.

Hi Kristal - as always, you continue to have great things to share with us. I remember reading about this quite some time ago, and it certainly bears repeating. Now, more than ever, many of us have a lot of posts out there that we've put a lot of time and effort into, and it stinks that others think they can take it and make it theirs. Now we have a way to track that down.

Thanks,
Ann

Pete ~ You are so correct. Google is a great tool to use just on the fly.

Ann ~ It's too bad some topics just don't go away. I fear we have a big battle to win here, so we all must work together to beat the bums down! Hope you are well...

I've had people subscribe to my feed and post verbatim, photos and all. I sent a snarky email and that got posted on their blog too. lol

Kristal,

I am so glad you went after them. It just sucks when people think they have the right to just take your stuff! Do you think they really learned their lesson? I know that we need to keep standing our ground and maybe someday things will change but it is so frustrating!

Thanks for bringing this up. I never really thought about it until now.

Thanks for your post Kristal. We should all protect our own work. Why should anyone "steal" it? I had heard about Copyscape before and am going to start using it. Appreciate the very informative post. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

i like the idea of having a wall of shame on AR, shall we start a petition? :-)

Kristal: I'm glad this post got the recognition it deserved:o))

Awesome information on a very angering aspect of the free world wide web, it won't stop it, but it may just deter the next one that wants to create a web page with all your info and their name.

Of course it helps, Kristal. You rock ! Seriously....

Thanks for sharing. I am relatively new to all the AR fun, but it is good to know what is acceptable etiquette for using the re-bloggin tool. To me it is common sense to ask permission before using other people's words but it's amazing some people don't even think before taking it. Thanks for the information!

What a great tool. I read recently about another tool that enables you to catch photo thieves. People need to create their own content. Hopefully this will reduce plagiarism

Jared

www.tubeutah.com

www.jared.pro

Krystal I filed a copyright for my Fairfax County Map (the one within a circle) in September. Today another agent posted a similar Fairfax County Map within a circle and let's face it since we are in the same area it is an obvious copy of mine. Since I've already filed a copyright with the US Copyright Office I think this is going to get very interesting :-)

It is sad that we all have to go to these lengths to keep thieves at bay.All the best.

I have dealt with this so much I do not even want to check it again! I even found agents using my testimonial pages across the country!

Copyscape rocks! I never leave home, err post blog without it =) And most of my web site pages are covered too.

Hi Krystal -I have heard of copyscape before. but never really though that someone would plagarize my blog. Now after reading the comments I realize that is a naive thought. I guess I had better sign up for copyscape.

Thanks for the reminder. I always wonder just who out there is copying my stuff (because I'm sure that there is)...

Wow - it is crazy that that kinda stuff happens... it is a shame. Thanks for all the heads-up and cool tools to check out. I guess I know since we have a good content site that I should probably look into this....

Sadly, always have to watch your back. This is one area and reason why I won't use off-shore VA's to do anything. The other reason is I don't want to join the ranks of corporate America by shipping American work off-shore.

Mike Michaud

Kristal: Thank you for the reminder about copyscape.. I have heard of this and never looked into it. It is on the list of things to do. I need to move it up to the top pf my list.

I use copyscape but really haven't analyzed it lately,

Another way to check for theft is to copy a line of your text, put the line just copied in quotes ("example text") then submit the line into a Google Alert. Google will alert you whenever that line of text appears! Nice post Kristal. Your avatar looks cool too! ;)

•:*¨¨*:• Joe & Colleen Lane •:*¨¨*:•

Our ActiveRain Blog: "What Is A Luxury Home"

Kristal, I really appreciate the time you took on this post to show everyone how to protect their work. I am wondering how you did that little torn page. I have seen that on another post and wondered how you do that. I am not indicating that you copied it:) just would like to know how to fancy up my posts.

Kristal, what a compliment to you. Most likely the copy-cats are taking bits and pieces of the best work they can find.

Btw Kristal, because of this blog entry, I put together a how-to on using Google Alerts to catch someone with sticky fingers! Where I referenced "Copyscape" I linked to this blog! ;)

•:*¨¨*:• Joe & Colleen Lane •:*¨¨*:•

Ok, I just had time to go check your Denver Relocation. Amazing, what did they say? Wow, one in Salt Lake and one in Nashville.

Hi Kristal, I have to add my thanks to the chorus above. I admit I have copied a few paragraphs onto my website from another agent, but it was at her suggestion and with her permission. I love to write, so I don't have much trouble coming up with original stuff. Some people just aren't writers - they stare at a blank screen and finally give up and steal, I guess. They need to hire someone to write the material on their websites, and not try to blog until they have something to say.

[snicker]

Dang... That was indeed UGLY!!!

[/snicker]

Great article... I hope they add the pdf scan soon!!

Lots of interesting information here. I have filed copyright for years on my sight, but never even considered my posts of any of the blogs I write on. And copyscape is something I am going to check out soon.

I thought I would chime in with a different twist. The only thing I can say is if you don't want your information stolen or copied then don't put it out on the Internet. I know of some well known Active Rain bloggers who has copied just about all their information from other websites and the local newspaper. But yet they seem to be very well respected on Active Rain.

Yes Kristal, it is a sad state of affairs when you have to point out an obvious wrong. Blogging is only one marketing tool. For those who have difficulty writing, there are other ways to market. Stealing someone's work is not marketing,- it's stealing!

It hurt my feelings years ago, when a friend got his broker's license and opened up his own shop. I was happy for him, until I drove past his new office and saw the listing flyers that I had created, in his window showcasing his listings! I felt so betrayed. If he had asked me if he could use them as templates, I would have been flattered and would have heartily agreed. But to feel entitled to take the fruits of my labor, it hurt.

I will be on the lookout for copyright enfringement thanks to your post. Thanks for the reminder.

KK - thanks for the tutorial. I'm sure many appreciate it, and will even more so if/when they find a thief. It has happened to so many of us, myself included. I went after 5 people who had each copied all or a large part of one article. It was resolved satisfactorally but it was a nuisance.

Jeff

Come on you guys - everybody "steals" ideas. You better be able to convert the website hits into phone calls and appointments, and then know how to close!

Crystal, You don't think it's going to happen to YOU until it does....and it's an awful feeling to see your thoughts and words credited to another person. I have been using Google Alerts but will also use Copyscape now. I'm sorry that so many people aren't aware of this---and they need to be!

The word is out, don't copy your web pages and don't steal Lenn's maps. Thank you for the reminder. I keep putting off signing up with Copyscape.

Thank you for this - I haven't needed this yet, but its only a matter of time - and I may not be seeing something I should.

OCT

2008

Thanks for pointing up the purpose of Copyscape. I enjoy being able to re-blog on AR so i can give credit where credit is due. While it's true the internet is a place where borrowing happens often, realtors are held by a code of ethics to the highest standard of care. I know the 4-way test that Rotarians use, (I'm in Rotary here on Kauai) includes "Is it fair to all concerned?" and "Will it build goodwill and better friends" and "Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" When people steal from each other blogs, I don't think it passes the 4-way test. Whatdya' think?

Kristal,

Just amazing how much of your information the thieves used! They must have been really lazy, but I guess you could see it as a compliment that your material was so fantastic, that they felt compelled to steal it! :) I think a lot of times people don't realize the difference between researching information for a blog and actually copying others written work! This is great that Copyscape, can research this information for you. Good to know, thanks for sharing this important information!

Kristal - Thanks for sharing this. I had heard of copyscape, but never tried it. I will definitely plan to very soon! I have had a lot of photos "right clicked" off my website or blogs and been surprised to see them used with listings in our MLS! It really does make you mad!

Vicki

Kristal,

Thanks for the post. The Copyscape application is a good one. A helpful safeguard against the unscrupulous.

Thank you, Kristal. I am just learning about building websites. Mine is a work in progress that consumes a bit more time than I imagined it would. I've come to believe that it will never be just right and I will be working on it for the rest of my life. 2 weeks ago it was "perfect" then, after talking to people at my open house, I started adding more/different content to answer some questions that had come up during our conversations. Between getting the words on the site "perfect", building my web presence, and then actually working with clients in real life, I could use a few extra hours in the day. But Copyscape sounds like something maybe I should devote a little time to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge; I really appreciate it.

This is a TEST Comment
Salman Khan
<a href=http://www.google.com/>Salman Khan</a>
http://www.google.com/

Chris ~ retribution can be rewarding. :)

Monika ~ You are right it is frustrating. We should be free to pursue more postive endeavors like playing golf and eating lobster. :)

Toni ~ U R Welcome!

Michael ~ Protecting our work should not have to be necessary, but sadly it is. You are welcome.

Donata ~ A Wall of Shame is a great idea! Wonder if some people even have shame?

Michelle ~ Thanks for your encouragement and help! You have been my fairy God-mother today! :)

James ~ You are right, it might deter a few. The others will never get it.

Missy ~ :) Coming from you I so appreciate that!

Jenn ~ REBlogging button is pre-permission to use a post. I happen to like it and encourage others to spread the word. I do hate it when I discover yet another misspelled word...oh my! But the general idea is to get the word out is it not?

Jared ~ Oh I love the tool that snags photo thieves. You place a layer on the photo with invisible text. The dumb bunnies snag a photo and get caught. OH HOW EXPENSIVE that is!

Cindy ~ Interesting yes! Good for you, filing the Official Copyright will work in your favor. Let me know how it turns out.

Bob & Carolin ~ I so agree with you. Thanks and best to you as well.

Jim ~ Isn't this Da Ja Vue all over again? :) Will I see you in Orlando?

Lisa ~ Good for you. I little hint I learned. Never check the email before bed. It's so not worth losing sleep over!

Pam ~ LOL guess you better! Now I wish that I owed stock in the Copyscape company! I see a pattern here...

Michael ~ Go find out...don't sit and wonder. That is of course if you really care.

Christopher & Stephanie ~ Good Content sites are a magnet for people like this. Be safe, check it out.

Mike ~ Oh you are so right. I hired an "off shore" person to write content. I couldn't believe how cheap it was until I Google her content. She was ripping it off. I was so relieved I checked it out before I published her. No more of that nonsense for me!

Roland ~ It seems there is never enough time to do everything on the list. Just rest easy knowing where it is when you need it. Hopefully you won't!

Neal ~ Oh no. I hope that means you are too busy raking in the big bucks!

Joe & Colleen ~ Good suggestion. Now if I could just remember to do that everytime....

Katharine ~ I am going to blog the answer to your question. Guess you better subscribe to my blog so you don't miss it! :)

Darla ~ Yes, it is a compliment, but they don't deserve it. What they need is a smack over the head.

Joe & Colleen ~ thanks for the info, I will go check it out.

Missy ~ LOL I didn't know about the one in Nashville until you told me! I updated the post to include it. What a great example of a BAD example! thanks!

Susan ~ With permission is always ok. Part of blogging is using "bits and Pieces" of other thoughts and expanding with our own. Glad you like to write, so many folks do not.

Tom ~ "my face is red, I'm hanging my head in shame..." I was so proud of it back then! :)

Tammy ~ Guess you will have to rethink the REBlog thing. Personally I like it.

Ken ~ That's true, but there is a law you know! Besides I make a decent income off my websites and blog. I will put it out there and if you steal it I will come down to Colorado Springs and personally slap you silly. :) OK I know you won't steal, but I enjoyed saying that!

TERRI ~ I can see why you were hurt. A simple request probably would have been much better received. Thank you for commenting.

Jeff ~ I can imagine you get it more than most. Your posts are so good, people are going to take them.

Jersey Boy ~ Sorry to hear about the broken thumb, it certainly puts a damper on hitch-hiking! hahaha I hate to hear about your shots getting stolen. I would think someone from Jersey would know how to take care of people like that... :)

Darla ~ Really?

Carole ~ You are right, I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw it.

Randy ~ Don't steal my maps either!

Ronnie ~ I love the Rotarian 4-way test. Sad that not everyone gets it nor have they or can they read the Code.

Michelle ~ I hear what you are saying and that's very nice of you to suggest my work is good. It's not nearly as wonderful as it should be. Others certainly can do better and should!

Vicki ~ MLS pictures are ripped off all the time. We should either have an agreement that we "donate" them (maybe we do) or remove them when we are done. I know our pics go straight to PDC, so in effect they are "stealing." Hummm I will need to check this out. This doesn't concern me nearly as much as personal websites and blog photos.

William ~ Unscrupulous is a good word for this. Thanks!

Kristal - wow, and thanks for the post - I have learned many things from you!

Great tool - I don't mind someone stealing an "idea" or "topic" or even a catch phrase. West Side story is after all a modern version of Romeo & Juliet. But the wholesale copying of posts is outrageous. I can't understand how or why a person can think that outright plagiarism is acceptable.

This is really interesting. I looked up my website and no one thought it was worth copying.....alas. But, when I tried to find out if any of my active rain blogs were copied for content, it said there was a maximum of 5 checks allowed and that had been exceeded. So, I have no idea if anyone is foisting my words of "wisdom".

Kristal, this is great information. I haven't run copyscape on my site in a while. Well, I just did and a Canadian real estate agent has copied most of my website word for word. She even has a copyright on her site LOL. I didn't know how to obtain a copyright for my site and appreciate this helpful information. Thank you!

Kristal, that's SOME link love!!! Amazing that anyone would think that they would not be found out in this Internet world we live in. Ya gotta love it!

Must get copyscape and add it to the long list of things I need to do. Thanks for the reminder.

Kristal - Interesting and helpful information! As a former media specialist, I can tell you that our children are not being taught the problems with 'taking a few words here and there'; i.e. downright plagarism. So it's not hard to understand why it is easier for some to borrow/copy material rather than writing it themselves. It's getting so I am not amazed at the resources on the web. The trick is knowing where to find them. Thanks!

Kristal -

Thanks so much for the detail and insight!

We have a Team here in Chicago, and our main blog center - www.BlogChicagoHomes.com - has been a collaborative effort since we began.

However, I found that our Team members simply copied and pasted much of their material - didn't even bother to re-write. Copyscape helped me identify the offenses, so we could correct.

One guy refused to change the way he blogged! He also did little in the way of production, by the way.

No longer with us!

Again - thanks!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Hi Kristal. WOW. Loads of helpful information you've posted. I had to use a local attorney when a broker owner started advertising my registered trademark "Team Paradise" as their new theme for newpaper ads. One call from the attorney and the problem magically went away. The rest I leave to karma! Thanks for sharing & Greetings from Paradise.

Kristal - Doesn't the reblog or rss syndication trip the "copy" violation with copyscape?

Kristan,

This post is a winner! Thank you for such a clear explanation of how Copyscape works. I've never used it before but can see it's vital.

Kristal,

The contact information for the agent(s) who stole your work is here:

http://www.homesaroundnashville.com/homesaroundnashville/default.asp

Go get 'em, girl!

Excellent information, and very timely after the discussion last week. I've been there, done that, and even had an ActiveRainer steal my material to email as his own to his entire email address book. Copyscape isn't going to find that, but I do echo your recommendation for the things it can find.

Gee Kristal. I thought I had the ugliest web site. Mine went up in 1995 and I pretty much had my way with the market in my area.

Actually, truth be told, I still have some of the ugliest sites on the Internet. Funny thing about Internet advertising. It isn't necessarily what the consumer finds. The important thing is that the consumer finds you.

Of course, my procedure for copyright violators is to make them pay.

Kristal, Thank you, I'm kind of new and this is a great perspective I hadn't thought about. Jane

Hey Kristal .... thanks for the update! It is amazing what you find out there. I do get ideas from others here on AR and implement bits and pieces redone in my own words but to just copy and paste is LAME!!!! pippa

I guess it is a curse to be that dang good. I don't get all this stuff. If they copy you then why does it not go back to your site. If all they copy is sentences or paragraphs for that matter how does that help or hurt. I can see names but I just don't understand the other I guess. Can we actually own a sucession of words or a paragraph.

Kristal - it is just amazing how people can be so moronic! Someone copies you and your feed...now that is brilliant.

Kristal- WOW links from Nashville to Denver, and this doesn't seem odd to this person? I guess in the age of internet the thought that people cannot find you is one that, while inacurate, is perpetuating the online theft of others content. Can't say I didn't do this in my ignorant youth, but I do try to be diligent now! Awesome information, just for grins keep us informed on your "friends" at Realty Execs!

Kristal: Thanks for taking the time to open our eyes to this type of thing and give us a solution. The mindless droids that 'copy and paste' infuriate me to no end. I like the "Thieves" section of the site favorites! LOL

Very interesting post Kristal,

Thanks for sharing! and copyscape is a great tool!

Kristal - Copyscape is a great tool, but one that I very selfom take advantage of.... Good post and way to be on top of your blogs. I know for me, I just blog away and never really take the time to go back and see if someone is "stealing" my thoughts and ideas. It does make me wonder if I shouldn't start monitoring this more often...

Maria ~ I understand how hard you are working to develop your internet footprint. That's why it is so important to know how to protect it. Good luck to you!

Salman ~ It appears you are a spammer who lacks HTML knowledge. Humm. Tough luck kid.

Virginia ~ Glad to know I am able to help! Thanks!

Ryan ~ I so agree. The idea that a blog or post can stimulate a thought or conversation is exciting. But copying word for word is not.

Kathy ~ I bet that rocked your world! Sorry.

Patricia ~ Swell. I don't think Canadians have to live by our rules. But then the host might cooperate. Let me know how that goes.

Gena ~ Hey we are all about link love! I'm waiting for the follow up call on the IDX. I can hardly wait to have that converstation .

Bruce & Mary ~ You are so right. Our kids have no qualms about downloading music or anything else on the internet. This is going to make for a very unique and interesting future. Sad, so sad.

Dean ~ Glad you discovered the issue and canned the problem. Next thing you would find out is he would be "signing" for his clients because it was the easier thing to do.

Greg ~ Brazen! It is amazing the gaul competitors have. I bet you rush right out to show their listings! Not.

Judy ~ Oh it will. But then if I have given my "permission" like I have done here since the option has been offered, I will not persue those items. It is very clear when they are found. I am concerned specifically with my website content, graphics and photos. All of which I own and do not release. Blog content is different. It is actually a positive thing to be re-blogged or rss'd. :)

Diane ~ Use it only if you are prepared to deal with the consequences. Otherwise you might be surprised and disgusted.

Glenda ~ How did you find that! I gave up. Guess they will be hearing from me soon. Or maybe I'll just continue to use them as a "Good Example of a Bad Example."

Margaret ~ Oh my, what an amazing story. How in the world did you find that out? Placing links in your text back to your site is sometimes effective if the perp is too lazy or stupid to remove them. I fear we have much work to do in this department. Sad so sad.

Lenn ~ LOL! I think I had the market on ugly! Now I look back and realize my fascination with things that move was sick! I like your procedure, make them pay is proper.

Pippa ~ Lame is a good word for it. You really nailed that one.

Charles ~ Good? It's not even good! That's what amazes me.... The law is very clear when you write something it belongs to you. Yes, many folks rewrite it but it is still very evident where it came from. You can tell by the sequence in the words. What really nails them are the pictures and graphics.

Bill ~ LOL Brilliant indeed! I am still laughing over this one.

Cat ~ Some folks are too dumb to even know they are dumb.

Lyn ~ The "thieves" section of my Outlook is very large. It's an area of my computer you really don't want to me included in.

Gerald ~ You are welcome, it's my pleasure.

Kevin ~ Sometimes it's best not to know.

KK, it's sad that we all still have to spend so much time & effort keeping the thieves at bay, but glad to see you're still showing everyone how to do it. Keep up the great work!

Great post and good for you for standing up for your work. It is a shame that others feel as though it is ok to steal the hard work of others.

on the little example of the Utah Relocation, I still think it is a Little vague. I mean most real estate websites are going to say something to that effect and there are thousands of them so I think when you are trying to sum up something like real estate relocation on your site they will pretty much say the same thing. But the little RSS feed was quite hilarious.

Krystal,

This is a great post, very informative, although it is unfortunate that the post has to be written at all. Thank you for sharing your valuable information.

Thanks! I am always scared when I run copyscape, it's something I don't want to find out. But this is important. We need to protect our rights to our creative product. Plus it's unethical for copy someone else's content to advertise it as your own. It's misleading to the consumers.

Cheers,

Cindy

Burns me up how some folks have never in their life had an original idea and want to go around stealing everyone else's! Thanks for the info!

Thanks for the guidance, Krystal - I'm bookmarking this blog for future reference.

This was all pretty amazing. I never thought anyone would be lifting any of my blogs or web site to use for themselves, or anyone's for that matter. I checked -- and they aren't. I never heard of copyscape before reading this post. Interesting! thanks for the info -- the thoughts.

Thank you for sharing, never thought someone would actually STEAL it all. How naive of me! Better contact copyscape myself. Not that I do know any Realtors that would steal something about mobile homes ;-)))

Hi Kristal,

I've been copied so many times I stopped bothering trying to find and send letters. I always just used a google string and slightly imbedded 'near' white text to find them. Copyscape is great!

thank you,

Stuart

Thanks for alerting everyone again to copyright infringement and Copyscape. Alice Held is an authority on stolen websites and content, as she's suffered a lot from theft of her original content.

Kristal, I've bookmarked your primer & thank you for this easy to follow tutorial.

Kristal,

Thanks for reminding everyone that they need to come up with their own material. As a former English Lit.

major and once in a blue moon writer myself, I can appreciate your chagrin over the issue.

I also went underground for two months to get to the point where I could publish my own web page.

LOL

I love it. I tried it out and found someone with a referral letter almost identical to mine. Since I saw the original I know it was sent to me. What I don't know is did my clients copy from a letter they found online? Did other agents clients copy from my site and send to their agent, or did the agent copy it?? Can I slap everyone silly??

KK... wow, this was excellent. Just about everything that I need to know in one post. Thanks for doing this. I know need to go get a lawyer and pursue some other things that you mentioned... thanks

jeff belonger

OCT

2008

Kristal, another fabulous post! I'm about to go and check this out on my blog.

OCT

2008

Interesting info, thanks. I have had a few encounters and it does irritate!

OCT

2008

I had to smile - and thank Marti- for putting your link on his post..........and now saying that how could anyone not want to subscribe to your blog? :-) thank you!

OCT

2008

It is quite a surprise to see something you have done or something you have PAID to have done in a magazine or another website. When I first started selling Real Estate over 20 years ago I had a photographer take a picture of the Lewis-Clark Valley for me...for my Business cards and advertising...and a few years later I used it for my Website design... well I was quite surprised to see it on another Website for a local Motel, designed by the same webmaster as I had used...and soon after that I saw it in the Local Chamber relocation guide...without any credits... At first I was upset, but, I am not one to complain... and it was about the Valley...so I let it go...thanks for the tip on how to catch these bad guys ... if I wanted ...but I just would not have the energy to chase these thieves...nor can I believe anything good would come of it... so I just move on... and I focus on "What was the reason for my Blogging?" was it to catch a Theif or Catch a Customer!

PattyLuther I feel the way Jim Crawford does!

I have dealt with this so much I do not even want to check it again! I even found agents using my testimonial pages across the country!

10/19/2008 07:37 PM

by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)

Whoops ... I cut and Pasted that from above Yikes! I hope you don't get mad at me Jim Crawford or Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 !

from Lewiston ID Clarkston WA Realtor Patty Luther IdahoWashington RealEstate REALTY

Witch Have a Great Halloween!

OCT

2008

Thanks for the information - Your post is very consice & helpful!

Best, Dan

This was some great information...I checked out Copyscape and found some interesting information...prompted me to contact my web designer...I'm really curious what he has to say about my findings....Thanks! I'm also interested in how to protect photos so if someone could share a site with that info, I would love to hear about it! Thanks again.

OCT

2008

A friend e-mailed me an article on staging from Realtytimes.com they thought I would be interested in as a home stager. I was shocked to see the realtor that wrote it lifted 2 paragraphs verbatim from an article I had written in 2004. Realtytimes removed her article but now I am afraid to reprint my own article, which I do from time to time, because I'm afraid someone who read hers will think I'm the one plagerizing. Grr...

Thanks for the information, Krystal. If I had know about that I might have been able to catch it right away rather than weeks later.

NOV

2008

It never ceases to amaze me how much time people take copying when they could write their own copy. ANd it is amazing that there are so many ways to say things. We just need to be true to ourselves and our work and use our own words, however eloquent they may be. My oh my.

DEC

Wow Kristal hard to believe you have to go so far to prove a site is yours and it is being copied.

Lucky the internet helps you track the perpetrators. Good for you!!

Thanks Kristal, you've just reminded me to check my Copyscape subscription to make sure I'm signed up for the automatic notification if someone copies my content.

JAN

Kristal, that was really fun, everything I found was actually me copying myself... or someone quoting me, so I am OK, but it was fun to see how many came up. It is a shame people do what you say - I never understood why anyone would want to represent someone's work as their own - I am just too opinionated to be comfortable with another's words, work or pictures out there representing me... Don't get it. Good luck on remedying the situation.

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