uncredited use of my content
I found a nice blog entry on zenfulcreations that suggested we all google our own content to ensure no one is using it unaccredited.
It seemed like a good idea, although I really didn’t expect to find anything. But I did.
24 hours after posting my Blog entry on preflight MARKZWARE.com posted a word for word copy of my own article INCLUDING MY NAME AT THE BOTTOM but did not request permission, credit the source or link back to my site.
I have contacted them and asked for a response (see comments below for their impressively speedy and positive response). I must say I am flattered that my preflight methodology is considered worthy of posting on that site but content usage without permission is unacceptable no matter how you look at it.
Here is a screenshot of the page as I found it (it has since been updated).
david
May 15th, 2008 at 8:47 am
David,
I am glad you found that post useful, and I am sorry that you too have had your content taken. It is flattering that people feel our content is so good that they need to use it on their sites, but they should do the right thing and ask first. Duplicate content on different domains could get both sites de-listed in Google.
I hope that they respond back soon, and I will keep watching.
Thanks for the visit and the mention of my post.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Lori,
Markzware responded VERY quickly to my complaint and has already added my BIO, which I provided, and my weblink to the article. They did not offer any explanation, but the speed of reply told me they are taking this seriously.
I’ll have to look into your comment about de-listing sites to ensure there is no further fallout from this.
thanks again for the Google search tip
david
May 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I have had companies stealing images and info from my website for years. One slimy company in the US even went as far as registering a domain name very close to mine in order to direct traffic to their ebay store where they sold low grade inkjet printed graphics.
We have a reputation for the best vintage bike graphics on the market and some companies figure that using my images will make people think they are getting our products. It probably works in some cases. We have several legitimate dealers for our graphics all over the world and this hurts them too.
It is pretty slimy but very common. You’re lucky they even acknowledge their “bad”. I don’t even bother anymore because there are too many.
One that I contacted a couple of years back, turned it around and told me that I copied them.
Williams is right, Googling things related to yourself or your business can be very enlightening. It’s not flattering. It’s theft.
Andre
May 16th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Here are some scripts to help you protect your content from being copied. I am trying them here and am hoping they don’t detract from the users experience.
http://lotsofsites.com/attic/scripts.shtml
May 21st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
[...] David Williams published a rather upsetting post on his blog, outlining how Markzware.com (get your own link, Mark!) ripped off his work – what were they thinking… [...]