Thanks to all of you who responded, and offered advice. I sent her an email and pointed out that she is using my ad text. I also offered her my web developing services since she doesn't have a website, but she sure likes my creative ability...so now I will wait and see if she responds. And no matter how it turns out, I still wish her the best of luck with my ad lol ;P
~M~
-- Modified on 6/19/2004 12:19:18 AM
I have a quandry of sorts. I have noticed a new MP has hit the scene, and while I wish her all the best of luck with her new business, I have noticed that she has copied my ad text verbatim. Granted I post alot, and have many ads on the net, but she has taken one of my many ads and is using it as hers. This ad is posted everywhere she can paste it. I know it's not copywritten, but isn't that just a little like stealing? It takes me time, energy and creativity to create my ads, and here this person comes along and just copies and pastes, only replacing her description where mine once was. I know it may seem petty or catty, but do you think I should let her know what she has done? On one site both our ads are up, and they are extactly the same except for her description and contact info.
Just wondering what you guys and girls think... I know imitation is the finest form of flattery, but it certainly isn't nice to steal someone's ideas verbatim ;(
Malissa xoxo
I am sure if you just ask her or mention something to her she would change it. Maybe even if you offered to help her with a new ad would be a nice gesture, hopefully she won't take it in the wrong way and see your offer more as an insult but then that is a different thing all together.
I do think you should make a suttle overture. Be tactful and point the same things out to her That you said in this post. If she continues to use your ad just chalk it up to lack of creativity or you could have everyone slam her email calling her on this!
I feel your pain. I've had my entire website copied verbatim not once, but three times! Many people think that they can simply steal your ideas instead of creating their own. I call it laziness. What I've done is changed my site every time it has happened. I know it takes a lot of work, but it shows that you are the one in control and have the ability to be unique. Also, people like change and many times become interested in you again because of it.
Now if you don't want to be that drastic, I can give you the name of my lawyer and he can call her for you. She'll be changing that language right after she gets off the phone!
In any case, I wish you the best of luck! You are right in that imitation is the finest form of flattery - you should feel proud that someone thought so highly of you to steal your information and call it their own.
Have you discussed this with her? If not your silence is permession.
Coyotefan2 is right, if you don't say anything to her about it you are, in a sense, giving your permission. Tell her about it and point out that you've been around here for awhile and a lot of us know you and your sites. Let her know that she's just making herself look bad by copying it.
Thanks to all of you who responded, and offered advice. I sent her an email and pointed out that she is using my ad text. I also offered her my web developing services since she doesn't have a website, but she sure likes my creative ability...so now I will wait and see if she responds. And no matter how it turns out, I still wish her the best of luck with my ad lol ;P
~M~
-- Modified on 6/19/2004 12:19:18 AM