I agree with you absolutely on this.

If we had to attribute everything we ever did and ever do, imagine having to say something like, “before I go on I’d like to mention that I would not be able to write this post had it not been for my first teacher teaching me how to read and write. Come to think of it, I’d have to start with my mother, without whom I wouldn’t be speaking at all today. Then, my next teacher…” and so on and so forth.

I see Tony’s sense of humor is intact. And I agree too.

Joseph writes:The internet accelerates the “idea-copying” process…whereas it took longer 10 years ago.

Just because it’s faster doesn’t make it right. I don’t have a problem with adding value, but copying just for the sake of “me too marketing” is low and lame.

John writes:I think in the end people know when they are copying someone else’s hard work (e.g. replicating an entire system) or really creating their “own” by combining different ideas they’ve assimilated.

Yup. People know. And I think what Ryan has said stands on it’s own merit. I’ve read so many books on marketing and writing in the last 5 years, I couldn’t begin to attribute each and every idea I write about. I don’t think anyone could.

I think in the end people know when they are copying someone else’s hard work (e.g. replicating an entire system) or really creating their “own” by combining different ideas they’ve assimilated.

Execution is usually so much more important.

@Francis – Depends on the context. I once used a direct 3-word quote from a trade magazine as a headline. I gave attribution immediately underneath. It out-pulled my old headline.

@Joseph – No doubt about it. Ideas get copied faster now than ever before.

You’re right. No doubt about it.

In my opinion, very specific ideas that were made popular by one person should be credited to that individual…very specific ideas being the operative phrase there.

For instance, you couldn’t take credit for coming up with the “Rolls Royce” headline…but the idea of a powerful short headline…you can take credit as an expert copywriter.

Great topic of discussion though…because you are also right about a few who get upset when “ideas” get copied over and over again.

The internet accelerates the “idea-copying” process…whereas it took longer 10 years ago.

Joseph Ratliff

“Give credit where credit’s due” is certainly the creed to follow. However; when it’s such common knowledge as to not even know the origin, then it’s almost a geneaology of credit.

Not only will that make you look less authoritative…no one will read it all anyway. And certainly your objective isn’t to run ‘em off with a bunch of credit “fillers”.

Thanks for the follow-up.

Tony