I felt the need to compose this post in an effort to redirect my anger for my friend, Sapphy (kisoap in LJ, you probably know her if you've ever read fic from her LJ comm, hansumdo). The reason for my anger being that I just found out that a number of her written work has been cut up, pasted together and then passed off as another's work. And then (since Sapphy's far more level-headed and compassionate than I am) when she messaged this 'copier', she was ignored completely.

In short, Sapphy has been plagiarized and has been set aside by the very person who did her wrong. And as her friend, I am beyond offended and disgusted for her.

Writing is difficult. I completely understand this. But how could someone copy another person's personal work (verbatim even! The original script isn't even cited, like what you do in research papers) to pass off as their own and then ignore the VERY SOURCE when she's considerate enough to listen to your reasons why? How could someone live with themselves after doing this sort of thing?

At the very least, the courteous thing to do is to own up to your mistake. Maybe even point out distinct differences or talk about how the source inspired 'your version'. Even better if you put up a disclaimer that said: THIS WORK WAS INSPIRED BY _______'S FIC. USING THE SAME PROMPT, THIS IS MY TAKE ON IT. or something to that effect. Any of these would have lessened the blow.

I've been in Sapphy's position before. If you've followed me long enough, you'd know that several of my fics have been copied and posted in forums without my consent. All of which I've hunted down once I was informed of them and have asked for those to be taken down. It's why most of my fics are Subscriber's Only; why I am still seriously considering shutting down my AFF profile.

Claiming someone else's hard work isn't right and shouldn't be tolerated. This is FANDOM, not a research study. You cannot use my hard work to push yours up. If you need help with plot or characterization or hell, even grammar, feel free to leave a PM. But don't do this kind of . Have some courtesy. Be your own.