What would you do in this case?

Michael Phelps · #1 08-22-2008, 10:24 AM

A few years ago when I was pastoring, I posted several of my messages on a website called www.preachit.org. Obviously, I am no longer pastoring, but I still get calls quite frequently from preachers all over the country thanking me for the messages, etc. I am very happy that even though I'm not preaching them, they are still being broadcast and being a blessing to others.

Today I logged onto EA, and was scanning the front page. I was quite surprised to see one of my sermon titles listed on the right side of the page, and I thought, "Hmm, maybe someone posted it from the other website".

Well, I clicked on it, and it was my message - word for word, but another preacher had taken credit for it!

Now, I don't mind telling you, I was a bit miffed. But, should I have been? I never copywrited the message, so maybe I really can't complain.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

ManOfWord · #2 08-22-2008, 10:30 AM

I think someone should give credit where credit is due. Everyone borrows from someone, but to take it word for word and claim authenticity is just wrong and deceitful. I guess only in Christian circles is it acceptable........not in my book though!

Michael Phelps · #3 08-22-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I think someone should give credit where credit is due. Everyone borrows from someone, but to take it word for word and claim authenticity is just wrong and deceitful. I guess only in Christian circles is it acceptable........not in my book though!

I know a pastor who pulls nearly all of his sermons and lessons off of the internet.

I could listen to the message, go home and type the sermon title into Google, and 90% of the time, it would take me to a sermon website, mostly not even Apostolic.

The unfortunate thing was that he preached them word for word - same jokes, same illustrations, etc.

I just don't agree with that. I have found many great sermon thoughts from others, but I have never downloaded a sermon and preached it word for word.

deltaguitar · #4 08-22-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I know a pastor who pulls nearly all of his sermons and lessons off of the internet.

I could listen to the message, go home and type the sermon title into Google, and 90% of the time, it would take me to a sermon website, mostly not even Apostolic.

The unfortunate thing was that he preached them word for word - same jokes, same illustrations, etc.

I just don't agree with that. I have found many great sermon thoughts from others, but I have never downloaded a sermon and preached it word for word.

They should just give credit. Or at least say that they borrow from other preachers.

Sarah · #5 08-22-2008, 10:40 AM

I think it's very wrong, MP.

Although it's wrong, maybe, just maybe, someone will hear it and be blessed.

Michael Phelps · #6 08-22-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah

I think it's very wrong, MP.

Although it's wrong, maybe, just maybe, someone will hear it and be blessed.

You are absolutely right, Sarah, and that's what I'm hanging my hat on.

Esther · #7 08-22-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I think someone should give credit where credit is due. Everyone borrows from someone, but to take it word for word and claim authenticity is just wrong and deceitful. I guess only in Christian circles is it acceptable........not in my book though!

Ditto!

Baron1710 · #8 08-22-2008, 10:34 AM

It is wrong. I would say it is sinful for someone to attach their name to a body of work they did not create. It would be no different than putting your signature at the bottom of a painting you did not paint, or putting in for a paycheck based on someone else’s hours of labor.

I think I would send them a letter and say… “ahem um that sermon you posted of mine you accidently put your name on it.”

Hoovie · #9 08-22-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron1710

It is wrong. I would say it is sinful for someone to attach their name to a body of work they did not create. It would be no different than putting your signature at the bottom of a painting you did not paint, or putting in for a paycheck based on someone else’s hours of labor.

I think I would send them a letter and say… “ahem um that sermon you posted of mine you accidently put your name on it.”

Great idea!

deltaguitar · #10 08-22-2008, 10:35 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.

Within academia, plagiarism by students, professors, or researchers is considered academic dishonesty or academic fraud and offenders are subject to academic censure. In journalism, plagiarism is considered a breach of journalistic ethics, and reporters caught plagiarizing typically face disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to termination. Some individuals caught plagiarizing in academic or journalistic contexts claim that they plagiarized unintentionally, by failing to include quotations or give the appropriate citation. While plagiarism in scholarship and journalism has a centuries-old history, the development of the Internet, where articles appear as electronic text, has made the physical act of copying the work of others much easier, simply by copying and pasting text from one web page to another.

Plagiarism is not copyright infringement. While both terms may apply to a particular act, they are different transgressions. Copyright infringement is a violation of the rights of a copyright holder, when material protected by copyright is used without consent. On the other hand, plagiarism is concerned with the unearned increment to the plagiarizing author's reputation that is achieved through false claims of authorship.