Wayne Wright: ‘Plagiarism is lying, cheating and stealing’

Dear Daily Camera Editor:

Plagiarism is lying, cheating and stealing.

Plagiarism is lying  because the person who publishes plagiarized material implies the material was written by the author when it was actually composed or written by another.

Plagiarism is cheating because the author  is using another’s work to achieve the author’s goal. Plagiarism is cheating just like looking over your classroom neighbor’s shoulder and copying his answer to test question 3 is cheating.

Plagiarism is stealing because the person who plagiarizes takes someone else’s product and publishes it (often for a fee) as the author’s own.

Plagiarism is particularly despicable because it is not necessary. The person who plagiarizes can write exactly the same  words and not be guilty of plagiarism by taking 3 simple steps.  First, obtain permission from the author to use the words you want to use. (Many authors will be flattered. They will jump at the chance to have their work reprinted.) Second, highlight the gifted words in your text by  putting them in quotes or by indenting them. Third, add a foot note, introductory clause or an end note attributing the gifted words to the original author.

We all learned that plagiarism is wrong in elementary school.  I hope that parents preparing to vote in Colorado elections will consider the message which will be sent to their children if the person who is elected plagiarises.

Wayne Wright
Broomfield