Thou Shalt Allow Stealing In Social Media Marketing
Were you one of those people who used to put up folders or books around your desk in school so other students wouldn’t look at your test? You remember how it worked: you would build a little fort around your desk to prevent unprepared eyes from wandering over to your answer sheet. In school that probably wasn’t a bad idea, but when it comes to social media you don’t want that mindset at all. In fact, you want people to steal your ideas. If people steal your ideas and your content that means you have ideas worth stealing…and that’s a great thing.
Thou Shalt Create Good Content First
Now, I know this sounds strange and counterintuitive because, after all, who wants to be a victim of content thievery? The reality is that in the world of social media, all you really have are your ideas and content…or to be more exact, content that communicates particular ideas. In order to benefit from that content you need people to find value in it. Good content has value to the reader/viewer/listener so when you create good content you’re making yourself more valuable only because you’re providing value to someone else. This is the heartbeat of social media marketing.
Thou Shalt Not Worry If Content Is Stolen
If your content is stolen it did just want you wanted it to do. It resonated with someone because they found it valuable (probably in one of these five ways). Ideally, you’ll get credit when someone steals your idea/content. It would be better for everyone if they provide the appropriate link or credit to you so you get the attribution, but even if they don’t you ultimately accomplished what you wanted. If you don’t get that link from the person now, you may get it in the future.
More than likely it was an oversight on the person’s part and not a malicious or intentional misrepresentation. Besides, Google has a funny way of bringing things together, so if a blogger takes your content as his own, a mere Google search on the ideas will likely lead people to your blog. If that’s not enough for you, just send an email to the person thanking them for passing your ideas along and ask that they link to you in the future. Don’t accuse them of anything. Just be gracious and kind. They’ll likely fix the post and be more mindful in the future.
Tags: blogging, digital marketing, new medial marketing, social media marketing, stealing ideas
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Great thoughts. I always consider it an honor when people steal my stuff.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 am
I think you are right - when you say they have likely not meant to steal your content….don’t accuse them of anything -
I think that because technology is getting easier and easier there are more people blogging, etc that don’t realize they are “stealing” when they repeat something without a link -
some may even say “I just read…blah blah blah” and never say where it was, not because they intentionally want to dis you, just because they don’t realize.
(internet marketers know better, but not all others do, for example, cute dog pictures on blogs? I love dogs and a cute dog picture will get copied and resent everywhere - just because they think it’s cute - most of that is well-meaning people trying to show their sister or friend a cute picture - not everyone is professionals like cuteoverload.com . if you send then a nice, gentle, kind worded letter, they respond well.)
I also like how you said “google has a way of bringing things together” LOL- big brother = google - whether you want them to or not, they always know what is going on LOL
anyway - good post as always
blessings
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
Pete - I agree. I think it’s an honor also.
gentlegirlie - Thanks for the comment. I believe that if we assume the best we’re less likely to burn bridges.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Or would it be “Thou Shalt Encourage Stealing In Social Media Marketing”… hence the social, share it, pass it on aspect?
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Craig - Yeah, that would work. I thought “allow” was a little more pithy though.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I’ve never really thought of it in this way… I guess I would be honored too if somebody stole my stuff! Great post!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Thanks for the comment Doug. As strange as it is…it is an honor. It’s just a matter of the right perspective on the whole thing.
September 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Good post Bill very good as we all work on using social media tools!
September 4th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Thanks Mike!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:28 am
great perspective Bill. Do make sure though, if you are monetizing your blog or website to at least run by copyscape.com to check who might be “sharing” your content and also trying to make a buck.
Most of the time, it really isn’t about the $$, rather the exchange of ideas, but just as you delete the spam comments from blogs it’s a good idea to see where your ideas are flowing. Who knows, it might just lead you to add some context to someone who has repurposed some of your thoughts. You might make a new friend
September 6th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Christopher - Good idea to check copyscape. I am not familiar with their service but I just checked it out and it seems helpful. Thanks for sharing!