I've been reused but not credited

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the issue of intellectual property and credit attribution in the context of an infographic created by a participant. The conversation explores feelings of recognition, potential plagiarism, and the implications of reusing creative work without proper credit. Participants share their thoughts on the nature of credit in creative works and the emotional responses to being acknowledged or overlooked.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses concern over their infographic being reused without credit, questioning whether to feel flattered or consider legal action.
  • Some participants draw analogies to illustrate the inadequacy of simply listing components without context, comparing it to describing a building or a loaf of bread.
  • Another participant suggests that imitation can be seen as flattery and inquires if the original creator has contacted the website that reused their work.
  • A participant shares their experience of using a similar infographic for educational purposes, indicating the widespread use of such visuals.
  • One participant reports a positive outcome where the editor of the article updated it to include proper credit and expressed gratitude for the original work.
  • Another participant acknowledges the editor's appreciation and characterizes them positively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of sentiments regarding credit attribution, with some feeling validated by recognition while others highlight the complexities of intellectual property. The discussion does not reach a consensus on how to handle such situations, reflecting differing perspectives on plagiarism and credit.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and feelings related to credit and recognition in creative work, but there are no formal resolutions or established guidelines discussed regarding intellectual property rights.

DaveC426913
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This is me:
https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/electron-mass-vital-life-in-universe/

Or more specifically, that infographic "What Dave is Made Of" half way down the page is mine.

I made it many years ago, before I was smart enough to sign my work. At least I credited the author from whence I got the data to make it.

I've still got it published on my server.

The one in the article is credited to Jim Marsh at RationalDiscoveryBlog.com

I don't know if I should celebrate or get litigious...

1726182168389.png
 
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It's kind of like describing a building by listing the 2x4s, 4x6s, concrete bags, lengths of rebar, etc. It's descriptive in a basic sense but doesn't really tell you anything about the strengths or weaknesses much less what the structure looks like. Like describing a loaf of bread by its ingredients minus the details of how to mix, knead, rise, shape, and bake it.
 
phinds said:
Check your link, Dave.
Thanks. Yes. Very strange. I posted this from my phone and it wouldn't stick. I re-edited and pasted the correct link about five times, testing it each time, because it was linking to the wrong place, even though I def pasted the correct link. I resigned myself to fixing it once back on my computer.

So now it's fixed.
https://www.davesbrain.ca/biology/atoms/index.html
 
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JT Smith said:
It's kind of like describing a building by listing the 2x4s, 4x6s, concrete bags, lengths of rebar, etc. It's descriptive in a basic sense but doesn't really tell you anything about the strengths or weaknesses much less what the structure looks like. Like describing a loaf of bread by its ingredients minus the details of how to mix, knead, rise, shape, and bake it.
Indeed. A different perspective.
Like this:
1726186837984.png

Or this:
1726186885562.png
 
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To paraphrase a 19th century adage, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.". Have you contacted the plagiarizing website?

Though not a fan, Reader's Digest used to publish similar vignettes in articles such as "Ken's Kidneys" and "Mary's Migraines". Popular author Chuck Palahniuk satirizes Reader's Digest in his novel "Fight Club".
 
DaveC426913 said:
This is me:
https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/electron-mass-vital-life-in-universe/

Or more specifically, that infographic "What Dave is Made Of" half way down the page is mine.

I made it many years ago, before I was smart enough to sign my work. At least I credited the author from whence I got the data to make it.

I've still got it published on my server.

The one in the article is credited to Jim Marsh at RationalDiscoveryBlog.com

I don't know if I should celebrate or get litigious...

View attachment 351094
I used a slide just like this recently for some team members. They have not done chemistry since school so I started at the beginning. I think I got the info off wiki but it looks a lot like your slide.
 
JT Smith said:
It's kind of like describing a building by listing the 2x4s, 4x6s, concrete bags, lengths of rebar, etc. It's descriptive in a basic sense but doesn't really tell you anything about the strengths or weaknesses much less what the structure looks like. Like describing a loaf of bread by its ingredients minus the details of how to mix, knead, rise, shape, and bake it.
You mean cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and anatomy? That would be a big slide!
 
Well THAT was unexpected...

Not only did the editor edit the article to give me credit...

1726242555590.png

...but he was VERY appreciative to find me.

"First off, I have to tell you thank you for creating this image so long ago.
... I have never been able to find the original creator, and now I have!!
I have updated the article to include a proper credit to you and a link to your blog...
And I would like to thank you for making such an informative infographic!
Do you still make images such as these? I am so pleased to be able to communicate such a comprehensive set of data about the composition of the human body with just one graphic. As far as I'm concerned, you're a star!"

:blushes:
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Not only did the editor edit the article to give me credit...

1726242555590.png

...but he was VERY appreciative to find me.

A real Mensch.
 
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