Some people are saying that a certain poem on gather is plagiarized,(I won't say whose) and it got me to thinking...
There is so much in our life to write about, so much wealth, love, pain and laughter. Why steal?
I was pissed at first but then I started thinking about the hundreds of good people on gather...
We all may just be people sitting at computers, not seeing each other, but we are people. And just because there is glass monitor between us does not mean we are not HUMAN. I like to think that we connect in someway. That we share smiles and tears and laughter. I myself have bared my soul on gather. I know it is easier to let lose with people I don't have to face. But over the past few months I have actually done something I didn't think I would do here. I have formed some friendships.
People like Hannah Dreyma who sends sparkles and hugs when I write something painful.Or Gisela who had the guts to share her problem with me and asked for my advice and who in return gave me advice. Or how about Enoch? We all love Enoch! He makes me smile when ever I come across an article or comment by him! Edward who dropped me a note to tell me he really liked to the 2 words I picked for the 2 word challenge! Then there is Stephen who I wronged several months ago and publicly apologized for. He forgave me and continued to read and comment on my work. Monica sent me a kick ass cookie recipe, John Walter reads as much of our work as he can and writes the most glowing comments and critiques I have ever seen. And just what would gather be with out Kathryn and Beryl?? Or Carol and Jessie with their marvelous photos and stories of Michigan??
Then there is Spencer, Nathan , Faith, Felix, James, Heather, David, Tanja, June, Cheryl, Will, Mona, Lisa, Diana, Chris, Claudia, Carolyn, Brandon, Steve, Colleen, Ernest, Laurie... I could list 50 more people who have been kind or nice or just made me laugh or cry with their wonderful stories. If I forgot you, forgive me! All these people and more on gather give me hope that the world is ok out there... that it is not all going to Hell in a handbasket.
You all enrich my life whether I ever see you face to face or not. So thank you to all of you for helping me to keep my faith in humankind.
*NOTE: Annina publically acknowledged her mistake and appologized. She is human and I forgive her. As should everyone else.
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Comments: 51
(By the way: "Lying")
You are so right that we all bring something to the table, and I love reading your stories. Sometimes they're sad, sometimes you have me in total stitches. I can just imagine how peeved you were that someone would take advantage like that. I myself like reading and posting to your Haiku group so keep up the good work, Mandi, and try not to let that one person get you down :).
Hugs and sparkles are yours any time you want them.
Love you Hannah!
I "second the emotion" and feel the warmth and goodness that flows from our Gather community. Today's live comments with Gerace may lead to solutions for the evils and trolls that lurk.
Gerace?? who's that?
However, I'm glad this didn't sour you to Gather. I've also had my negative experiences dealing with people on here, but I've learned to let it go, too. I enjoy reading your thoughts and am glad you are going to continue to share them with us. You're awesome!
Carolyn, the haiku was NOT mine... I don't know who wrote it.... all I knowis, it was not written by the woman on gather.
"Some people are saying that a certain poem on gather is plagiarized." Who? What poem? If I can read it for myself, I can easily research the author in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, I'm left questioning every poem I come across, wondering, is this the poem? Is that the person? Maybe it's her....maybe this poem is the one? Everything is suspect.
I'm finding that "someones" and "somethings" are casting a shadow on "everyones".
gisela, why are you cranky with me???
For the record: Mimi Mieux is not my real name, so similar works published outside of Gather under other names that are in no way similar to the name "Mimi Mieux" probably isn't plagarism...unless it isn't me.
Oh, and I don't write poetry ;-)
Good point. I'd be willing to bet many of us use pen names. I hope that explains what happened in the case cited in the article. I'd hate for it to be the other. I don't think plagiarism is a compliment at all. I think the real compliment would be to say, "I like this so well, I'd like to share it. Do you mind if I do so, and use your name with it?" Or... "I admire your writing. Will you help me get mine to that level?"
I'm with Mandi - I just love y'all. Even the ones who are oh so wrong on immigration, haiku, and whether brownies should have frosting.
thanks Susan!
I am not the one busted... she is. Also giving ones on my articles only makes you look foolish. I have 50 or so articles , you have none.
Thank you for changing the title, Mandy. It made the reading of your article a little bit easier for me. I am disturbed that some people, who shall remain nameless, misunderstood your intentions. You were angry. I would have been angry too. It is only natural to feel cheated and used by what appeared to have been dishonesty on my part. I would have felt the same way, and indeed I regret that my mistake has caused you pain and anger you shouldn't have had to put up with. I was not offended by your remarks, nor was I hurt, because I know that I have been entirely honest in resolving this issue, in a public forum, and in greater detail than anyone needs. I would be doubly upset if people were to think you were being malicious in any of your dealings with me or the issue of suspected plagerism. You have behaved in very much the same way I might have done.
and this is really weird,,, but,,,, you look like my mom!
thank you ;-)