The danger of plagiarism when your work goes viral

Back in 1997, a small literary magazine called WordWrights published Judith Podell’s wonderful Blues for Beginners. It was so on target; it had the feel of something that belonged to everyone. And soon it did. Without giving Judith any credit, the piece went viral.

On the one hand, Judith was flattered. Who wouldn’t be when you know your work is an instant classic, read by thousands? On the other hand, as a writer, Judith has pride of authorship and an understandable desire to get credit for her work. And as a lawyer, she knows about plagiarism. This didn’t sit well.

Now it’s happening again. The editors at Bacon Press Books just found a link to something called "Rules for Writing Blues for the End of the Earth." And there it is--Judith’s work all over again, in time for the end of the world, with no attribution.

Fortunately, Judith’s book Blues for Beginners, where you can find the original, attributed,work, is now available as an ebook. To read, not to plagiarize. You can get a copy on Amazon or Smashwords.

You can also read what Memphis Earlene had to say about all that copying the first time around and just about everything else she doesn't like.