As writers, we are all aware of plagiarism, the unforgivable sin in the world of writing, the shameful failure of an inexperienced, brash copy-cat of a writer. But the ethical issues involved with writing, publishing and editing go much beyond blatant plagiarism.

Ethical Dilemma in Freelance Writing #1- 'The 'Original Idea'

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary has defined plagiarism as 'an act of fraud', 'to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own; to use (another's production) without crediting the source; to commit literary theft; to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.' (Definition on Plagiarism.org).

Thus not only words but also ideas carry a copyright and the act of copying ideas or failing to give credit for an idea conveyed through the words is an act of fraud too. Sites which check if articles pass copy scape abound and help in curbing plagiarism of words but who can really vouch for the originality of an idea?

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