April 26, 2006
-
Normally, on these articles for the hospital, I am reviewing a book or a lecture or telling a story about a patient; pretty straightforward stuff. The only college writing classes I’ve taken in the last 30-odd years were fiction 101 and 102. Mostly I learn from watching you guys. I used to read a lot when I was in two book groups but, these days, I’d rather read your posts.
At the last minute, the article was due on the 23rd, I changed my mind and tried to do something different, something I hadn’t done before. I asked a writer friend for help who was very generous, part of the gift being this killer line that I couldn’t help but use. At first I put quotes around it because it wasn’t mine. But I’ve never quoted someone who was not referred to in the text or source. So I took the quotes off.
I also used a line that I stole from one of you. I really like it and I told you so but in the end I erased it because I didn’t have your permission to use it. Can someone tell me what the protocol is for this?
Comments (13)
Just rework the line a bit so it’s yours… What’s the angle on this? You mentioned it being related to my post but I’m not seeing the connection…unless it was in reference to the homosexuality acceptance? I’m confused. ;( I had wanted to make some point about how it’s us heterosexuals that keep producing the dang homosexuals but cannot quite come up with the right ironic phrase to make the point that is sitting in my brain just beyond my verbal skills.
During editing and solicited imput, it’s expected (or at least hoped) that any advice or opinion or even an offered line suggestion might be assimilated into the piece.
If it’s just the case of plunder, if I can’t manage a reference in the work, I ask. If I can’t ask, I monkey it mine or I make something better.
i like both suggestions above. there are ways to reference internet material correctly, but i’d have to look it. i had to know it for my masters and haven’t thought about it since then.
just ask the person for permission. always better to be upfront.
Thanks for your generous comment which really is encouraging me to write. I do not know the protocol. I would be very proud if my line was quoted and I was given the credit. If I need to use your lines, I would use quotation mark and use your screen name.
RYC: Would rather do it on a day earlier than 4:30, I serve dinner at 5:30..Dave strolls in between the two times..marilyn..let me know
Ask the person for permission to use the quote without reference. If they say yes, go ahead and use it verbatim, as if the words are yours. They *should* be flattered. I’ve taken lines directly from people, exactly as they said them, and used them in stories, articles, scripts – always after getting their permission. The quotes only need to be there if you’re going to cite that person without permission, and give credit. Verbal permission is valid. If you’re worried about it holding up in a court of law, have them write it down for you and both of you sign it. The other option is to preface the statement with something like “A friend of mine said…” or “I heard (read) recently…” That will only work if you are making your voice part of the article, of course. If you’re not, the first option is best.
I always ask, and it’s never been a problem yet to “borrow” a beautiful line. On the rare occasion that someone wants one of mine, I’m delighted and have no problem, either.
I think since your friend offered it and you were using a writer’s judgement to use it there is no hsrm done at all…were it a lengthy quote you might say as so and so put it…..butwhat you describe is not something to fret about….of course I am only guessing…:)
Just re-write the line and change a thing or two and viola it is yours…that is what most of us do anyway. I would tell the person (if it was a friend) that I more or less used their quote but added to or changed it a bit.
Have an awsome day.
If its a line that really is perfect, and really oughtn’t to be changed, put it in quotes and credit her. If you interviewed her for the article, I’m not sure you have to go back and re-ask her permission to use anything she said to you during that interview. Rewording her ideas is often not the best way to go because she’ll recognize that and wonder why you didn’t give credit where credit is due. If you do go with rewording, it’s still important to acknowledge her in a small postscript where you can thank her for the conversation. It’s simply etiquette. And you, Pru, would be queen of good manners in any other situation. This one’s not that different. You could email me the article and I’ll give what feedback I can as an “editor.”
I’d check the MLA.
I would guess that any of us would be flattered and excited for you to take something. So asking would just be icing. I can’t see anyone getting upset over one line from a blog, but then I don’t hang out with those kind of people. I am getting here just as you are taking a break! Damn. Okay, I got you commnets and I think it’s a great idea. I’m headed to a supply shop today. I something in mind for you too!