1. Citing sources are important for several reasons. The first is because it is a sign if character, if you can “steal” work done by someone else by not giving them credit, it causes those around you to believe you to be dishonest and untrustworthy. Second, by citing sources you are saying thank you to the original author for their hard work and research that helps further your own. Third, in an academic setting, plagiarism can cause failure of an assignment or class and even expulsion. All of which go on your record and then in turn take you back to the consequences listed in the first reason. Lastly, by citing sources it shows that you have given a lot of your time and effort to thoroughly research your topics. That in turn lets your audience know that not only is your work credible, but also you are worth being taken seriously.




2. I have been plagiarized in the past. When it happened the first time, I informed my instructor. When the same person did it again the next week, I confronted them by telling them that if they were just going to copy my work, the least they could do was give me credit for it. After the third time, I told them that if they insisted on stealing my work instead of doing their own I was going to go to the administration and let them handle the issue. Thankfully, that resolved the problem and there were no more problems with plagiarism.




3. In professional settings, I think that plagiarism should be handled in a similar manner as an academic situation. If someone is found to be using someone else’s work as their own they should be fired with a note put in their dismissal notice. Also they should be informed that if the ex-employer is called for a reference that they will tell the prospective employer that they were terminated because of plagiarism, proving themselves to be untrustworthy.




4. I think people believe the internet blurs the lines of “ownership” of materials posted. When things are written, drawn, video taped, etc… and put on a reputable site, they give credit to the original author/creator. When things are posted on sites like You Tube and Wikipedia, the person that posts them is intentionally opening the door for others to view, take, or copy it. On reputable sites, the give citations and references for materials because they have only been added in order to make them easier to find. It also allows the materials to be more widely viewed. Additionally, materials put on reputable sites include copyright information showing that it is only being borrowed but is still the property of the original owner. Materials on You Tube and Wikipedia can usually only be posted if the author/creator agrees to the “Terms of Agreement” giving the site ownership of any materials added. If the original author/creator does not agree, usually the material can not be posted to the site. Therefore, still showing ownership if it is downloaded.