More Thoughts on Writing with Authority

A couple days ago, Elana Centor referenced my article “How to Write with Authority.”

Based on the tone of her article, I can’t say she was enthusiastic about my suggestion to not give attribution when it’s not necessary.

Which is why I thought I would clarify that point.

First: I do not suggest or condone plagiarism. It is against the law.

What is plagiarism? It is copying somebody’s words as they wrote them.

The remedy is simple. Write your own words!

Here’s what really irks some people. While you CAN copyright words, you CAN’T copyright ideas (with the exception of some inventions protected by patents). As such, ideas can’t be plagiarized.

At some point in time:

• Somebody had the original idea of making a drip coffee maker. Now there are dozens of different brands and styles.

• Somebody had the original idea of making a gas-powered car. Now there are hundreds of different makes and models.

• Somebody had the original idea of printing books with movable type. Now there are hundreds of book publishers who print millions of books a year.

The point: Once an idea is released into the world, you can’t stop it from propagating. It WILL spread. And as it spreads, the source of the idea will stop receiving credit.

Now, if you’ve come across a new or unique idea, and you want to write about it, should you give credit to the person who introduced the idea to you?

I think so. It’s good manners.

On the other hand, if an idea has become so ordinary as to become common knowledge, you don’t need to give attribution to anybody.

That’s why I used the example of procrastination in my last article. Everybody knows procrastination is a primary reason for not getting things done. Therefore, attribution isn’t necessary.

Likewise, I can say the most important element of a print advertisement is the headline. Do I need to source that? No.

Furthermore, who would I source? I’ve been studying advertising so long, I wouldn’t have a clue who to give credit to.

Imagine how silly it would sound if I wrote, “According to most advertising experts, including Claude Hopkins, Eugene Schwartz, and others, the headline is the most important element of a print advertisement.”

This phrasing gives unnecessary attribution, transfers credibility away from me… and makes me sound like I’m NOT an expert.

So:

• When quoting somebody verbatim, give attribution. (Do NOT plagiarize!)

• When writing about an idea or story that is new to you, give attribution — even though you don’t have to. (This is that “gray area.”)

• When referencing or writing about an idea that is considered common knowledge, DON’T give attribution.

By following these rules, you’ll be following the law and exercising good manners. Plus, your writing will naturally have more authority (always a nice perk).

-Ryan M. Healy