In the continuing saga of plagiarized website text, I received an email this morning from a coaching colleague, who pointed out that there is another, fifth, site that has stolen my text. I should be immune to this pain by now, right?
Here’s the kicker, and why this particular one is so painful: this coach is an MCC (Master Certified Coach) which is the highest credential you can get in the coaching industry, a member of the ICF, and a previous client of mine.
Ouch.
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Here’s a sixth site:
This plagiarized site is just a little over the top. Not only did they steal my text, but they forgot to change the links within the stolen text to point to pages on their own site. The links in the text still point to MY site!
Okay, that’s just stupid.
I can’t stop laughing. This is just too dumb.
Karyn ~ To build on my comment from your previous entry, don’t get mad when an International Coach Federation member scrapes your site – get even.
Tell them that not only are they violating Federal copyright law, they are also in violation of paragraph 3 of the ICF Code of Ethics, which states: “I will honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own.”
Then offer them this choice: they can either resolve this matter to your satisfaction within two business days, or by their inaction, have you report them to the ICF for disciplinary sanctions.
It’s an attention-grabber to be sure!
I agree, BeeZee, and it’s also important to copy their hosting company and domain name registrar on the email you send. That shows you mean business. It’s not enough to simply write directly to them; you must report them to their hosting company, who has the power to take down the entire site if the owner of the site is doing something illegal.
Karyn
The 6th site has a contact page and I would sure use it if I were you. Wonder if they even check it? Their blog hasn’t had a post since last march.
http://www.adaptivitypro.com/websitedesigncontactus.htm
Hi, Frank,
Yes, part of all the research is trying to find the email address or phone number of the site owner, as well as the hosting company and registrar. Keeps me busy!
Karyn