It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,¹ it was the New York Times. Specifically, it was a Times article that discussed computer programs and other techniques designed to root out plagiarism.² The article revealed that there is now software that can look for a lengthy passage, like a string of pearls,³ in a new document that is identical to a passage in a previously published work. In another method, every fifth word from sample passages is removed, and the author has to fill in the blanks⁴ to reveal his or her familiarity with the work. These high-tech ways to spot literary theft will surely rob copycats of the sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care.⁵

When I first read the Times article, I remember thinking, it's a good thing⁶ and attention must be paid.⁷ After all, as a writer, I find plagiarism to be a constant concern. (Although from time to time, I have to admit, I shall consider it.⁸) Of course, it can be hard to define. When you steal from one author, it's plagiarism; if you steal from many, it's research.⁹ One might say that a writer should neither a borrower nor a lender be.¹⁰ On the other hand, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.¹¹

This article was originally published with the title Copy That.

Comments