Subject: A question that's been worrying me
Author:
Posted on: 2010-08-19 01:13:00 UTC
Sometimes, when I'm writing, I recall a really cool line I've heard in something else that's appropriate to the situation I'm currently writing, and so I put in a similar (but never identical) line. Occasionally I don't even realize I'm doing it. When I do realize, I generally go back and credit the source.
Does this count as plagiarism?
No, what you are doing is not plagiarism. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and calling it your own. One line is not plagiarism and even if it was, you are crediting the source, so no worries.
To tell you the truth, I do much the same thing. There is a saying, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." That is all you are doing in this case; imitating the source. It is done all the time, and not a bad thing.
Happy writing,
Barid
I have that problem too, sometimes, but it's not plagerism, especially if you credit. Usually if I'm in your place I try to re-write so as to make it wholly mine, but sometimes a line is just too good - then I credit it and call it a homage. No one minds.
Glad to hear it, because that same thing happens to me too.