What would do if:
Someone gave you a website, but never transferred the domain name to you completely after more than one request for the authentication key. Later letting the site lapse without telling you losing all content and work on the site?
Someone took said website back for a short time, while you were on vacation, when the opportunity came up to monetize through a giveaway and twitter party. Without sharing the revenue?
Someone asked to review your ebook, using the content to successfully write an ebook, without ever crediting you in any way?
Someone stole your idea and launched a book the same month as you on the same topic?
Someone posted a blog post with your same title two days after you?
Someone launched the cover of her coming book the day after you did?
Someone bought a domain for a website with similar focus as your main blog one week after talking with you about your passionate idea?
Someone later told you on the phone it didn’t matter because “ideas aren’t trademarked and as long as the work is her original words it’s not illegal”?
Someone replaced your affiliate links with her affiliate links on a website you both worked on?
I’m not sure what you would do but blocking and unfollowing were therapeutic for me. A small amount of whining and a passive-aggressive blog post were also helpful. Creating my new to-do list and kicking butt on my new ebook project were even more helpful.
Understand this – there is definitely an ugly side. But you don’t have to fight ugly with ugly! That and there is sometimes a difference between what is illegal and what is ethical – decide whether you are willing to settle for “just legal” or if you want to have a truly clear conscience so that no one can smear your good name behind your back.
I think it’s important for bloggers to go into any deal, discussion or partnership with their eyes wide open. These are business dealings and they need to treat them as such. Backup your content, save emails, don’t divulge proprietary information. Expecting humans to look out for number one is the best way to handle these situations.
I agree whole-heartedly. While I’m still as helpful and generous with my time as I ever was before, I now will take a few minutes to write out a “writer’s agreement” or sometimes ask for payment upfront in a collaborative situation.
In another instance where a partner owns the domain, I maintain the hosting creating a more equal split of “power” in that situation and it works out well.
I’m so sorry for anyone that has to go through any of this! I had a moment where someone stole an idea. It hurts. It also opened my eyes to be careful with every single person and pay attention to your gut feelings! I also believe that there are more ethical people out there than unethical. I sure hope that I am right! xoxo.
It’s amazing to me how often I hear people say that Chele – I’m sorry you’ve experienced it as well. I agree though – I work with an amazing group of people at Blissfully Domestic who have done nothing but support me for years, and just got back from meeting 300 people at Type-A who were amazingly supportive, generous and encouraging. 🙂 There are definitely more GOOD than otherwise.
Wow. That’s pretty ballsy. I’m always amazed at the number of people who would rather take the unethical low road than put forth some effort and make a name for themselves. The bottom line is that your reputation precedes you wherever you go. Make no mistake, people are talking about how you do business and how you treat others. If this gal is OK with the business she’s *losing* because she thinks she’s getting a gain in the short run, she’ll be mighty disappointed down the road.
What do you do when you see people who aren’t stealing from you, but are essentially making themselves look better than they are (and selling an expertise they don’t possess)? That’s where I’m having an issue right now. I’m looking around at the group in our town who has decided that a year of social media makes them an expert and those people are conducting themselves shows that they don’t know the first thing about how social media behaves. For instance, you aren’t really a social media expert if you think you can own a hashtag and determine how anyone else uses it. I’ve watched a perfectly good hashtag (and the community it could have developed) go down the drain because this woman thinks she can dictate who uses it or that if you us it, you’re talking directly to her. That’s just one instance. Honestly. People can be such idiots. But a bigger conundrum is why do I let it take up my brain space? They aren’t losing sleep over it, so why do I? Why do I care if they are fleecing people? I don’t know, but I do.
I would probably crawl under he covers and hide! I love what you said though-sometimes it’s removing them from your view and moving on that can really, really make a difference. Now get crackin’ on that to do list! 😉
That just hurts to read about all of that. I don’t understand how someone could do anything at all like that. Very sad. 🙁
There are always some people who like to steal ideas and “then make them their own”. I have given up worrying about it after all, they were not losing any sleep over it. When it started out blogging I got very angry, some of the bloggers were bigger bloggers than me and they took my post ideas, my sayings and now the sayings and ideas are attributed to them 🙁
I just have to stay focused, keep my eyes on the goal and hope that if I get hit by a truck people will twig that that person has not had an original idea since my death! OK that’s a bit extreme but there is no stopping them.
You hold your cards close to you!
As most of us should do…
Especially to someone like you Ang, who is extremely helpful to all bloggers big or small, like myself, ok, so I’m tiny but even so, you took time out to help me and correspond with me. That speaks volumes about the your genuine personality and intentions. Sorry you had to go through this! I’m glad to see that you are shaking it off and jumpin’ back on your horse! ;0) Hugs!
Ang, I’m a big subscriber of online karma. If you try to pull these kinds of things on other people, rest assured the same will happen to you. This philosophy helps me cope (even if it’s untrue, at least I feel better). Hope that helps!
I am very sorry you have experienced the very worst of someone’s character – greed and pride are indeed ugly. I learned that on my first job fresh out of college…and unfortunately learn it anew from time to time. ;0) As the video in your sidebar points out…there are millions on the internet. The women who “think” Mrs. Ugly is brilliant are but a drop in the bucket to who you can reach out to through social media. And trust me…those with discernment can spot her ugliness and will politely move on! What this experience has shown is that YOU are a true leader. Good for you that you are looking forward and moving on with a sharper perspective … and tighter lips! Press on!
I’m so sorry you went through that! It’s really appalling!
At first, I thought that you were writing about hypotheticals, not things that actually happened to you. I’m shocked. I’ve had ideas stolen and I’ve had articles of mine plagiarized, but even with that, I’m surprised that someone you actually had somewhat of a relationship with would do that. I’m so sorry that happened to you!
Child! this is the very reason i am so skeptical of almost everyone. i hate feeling like this – i want to believe the best of everyone. i get that women are vicious IRL, but until this last year, would have never thought that this virtual world would be so cut-throat. i had a gut feeling about a situation last year, and chose to ignore it. I actually learned first hand while we were at blissdom that my ‘gut’ was right. (nothing happened AT blissdom, only while we were there) i have been burned by one too many, after sharing a *great idea* – and having them run away with it.
Which makes me sad, bc there is power in numbers. Two (or 3) of us can do so much more than one – and bless more in the process. I respect you for your actions. You set a good example for all of us.
xo
People like that will get what they deserve. I can’t say when it will happen, but one thing I’ve discovered is that there is Karma in this world. May you prosper beyond your wildest dreams.