Stories being lifted by Irish Daily Mail

Gekko

I write for a particular section of one of the Sunday newspapers, and the Irish Daily Mail has lifted several of my stories now - nothing groundbreaking, and on one occasion one of their reporters followed up my piece ever so slightly but the bulk of the piece was from my original article.

It's more annoying than anything, although a number of people have said "well imitation is the most sincere form of flattery".

Do I have any redress against Associated Newspapers in this situation or is it becoming an acceptable part of journalism nowadays?

Anyone know what the NUJ's view on it is for instance?

flogen

Unless you're a member of the NUJ their opinion probably doesn't matter.

Have you contacted Associated Newspapers or brought the issue to their attention? If your case is strong enough they may be happy to deal with it now rather than risk being taken to court for plagarism.

mikemac

I'd imagine a journalists reputation is very important to them and if they get a reputation for plagarism it won't help their career. It's a small world in Ireland after all.

Maybe have a quiet word or better still send a letter telling them to cop on.
By all means, go the legal route if this fails

santosubito

I would say that, since they started, they've lifted about two dozen of my stories. I'm not talking about using my story as a basis for their own, rather complete plagiarisation. Page lead stuff, not small stories.
Maybe once or twice they've credited my paper, otherwise it's just a complete lift.
Ah well.
Who cares? You break stories, the Mail lifts them. That's life.

humanji

santasubito wrote:

Who cares? You break stories, the Mail lifts them. That's life.

Since you don't mind people taking credit for your work, is there any chance you could forward on your paychecks to me?

OP, have you told the guys in the paper you work for?

Gekko

I haven't mentioned it - but I guess I will as my editor is back next week.

It'd be interesting to hear his thoughts and then maybe I can think about taking some action

BarneyMagee

It's even worse for us regional journalists.

From virtually every paper too.

Sometimes they'll call you and say they saw my piece and are interested on doing a follow up and can I help them out which I don't mind.

Other times they don't even bother and copy and paste. Very annoying.

I think the next time it happens I'll just send them an invoice.

I'd have to say that in general, plagiarism is rife in the Irish print media.

Gekko

That reminds me the Western People nicked one of my stories as well!

I know what you mean about just sending them an invoice. It's very tempting to try this, if only to see what the response is.

santosubito

Gekko wrote:

That reminds me the Western People nicked one of my stories as well!

I know what you mean about just sending them an invoice. It's very tempting to try this, if only to see what the response is.

Right, have you ever lifted anything yourself, say from the interweb?

Gekko

Obviously I've used facts and details, but the point is that in the cases I mention it's whole stories.

That's the thing that annoys. Basically the results of my hard work gets used, I don't get any credit in print or any payment.

If any reputable publication syndicated it legitimately then I'd get 50% and a byline. In these cases I get zilch.

constitutionus

i honestly dont know what you could do.

look at RTE . they lifted newstalks interview with judge fergus flood and at best only referred to it as "a radio interview"

i do think its a disgrace though. if you broke the story they should at least credit an outside source than claim the credit themselves. still ive been writing stuff on politics.ie thats been lifted wholsesale by radio presenters so im not that surprised