Cooks Source Magazine editor Judith Griggs is getting a lesson in journalism via the internet today. In 2005 LJ user Illador posted a piece called a “Tale of Two Tarts.” Then she found out through friends that Cooks Source had apparently lifted the piece. They published it uncredited after doing some editing to the original. After making reasonable requests for rectifying the matter, Monica got this from the editor:
But honestly Monica, the web is considered “public domain” and you should be happy we just didn’t “lift” your whole article and put someone else’s name on it! It happens a lot, clearly more than you are aware of, especially on college campuses, and the workplace. If you took offence and are unhappy, I am sorry, but you as a professional should know that the article we used written by you was in very bad need of editing, and is much better now than was originally. Now it will work well for your portfolio. For that reason, I have a bit of a difficult time with your requests for monetary gain, albeit for such a fine (and very wealthy!) institution. We put some time into rewrites, you should compensate me! I never charge young writers for advice or rewriting poorly written pieces, and have many who write for me… ALWAYS for free!
The Cooks Source Facebook page is alight with flames this morning. Feel free to join in if so inclined.
(via nprmonkeysee)
Update: the inevitable fake @cookssource twitter account is a recipe for lulz.
