Forum Moderators: not2easy
This problem is ongoing and I wanted to help her out by suggesting to her some ways of protecting her content from theft.
I understand there is nothing that can be done with text (since its a blog) or to an extent images, but what about the source code? Can hiding the source code be beneficial? What other tactics can be used?
But that misses the point; identity theft or impersonating another with malicious intent is a crime. Your friend needs an attorney and an aggressive attitude. That would be far more useful than any easy-to-bypass site-code solution.
Jim
Now, if it is just copyright infringement (this person has taken her content, and put it on another website, especially without contributing to the author) she has many steps she can take. She can send a legal cease and desist letter to the offender. If that doesn't work, she can try contacting the host (or if it is a blog with a blog company, contact the legal dept of the company as well) - there are many hosts who will not tolerate this sort of thins because they don't want to face possible legal action themselves. If the offending content is in Google, she can send a DMCA report to Google, and have it removed.
Again, it is hard to say without the details, but this is what i do when I find copyright infringers of my own work.
Jen
This will probably get modded but, murderous rampage comes to mind. Sitting back the whole time saying, "Yep, I did it, while the other guy gets what he deserves."
Almost like "Falling Down" (Michael Douglas) just not exactly.
There's a fairly high profile story of a girl that had a very popular blog and has received harassment and identity theft from another girl that is probably jealous of her success and praise.
This problem is ongoing and I wanted to help her out by suggesting to her some ways of protecting her content from theft.I understand there is nothing that can be done with text (since its a blog) or to an extent images, but what about the source code? Can hiding the source code be beneficial? What other tactics can be used?
There are two main approaches here.
1. leagl recourse > there are many things you can do but the only safe bet to remain on the right side of the law is consult with a lawyer that specializes in these areas.
Anything else can come back to bite you > even if you/they/she thinks the action is justified.
Many do not have the time or the resources to take legal action, therefore:
2. Take a disadvantaging situation and turn it into an advantage.
Two thoughts: when people steal, reproduce, or mimic you > your BRAND is working. Unethical as this may seem > there is an opportunity to grow here, but personal feelings must be put aside.
Business is business... and alliances, partnerships, joint ventures etc. rarely have people "only liking each other".
In many cases relationships > begin, start, and become "strained" but business not is about likes and dislikes... it's about suceeding.
Therefore unless the legal route is a reality to the end... choice number two should be considered paramount.
In the end... if she gains nothing at all but a headache... there is no point laboring over it.
