Attribution Matters
By working together to attribute creative work appropriately, we open doors to collaborate and become even better at what we all do.
It seems like this topic comes around cyclically, and I find it disheartening that we still have to talk about things like attribution, giving credit to creatives, and just plain doing the right thing. But maybe it’s one of those things that if we talk about it more, it’ll be less apt to happen. In this instance, social media managers, this one’s for you.
When I was in college eons ago, journalism majors were required to complete ethics courses. It’s the very heart of our profession. Attribution of work—words, images, ideas—comes at the top of any good journalist’s priorities. So maybe I’m being insensitive to those in positions that don’t require that type of education. But in an age when it’s easy to lift intellectual property, commentary, and artwork, just don’t do it. It seems pretty obvious: If you didn’t create it, give credit to the person who’s talents and time did. Better yet, get permission from the creator.
I’ve had my words stolen and posted as someone else’s own thoughts. Entire articles have been copied and pasted into social media posts and on websites without attribution. My photos have been lifted for other use without permission. (Funny story: A while back, my mom was given a set of decorative plates featuring three images I shot for AQHA 20-some years ago—no permission or attribution given.) The worst might be lifted ideas—I’ve pitched work to clients, been told no, and then they attempt to execute that idea on their own.
Most of the time, I accept it as part of the gig. Oscar Wilde said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” (See what I did there?) But all media professionals should realize it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, doing things ethically is pretty simple.
If it’s a quote—whether a short inspirational thought or a comedic quip or part of another body of work—attribute the insight to the person who made it. This includes memes on social media, excerpting articles, and quoting sources.
Understand correct attribution. If it’s a quote from a published work, attribute both the person quoted and the writer of the work or publication where it appeared. Better yet: Link to the original creator’s website or the complete body of work so the entire idea appears in full context.
Photos get even dicier. Never download, screenshot, or otherwise lift the work. Photographers really take the brunt of the pirated creative blow.
The bottom line: You get paid for your work creating social media posts. Other creators and creatives deserve the same. The best part is that by making the effort to obtain permission, we all face greater collaborative opportunities to grow, learn, and work together.