"have you thought about writing a book? you're GREAT writer!"

that is one of many such ridiculous comments made on a blog who has been plagiarizing my posts for a year. i'm sure most of you read about the cjane plagiarism debacle. i'll be honest, i was super naive and didn't think it was a common problem. the big blogs, ya maybe, but not mine. who would do that? it's just weird. but after my blog content made it into a gross spam message that is going everywhere, i have been researching how to better protect the content of my blog. in the which research i had a search done on copyscape and there are literally dozens of blogs and spammers using my posts and pictures in varying degrees as there own. seriously. and on a regular basis. word for word. they look like normal people. have pictures of their families. the blogs look like all the stupid blogs out there. and every third post is a post that i wrote about infertility or something, using my pictures even, and then all their friends writing comforting comments and telling them to write damn books. i am so beside myself right now. and sick to my stomach. i love blogging. i love writing. i love taking pictures. i love this little piece of the world that i've created. really? do i have to stop and remove it because people are so ridiculous? really?

i could handle the sitch if it was just the idiot bloggers because it's easy enough to get blogger to remove their blogs. but the spam thing has really got me bugged. they are using my family's life to sell nasty things and have nasty web pages. true, it's all snippets and really abstract and rearranged... but why are there so many bad people in the world? i hate sleaziness. i have some thinking to do. i don't want to stop blogging. but i'm really grossed out. but then i think- who cares? anyone can look at your blog anyway- that's just the way of the world wide web, if you're gonna put yourself out there, then that crap happens. just live your life and do what you want to do. but then i get sick again because with every post there is a constant reminder of the slimey men out there using me.

sorry my thoughts are so jumbled, i know i'm not making sense. if you know anyway to stop/ help/ monitor/ or fight this please let me know. and plagiarizers beware... reneer and associates aka my scary brother's law firm will be called in for back up. and you don't want to mess with him. haha. i'm not calling you out by name because i feel sorry for you, and to have some leverage. remove my content n o w and all will be forgotten. otherwise, you will be outed.

i'm not going private, i can't imagine deleting the blog. i'm just super annoyed. "two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and i’m not sure about the universe." albert einstein. yes sireee.

eta: for those of you asking how to check your blog- i went to copyscape.com and paid ten bucks for some premium account credits so i could get a full report. it scanned my whole blog and then gave me a list of matching web-pages. 75% of it was just using the same quote as a person or a long phrase or something, and that's hopefully all your results will be. harmless and coincidental. but then i had a buttload of results of websites from all over the world (alot of them in japanese or spanish) that were running my exact blog, spam generator sites, and even, sad to say, american housewives experiencing a combination of writer's block and amorality who are copying my posts and changing only names. 

i've slept on it. i don't care anymore. i contacted all the bloggers that i could giving them 24 hours to remove my content before they will be humilated slash legally confronted. the spam thing really is so dumb. the people who have taken notice of the writing thought it was intriguing and googled it and now read my blog, so whatev. thanks for the free advertising, viagra pushers. i don't want to go private because this blog is vital for the running of my etsy shop and i love my little etsy life. so. i pray for good things and live my life. what are ya gonna do. i'd rather be happy than right. and i can't be right without going mental over this. so i'm letting it go...

Comments

[Judy]

Seriously. Some people just SUCK! Is it bad to hope they are some of the first to burn? I really shouldn't say things like that out loud...

[Jamie Slade]

i LOVE your blog and think it is such a shame that there are creeps out there like that! that is why i went private, and honestly i hate it because it keeps me from meeting many amazing people...but at the same time, i can have a little piece of mind.

oh, and i have a question...you had some lovely turquoise vintage flower earings in your shop in february, i think...are those ever coming back? i wanted to buy some, but now they are gone. i guess i should e-mail you since you won't be able to hop on my blog and respond.

[Deb]

My mum used to say that copying is the highest form of praise... but somehow I don't think it applies in your case! I'm so sorry your special space has been invaded, but please don't stop writing... there are way more of us who are nice (!!) and love reading you than the few nasties... don't let them get you down.
Hugs
deb :)

[Marisa]

well, in case you didn't know, you ARE one of the "big" blogs... :) so sorry to hear of this. every time i hit 'publish', i always have a little worry for my photos + content. is it possible to get blogger or the other blog hosts to remove the spammers? do keep us posted on what you find out.

(fairly new to your blog + love it!)

[Kristin]

stinky stinky!

I just had some cyber stalker who made me make my blog private. It sux.

But I love your blog and my heart goes out to you!

[Heather]

Really?! That is crazy that people can take your life and make it their own! It makes me sick. So how did you find all of this out. I would love to do my own search. I'm not saying that my blog is very big, but I would like to know if people are using my pictures.
I hope that this all just stops for you. Love your blog, you always inspire me.

[amanda]

Aww girl, that's ridiculous. Outrageous, really. I'm so sorry that's happening to you - at least we know we're getting the real thing right here!

[ashley]

wait, really? that is weird/freaky/sick.

who are these people and what is wrong with them???

[Sara H]

That's sucky Kelly. How did you find them though? How do you do a search for your own content and find it elsewhere? I didn't know people did things like that. Must be seriously lacking in their own life to have to pretend like they're somebody else. Nuts. But now I want to check my blog, can you tell me how?

[mysuestories]

Yes, Kelly, how DO you find copying scum? I just don't get why people would have to copy someone else's life as written on a blog. It's not like it's for anything other than fun (and maybe therapy in a few places!)

[Kemi]

It makes my skin crawl. I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. I hope it stops right now.

[sarah b]

your blog is so inspirational, so sweet, so full of adorable snippets from your life. i don't know you, but i can't wait to click here one day and find out you're pregnant. people can suck BIG TIME. they're the ones who have to face judgment about this one day. you can rest easy knowing you've made people's days happier through knowing about your sweet family. and you've been a witness to our great God. spiritual warfare much??

[Angie]

THAT is just so disgusting!! It is not even copying, it is identity theft!! I say that because it really is. I really hope you do not pull this blog though. It is one of my favorites!! I really love your quilts, knitting and patterns and now the gardening posts!!I have bought your kits and patterns and would be beyond sad if you didn't do this anymore. I am sorry there are people in the world that have nothing better to do than be un-original and theives. How can other people check their blogs as one poster posted?

[Sara]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE STICKING AROUND!

[Melissa]

I'm so sorry that is happening. I never heard of such a thing. I so enjoy reading your blog. I discovered square foot gardening through your blog and our garden is growing like crazy! Thanks!!

[homegrownlife]

So sorry to hear about the sleaziness and plagiarism. You have the right attitude... keep on writing and take a proactive approach to protect your family and your work!

[Jennifer]

OK this is all making me sick, too. I try hard to live life without fear of the "bad people" but it's getting harder and harder. I doubt anyone has copied my blog, but still, just the fact that they COULD is disturbing.

[Makayla Robinson]

I had to make my blog private because I found an Italian fetish website was my biggest source of traffic and that they had linked to some of my pictures on flickr. The pictures were totally hot... Of my cast a couple years ago when I broke my arm. I was GROSSED out and niave. I am still struggling with my place in the blogging world. It really taints the experience when people are so horrible.

I think about you all the time. Like yesterday when I was talking to my husband about grinding my own wheat and making my own bread. You are inspirational.

[Berta]

WHY NOT go private? All your followers WILL follow? I think you need to give ALL OF US their blogsite and we'll go bombard their 'fake little world' with nastiness! (Just an idea!) I think calling in 'brother's law firm' would be SO COOL - it would kind-of-like the movie "Taken" . . . everyone's worst nightmare! ! ! Go get em' - I'll come help!

[addy]

I'm with Berta! Lets show them who's boss.

also- this is a very sweet, lovely blog. i hope you can figure out a way to keep it running (not private). Do what feels right, after all, aren't we females good at "gut feelings"?

Yes

Addy (my first time commenting here)

[Amanda]

Yikes. I am with everyone else. But yes, how do you find out if this is happening to you?? I want to know. I think I want to know.

[Amber]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My blog is not copy-worthy, but this situation is still one of my biggest fears in the internet world. The thought of people stealing other people's pictures and craft projects makes my skin crawl. And personal content? Weird! Like a previous commenter said, it is identity theft plain and simple and I wish the perpetrators could be punished. I hate injustice!

Whatever you decide to do, we will be right there with you. :)

[tracy]

Wow Kelly! I had no idea about all that stuff. Pure ridiculousness. (I know not a real word) I am so sorry for the stupidity of people! Try to shake it off, as it seems you have. I am hoping that the 'attorney' mention in your post will make that person stand up and listen. I wanted to write and say I dearly LOVE reading your blog and truly hope you keep at it. It is so very inspiring to me. LOVE the images you post too. Seriously, I would be very sad to see it go. And, yeah you are one of the 'big blogs' out there. I don't even remember how I found you, just glad I did.

[Katherine MW]

i am just sorry. that sucks. it is too bad that people can not come up with their own - anything - these days, and have to copy another's masterpiece. i hope you can find a resolution soon.

[girlsmama]

Isn't it sad that a few can ruin it for everyone! I wish everyone would just behave.

[Annette]

This makes me nervous. I have no clue how to find out if I've been plagiarized.

[Janet]

That just sucks. Filthy lucre is definitely at the root of the inhumanity of people. Good luck in fighting them. I start my day looking at your web - really enjoy how uplifting you are. Amazing that people will pretend they have your life on their own blog. Really creepy and amazing. Tell them to get their own life!

[Ashley S.]

Wow, I can't believe that. Your blog is so wonderful, Kelly. I would be sad if you stopped. I'm so sorry there are people out there doing this to you.

[Jessica]

oh man, i am so sorry. people are nuts! your blog is so wholesome and good and uplifting and spiritual and just wonderful! (it is one of my absolute favs.) and to think people can take something so good and make it their own, or make it sleezy, like you said, is beyond me. there are some crazies out there. im glad you are keeping your blog and letting people like us enjoy its goodness.

[stacymeyers]

that is just creepy. i am so sorry!

[Heather]

Laaaame! I love your uplifting blog and I'm sorry you have to deal with this junk, too. It's all just really sad.

[Lacey Jane]

Had to chime in too... so glad you're not going private... I love reading your posts and seeing your pictures... keep it up! (But, yes, I can't believe people steal info and don't think they'll ever get caught! Yowza.)

[Brooke Harkness]

This really blows my mind that women are deliberately taking your stuff and peddling it as their own. The whole point of a blog is to share your thoughts, your ideas, your take on the universe and I don't understand why these people would want to put someone else's view of the universe on their blog. Thanks for the copyscate info. My sister just found some mommy-blogger copying half her stuff and it freaked her out. She is now emailing the girl. What a joke.

[liz]

oh kelly, i am so, so sorry you are dealing with this. that is terrible. how do people sleep at night? i don't get it. i've been reading your blog for a while now and would be so sad to see you leave this space....but i completely understand if that's the route you end up taking.

[Missy]

That's pretty crappy. Sorry all this has been happening to you.
I'm also curious how you found out. Lately a few perverts have been to my site too because of my kids names. I deleted the post that was attracting them. (Not that it was anything bad at all, but in a search I guess it looked intriguing to them.) I'm thinking of going private too, but that option just kind of sucks.

[debbie]

This post made me realize to a few things;
1. if you quit or privated your blog I would loose a friend - because in the blog world you are one of my best friends:)
2. I am really glad that my blog is a small blog so I don't have to worry about stuff like this - sorry that you do.
3. People are lame.
You have a wonderful perspective. Good luck!

[Ashley C.]

I just used copyscape after reading your post and found a girl lifting entire posts of mine. Nothing came up on copyscape for my sister, but we realized the same girl was using her posts as well--which just makes you wonder how many more plagarizers are out there not being caught. I am guessing there are a LOT.

That completely defeats the purpose of blogging. At least for me, the joy is in sharing my life with friends and the act of writing something. I don't get the need to have people think "my she's so clever" by using a post that I didn't actually write. It's pretty sad, really.

Your blog is wonderful and it would be a great loss to the world if you took it away. I'm sorry all this slimely stuff is happening. I have always thought your blog is a force for good on the net.

[amanda jane]

I often wondered about some blogs putting copywrite disclaimers on their side bars, but now it makes sense. at least then people would know you are aware and watching. so sad this happened to you, I hope it works out in a way you feel good about. so many adore your perspective and would miss you if you left here! best wishes for a quick resolve.

[Emily]

What is wrong with some people? I Love reading your blog. There have been times when your thoughts have given me support in my trials and I dont even know you! :) I love you for that! And I would really miss you if you left.

I say, if they don't take your content off their blogs you let us at them! Post all the blogs who are copying so we can hit them full force with comments and get them removed from blogger. Just like all of cjane's fans did. This kind of stuff really is so frustrating. I'm sorry youre having to deal with it. Here's to hoping it all gets resolved quickly. :)

[Christine]

I, like many others, stumbled upon your blog through the world of CJane and the Neilson family. The recent posts on plagiarism by you, CJane and many others in your blogging circle speak very clearly to me.

I worked during college at my university's academic honor code office; I was charged with hosting seminars and educating faculty about the perils of academic misconduct by students. Unfortunately I must say that this is a much larger problem than most care to admit. The ease with which people can access electronic content gives most a false sense of security in doing so and dare I say for some, entitlement.

This problem is not going to disappear even if you and CJane both decide to remove your heartfelt and personal blog content. I ask that you continue to educate your peers on the disgusting practice of internet plagiarism. It is both healthy and helpful to host these discussions.

I understand your frustration but I urge you to be strong and let this new knowledge filter deeply into your life. Speak with your children often and early about academic honesty; speak with your blogging friends about respect; continue to speak!

[Ellen Patton]

what a drag but i'm glad you're not going private! your blog is one of my faves.

[shawn]

Wow. It is so sad that these people don't have lovely lives of their own to write about. They must be very lonely. And bored.

(And did I forget to include, stupid?)
You are an original, Kelly. Nobody could be you.

[caroline]

that is so horrible, i hate that people are like that. i hope you are able to get everything resolved without having to delete your blog- i love reading your work!

[Heather]

Rat-Snackers! That is what our big girl would say. . . you are right to feel all you are feeling and to take action to protect your words/ideas/property/family. You go! I'm a former English teacher, so I harped on this constantly with students and papers. . . intellectual property--ideas as your currency. I will continue to visit you and support you. Your words are authentic, honest and always kind. Good luck. Thank you for the awareness.

[Erin]

Just wondering, how does anything you've written on your blog help sell Viagra? Your blog is fun to read, for sure, but doesn't have anything to do with Viagra.

[kelly mccaleb]

it doesn't, that's the point. my content gets the spam past the filters because it doesn't raise any flags and then the image with it is the ad. lame.

[naomi]

ummmmmm, are you serious?? this makes me nervous. but thank you for not taking your blog private, i love it.

[Sharla]

I've seen this happening to a couple of my favorite blogs and I just don't understand. You're right, it's online and everyone has access but it's still YOURS. I'm so glad you've acted the way you have about it.

[Jo]

That makes me so sick.
Sometimes I lay awake at night, wondering if any creeps are looking at my blog. I just recently changed it so our last name and city was out of it completely. I wish I knew a way to make it so you can't copy pictures from a blog or text.

I am sorry people are so creepy. I love your blog. You inspire me!

[Amber]

That is pretty sad. I popped over from 'Oh, hello friend' because I saw that you won her giveaway. Congrats.

I do have to tell you, that I have loved your blog for a long time. I was a faithful commenter. But I decided to quit following you because you never once responded to anything I said. I'm in favor of responding to your readers, letting them know that you appreciate them & have time for them. Hopefully if you continue blogging you will consider this advice.

Good luck in all your endeavors.

[kelly mccaleb]

dear amber,
and anyone else who feels the same,
i love every comment. i am only human and have a family to take care of. i would love to respond to comments but that would mean giving up living, i'm afraid. i'm already maxed out on computer time.
if i have to choose time-wise between blogging and not having a ton of time to surf around slash reply,
or
not blogging at all because that makes people mad,
then i choose the first and hope people will understand.
that said, i do pop around here and there when i can. i'm sorry if i never did with you.

[kelly mccaleb]

ps-
i hope people will choose to follow blogs because it uplifts them. period.
i try not to let politics control what blogs i enjoy/ don't.
when i comment on a blog, it is done simply to say thanks because i enjoyed something. not as a networking thing.

just my thoughts.

[~k]

Hard to think that people do this-it wouldn't even occur to me. How utterly icky. If they don't heed your warning, go and get 'em girl!

[kristen Van Dyke]

i had no idea that this sort of thing even existed. that the internet world could be so anonymous that people could get away with it. now i'm all grumpy.

[alexandra]

my uncle has a saying... dumb is forever. Sadly, it's true. so sorry you have to deal with idiots who can't think for themselves. how totally fake and creepy to copy someone else's blog posts - weird people out there.
thanks for not going private with your blog - I am a devoted reader - I love it!
A.

[Mary Beth]

Stick it to 'em!!!! You go girl!

[Jenn]

Your talent and creativity is so uplifting and inspiring to me. You have every right to feel upset and angry. But please don't let them win. Don't let them take your talent, motivation, creativity and style away. We need more blogs like yours to uplift and inspire us.

[Ana F.]

I am so sorry you have to deal with this, Kelly. I never knew people would do such a thing. This is crazy! I love, love, LOVE your blog.

[nicole]

yuck! go get 'em. oh, and don't close up shop we like you too much to see you go away. fight

[Rachel]

Ahh Kell-Bell! I know a great lawyer you who enjoy going after your lil copycats, I think I remember him doing a pretty good job going after a gal who messed with his sister's wedding cake. :)

[Abby]

That is seriously psycho! Some people are suck freakin losers.

[Abby]

I meant such

[Heather]

Way to go with your response about the commenting; perfectly put. I think too many people have made blogging such a political thing and have steered away from what I see is the purpose of blogging. I'm glad you don't let the silly "blogligations" affect you. This blog is for you, and no one else.

[leslie]

that is so shocking. so sorry, you are a true original and i love your blog! :)

[melissa]

that's awful! what's wrong with people? but don't stop - i enjoy your blog.

[nancy]

Oh my goodness, thanks for the tip. I never would have even thought about that. No wonder some blogs put their blog names across their pictures! Good luck with everything - I hope you scared them from ever doing that again.

[Elizabeth]

That just plain sucks! I really do enjoy your blog and hope you keep it going! No one else is quite like you!

[Suzie]

Hi Kelly,
I am a long time reader and small time commenter but big time love & support you. I have appreciated your insights and your sharing of your life. I am also a fellow blogger who has been copied a time or two. I admit, it has put a damper on my blogging. But I don't want to quit! arrggh!
Please keep us posted on what you are doing and how we can all protect the lovelies that we put out there.
And, I am sorry, my dear. It sucks- but keep on keepin on! (like you always do)

[Jacqui]

That is just the weirdest thing imaginable...I'm totally shocked but really, Einstein is right. Stuff 'em - blog on!!

[Jill]

We all love you kelly. It sound like you're getting things sorted out, but seriously!?!! Crazy people.

[leni]

that seriously sucks. people should just be themselves. just remember, copying is the best form of flattery -- even though it is really annoying!

[Mary Elizabeth]

bunch a nuts i tell ya. too bad you cant put some button on your blog that says this blog is protected use my material and I will kick your....tushie

[Patricia]

Wow! I had a similar experience last month when someone copied my retail website, even used my product photos and exact wording. I was equally upset and handled it with a simple but direct letter. But to copy a blog?

You write beautifully and I have recommended you to my friends who would really appreciate your writing. Yours is the only blog I follow and it has really struck a spot in my heart. I spend every day making sure my family has a happy life and appreciates our place in this world. I felt like I found a kindred spirit in you.

Keep writing, you are a great writer, mom, wife, sister, friend... we all know it is true as we have been lucky enough to find your blog and get a taste of your "happy little life".

[JaNae]

way to take the high road and contact the people first to give them a chance to remove it. You are a better person than I am. I would have put their info up so all of your supporters could go over and let them really have it.
I'm with every one else & love your blog! Thanks for not letting a few rejects ruin it for the rest of us.

[Heather]

Wow! I wish I could say that this is surprising that someone would even think to take your blog content as their own, but I am not. It is so unfortunate! I see this all the time with being in the stationery business. Unfortunatly the copyright laws are too vague when it comes to graphics, and even a slight variation is not considered copyright infringement. Stupidity is alive & well.

[Courtney]

Out the plagiarizers! After such a low-class act, they deserve whatever bad publicity they can get.

Let's hear what blogs they were.

[body detox]

ts made on a blog who has been plagiarizing my posts for a year. im sure most of you read about the cjane plagiarism debacle. ill be honest, i was super naive and didnt think it was a common problem. the big blogs, ya maybe, but not mine. who