My friend Barbara, over at Barbara Frank Online, is having a series of giveaways. Barbara and her husband have just republished a book called An 1890 Kindergarten Story Curriculum - The original author, a teacher, organized it into a school-year’s worth (September to June) of stories and object lessons for young children.
Barbara is a fellow homeschooling mom and author who also has a child with Down syndrome.
Ending tonight is a great book giveaway, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Leave her a comment to win!
The next giveaway is How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie - another great read!
Please stop by Barbara's blog to enter!
Oh, and sign up for her free monthly newsletter while you're there!
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Plagiarism
Ever had your original content stolen? I deal with the at least once a year - not necessarily here on my blog - but with articles I have published elsewhere. Most website owners who like my stuff and feel it valuable to the homeschooling community will write me and ask permission to publish the information on their website. It is the morally right and polite thing to do.
On rare occasions I have seen my original content, often copied word for word, around the web. Usually I just write the website owner a note and get a fairly quick reply in the form of an apology and removal of the information. Of course, its usually not their fault - the fault lies with someone who who works for them. The offenders are usually extremely contrite. They know plagiarism is a crime.
This time, a simple, quick e-mail outlining my concerns did not work. I got absolutely no response.
Am I wrong to be surprised that this would happen within the homeschooling community? I guess I shouldn't be. After all, we are all sinners.
Perhaps the offending website is just a website that likes to make money off of the homeschooling community by offering informational content for homeschoolers. I wouldn't know since they did not respond to my inquiries.
Perplexed as to what step to take next, I took to the internet in search of answers. Darren Rowse of Problogger had an easy to follow, step-by-step plan of action for me to follow.
So, I worked my way through the steps. I contacted the site owner, ran a whois search, and contacted the website host without response.
Step 4, contacting the site's advertisers, finally yielded results. The stolen content has been removed.
I'm happy to say I did not have to go to step 5, name and shame, and beyond.
I have often wondered why it bothers me so much to find my work appearing around the web without credit. Most of my work is just putting together pieces of the puzzle in how children with Down syndrome learn. I have put in countless hours in accomplishing that task for the benefit of my daughter -- and others traveling a similar path. I give it away freely and without reservation when asked. I look at all those countless hours spent in research as the Lord's work in me and a way to serve others.
We're talking about my blood, sweat and tears here. It took me many years to get where we are in educating my daughter. After years of unanswered question from those who are supposed to know (professionals), I did the work to find the answers. So, it does bother me when people steal from me. In the few seconds it takes to copy and paste, a rare person here and there will use that information and call it their own.
It also offends God - see the Ten Commandments.
Next time, just ask. What is mine is yours -- if you ask.
On rare occasions I have seen my original content, often copied word for word, around the web. Usually I just write the website owner a note and get a fairly quick reply in the form of an apology and removal of the information. Of course, its usually not their fault - the fault lies with someone who who works for them. The offenders are usually extremely contrite. They know plagiarism is a crime.
This time, a simple, quick e-mail outlining my concerns did not work. I got absolutely no response.
Am I wrong to be surprised that this would happen within the homeschooling community? I guess I shouldn't be. After all, we are all sinners.
Perhaps the offending website is just a website that likes to make money off of the homeschooling community by offering informational content for homeschoolers. I wouldn't know since they did not respond to my inquiries.
Perplexed as to what step to take next, I took to the internet in search of answers. Darren Rowse of Problogger had an easy to follow, step-by-step plan of action for me to follow.
So, I worked my way through the steps. I contacted the site owner, ran a whois search, and contacted the website host without response.
Step 4, contacting the site's advertisers, finally yielded results. The stolen content has been removed.
I'm happy to say I did not have to go to step 5, name and shame, and beyond.
I have often wondered why it bothers me so much to find my work appearing around the web without credit. Most of my work is just putting together pieces of the puzzle in how children with Down syndrome learn. I have put in countless hours in accomplishing that task for the benefit of my daughter -- and others traveling a similar path. I give it away freely and without reservation when asked. I look at all those countless hours spent in research as the Lord's work in me and a way to serve others.
We're talking about my blood, sweat and tears here. It took me many years to get where we are in educating my daughter. After years of unanswered question from those who are supposed to know (professionals), I did the work to find the answers. So, it does bother me when people steal from me. In the few seconds it takes to copy and paste, a rare person here and there will use that information and call it their own.
It also offends God - see the Ten Commandments.
Next time, just ask. What is mine is yours -- if you ask.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Blogging in the Pink, A Woman's Guide...
Just thought I would let you know I loved the e-book by Michelle Mitchell of Scribbit, Motherhood in Alaska called Blogging the in Pink: A Woman's Guide!
There is so much left unsaid about the blogosphere but Michelle says it all in her book quite clearly and succinctly. I follow several bloggers whose business is to share blogging tips but this book really puts what blogging is all about in one place and gives the big picture in baby steps..and its free! The dos and don'ts alone are priceless
I've printed it out to read again - always a sign of something good in my eyes. Thanks, Michelle, for all your hard work!
Friday, May 1, 2009
If You Love Someone with Down Syndrome
My friend, Amy at A Redeemed Sheep, has some free blog buttons on her blog. I can't decide between them...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
100th Blog Post
It actually occurred a few posts ago without my notice! So in honor of my 100th blog post, 100 things about me.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A First!
Kerry, at A Ten O’Clock Scholar, a fellow Anglican and homeschooling mom has honored me with my very first blog award! Please stop by and visit her blog. She is a gifted blogger!
The rules that go with this award:
Put the logo on your blog
Link to the person you received your award from
Nominate at least 7 other blogs
Put links to those blogs on your site
Leave messages on the blogs you’ve nominated
I would like to bless some of my Swappie friends with this award:
You will find my cybertwin, Amy, at A Redeemed Sheep. Amy is another homeschooling mom who writes about life, her family and her love for the Lord.
Marilyn, at A Mixed Bouquet, another homeschooling mom, blogs about life on the farm and her family. She is raising a son with special needs and is always an inspiration. She also has a recipe blog.
Laurie, at For Heaven’s Sake, homeschools her son with Down syndrome. Nevin is older than my R and I’ve watched him grow from a boy to a young man. She has freely shared her journey over at The Swap for many years and I have learned so much from her.
Renna, at Finding My Knitch, is a retired Swappie mama – her children have grown up and graduated. Renna blogs about all the things I am going to enjoy when I retire – hobbies, nature, food and, of course, family life!
Kelly, at Grey-Haired Geek, is another homeschooling mom and fellow Swappie. She has an adorable young son with Down syndrome and has written a beautiful poem you must read about life with Joshua!
I would also like to bless a new friend and gifted writer, Karen, at Top Shelf Ink. If you visit her blog you will see her beautiful Anglican prayer beads (which she made all by herself) and a post on contemplative prayer! I treasure our discussions and owe her a note!
Barbara Frank is a veteran homeschooler and homeschooling author. She has a new book out - The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling. Barbara also homeschools her son with Down syndrome. I hope to get to visit her in real life soon!
And last, but not least, another fellow homeschooling mom, Mrs. Darling, blogs at Dishpan Dribble. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy her beautiful blog and many insights. She also has several other blogs that can be found here, here and here
Again, many thanks Kerry!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tagged...
I've been tagged by my cybertwin, Amy. I am to share 6 things about myself that few people know.
* I was kidnapped when I was five years old.
* I was one of those people who didn't have to work to get good grades - until I got to college.
* I have never been ticketed for speeding or any other moving violation. No parking tickets either!
* I always wanted a dozen children.
* I am the black sheep of my family. I was raised by parents who had one goal - creating future liberals. I endure endless grief for my beliefs when the family gathers together. In the end, the grief I endured with my family has been a blessing as I now prepare to defend the orthodox faithful in my home parish. I am stronger for the experience!
* I hate to fly. It didn't bother me until I had children. An incident over the Pacific ocean where we had to don life jackets and learn the position for ditching left me scarred for life!
If you are reading this post, consider yourself tagged!
* I was kidnapped when I was five years old.
* I was one of those people who didn't have to work to get good grades - until I got to college.
* I have never been ticketed for speeding or any other moving violation. No parking tickets either!
* I always wanted a dozen children.
* I am the black sheep of my family. I was raised by parents who had one goal - creating future liberals. I endure endless grief for my beliefs when the family gathers together. In the end, the grief I endured with my family has been a blessing as I now prepare to defend the orthodox faithful in my home parish. I am stronger for the experience!
* I hate to fly. It didn't bother me until I had children. An incident over the Pacific ocean where we had to don life jackets and learn the position for ditching left me scarred for life!
If you are reading this post, consider yourself tagged!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Blogging....
I've been pondering over the last few days just why I find blogging and reading blogs so interesting. Kerry, over at The 10 O'Clock Scholar, has an interesting post about "blogging as a mother culture". Over the last several months I've become interested in how others experience God in their lives. When I socialize (with the exclusion of one friend) no one ever talks about how they experience God in their daily lives. Bloggers do! In the blogosphere, I can see God in action in the everyday lives of homeschooling moms. What a beautiful thing!
My current reading interests (outside of my Lenten reading) include reading about the lives of the Christian mystics - which include Jesus, St. Francis, St. John, The Apostle, St. John, The Baptist, St. John of the Cross, St. Terese of Lisieux, Mother Teresa etc.
Perhaps to some, it may sound over the edge. One of the books I'm currently reading comes with a warning - read with great caution and intelligent discernment. It continues...Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God - mystics are touched by God in extraordinary ways and are inspirational and motivational. I accept that and read on.
Did you know that 39% of Christians polled report mystical experiences?
Be a friend - if you think I am swimming too far from the shore, throw me a life preserver...
My current reading interests (outside of my Lenten reading) include reading about the lives of the Christian mystics - which include Jesus, St. Francis, St. John, The Apostle, St. John, The Baptist, St. John of the Cross, St. Terese of Lisieux, Mother Teresa etc.
Perhaps to some, it may sound over the edge. One of the books I'm currently reading comes with a warning - read with great caution and intelligent discernment. It continues...Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God - mystics are touched by God in extraordinary ways and are inspirational and motivational. I accept that and read on.
Did you know that 39% of Christians polled report mystical experiences?
Be a friend - if you think I am swimming too far from the shore, throw me a life preserver...
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