This week I learned that the Public Relations Society of America published one of my tweets in their print publication. I found out through a DM from Genevieve Jooste on Twitter. The tweet they used was, "Authenticity = credibility. Credibility = loyalty. Loyalty = influence. That's how social media works." I don't blame them for using that tweet – it's solid. I even wrote a blog post around the idea. What I do have a problem with is that the organization, of which I'm not a member, used an idea I wrote to promote their own agenda, without telling me.
Before you pull the 'Twitter is public domain – they're allowed to use it' card – I understand this and am totally cool with it or else I'd not be here. But early on in social media, my #1 concern was intellectual property and how people can sit back and take things as their own. Fortunately, the IP law is as applicable in this space as it is everywhere else. No, I'm not accusing the PRSA of stealing an idea, as they did the responsible thing by citing me. I'm just questioning whether there's any professional courtesy in order when you quote someone in a pub? If the quote were the result of a phone interview, I'd have known about the publishing part. But citing a tweet is like saying, 'we overheard this from this person.' Which I guess is cool, but feels weird. I mean, is it so hard to let the person know? You follow them on Twitter.
Yes, I was flattered. And yes, there were more tweets than mine listed. But really, if I wanted to reciprocate them by promoting their organization, I couldn't. Because if it weren't for someone telling me on Twitter, I'd have never known.
Would love to know what others think about this. I'm probably just being a paranoid freak.
James
Apr 29, 2010
I look at it as if hearing someone speaking at a conference, or even a luncheon. You might here something you like and quote them about it later. Yes, it would have been courteous to let you know, and it even might have sparked an ongoing relationship, but I don’t think it was necessary.
Michelle (@Filterologist)
Apr 29, 2010
I think it’s poor public relations for them not to notify you. Ah, the irony.
Crystal Dempsey
Apr 29, 2010
You already know my feelings since we’ve been talking about this on my FB page. http://www.facebook.com/crystal.dempsey
I totally agree that professional courtesy would have been nice.
(FTR: I would have tried to contact you.)
But, again, it’s public domain.
Jim Mitchem
Apr 29, 2010
Ironic. That’s exactly what I thought, Michelle.
Jim Mitchem
Apr 29, 2010
The weird thing about this happening IS that you were just talking about something like this happening. And yes, I agree that if you don’t want people to know/see/repeat what you say in social, you probably need to stay away from it. Or else learn how to share sensitive ideas in ways that don’t get them stolen.
Jim Mitchem
Apr 29, 2010
That’s exactly what I’m thinking James. Courtesy is key. Especially for such a large, well-respected organization. So do you think it’s legal if I publish a book of Tweets from other people – without giving them a kickback? I reckon it is.
Kat Jaibur (@katjaib)
Apr 29, 2010
I misunderstood. I thought they hadn’t given you credit for the quote. I’m no PR person or IP lawyer, but I think if it’s “out there” and you cite the source, you don’t need to get permission.
It IS a courtesy to let someone know. Heck, I’d like to know if someone is referring to me somewhere. (And cross my fingers that it’s in a good way.) Having good social media listening tools helps. (But it doesn’t cover everything.) In the end, it’s a compliment that someone liked what you said. And if they can take the time to let you know, all the better. But take the good and leave the rest.
Jim Mitchem
Apr 29, 2010
I’m assuming they cited me, as my friend Genevieve saw the pub and recognized it as something I’d written. Either way, yes, I’m definitely flattered – but still thought it was weird for a PR publication not to extend professional courtesy. Shel Israel used something that happened to me for his book Twitterville – but went to great lengths to credit me, and let me know how the story was used, etc.
Susan Milligan
Apr 29, 2010
I don’t know if anything I’ve said has been repeated. (doubtful)But!… If I made a profound statement and wasn’t given credit when someone repeated it, I’d be upset. If I presented a good idea that was picked up as someone elses, I’d be snarked because I gave it away.
I have copied pictures on my background all the time that I would find on Google images. Had NO idea I was ‘stealing’ them till I began a photography class last week. I never thought about asking anyone if they minded. People in the class were agast. ??? You tell me.
Cinzia
Apr 29, 2010
I agree that there should have been some contact with you directly before using something you tweeted. As a professional courtesy it makes sense to make a direct connection and possibly have you expand further on the original thought. If someone’s thought, whether written or verbal, makes an impact typically you want to know more, right? It is a compliment either way so that is a plus.
Billy MacDonald
May 3, 2010
For something that would take so little time to ask they should have definitely done so first. Not to mention, thank you for coming up with something they thought was valuable enough to include in their presentation. If it was a well-known quote, like something from a Robert Frost poem, that has meaning across various mediums then of course they dont have to ask. But in your case, where you’re speaking to something specific they should have extended the courtesy. Lastly, their a PR organization so if anybody should have known this unwritten rule it would be them.
My novel – Minor King
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