To detect your copy-pastes, you can do so, though a simple Search in inverted commas of some of your favorite typical phrases, which you know you have used in your articles. You may also try using services like CopyScape or Google Alerts.
In case you need proof, of whose content was published first, you can try the search engine caches or Archive.org
If you do find instances of your copied material, you can try to post a comment to indicate that its copy-pasted from so-and-so. But in such blogs, usually comments are 'conveniently moderated' so don't expect them to get published! One one site where the comment got published, the comment elicited the desired response. On my recent case, well, the comments were moderated!
Check if those links have a presence in Digg or StumbleUpon. Post comments there in HIS threads/posts, about it !
Find out from a WhoIs service, the site host/server details and send an email to the Host describing the issue. I even sent one to the domain registrars for whatever it was worth.
Search for forums on the net where the copied content may have been posted linking to HIS/HER website and comment there about the facts! While on the topic of forums, it might be a good idea for NEW blogs/websites, who have yet to establish their credibility, to post their article on their favorite forums linking to your sites. What it does is indirectly create a record date. Better still if the forum is reputed and known ! Ofcourse, make sure your posts are quality, lest they be classified as spam! Fortunately for me, most of this sites matter is a collection of my earlier posts at DigitForum. In my case it was a PR2, Alexa<1lac site which plagiarized my content.
If the 'thief' is using Google Adsense, write to Google at adsense-abuse@google.com stating that he is making money from your website's stolen content.
My friend TuxFan also suggested CreativeCommons. Have a look at it, I thinks its nice and have used it on my site in the LH Panel.
You can also invoke the DMCA. If they don't take down the content, send their ISP a DMCA takedown request and the last resort then is to find a lawyer (impractical though).
There is a nice write-up here at Microsoft about 5 ways to guard against Web site content theft And For How To Respond To Plagiarism, this CopyScape article is useful. Another friend QwertyManiac, highly recommends this read too. This one Duplicate Content Penalty - How to Lose Google Ranking Fast is an interesting read too. |
