 Day 63: Sick. Sick of not being credited? |
With the technological state that the world is in, it feels like it is pretty much impossible to do anything unique. Whether or not it is true, I feel as though it’s easy to “steal” someone else’s idea — and it may happen to me all the time. How frustrating is it to feel like you’ve done something unique, or put together a nice idea, but then see someone else take that idea, repackage it, and then use it to their own benefit?
Of course, you can’t prove it… not with the amount of information that is constantly being relayed online.
I wrote something recently for the Lost Girls, and it just got picked up by US Airways and published. This is totally awesome; I have my name in print.
But, when I originally wrote the blog post, I had credited someone for the information because without her, I never would have known what to write. Unfortunately, the credit was removed before the blog post went live.
If you aren’t familiar with Bethany from Beers & Beans, I suggest you take a gander: her travel photos are fantastic. Even though we’ve never met in real life, Bethany has been a huge part of my travel life, starting back from when we were both merely planning international travel some 4 years ago.
When I finally got my DSLR and started learning how to use it, she took the time to give me tons of hints and tricks to making my photos better. In fact, I remember sending her entire folders of photos when I was in Poland a few years ago to get her feedback and personalized advice for what I could do to make them better. That advice stuck with me and is the sole guide used to creating the post that was picked up by US Airways magazine.
My credit in the magazine went a little something like this:
On one hand, I’m super happy to have this opportunity. On the other, the tips I gave out are what Bethany would have told me years ago. Sure, it is my writing and words (the facts are my knowledge now), but the credit where it is actually due is lacking.
So, I’d like to take this time to give a proper shout-out to Bethany who really deserves it. She is a machine when it comes to photography, and she is always willing to help others out in that realm. Have a look at some of her recent photo articles:
Almost Fearless: How to be a Photo Editing Ninja
Nomadic Matt: Four Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos
And do make sure to check out the official website and subscribe to the feed. You won’t be sorry.
It’s great that you did this. So easy to skip that kind of thing, as you said. I strive to give acknowledgement to all my sources, even to the point where I clutter my posts at times, but it’s worth it. Good on ya!
OMG! Wow, Brooke this is so sweet. Seriously I have tears in my eyes. First of all I had no idea which article you had in US Airways and I am psyched for you no matter what but just that you think of me is so well awesome! I still have those photos you sent too! For anyone that is reading this you should all know that my blog wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for Brooke! She taught me everything I know and believe me, in the beginning I knew nothing!
AWW…Can’t wait to meet you someday Brooke – I have a funny feeling it might be Russia!
Ok, wait – where do i view this full article Brooke?? I’ve been dying to see your work in print!
It’s pretty basic without the photos: http://www.usairwaysmag.com/articles/ten_tips_for_taking_better_pictures/
Great shout out Brooke. Bethany is such a fantastic photographer, I’m amazed at every single one of her post. Plus, I appreciate (as I’m sure everyone else does) that she always takes the time to respond to my comments, usually with advice about either photos or even travel advice!
Congrats on your article, that is FANTASTIC. I know I commented on FB but it’s so great that you are published, I can’t imagine how excited you must be!
Heading over to read the article now!
word up — really great photographer and even cooler person