I have a suggestion, if you will humor me.

When lifting content, word for word, as inspiration for a post, there is more required than one embedded link within the text sourcing the original.

When the words are verbatim, or close to verbatim (with some grace given to the occasional overlapping phrases) we have many tools to make it clear the words are not ours.

There are two separate yet distinct quotation options within Substack, both in the same area of the toolbar.

And, if you wanted to give it your own flair instead, there is also a “Poetry Block” and some bar thingies if you wanted it to look nice and pretty.

Additionally, a simple pasting of the link to the original, not in a linked text, will link to the original post with a thumbnail and at times a preview of the original text, with the original author’s name prominently displayed.

All this to avoid any hint or thought that perhaps a text that had traction, was popular, and invited interaction was lifted on purpose, with the original intentionally buried within this new piece so as to hold onto some ability to claim it was unintentional and due to being somewhat aloof on the functionality of the site or medium used.

Which, as we know, is unlikely.

I tend to avoid these types of Notes.

I do not care for them, considering I have things to do.

But I do care about honesty.

I do care about

And I do care about people.

This perception, however true or on point, impacts all three.

There have been some ruffled jimmies on my part, I admit, and this may feel scolding.

As it was meant to.

I am a Dad, after all.

But just like a calling out or dressing down in the Marines, a lecture or a fussing at from a father, just because you goofed, intentionally or not, it doesn’t mean I dislike you.

It means, quite simply, ya done goofed.

Ungoof, please.

And let me reiterate the important part, one last time.

While riffing off an idea, or giving flowers to an idea you appreciate is wonderful and should be condoned, representing words as ones own, intentional or not, is not a good look.

/Edit: it appears corrections were made.

Kudos