I love seeing new viners trying to better this site by making the database more in depth. I love seeing old viners do this also. It brightens my day to see a well thought-out, well-written submission that needs my, or any other moders or staffs, approval. However, it really "grinds my gears" to find a well though-out, well-written submission that is plagiarized, especially when I find it's on like 500 different sites. One of the things CV prides itself on (At least I hope they do) is the fact that the database is user written, original work. That being said (Are you still reading?), let's discuss the finer points of plagiarism...
What is plagiarism?
I could write a book on this. Essentially, it's taking other people's work and not giving them credit for it. In addition, it is also using misrepresenting someone else's material. Say you read a book on "Why math is great," and in your summary, you come to the conclusion that the author hates math. That's also considered plagiarism since you misinterpreted the author's writing. (Assuming that the person who wrote that book concludes that math is great at the end of the super-fun book) Depending on what style you use in your writing, whether it be MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual (CM), the in-text citations, or credit, are different. Usually, after you're done quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing someone's work (for MLA and APA mainly), you use a parenthesis and put at least the Author's name to show credit. However, things as such do not apply here.What is not allowed?
Simple, copying and pasting of someone else's work into a submission for the database section of this site, even if it's just one sentence. In fact, copying and pasting someone else's work anywhere onto this site is not a great idea, even when it comes to the forums. Even if you see an article online that you really like, please refrain from copying and pasting it in to the forums. Why? Simply put, people get angry about it. It's essentially stealing someone's work and trying to take credit for it. Your submission will be denied, and you'll be warned for the action. If it continues, you will eventually be banned from the database section of the site.What is allowed?
Original, user-created submissions that have correct grammar, spelling, and that don't get too in depth. (For a little more on this, check out another boring piece of writing I wrote) Leave out your opinions, only the facts should be in a submission. And please... please... Don't leave a moderator comment that says anything like, "I want points." The moderator comment area should help the mod figure out your changes. On larger pages, such as Batman for example, there is a lot to look through. Leaving the mod a quick note about what section you changed, i.e. Early Years, will make the mods job quicker, and a little easier. What should I do?
The first thing I recommend is owning the comic or comics the storyline, characters, or issue you are trying to update. This allows you to have the source material on-hand to make sure that the information you're typing in is factual. Again, check out the piece I wrote about summarizing in order to get just the just the main points of an issue, storyline, or character plot-point into the submission page.Still not sure?
ComicVine has other threads and help pages to help make your work not only suitable for the site, but also to make it the best work you can put out. If this hasn't helped, check these pages out. Even if this has helped, check them out anyway.Tutorial Section about the site complete with videos
Additional forum rules and submission rules
Report Plagiarism Here
Thank you to all of you who took the time to read this. Most of you know all of these things by now, but there are new members (maybe a couple older viners new to submitting) who need a little bit of a refresher. I promise to write something more humorous soon.
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