Monday, July 2, 2012

You make up my heart.

I had another post all ready to go up today but something happened over the weekend that I'm still trying to put into words.  I was plagerized.  Flat out, plain and simple, someone took my words and used them as their own.

One of the images/pictures I made on Facebook was duplicated, without my permission, and was passed off as someone else's work.  Let me be clear--this image was not shared as is standard on Facebook.  This was someone who duplicated something I had already done and put her name on it.  

I won't go into all the details here.  I can't.  I won't.  I guess I'm not quite ready to go there and, for as much as I loathe to admit it, I'm a grown up.  I'm not going to go to a base level and start slinging mud.  I will not bring myself, this blog or anyone else down to that level.  I believe in a certain amount of respect and while others can, and do, play in the mud, I will not.

And to be honest, this will probably be one of the most disjointed posts I've ever written.  I can't seem to get what I want to say out in a coherent pattern or order.  Words fail me for many different reasons.

The thing is, those little sayings I make on Facebook are important to me.  It's how I feel.  Sure, they're sappy and they totally go against my snarky side but at the core, it's how I feel about my son, my family, my life and my friends.  I love them all deeply.

And to have someone take that, to claim it as their own, is wrong.  It's flat out wrong.

(I would love to name each and every one of you who helped but I fear we will all be blocked.  Who will keep an eye on things then?  That would just not do, not do at all.)

So those of you who saw what was going on and decided to do something, anything, I am in awe of you.  There are so many people who did what I could not do alone.  You stood up for me, stood up for what was right, and together we were able to do what I simply could not have done on my own.

I am humbled, awed and left without words.

You see, I have always grown up telling myself, "You have to do this on your own.  No one else will do it for you."  I've had that wedged into my brain since as long as I can remember, so asking for help is foreign to me.  I don't know how to do it.  I was scared to death to reach out to you.  And when you all did help me?  I was brought to my knees. 

Those of you who helped me, you know who you are.  I know you do.  Please know that you have a special place in my heart.  You are the friends I've never met but you mean more to me than you will ever know.

While one person may have destroyed my faith in humanity, you have resotred it beyond measure.  And you taught me something else, something about me.  Something that I've been preaching but too busy to hear my own words.

I'm not alone in any of this.  I have the support, friendship and love of this community that I never knew I had.  Turns out, you were always right there next to me, it just took someone stealing my words to make me see what was right in front of me all along.

And while someone may have taken something from me, you have given me my heart.  You've filled it up, handed it back and made me see there is hope.

Thank you.  Thank you for doing something that made me see what was right in front of me all along.  You.

My family. My friends.  My community.




Note: I know there are others who can put into words what I did not and do a much better job of it.  I do not own the patent on this and I welcome you writing your own posts on this matter.  Sometimes distance give clarity and right now I don't have that distance.  


Please also know while I have been blocked from this particular Facebook page, that page owner still has access to mine and thus, my blog posts.  I expect respect in the comments and will not tolerate rude or otherwise defamatory remarks.    


53 comments:

  1. That is complete bs someone would do that. You have enough on your plate without dealing with crap like this. It makes me angry for you.

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  2. That is complete bs someone would do that. You have enough on your plate without dealing with crap like this. It makes me angry for you.

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    1. I know, totally insane. Thank you. Wasn't the was I wanted to spend my Sunday....

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    2. Lisbeth, perhaps we need to know who did it in order to be able to avoid someone who is not a person we want to go out to play with! I am sorry that someone plagiarized your awesome work! They are beautiful. That being said, is it possible that someone couldn't figure out how to 'share' something on FB and copied and pasted it instead? I only ask because EVERY time I try to 'share' something I love on FB, it does NOT show up on my wall I am STILL trying to learn how to make it stick! Or, hey- maybe it DOES stick, but everyone can see it and just not me. I don't know. BTW, I STILL haven't gotten around to doing any scrapbooking with your beautifully framed sayings, yet... -Altho I think they would PERFECTLY represent my son's Autism. Thanks! Coret Othecountry

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    3. No. This person has shared some posts and simply decided to plagiarize the one in question. Sickening and wrong. Sorry for such a short answer and I think it's wonderful you try to see the best in everyone. :)

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  3. Oh Liz...This was not disjointed at all. It's perfect.

    I know how important your words are. I think everyone who reads your blog or writes a blog - understands the importance. And they are not little - never diminish your work or thoughts. Those posters are important and they give us hope. They provide awareness to those who may not understand.

    You my friend, blog with integrity (http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/) it's a shame others don't share the same values.

    ((((BIG HUGS)))) - this Bronx chick has your back.

    Lisa

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    1. Thank you. I'm crying again. This time I blame you. :)

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  4. I like this so much I might steal it. No wait, NOOOOO, that would be wrong. Stealing is bad!

    Check this out, this particular site has another pic and the message is very similar to the title of a recent post I had up. Maybe a coincidence??

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    1. Everyone repeat after me: Stealing is Bad......

      Probably not---I think you're the only one she hasn't banned!!!

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  5. I didn't think your post was disjointed at all. I'm so sorry this happened, but my faith in humanity is restored because others stood up for you! That rocks! (The standing up for you...not having your work stolen. That totally blows.)

    I really enjoy your pictures...they are awesome. I think they're great...I agree with Lisa above...they give us hope.

    Hugs to you...

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    1. Thank you....dammit, you all are making me cry.

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  6. Oh no, Liz. I was without internet so didn't see what happened. I am so sorry that you had to experience that, although it is fantastic to read that the community was there to support you. I love your pictures and they seem to pop up all over the place!

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    1. Thanks. I am truly blessed to have you guys.

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  7. Gross, who does that kind of crap?!

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  8. Honestly, some people have no morals. Or guts. I'm shocked anyone would DO that. We all love your pics, thanks for making the effort. You're a star x

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    1. Thanks and I don't think she ever really thought she was doing anything wrong---to me, that's the saddest part of all.

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  9. Wow! That someone would do that is just awful. I always expect the worst from people, with my trust issues, but even when you are being snarky, there's a positivity to your posts that shines through. You always make me smile. So now? Now I want to go and punch someone right in the face, just because they upset you.

    Does this sound crazy insane?

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    1. Can I hold them? I wanna hold them so you can get a good one in. Now how's THAT for crazy insane???

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  10. I'm so sorry that someone did that to you. Didn't he/she realize that the same people that follow her also follow you and would know that it wasn't her work? I love your pics. It's good knowing the online community has your back.

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    1. I don't know....I think she she thought she could do it, as simple as that. And thanks.

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  11. I'm sorry that I missed all this, and if I knew who it was I would go and post on her wall, and with only a few hours sleep to work with, it might get snarky...So not fair Lizbeth x

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    1. And I love you for that comment. It's the thought that counts. xxoo

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  12. You handled it with class and dignity. Well done.

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  13. well said Liz. Sorry I didn't say anything to her. I totally get why ur upset, it was wrong on so many levels. But as u said, someone has to keep an eye on her. Rest assured, that will be me. besides, gives me a reason to be nosy <3

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    1. Don't worry, I know you have my back. I had your ear and to me that was just as valuable. :)

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  14. People who steal are bad. People who steal other people's words are bad and empty or they would use their own words to express their feelings. To not see that it was wrong also says "narcissistic" - i.e., "if I steal and change this one word, it will be so much better and MINE!!" Delusional, crazy, etc... Let this person ban me too - I don't really give a rat's - cuz I never even knew this person existed until this person pulled this crap. And finally, I SPIT in his/her/it's general direction.

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  15. Yeah, what Karen said!! And I'll try to keep a beady little eye on things since she can't ban me.

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    1. Bwahhh!!!

      Just for you--imagine a metric shit ton of hearts right here....

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  16. I wasn't on FB much this weekend, so it took me a while to figure out what was going on. This is just sucky and I'm glad people defended you to this person (I don't even know what page/person did this, but they were totally wrong.) Why she/he can't just apologize, I don't understand. And why were you blocked? Makes no sense at all.

    But, I get what you're saying. I have seen so many people in our community step up and help each other--emotionally and even monetarily at times and it warms my heart! I have said to my husband that I have friends on the internet who I have never met, but who have helped me more than anyone else and that just blows me away.

    And you? You are so wonderful and I love, love, love your posters. All of them, so it makes me mad that someone would steal one, especially after you have so graciously shared them with whoever would like to post them. It blows my mind.

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    1. Well, she refused to either cite me or take the image down. Lets just say she wasn't really pleasant from the get-go. And I'm being nice saying that.

      And thank you. It means the world to me.

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  17. It isn't fair that someone stole your work! And it isn't fair that I have no idea whats going on!

    BTW-I totally would have blocked her ass from your FB page and your blog (if she is a follower).

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    1. Thanks Blanche---no, she blocked me....got mad that I asked to either remove her image or cite me. I still think, she thinks, she did nothing wrong. And then she blocked me from her page so I can't see what else she may be lifting....totally wrong. On so many levels....

      And you crack me up!!!

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  18. Oh wow!
    That is SO wrong!
    AND they blocked you too?

    Hugs my friend xx

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  19. Despite not actually doing anything, I'm still bummed that I wasn't mentioned by name in this post. I'll wait for your apology reply comment.

    *hits refresh*







    *hits refresh*






    *hits refresh*

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    1. I AM SORRY.

      Now link me in your next post. I demand it. And mention donuts. And bacon. And plagiarism. And the heat. And I'm beautiful. No, skip that last part. How bout just that we all frigging ROCK?!?

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  20. Who's dat bitch?! I'll break her face!

    No, really, email me the info you have. This all sounds too familiar with some other sites.

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    1. FRICK---send me a private email to lizbethcole29@yahoo.com

      I don't know who you are!!!

      But seriously, anyone wanting to break someone's face for/with me?!? GOD, instant girl crush!

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  21. I wish I had seen the post because I would have jumped ALL OVER IT. Plagiarism is the WORST kid of wrong. A person who steals another's thoughts and ideas... don't even get me started.

    Glad there are others who DID see the post and did the right thing!

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    1. I know, I love all you guys. It makes me all soft and mushy inside like mashed potatoes (I'm hungry) and I still am in awe.

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  22. As usual, I'm completely out of the loop and a day late. Gah!! Why can't I ever be around when there's some ass-kickin to be done?? I really gotta get back on Facebook. Or maybe not.

    This sucks on many levels, and even though I didn't see these untoward events unfold, I am angry that you're upset. That's all I need to know.

    Everyone knows there are very basic rules to blogging, namely DON'T STEAL. It's kind of a basic rule of life, actually.

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    1. I'm not angry that you're upset, I'm angry that someone MADE you upset. Just to be clear.

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    2. I knew I should have just texted you. :) And I totally knew what you meant. Love ya, love ya heaps.

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  23. Somehow I missed out on all this... Could somebody please give some details.. Like a name??:-) I'd like to know who to bad mouth & unlike, tyvm! It's wrong on so many levels.. I'd be just as upset.

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  24. I think that is completely awful. When we blog or post on Facebook we put our thoughts/feelings/wishes/grief out there. They belong to US and the person who felt they should steal from you reprehensible.

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  25. That is just wrong. I cannot stand when people take another's work and claims it as their own. I'm sorry that happened to you.

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  26. Oh Lizbeth, this is truly sad. I love seeing you on facebook with your images, as I see how important they are to you (and to a good many other people as well). Only knowing you in this blog world though they still seem like such a part of you...they are so you (and I mean that in a good way)--bundled with the snark, they make you such a real and fabulous person. I can't imagine what someone else thought they had to gain by stealing your work...pathetic.

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  27. I hate this for you. I cant even imagine how that would feel. I love all the things you write. I would never do that to someone. It's great that you have so many friends stand up for you. Like I said before I do not have children ofmy own. But I've been reading your blog for way way longer than I've had my own. I love the way you write. So talented. And you've touched so many people with YOUR words. Pisses me off that someone would steal them!!

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  28. Plagiarism is SO BAD! something you worked so hard on to be stolen by someone else.. GGRR! I feel for you. But so great your friends had your back. Karma will get her. xxx

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  29. Oh wow. So sorry doll. Stay strong, and rise above, and don't lose *all* faith. xo

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Comments make me all squishy but remember to be nice. If you're not nice then what you said goes *poof.* There's your warning.