If you’ve read my blog for any length of time (and if you have, thanks for sticking around!), you have probably picked up on the fact that I work at trying to mostly post positive things. I don’t love confrontations, I try not to point fingers – though I do vent, just like everyone else, I don’t post anyone’s name. I don’t feel the need to “sick” my readers or friends on anyone, though I do have loyal friends who have stuck up for me in the past when they thought it was needed (thanks to you as well!).
Recently, though, a situation has developed and grown to the point where I can no longer ignore it. I’ve been accused of things I have not done, been called names, been verbally attacked and denied the ability to even stand up for myself on the basis that I could actually prove my side. And it’s being dragged on and on and on and on. So, here I am, giving my side to the story. If you are aware of this situation, I hope that you will read through (it’s going to be long, just to warn you). If you aren’t, well, be glad, lol! You’re better off not being involved in something that’s gotten so nasty!
We’ll start our story, my friends, about a month or so ago. I was made aware that some of my writing was posted on a website. The posts were my work in it’s entirety (they had taken the whole articles and posted them on their site). Some had links back to this blog, some did not. Either way, when you post an entire work of a writer? Yeah, that’s copyright infringement. If it’s not credited so that people assume it’s the site’s work, it could also be considered plagiarism. Fair Use laws only allow for a few lines, maybe a paragraph of someone’s work to be posted on another website, along with a link back to the original work. It does NOT allow posting of an entire work. That, my friends, is totally illegal.
So I contact the site’s owner, ask that my work be taken down. I am told an elaborate story about hackers and this and that, but I’m informed that the works will be taken down (I have both copies of these emails and screen captures of my work on the website in question). I go happily about my business, as all I ask is that people don’t post my work.
Fast forward to this week. I get a private message on Facebook from someone who sends me a screen capture of a conversation from a moderator of the group in which she states (and I have this screen capture on file) that I have given permission to the site for them to post my work. I contact the moderator privately (because she is the one who made the statement) and inform her that I have not given the group (there is a website, a FB group and another group site) permission to post my work, and state that I can see that they do not currently have any of my work posted – I just wanted to confirm the fact that I don’t let my work off my own sites.
This person (I’m not going to give out names, but we’ll call her Robin Sprinkles) responds by basically calling me a liar, saying that I gave the head of the group permission to post my work, and that they did not, in the past, infringe on my copyright – and a whole bunch of other things that I will not repeat (and yes, I still have these messages). What she did NOT do is deny that she had the conversation that I was referring to. Not wanting to get berated by someone when another person is the actual site owner, I just blocked Robin Sprinkles and went right to the sites owner, we’ll call her Oak. She stated that she had been told that the screen capture I had been sent was faked and that the original conversation had not happened at all. I pointed out that Robin Sprinkles had not denied the conversation and I forwarded on the post that RS had written to me. Oak and I had a conversation and I thought we had cleared up any misinformation. She was nothing but polite in her messages to me.
Soooo, I was surprised, later in the week when I once again got a message that my name had been brought up in a conversation at their FB site by Robin Sprinkles. I went to the FB page and read about how I had accused Oak of this and that, lied about all sorts of things, and reported her to FB, which resulted in Oak deciding to take the FB group page down. Not only am I mentioned in this post by name, but also another author who had their copyright infringed upon in the original part of this story (I’ve got the screen caps!) and two friends who had stepped up to defend me. We were all bad mouthed. I was called a liar and a “fluffy bunny” and once again it was stated that I had given my permission for the sites to post my work. Okay, whatever. So I “liked” the page so I could comment to it. I denied having reported the page to facebook (which I didn’t) and once again stated that I never give my permission to post all my work, and that if someone does, it’s copyright infringement. I also comment on how I don’t appreciate my name being dragged publicly into this mess.
Well, Robin Sprinkles looses her nut (or in the words of the YaYa Sisterhood, she dropped her basket) and just starts ranting and raving. Oak stepped in and stated that she did not want names being brought into it, and as far as she was concerned that this subject was closed. I posted that I was good with that – once again, I believe the issue to be over. Nope. Robin Sprinkles can’t let it rest. She starts bashing me again. I start posting links to what the laws are. I start uploading photos of screen captures of their site with my and other people’s work on it. Suddenly I am banned from the site, my posts are taken down, and I can no longer read their page nor defend myself on it.
I’ve been informed that the bashing and bad mouthing goes on. Apparently many of their group have been deemed “spies” and have been mass deleted. Just for the record, though a few people have told me what’s going on, because they think I deserve to know what’s being said about me, I do not have “spies”, I am not out to “destroy” their site or group and I could not care less what they do on their own time – as long as my work stays off their sites – one of which still carries my blog button, like we are long lost friends.
So there you have it. My side of what’s been, for whatever reason, turned into some silly little witch war. I appreciate all the support I’ve received on this. People who know me know that I don’t have the time nor the give a crud to sit around and worry about what other people are doing, for the most part. I have books to write, kids to care for, animals to snuggle, friends to chat with and a heck of a hot, sexy husband to spend time with. But at some point, my dears, you do have to stand up to the bullies of the Pagan community and say, enough is enough. I won’t stand by silently and let you try to ruin my reputation and falsely accuse me. I won’t play any more of your silly, time wasting games. And I will inform people of how your “church”, which gets paid in both donations and in teaching for pay treats people when they don’t agree with you, comply with you, or calls you out on your own BS.
And I ask, though I will keep the comments open, that no one personally attacks these folks (because I’m cool like that), posts their real names, or links to their sites. If you are someone who is paying an online site for lessons and wants to make sure that you are not paying for lessons from someone who seems to have a lot to learn about being a leader of the Pagan community, message me privately, and I will discuss that with you.
The End.
This is post (and photos) copyright to the author. It may not be reposted, reprinted or distributed in its entirety without express written permission of the author. Links to the article can be freely shared and are very appreciated!
Sorry to hear it, lady. It's got to be frustrating because you work so hard, and the internet just makes it too easy to steal. What a pita.*hugs* hope it gets better.
Wow, huh? I don't know who you are referencing, but I don't really want to go there. I have had a similar bashing experience.I have been in a similar situation myself. My husband's manager's wife, who supposedly was one of my friends, was bashing me. I recently started my own site about juicing and long story short, she became really irate with me about it. Basically it was over adhd, and organic foods and changing a child's diet. I never forced anything on her but she always felt that I was. So, she in turn starts bashing me…..to people that I don't know, calling me a liar on her facebook page. Unfortunately, for her, I have her phone number. Of course, it stopped. And, I put up with this for 3 weeks before I finally broke down and put a stop to it.But, I am amazed on a daily basis, how immature and trouble causing people can be. I kind of ranted on my last blog about it, but I didn't put in a lot of details, because like you, I don't feel people don't really need to know all of that. But, I do still fear that it will be turned to make me look like the bad guy.I admire your blog about this situation, and for being cool like that.
A while ago you posted the question of the day (paraphrased) "Do you meet IRL with other pagans, etc?" And I don't, so I didn't answer. And I keep relatively quiet pretty much everywhere the public might be, about my paganiciousness (I made that word up!); partly because I live on the third loop of the Bible Belt, and I don't want crosses burning in my yard or my pets poisoned… But mostly because I have experienced some of the same behaviors you have described above, in other Pagans. They can be a scary, mean, venomous group. And it is really hard to understand, because it seems like Pagans, already suffering the brunt of animosity from other venues, would try that much harder to be nice to one another, to assuage the pains we feel from other quarters.So, yeah, I echo your *sigh*… I guess the world is full of pissy people, and you fell into a nest of them
First of all I think this RS has way to much time on their hands to be going on and on about this. Secondly as a fellow writer I can never understand how people can just flat out take other people`s work. Is it really that hard to cite your sources and have a link back to the author? Anyways I could go on and on about plagarism but I feel that you handled this situation with grace and dignity Mrs. B!
Mrs B, sorry to hear that you are going through all of this. I hope the best for you, and that it works out for you. Stress is never fun, especially from intertubes drama.
I'm sorry that you are having this trouble with which to contend…good luck and keep your cool…
this is just terrible..I'm so sorry you had to and are still going thru it…I'd be livid..and I'd be calling a lawyer..
*smh* such foolishness! cyber-bullying is especially the province of cowards & the intellectually challenged. a pity paganism/witchcraft is brought into this smearing, but bullies are bullies & will use whatever excuse is most easily accessible (being unable to think for themselves)to stomp & scream.
i agree, at some point, especially when it reverberates with ones' income(or, potentially, your husbands') it will be time to fight back. have you taken legal counsel?
I'm someone who knows you since you started blogging some years ago, and along all this time, I have never seen you being anything less than polite, fair and mature on your posts, here and at your Facebook page. I'm sure that many readers will agree with me when I say that this poor attempt to bring you down, will only make you stronger and get our support.Some people don't have the maturity and emotional balance to be a leader – in fact, I could never understand why someone feels the need of being one – and when facing someone with original ideas, with a mind that really works without needing a cane to lean on, their weak brain cells give up trying to understand how it is possible. That's the case. I think you were wise to put things black in white here, and call it a day.Kisses from your friend, Nydia.
shall we revive the save mrs. b. group? ok, no, but seriously this is getting a little silly. what there doing is illegal. end of story. and unless they have it in writing that they can use your work… there lying.
What a bummer. Hope you can wash your hands of this mess once and for all. Sending you blessings!
So sorry to hear about all this. People can be so immature and that's what it sounds like has happened. These ladies need to get a life and do something constructive. Good for you for standing up.
I have no clue as to what has been going on but I'm glad you got to tell your side.Stealing is stealing, period. You asked them to stop and they didn't. Twisting truth, telling lies and name calling is NOT the way to resolve differences. You work hard to write and share information on your blog. Unauthorized use is not only unacceptable it's illegal.
I know you so rarely stand up for yourself with these things and I also know this has been going on for way too long. I'm very proud of you for not allowing yourself to be bullied and for taking your usual classy high road.Big hugs!!K
Gah! What is wrong with people?!?! There seems to be some sort of strange belief that if it's on the internet then it's up for grabs. Something similar happened to me the other week. I feel for you Mrs B. No matter how high the road you try to take, it's still a shitty thing to be stolen from. I'll take a fluffy bunny over a thieving, soulless fake any day. Keep your head high, and carry on
I really can't stand stuff like this. It always makes me wonder, don't these people have anything better to do?
Wow. Sounds like RS is an immature, self-serving little brat. Unfortunately, unless there is some legal action you would be willing to take, I'd just wish that group well (and 4 flat tires at a most inopportune time) and let things go. They aren't worth your worry or energy. Personally, I'm not of the pagan belief (nor much of the Christian either), but I do truly enjoy your blog. You're an amazing, SMART, funny woman and I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future. Good luck & much love to you and yours!!
(And don't worry about those fakers…they'll be karmically b*tchslapped sooner or later.) 
Wow! just wow! What is wrong with people? Why the heck are the stealing other peoples work and then bashing them? I'm shaking my head at those people.
Wow, there has been a lot of drama up in the pagan community lately. I don't like the sounds of the RS chick, What is her problem! I am assuming these people are pagans and for that I'm sadden that pagans are acting that way to another fellow pagan. they stole your work and can get a pretty big fine for that or even possible jail time, right?-Shaking my head
It has unfortunately become way to easy in this internet age to just copy something and post it elsewhere, without regard to the effort and the work behind put forth by the author. I know from experience how utterly frustrating it is to have to deal with that. The last thing I want to do is come across as being nasty and selfish, but I wouldn't let a neighbor walk in my garage and take my lawnmower without permission and keep it. Just as I wouldn't let someone take a piece of my physical art that I spent forever creating and take it and sell it as their own. The same goes for the written word and most people just don't take the time to think about that. Unfortunately, many just don't care either.You would think that anyone sitting back and watching this drama unfold in front of them would immediately think twice about spending money with people so ethically challenged. Hopefully most that have witnessed this will realize the type of people they are dealing with and walk away.While I have now had to request on two separate occasions that someone remove my material from their website, I have never encountered the bashing. I am so sorry that you have had to go through this. Know that most people with half a brain would see what was going on and not listen to the nastiness being spread by these people.Copyright infringement is serious. Thank you for being one to stand up for it and protect it.
Dear lord what a mess! I'm sorry you had to go through this Mrs. B!Big hugs! And I hope things clear up soon =)
geez !!!!!!! Ia m SO sorry to hear about all of this !1 I went thru similar little witch war about 9 or 10 years ago when i taught ritual dance…………I just ignored it best i could… Hang in there ..you are a warm and loving person and dont need thier crap and bad energy from it all
I'm always sorry to hear when witch wars happen. Part and parcel of the human experience of growing and learning, unfortunately.All I can say is that karma is a bitch. Their lessons will come around in time.
Excellent article Mrs B – I'm just sad it *still* happens to good people like yourself!I hope you don't mind but I've shared the link here: http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=909#!/pages/Pagans-Against-Plagiarism/158186544222691This is a bit of blatant advertising for the group too so feel free not to publish if you don't want to. The group was started because plagiarism *is* rife; said RS once told me it was impossible to plagiarise as the same info was being shared all over the internet!!! Can you believe that? So many think as it's out there it's in the public domain, which as you and I know is just wrong!I'm saddened you've had to go through this, but I know of some people who publish books full of plagiarism and make money out of it! It's the bane of the internet and the more good pagan folk who can be reminded it's just not right, ethically and legally, the better eh!
I ditto Nydia. I've been following you for a couple years now and you've never been anything but a classy witch! Good for you for standing up for yourself. I also say that we reclaim the word "bunny" (like Sabrina's Christian Day post regarding his chosen title.) I have a friend whose children raise rabbits as pets and I'm telling you that you don't want to piss one off. They have a hell of a bite!
FB is the new Road Rage. People say and do things they would NEVER say or do to your face. =(
I think the worst thing about Witch wars, beyond the obvious headaches and hassles, is the message they send to the greater community, both Pagan and otherwise. When "leaders" abuse their position like this, they teach their followers that Witch wars and petty personal politics are a normal, acceptable part of Pagan practice. They are no such thing, but without the wisdom that comes from experience and good teachers (who are, IMO, becoming harder to find), most new(er) Pagans accept the drama as part and parcel of Paganism. Then we get a whole new crew of Witch warriors.What an egregious abuse of will, magical practice and, most importantly, common sense. May this behavior return to bite the asses responsible for it. And may you find some peace. Good on ya for speaking your piece without naming names and fueling the fire. I hope this dies down quickly.
((hugs))
I love you. Thank you for articulating this all so much better than I had planned to
patti
I'm sorry your going through that! I've heard of this kind of thing happening before.I think you're going about it in the right way though. I hope it gets better.
Don't you just hate the petty squabbling that goes on within many online groups and communities. I have voluntarily left the few I belonged to because for this very reason – I so do not like the drama, wasted energy…Mrs B, maybe it is time to ride the broom down the legal path. As someone who has been published in the past, there comes a time when we need a little legal help to rectify the matter.. just my two cents worth.
It seems that some folks just got to stir the icky stuff around to prove they can. It also seems like there are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too many thieves of ideas, articles, recipes, art projects lurking about waiting for something to claim as their own because they themselves do not have the talent or ability to do it on their own.I am proud to call you friend mainly because you are a class act, because you are trustworthy and loyal and because you rock. I'd like to say to those detractors of yours, my favorite quote from "Dancing with the Goddess, written by Morrison and Madden, "be careful what you say because your next word could be ribbit". The Olde Bagg herself, Lindasee dumb dumb's it's not hard to give credit where credit is due. Sheeeesh.
This is my first time visiting your blog, and I am so sorry you are dealing with such juvenile folks. As witches we can send love, maybe some candle magick to remove negative energy or even do a binding spell. We can handle situations like this spiritually, ask Goddess to intervene and to protect you from future problems like this. Best of luck to you, remember the rule of 3…karma will take care of them.
The way you handle things is one of the main reasons I love your site. Thank gods there is at least one example of a pagan community leader acting with dignity. You rock, Mrs. B.
Some people, RS, seems to think the more she talks about you the more it puts her in the right. She knows she's lying and it will come back to her. Now that you have your story out there you just need sit back and let Karma do it's work.
Threefold. Thats all I have to say. It will come back to them threefold…
Remember the old saying, "Misery loves company"? Well, it's true. I learned that several years ago in another online Witch War, when I was the brunt of someone else's misery. I've learned a LOT about the dark side of human nature on the Internet, but mostly it just boils down to "misery loves company." If you're happy, they'll try to drag you down to join their misery party.You've been nothing but classy, so just continue being your happy, successful self, and that will annoy them more than anything else. They're just projecting their own dark sides for everyone to see. And they don't even have cookies.
First, I am so sorry your haing to go through all this crap. Second, I am so glad you are not a doormat and decided to stick-up for yourself and have posted your side here. It is contharsis to vent and you did so in an ellegant way.Third, you know we love you and are here for you sending positive vibes and prayers to our Mother Goddess on your behalf.Huge Hugs & Blessings of Peace,Topaz
This is just plain stupid. I dont chime in very often but this is way out of hand. Whether or not they think you are a "fluffy" isnt really the issue. The issue is they are acting against everything pagans hold dear. Harm none. To hold themselves out there in the capacity of elders and act like children. Things have a way of working themselves out. Know that you are loved and appreciated. Its contagious.
This is horrible and pointless. Wouldn't it be easier for them to just NOT steal your postings and post their own? Its sad some people dont have original thoughts but thats no excuse for them to steal yours. I hope this all works out and the ugliness ends. Hang in there and good luck!
even in blogland we have to put up with the wonderful time stealing task of dealing with stupid people…. sorry to hear that you had such an unfortunate situation.. yet I think you already know that you have loads of us forever on your side… blessings… hope it goes away soon…
Wow, people can be rotten sometimes. And in situations like these, you're liable to start pulling out hair after awhile. Sorry to hear of all of your troubles with the plagiarism and crazy whackjob.
Red rover, red rover, I call Mrs.B over.I still like you!
Oy vey!
One unfortunate side effect of the anonymity of the internet is that people feel free to be vicious and sneaky in ways that would have been much more difficult to pull off in earlier years. People seem to feel more free to be nasty because they think there will be no consequences. Sadly for them, all the antics only make them look ridiculous. Don't allow people who feel entitled to act entirely classless because they think they can't be identified to bring you down!
I think the "fluff bunny" remark may be due to some prior history on Facebook. Some time back there was a parody group on Facebook that called themselves fluff bunnies because they were parodying those attitudes and behaviours they considered fluffy.Some members of said group called out some particularly blatant cases of plagiarism, and this (bizarrely enough) seems to be the first that the perpetrator had heard of the term, so they've got it into their head that "fluffy bunny" means someone who calls out plagiarism, which they also consider an unfair and bully thing to do.
Without you stating who it was, I have a feeling I know who it was. Another pagan FB page is going through this same exact thing, almost with the same exact arguments. Jeesh! This group is just looking to be inflammatory!
I can't think of anything to add to the great comments already posted. So, I'll just say that you have my support!Peace
I don't normally post on your blog (I've been following you for a while though!), but this type of thing is so sad that I had to.I am sorry that you had to deal with such jerks
Of course, there are stupid people in every walk of life, but it's always painful when someone is so rude and hurtful when there is just no need for that.Brightest blessings and hopes that this is resolved soon!
Now this is just a damn shame. I am so sorry to hear about all of the trouble you have been experiencing. All too often people forget how to be humans.
Yup. . . this sort of thing seems to be rampant in the pagan community. There are those who do and those who steal from those who do and sell it for $$$. It's really quite annoying and angering that they think that you'll take the lies they spread to cover their behinds lying down! It's even more angering that they think everyone is stupid and won't see through their eh hem (%@&!!! Sounds like you need to break out with some whoo doo
This is the sort of post I generally dismiss after a few sentences and then move on … yet knowing you as I do, as an individual of Integrity and Heart, I found myself reading through the nonsense and sending you blessings with each digested word.With that … Blessings!
Several years ago, I was caught up in a situation with a cyber bully who liked to steal other folks' writing. It. Was. Ugly. She had her faithful followers who staunchly supported her.About a year later, it was discovered that most of her avid supporters were none other than herself… yeah… bizarre.She's not so popular now, and she's leaving me alone (as well as the rest of the folks she tried to smear). I didn't always take the high road (I got tired of the nosebleeds from the altitude), but I did my best to keep it clean and stayed as far from her site as possible, except to occasionally check to make sure she hadn't gotten the sticky fingers with my stuff again. Sorry for the long comment, just know you're not alone.
I had heard the other side of this, from one involved, but due to "real life" I didn't go to the page very often. So, I missed most of what was actually happening.Some of the drama was taking place upon multiple pages, and so the one page I did follow probably had 1/8th of everything.I took "Sprinkle"s blowup on the "fluffy bunny" snark page and filed it in the "got pushed too far-reacted badly" files.Now there had been arguments over ART being posted from places like photobucket and Gettyimages before, but I didn't know about the non-credited work.I too was under the wrong impression that if one credited the author, and posted links to the webpage (and if the work was ONLY published on the web) than it was OK to quote the whole thing verbatim.BUT I also know that if the person you are quoting/using artwork from says "Please take it down" YOU DO SO! I am disappointed, disillusioned, and frankly hurt by this, as I too have had to deal with theft of my hard work, and they were aware of my feelings on this.Alas, my "theft prevention" of putting a faded watermark over the WHOLE image of my artwork, will not work for you writers.Once again I am proven that my "Solitary Path" is best, as EVERY time I join a group, "Witch Wars" have broken out… and I am sick of the petty selfishness of those who START them!I cannot apologise for them, as *I* am not responsible for their actions, but I AM very, very, sorry Mrs. B that you have to deal with this.
A witch hunt led by witches …. there is something inherently wrong with that. Being called a fluffy bunny, or whatnot … I like bunnies! They have big sharp pointy teeth!! Keep fighting. We're all behind ya.
Oh hunI am sorry sorry sorry to read this. I am sorrier than I can say that you of all people has had to deal with it. Know that you are lovedKellybladeandcauldron.com/blog
(((hugs))) Sorry you had to endure this. I can't say I'm surprised because this goes on a LOT. You handled this professionally and with class as always. I love your blog!
Wow, i didn't realize that someone really took your work and called it your own. That is theft, and its very wrong. I'm new to this blogging thing, i guess blogs need disclaimers too.
This sucks. Check with Blogger to see if they have the ability to block right click from your site. While it wont prevent people from retyping your blog, it wont allow anyone to copy and paste it either! Best of Luck!
I'm a little late in the game on this subject BUT, I've recently been there myself! Only I HAD a local pagan kind of newspaper in the "biblebelt of a town" I live in, and guess what? My cat Isis wasn't only poisoned, she was cut open on her side in the shape of a heart! Now I ask you, what the hell kind of a place do I live in that would cause people to CUT MY CAT open JUST BECAUSE I AM PAGAN? I'll tell you, CLEVELAND TENNESSEE, home of the "Lee University" and unbeknownst to the dumbasses here, more than HALF of the ones attending this XTIAN college, sorry UNIVERSITY, ARE PAGAN! It kills me that its ok for XTIANS to sleep with each others spouses, talk bad about EVERYBODY, even go as far as to commit unthinkable crimes against each other, but God forbid I practice Paganism? WHAT IS this world coming to? And I thought the U.S. was the "LAND OF THE FREE, home of the brave"? They're brave alright, because I'm about to NOT BE SO NICE with my banishings! What SUCKS is my mom and dad are preachers here in this good ole boy state of Tennessee, but hey, IF ANY OF YOU HAVE COLLEGE AGE CHILDREN WHO ARE ABOUT TO GO OFF TO COLLEGE – TRUST ME WHEN I SAY, DO NOT SEND THEM TO LEE UNIVERSITY! People think the ordinary Pagan is bad, have some dealings with the so called missionaries and THEN tell me that! We are talking about the same ones who have broke into my home DAILY when I'm not there, sliced hearts and crosses in my cat, poisoned one of my dogs, GUTTED and killed my wolf, but its ok because they're friends with the Judges. This place is EVIL with a CAPITOL E. Remember that, CLEVELAND TENNESSEE = EVIL. The biggest mistake I EVER made was moving here from Louisiana and trying to do ANYTHING outside of XTIAN boundaries. And what is sad is its THIS kind of negativity that will destroy someones soul.