Originality Matters
By: Kristin Lane,
http://www.momsexpo.com
As a WAHM Business owner, we face many battles. Some of the ever increasing
difficulties are thinking of and actually implementing original ideas,
staying ahead of the competition, and offering our visitors a fun site that
they will want to come back to that is unique to others.
It is not always easy to think of an
original idea because the competition is increasing daily. Also, there are
many people that will actually take a great idea, and cast it off as their
own. These idea predators can become cumbersome, and many times you do not
know what to do as a result of this "virtual content stealing". So what can be done,
and how can you stay ahead of the game?
::
Ways to come up with original content ::
We may not all be creative in
coming up with new ideas, and many times, the more original they are, the
more difficult it is to build. Specialized scripts may do the job, but
hiring programmers may not be the cost effective solution for an idea that
was just a passing moment. What are some ways to come up with an idea that will work?
Hold a Poll :: Involvement of your loyal visitors will oftentimes be the
PERFECT solution. See what they would like to see. Ask them for
ideas to pass along. If you have a few ideas, place them in the poll
for your visitors to vote on. If you do not have a poll feature
script, ask them to email the answers to you.
Pre-Built Scripts ::
Sometimes, adding usual content like Message Boards with your original
topics are the key to adding originality to a website.
Many places offer free message board hosting and scripts to build a quick
message board.
Audience Feedback :: Ask them to email you their ideas on what
they would like. Place it in a highly noticeable area within your
website.
Change Menu Names :: Sometimes, you may need to come up with a simple
change of words to create a uniqueness. It is fast to do, and your
visitors may appreciate the slight change.
Just do it! If you have an idea, do not just sit back thinking
of how nice it would be to actually follow through, try it and see the
results! Again, with the competition, it is best to stay ahead of the
game. Internet time is much more faster than real world time. On
the net, it is a 24/7 life and if you do not implement the idea, someone
else may come up with it, and leave you with just a memory.
:: Keep away from Becoming an Idea Predator ::
If you find that taking other's content is the only way that you are able to
change your content within your website then a website may not be the best
business for you.
Taking Content Willfully :: This is the ultimate "virtual content stealing".
Coveting a website or a website owner, and blatantly taking the content,
ideas, slogans, logos, and so forth are not only disrespectful, but illegal. Think about it in this
manner. If you are having a hard time coming up with an idea, that
person probably did as well. Taking it from them to show as your own
is not okay morally as well as legally.
Molding Your Website to be "like" Another :: Many times, if this is
the case, each time the original owner comes up with an idea, idea predators
will do the same exact changes with their "follower" website.
Even taking an idea and changing it to suit your needs is not the best
solution. BE ORIGINAL.
:: Permissible Content Usage ::
At times, you can actually find author's that want their content placed on
other websites, as well as other methods of getting their names out there,
if this is the case, they will state it with their article, or other
content.
Reprintables :: You can find articles that you can place within
your website with reprint rights, exactly as this article is, as long as the
bylines are intact.
Never take content word for word unless you have written permission from the
original author. Also, NEVER remove the bylines, or state that the article
was written by anyone other than the original author.
Asking for Permission :: Just that, go out and email the original author and
ask for permission to reprint it. Make sure and add the resource box,
or ask the original author to create one for the reprint of the article.
::
Fend off Idea Predators ::
If you know
someone has stolen your website content, what can you do?
Confront the Person :: Simply email them and let
them know that you are aware that they have your content published within
their website, or they have taken your business name, slogan, or logo
without your permission. This will usually solve disputes from going
to the next level.
Legal Action ::
If they still do not take the content off, start looking for your resources
that prove that you had the content for a longer time frame. If you
have the content trademarked, patented, or copyrighted, you are protected,
if not, you may be able to use The Common Law Rights.
Give yourself credit :: Pat yourself on the back for your hard work. If you
become frustrated at someone "taking" an original idea from you, tell
yourself that your idea must have been a great one, that others need to
"copy" it for benefit.
::
Protect Your Content ::
Sometimes there is no way around it. The
internet is growing each day, and the more people, the higher the chance of
"virtual content stealing".
Common Law Rights :: This begins once you use the content in public.
This is enforceable in local courts, but are limited geographically.
Copyrights, Patents, & Trademarks :: To protect your content from
others, the best step to take is getting it copyrighted, patented, or
trademarked. You can read more information about obtaining a
copyright, patent or trademark at the USPTO ::
U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office.
If you want to run a successful online business, you must be able to come up
with creative ideas. Taking another person's content is not the
solution to success. Remember, the person that can come up with great
ideas, are far more successful than the follower's that steal for their
business solutions.
************************************
About the Author: Kristin Lane is a wife and the mother of 3 little girls.
She has been working online since early 2002 and is the owner of
MomsExpo.com.
She devotes her time to finding and writing resources to help create a business and run
it from home. MomsExpo.com focuses on women, children, parenting,
working, and balancing life. MomsExpo.com where stay at home moms
become work at home moms! Click here to learn more:
http://www.momsexpo.com
