Here is the original WCCO spot from 2010:
Here is a spot from KCTV in 2012:
So what do you guys think? Is it ok to "borrow" from others? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?
I call it stealing. If they had taken the idea and rewritten it - I'd have no problem. WCCO doesn't own the idea of a strong, prideful community. But I believe they do own the exact words they worked hard to write.
And what's worse to me is when producers claim it as their own, put it on their reels, enter it for awards. They get recognition for ideas they didn't originate.
We've all been inspired by others. Heck, that's what this blog is all about: being inspired by others to do more great work.
But if you're going to borrow an idea -- make it your own, make it better, rewrite it, retool it.
Don't steal it. We all have Youtube. You're going to get caught.
18 comments:
Especially since at the top of the spot. But in all seriousness, what do you expect? It's a Meredith station.
Enough said.
Thanks for calling it out, Don. This is stealing. Plain and simple. It's blatant and shameful. Wonder if the KCTV bosses know it's stolen copy? Here's a question...wonder if WCCO knows and how they might respond.
I'm bothered by it, but at least WCCO gets the last laugh. Their spot is 1000% better in every way than the Kansas City spot.
Thanks for calling it out, Don. This is stealing. Plain and simple. It's blatant and shameful. Wonder if the KCTV bosses know it's stolen copy? Here's a question...wonder if WCCO knows and how they might respond.
(See what I did there?)
In my last year working at KCTV, the new GM came to me with a spot that he loved, asking that I recreate it. It was the 'snow day' spot that it seems like everyone has copied. I felt dirty copying it, but I did as I was asked. So, I'm not sure how frowned upon this plagiarism would be.
I will freely admit that I make spots that are inspired by other spots that I see, but I can't imagine taking copy word for word like that and using it for myself. Unfortunately, the vast majority of local viewers would have no idea that the plagiarism was going on, so that's why I think we'll keep seeing things like this happening.
I get inspiration from everywhere. This is stealing, and I'm so glad for YouTube now.
Because I once offered a preditor job to a kid based on one spot on his reel. Really clever concept beautifully executed. Problem was, I saw the original spot he stole it from a couple of months later. An Ad Council spot, no less.
Lucky for us, he turned me down. Don't do this anymore, folks. It's only a matter of time before you get caught.
Hmm... could this be why they now have an opening for a promo producer?
Seriously, I have seen promo producers take entire spots and copy not just the words but everything. You are beating up on this producer for 4 lines from a two year old promo? Really? Side by side they look totally different.
Also interesting that the promo has been pulled...although not surprised.
My first tv station company encouraged sharing spots between stations. They even set up a special website for all the promo producers to share ideas and help each other. there was copying going on there and no one called it stealing.
It's one thing if you're openly sharing spots and ideas within a broadcast a group. It's another if you're blatantly stealing from somewhere else.
I don't see it. The spots look different. Some of the lines are the same but I wouldn't call it stealing because there are many other lines that are different. Sometimes consultants bring lines with them to station meetings as well. I just think this is not that bad of an example when you could pull spots that have the same words and exactly the same shots.
Ha, it appears that the folks at KCTV got the message...their spot has been taken down. :/
I have been asked by other stations before if they could copy a spot I've done...sometimes shot for shot...and if it's another market...I certainly don't mind...as they say, it's the best form of flattery...but those folks at the other stations asked if they could copy it...and were very upfront about it...which was the right thing to do. We all get inspiration from different places..and it's hard to be original every single time, year after year...but that's our challenge...developing our own style, staying true to the marketing mission and being proud of the work we do. I strive for that everyday and I know many of you do too. Keep the great spots coming!
Inspiration is one thing, but word for word is a horse thief of a different color.
And a word to GMs who come around asking us to "recreate" another station's spot: it would be nice if they could tell us or ask us, in a promo creative meeting, how our station fits another station's niche... if the other station is first, fast and longest lasting, how our product - missed the presser, live truck broke down and saddled with the temp reporter du jour - is even comparable.
There aren't really any shortcuts to building a credible brand, and you can't crib from promo brethren/sisteren and expect the results not to go off in your face!
This thread was in NewsBlues today, and they called Don an 'anonymous author of the blog'. Um, his entire career history is in the right hand column. So anonymous.
Dang! I don't have a subscription -- anyone care to email me the copy from Newsblues? :)
donsjr@hotmail.com
I'll share w you when I get into the office, -Shannon
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