*Jerome-K-Moore

With this online art community, we have a unique opportunity to connect with our kindred. We must avail ourselves of this experience, for it may never come again.

Recently, with my own episode, and now with that of my good friend, BroHawk, the issue of art plagiarism and our reaction to it here on DA has come to the fore. Of particular note are the comments of those individuals who venture beyond initial skepticism to either express their apathy, or their misplaced sympathy for the offenders. They decry the venomous wrath of the offended parties, and the "harshness" with which the guilty are dealt with by both the victimized artists, and their loyal supporters. Yes, I said "guilty."

Okay. Here's my "two cents" worth of opinion, and bear in mind, with today's US economy, it ain't worth much. LOL!

EVERYone who joins this site is made well aware of the rules and legalities, and is given full opportunity to decline membership. Deviant Art, its dubious name notwithstanding, offers an online community for creative individuals and their appreciators, as well as a venue for creative works, original, and otherwise credited.

Now, the PURPOSE of posting creative works in this public venue, logically, is to showcase one's abilities, take advantage of possible business opportunities, and garner public opinion. The positives of that public opinion may arrive in the form of constructive criticism and advice on improvement, as well as in appreciative kudos (all too often, not too eloquently expressed. LOL!). As artists, most of us have egos that have become inflated due to our ability to do what few others on the planet can. With the proper balance and perspective, this is normal, acceptable, and conducive to development. Some of us need our egos stroked a little more than the rest of us. However, not all are as talented or skillful as others, and an unfair and unethical "boost" is sought to still attain that coveted attention, validation, and praise, even though it may be undeserved. It becomes a prize yearned for at any cost, including the despicable appropriation of another artist's identity through his/her original* work, or the equivalent thereof.

*It should be noted that "original" work does not necessarily exclude representation of a copyrighted property, per se. Work based on established material is still deemed original intrinsically when it is that artist's individual interpretation of the material.

Some here on DA may have ideas which they cannot effectively express, given their level of ability. And yet, to acquire that oh-so-desirable positive feedback, they stoop to plagiarism, sometimes through very elaborate means, enough to fool all but the most discerning eye. Perhaps they've compromised some part of themselves and their character just for a digital "pat on the back."

"Awesome, dude!"
"Sweet designs, Johnny! You're the coolest!"
"Wow! I wish I could draw good like you draw so good! So jealous! High FIVE! Keep it up!"

And here things take a turn for the worse once the plagiarist compounds the error, taking bows, and crediting no one but him or herself.

"Thanks a lot, man! Yeah, I'm pretty proud of how this one turned out. I worked hard on it, and I'm so glad you guys are diggin' it, too!"

Praise. Accolades. A heady drink.
But with all positives, you also invite the negatives, especially in a PUBLIC forum. One cannot POST online here and logically expect otherwise. It's a different matter to swipe another artist's work for private edification. Posting HERE means you're presenting the work as your OWN, unless otherwise indicated. It means you're putting yourself OUT THERE, in whatever guise you assume. Therefore, as public as your adulation may be, so should your disgrace be also.

It's a matter of respect for all those who truly deserve to be here, and those who work so hard to put part of themselves into their form of creative expression. Influences and inspiration are different considerations entirely. Please don't get it confused. Identity theft is identity theft. It means mayhem regardless of the method or medium. And the impostor who beguiles a crowd should be justifiably vilified by that crowd once the mask is made to slip. A private note to preserve their "dignity" is not required or warranted at this point, and is purely subject to the discretion of the offended party. Furthermore, there remains the overall benefit of a public example, beyond the personal vindication. All should be made to know that this behavior is simply not tolerable. No matter how rampant the transgression, turning a blind eye, or dismissing it as flattery fails to address the problem. Vigilance must remain constant, and retribution must remain consistent, and swift. To neglect this is to allow our community to become needlessly polluted, corrupted.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is that good men do nothing."

Honest mistakes do occur. In my case, an instance like this came to light, and it was my personal choice to offer pardon.
Nevertheless, it stands to reason that ANYone posting art here publicly of ANY sort should be cognizant of the posted rules, be possessed of a broader sense of ethics and responsibility, and be considerate of their fellow creatives.

Otherwise, like the Good Book says, they must be prepared to "receive unto themselves the full recompense for their error."

Love and Respect to ALL.

I'm done.