Thanks for the post Tess, it is a reminder to check copyscape often. There are alot of new VA's starting and some many not be aware that this is not acceptable.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

One thing I did for content was searched articles written by attorneys, as I primarily work with legal entities. I found a couple articles and emailed the attorney directly for written permission to use their content. The both gladly obliged as long as their content was kept original and their name was included. It is a shame that someone feels the need to just steal content without permission. 9 times out of 10, if you just ask, they will allow the use. I even asked permission on the this forum to use certain content. Always ask. That is safer than thinking it is just "ok" to use any content out on the web. It would be nice to think that this VA didn't intentionally do this. But you never know.

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Dawn M. Draper
The Virtual Paralegal
http://www.thevirtualparalegal.com Virtual Blog

I am presuming that your websites have copyright or the symbol with a date on each page? Or, you have some notice stating to seek permission from the owner to reproduce, etc.? If there's no notice or symbol, you have given a green light to copy your material. For some, I would recommend that you become familiar with "trademark" and you might need to register your logos, photos, etc. under that rather than "copyright". Every country has different rules for copyright and trademark and not everyone recognizes the rules the USA goes by.

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Mary Hettwer
Hettwer Virtual Office

I think the copyright symbol is somewhat besides the point as the issue at hand is the unprofessional behavior and attitude behind 'borrowing' content without the slightest concern for the hard work or monetary investment that went into creating it.

Yes, we're absolutely following up - on behalf of my client (our fellow member VA) I have left messages at both the VAs business line (routed through Grand Central) and at the number listed in her domain registration records. I also sent an email on behalf of my client. The client/VA has done the same as well as followed up with GoDaddy (hosting the offending site) using screenshots of the stolen content AND with Google, filing a spam/duplicated content report.

We'll see what happens - so far the theif/VA has not responded in the least. She is not a member of this forum... not sure if she's a member elsewhere in the industry.

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Get listed in the ultimate virtual assistant directory: Virtual Assistantville

Funny you should bring this up because I was just asking my attourney about how I could protect my web-site and logo from everybody, not just other VA's but other marketing professionals and the list goes on! Thanks for sharing this!!!

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Lara
Prairie Dog Communications Virtual Assistance LLC

Thanks Tess, this is great information, didn't know this.
Jo-Carole

Copyscape is great. You can actually put their banner on your webpage to remind people not to even try it, and that you do check those things.

Here is the link to the banners on Copyscape.

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-Becky
Life is 10% what happens, 90% how you react.