Let's Talk: Originality
Something that is a slightly taboo topic but an extremely important subject to discuss in blogging is originality. It's far too easy to get yourself into a tizzy when you think someone has "stolen" your precious idea but is there such thing as being completely original in blogging?
o·rig·i·nal·i·ty
noun
the ability to think independently and creatively.
IT'S ALL BEEN DONE BEFORE
The internet is a big place. The whole blogging thing is way older than we probably think it is. So it's highly doubtful that we've thought of this amazing new concept all by ourselves. Which of course can be a little bit of a bruise to the ego but it's true. However just because it's been done before doesn't mean when you do it that it's not original to you. It's incredible that we can write about something or take a picture of the same item and it still has our own personal spin on it. No-one owns a certain concept, aesthetic or style and it's incredibly narrow-minded to think that we do. Of course, if someone is actually taking your images and copy and pasting your words then that's different and needs to be approached accordingly.
THE ODDEST FORM OF FLATTERY
It's one of the most irritating phrases but when someone is imitating whatever you do it is a form of flattery. They wouldn't be doing it if they didn't admire and love what you're doing. You've obviously inspired that person to do something which is a great thing. Whether it's right or wrong in the way that they're doing it is a different matter. Once you've got past all the initial annoyance it's important to remember it's because they look up to you. Intellectual Property is something incredibly interesting to research if you fancy further reading on a similar sort of topic.
GIVE YOUR INSPIRATION CREDIT
We're all inspired by what we choose to consume every day otherwise why else would we want to look at it? So give the thing that has inspired your ideas some credit. It's not something that is done enough in any industry. Of course, it's not possible to do it constantly but a little nod every now and again is something to be encouraged.
BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU
It's all too easy to see someone who is doing well and think if I just do what they're doing then surely I'll do well too? In reality, no-one wants to see multiple versions of the same thing because it becomes monotonous and dull. Being yourself is scary but it's so important because everyone else in the world is taken apart from yourself. Personally, I'm so much more drawn to someone who is being true to themselves as well as their morals and beliefs rather than in the footsteps of anyone else. Being yourself is the number one way to stay original.
IDEAS AND CONCEPTS ARE THERE TO BE SHARED
Harbouring all your best ideas to yourself and never sharing anything isn't a good thing. We're all inspired by so many incredible things and the reason that we can be inspired is because that person had the courage and shared their idea. If we never shared anything then how would we ever learn anything new?
SOMETIMES PEOPLE DO COPY AND IT HURTS
Sometimes things can be completely accidental but sometimes they aren't. It's all too easy to convince yourself that you're just being arrogant to think that someone has copied you but you know your own work better than anyone. Seeing something that you've poured yourself into and worked hard on to be ripped off in its entirety would hurt anyone's feelings. Even if it is a form of flattery it still feels hurtful. And it goes so much further than childish games because it takes something away from that person. This doesn't just go for the blogging world either, it can be applied to so many things.
THEY CAN TAKE WHAT YOU'VE DONE BUT THEN CAN'T TAKE WHAT IS TO COME
When you feel you're being copied it can be incredibly disheartening. It makes you want to shut down and never do anything again when you feel like it's only going to be taken days later. Even though it might not feel like it at the time it can be a huge motivation to switch things up a little and try something new. No-one can ever take your ideas and dreams away from you.
THE MORE THE MERRIER
Have you ever seen someone love a band or product and once it becomes popular they suddenly dislike it? It's a such a strange concept that once something becomes well know that it's not worthy of your time anymore just because you think that you discovered it first. Surely when we really love and enjoy something we should want to share it with people and not just keep it hidden from the world? Just because something is well loved doesn't mean it's not original to you anymore.
Do you have any thoughts on originality?
R x
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