Comments on: Freelancer loses gig after plagiarism claim

By: Rod McKie

Rod McKie — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:16:37 +0000

It would be hard to image two ideas of such similarity happening by chance, and not satisfying the most rabid disbeliever in the uncanny as absolute proof of ESP.

It looks obvious, I’m afraid.

By: Jesse Cline

Jesse Cline — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:29:42 +0000

Daryl,

With all due respect, wasn’t it published without his editor noticing?

By: Daryl Cagle

Daryl Cagle — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:54:30 +0000

This newspaper subscribes to our cartoon service, including Beeler’s cartoons. Jim Hope would have certainly known that as he would see the Beeler cartoons in the newspaper. If Hope planned to plagiarize, I would expect him to choose a cartoon that he thought his editor wouldn’t have seen.

By: Dan Reynolds

Dan Reynolds — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:02:23 +0000

I’d be hard strapped to find ANY way of explaining that as being anything other than it is…plagiarism.
I agree with Malc, too, that there’s a glaring difference in artistic ability.
Why, why take, what to me is the MOST fun out of cartooning – coming up with what breathes life into the cartoon…the spirit of the work…the IDEA?
The only thing Hope didn’t do is use a light box or a photocopy and change the name.
This gentleman’s parents left him alone too long with the Sunday comics and a ball of Silly Putty. He developed a bad habit of making copies of copyrighted work and then “stretching” the truth. Don’t plagiarize
that idea people. That’s mine!

By: anne hambrock

anne hambrock — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:41:24 +0000

What does it for me is the use of the word “dear” in both punchlines. Hardly the way most people talk or write, even in comedy circles. That must mean an extraordinarily photographic memory!

By: Wiley Miller

Wiley Miller — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:49:39 +0000

” but to have two drawings so similarâ€¦well itâ€™s hardly a coincidence.”

And it’s always at this point when, rather than owning up to his crime and beg forgiveness, the plagiarist will claim it’s due to his “photographic memory”.

By: Beth Cravens

Beth Cravens — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:41:39 +0000

Tsk, Tsk. I may be dreadful, but at least I’m dreadful on my own. I might could understand how they might have come across the same idea, but to have two drawings so similar…well it’s hardly a coincidence.

By: Malc McGookin

Malc McGookin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:20:43 +0000

It’s obviously a plagiarised cartoon, the thing is copied right down to the layout, with the figures in exactly the same positions and the punchline barely altered.

This is NOT a case of two equally talented commentators simply happening on the same idea. The second cartoon is bloody awful. Discussing the two as though they are any ways in the same league is an insult to Beeler.

Somebody had to say it. Ignoring this particular elephant in the room is one huge reason why editorial cartooning is going to the dogs. Too many talentless amateurs peeing in the pool.

By: Mike Sieber

Mike Sieber — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:45:51 +0000

I have to agree. Looking at both cartoons, it just doesn’t seem plausible that this is a case of coincidence. I understand having similar ideas, but the drawing is nearly identical as is the punchline.

By: John Pershing

John Pershing — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:06:43 +0000

As the sage said:

“Great minds think alike…

…and the minds of fools rarely differ.”

-jp