Whether Non-Fiction or Fiction: Defining Original Work

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   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   There are discussions and comments about plagiarism. What about original work? How do you define original work?

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      TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      To me original work is writing that comes from your own mind and is addressed with your own thoughts, feelings and opinions.  It may be information that others have written about, but if it comes from your own mind and, perhaps, is supported by facts, then it is yours.  For example, one article I have deals with how to dump and clean an RV tank.  There are a zillion articles about this topic out there, but mine is original because it is based on my own experiences, the products I personally use and the fact that how I do this job works FOR ME.  This is what makes it different.  I did not read any books or articles about how to clean my sewer tank, I learned it on my own or with help from other RV owners over the years.

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      1. 85

         Kenna McHughposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Personal experience is the best because no one else can write about what you experienced.

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         1. 75

            TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Yes...and even if  part of the article does mirror things written elsewhere, adding your personal experiences helps to make them original.

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      Jean Bakulaposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Writing about a topic or two you know a lot about because you've studied it for years and have become an expert in the field.

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   lobobrandonposted 6 years ago

   Not a comprehensive list:
   
   1. After a lot of reading and learning, you have certain knowledge and more importantly, understanding of the topic. You then proceed to write an article that talks about this thing you've learned (it could be lifelong learning too). These are what we call subject-matter experts. DrMarks example of his list of best dog breeds is a good example.
   2. You've used first principles of a topic (I assume there are first principles in every niche, just like the first principles of Physics) to come up with a new idea, concept or technique.
   
   Other than point 2 above, I would say anything else is almost always derivative. Poetry would fall under point 2 too.

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   1. 85

      Kenna McHughposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Brandon,
      I agree with your list. Yet, so many writers lack in these points. Pick up a textbook and behold derivative after derivative, yet these are books of learning.

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   psycheskinnerposted 6 years ago

   Poor quality textbooks will neglect to go back to primary sources, but it is only plagiarism if they copy the sequence of words without acknowledging it it s quote.  That is pretty rare.

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4. 85

   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   That sounds like a safe bet.

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