Re: [epub] Originality should extend to IDEAS too - not just writing

["S.Sivasubramanian" <sivaraj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: "S.Sivasubramanian" <sivaraj@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in>

Hi.

A few points from David's reply to my post caught my attention.

David Yancey writes:
>"new folks are coming aboard in big numbers all the time"

I agree.  And they aren't just wandering around, they are searching
for specific information of good quality.  In targeted niches.  From
websites, discussion groups and ezines.  Which means many of
them subscribe to ezines in a niche area - say E-publishing, or
parenting, or soccer.

>it could be argued that what is rehash to us is altogether new to 
>them, and hence,in their perception, "original".

Admittedly yes.  But imagine what would happen if the current
trend continues, where many ezine publishers simply take an
*original* idea and do a write-up on it in their own style, or words.
Not much addition to the basic concept, simply re-stating it in
different words.  

When the *newbies* (they aren't going to remain newbies forever)
read similar - if not the same - matter across different ezines, 
they're going to start getting bored.  And when they are overloaded
with email, they're going to unsubscribe from atleast a few of these
ezines with repetitive thoughts, concepts and ideas.  And guess
which of these are going to be FIRST on their list ?  The one with
original concepts, or the ones that specialize in rehashes ?

>Before we come down too hard on those ezines that emphasize
>"rehash" and reprints, let's acknowledge that they serve at
>least some useful function in exposing the new readers to
>otherwise hard to find stuff.

I'm not totally putting down reprints or rehashes.  Just pointing
out that an ezine developed with reprints as its primary content
source is soon going to see a drop off in readership, when it
competes in a targeted niche with others that provide ORIGINAL
material.

My suggestion is only that ezine publishers rely more on their
own ideas and experience for articles, than simply copying another's
so that, in the long run, they retain their readers by sheer content.

Opinions, anyone ?

Mani


         Dr. MANI Sivasubramanian, M.D.
         Heart Disease Guide - About.com
         <http://heartdisease.about.com>

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