5 Tips To Stop Blog Theft: The Copyright Info You Should Know
Blogging is a fantastic creative outlet, with so many people sharing their opinions online. Here at EDPR we’ve learned a lot through our blog, we’ve found our voice and have enjoyed the feedback from readers. But with all the positive, there is a downside. The Internet is a vast environment with some grey areas including plagiarism, cyber-bullying and questionable content. We thought you might like to know some tips and tricks to minimize your risk when blogging, so have a look at our suggestions below:
To protect your content, consider these practices:
1. Include a copyright notice
A simple notice at the end of your blog stating that what’s written is your property, while giving instructions on how to properly quote or use any of the content will deter people from plagiarizing.
2. Google Alerts & Google Reporting
Submit your content to Google Alerts, this service will notify you if the same content is published elsewhere. We all have better things to do than troll the internet for thieves, making this a useful tool. If you happen to get a report or discover your content elsewhere there is a way to report it to Google. Google will then contact the server/author and have the content revisited or removed.
3. Watermark your multimedia
If you are publishing original photos, videos or any other multimedia try including a watermark to make sure you’re recognized for your creative content. Here is a tutorial on adding a watermark to your photography through photoshop. Remember, this is for the media you create: when using other people’s images be sure to include sources to recognize the original author.
4. Be Organized
- Create a folder including everything you write, post and create, including multi-media.
- If you receive sponsorship be sure to keep track of contacts, receipts, payments and notes on all interactions.
- Back it up! Back it up! Back it up!
5. Know the Law
- While plagiarism isn’t considered a legal offence (it is a moral and ethical offence), copyright infringement is a serious infraction as defined below:
“Copyright provides protection for literary, artistic, dramatic or musical works (Including computer programs) and other subject-matter known as performer’s performances, sound recordings and communication signals.” – “A Guide to Copyright.” Government of Canada, Industry Canada, Office of the Deputy Minister, Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.
- “Fair dealing” under the Copyright Act of Canada is the understanding that it is ok for people to use copyrighted works in certain contexts, such as journalism, commentary, private study, criticism or satire. What this means is one can take someone else’s writing and include it in a post with links and sources to the original creator.
- Photography is automatically copyrighted as it is an artistic work. If the artist is concerned about reproduction, they can submit it to the Canadian Copyright Office. Another form of protection is a copyright symbol or watermark to deter unlawful reproduction.
Since there are a few grey areas in the world of blogging, err on the side of caution when creating posts: always cite written and multi-media content, consult local laws concerning copyright or talk to a lawyer.
Have more tips to keep yourself protected? Leave them in the comments below!
Master Your Personal Brand INFOGRAPHIC
We all know that job market is a competitive place. Hundreds of qualified candidates are often all applying for the exact same position. This raises the question: how are YOU going to stand out?
Personal branding has become an integral part of the application process. No longer is it just your resume that is reviewed when applying for your dream job, employers take into consideration your entire online presence. With privacy virtually out the window, HR teams are usually able to gain access to your pictures, tweets, Facebook, LinkedIn and anything else posted online. All of this is considered when selecting candidates for an open position.
This infographic from Feldman Creative gives a breakdown on achieving the personal brand that will represent the best version of you!
Film Friday: Uber Gets A Major Marketing Boost
By now, most of us have heard about the transport company, Uber. Riders log into the app, enter their pick up location and are connected with an available driver. Riders are even able to pick the kind of car that drives them ensuring they arrive to their destination in style.
Recently, Uber has introduced a new, cheaper version of the app where pre-screened drivers are able to pick up riders in their own car. The advancement in the highly popular app has raised some safety concerns among critics, however, the company assures their service is completely safe and reliable. Drivers are screened with a complete background check and a follow up is conducted after the ride.
Recently, the taxi company received a major marketing boost from one of the word biggest DJ’s. DeadMau5 signed up as an Uber driver for a night in Toronto, best of all he filmed the whole thing. Check it out!
Top 10 #PRTips Of The Week: September 17th, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Stay at the leading edge of your profession. Take life-long learning seriously. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) September 15, 2014
Show that your #brand appreciates interactions, there is a good chance you will earn an audience’s loyalty. http://t.co/wQDdBXNxOC #SMB
— Springboard PR (@PRtips) September 12, 2014
Always match your tone and attitude to your message in media interviews #PRTips
— EMSI PR & Marketing (@emsiPR) September 12, 2014
Select and prepare company spokespeople so you are ready the next time the media calls for an interview. #PRTIP
— Leonard & Finco (@thePRexperts) September 15, 2014
A public relations expert should never appear more important and or exclusive than the client . Respond to emails and calls .#PRtip
— Velma_ ThinkZilla PR (@cocotheceo) September 13, 2014
Spelling & grammar are both essentially important when conducting business. Proofread your blog posts before publishing. #PRtip
— The Bath Cafe (@TheBathCafe) September 10, 2014
Ask clients to provide a quote to include in press release. #PRTip #Marketing http://t.co/FZjkEMCW59
— Colleen Wietmarschen (@CWietmarschen) September 12, 2014
Relationships help to build character. Relationships help to build success. #PRTip
— Tina Glasneck (@TinaGlasneck) September 14, 2014
If you don’t know this already, it’s best to grow your following organically, it provides You with longevity & honest relationships. #prtip
— Baby Swags (@babyswags) September 15, 2014
#PRTip: One mention in the right blog, review or article can produce an effect worth tens of adverts.
— Hannah Sookias (@HannahSookias) September 10, 2014
#TorontoTuesday: Our Go-To Restaurants For Every Occasion
Fall is the season of catch up; catching up on errands, catching up on work and of course, catching up with friends and family. Just because it’s a busy time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself! We’ve compiled a list of Toronto restaurants for meetings, girls night, mom-time, date night… and of course me-time.
For An Important Meeting: Soho House
Perfectly located at 192 Adelaide St. W (just west of University Ave.), The Soho House is the ideal host for any meeting – formal or informal. This members-only refurbished 1800′s building provides the ideal location to eat, drink, work, socialize and relax for those in film, media and creative industries. Membership ranges from $750 to $2400 (worldwide membership for 12 locations), granting access along with perks such as events, workshops, movie screenings and much more.
Date Night: Indie Ale House
Indie Ale House is the perfect compromise for date night: delicious beer selection with fabulous accompanying meal options. They say “the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach”: we think a key to anyone’s heart is with beer and food! So fall in love over a 1/2 rack of baby back ribs and a few pints of the Instigator.
Girls Night Out: Drake 150
Located in the financial district, Drake 150 has the charm of the original drake with an added sophistication. This is the perfect location for your ladies night with menu options including spinach pappardelle, moules frites and a delicious mezze platter. But we all know the most important component of a successful girls night out is the wine – Chateau de Charmes Sparkling Rosé anyone?
Dinner With Mom: The Oxley Public House
We love The Oxley for it’s charming classic british fare and decor. Mom will adore this comfy yet fabulous restaurant in the middle of Yorkville, hello brownie points. The food is constantly impressive, with options that include a poached sole with aubergine caviar and artichokes, Canadian Beef Loin with Cipollini Pissaladière & Mole-Date Sauce and of course an elevated fish and chips. If you aren’t drooling yet, we’ll take Mom for you!
Me, Myself and I: Jimmy’s Coffee
Jimmy’s Coffee is always so yummy – the quality of their whole process (beans, grinder and machines) is demonstrated in each and every cup of joe. The ambiance of Jimmy’s is bright and comfy and always bustling with energy. This is a great spot to get a change of scenery, so grab some work to catch up on or the novel you’ve been meaning to read and enjoy a latte and butter croissant.
Have more hot spots to share? Leave them in the comments below!
Screen Time: Media Consumption Habits of TIFF Audiences
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has once again come to an end for 2014. Since its inception in 1976, the publicly attended festival has obtained international recognition and is now known for its ability to generate Oscar buzz around successful films. Some notable films that have held their premieres at TIFF include: 12 Years a Slave, American Beauty, 127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler.
This year’s festival followed the pattern of all previous; the city welcomed the films that will define 2014 and the celebrities that starred in them. Some of the flicks that have garnered the most amount of attention include: “Wild” starring Reese Witherspoon, “The Imitation Game” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightly, and “The Theory of Things,” a biopic on the life of Steven Hawkings.
One unique thing about TIFF is the lack of panel judging and the non-competitive nature of the festival. Also, even though tickets are a hot commodity, they are made publicly available. So, who exactly are these people who seek out the best films and scurry across the city in hopes of getting a glimpse of their favourite celeb? This infographic from NAD Bank gives us a clue as to the profile of a typical TIFF attendee.
Film Friday: Carla Collins on the Passing of Joan Rivers
On September 4th, 2014, the world lost a comedic icon. At the age of 81, Joan Rivers passed away from a routine throat procedure at Mount Sinai Hospital. The outpouring of support from Hollywood was enormous, as this comedic trailblazer was remembered for her outlandish and fearless sense of humour.
Soon after the horrible news of Joan’s passing, CTV caught up with fellow superstar comedian Carla Collins as she recounted her time spent with the formidable Joan Rivers.
Client News: 1st Annual Tea and Tiaras
For the past 30 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada has been dedicated to brightening the lives of children with serious illness or life-altering injury. Starlight provides programs both in-and-out of hospital supporting the child and family from hospital to home.
We are thrilled to share that Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is presenting the 1st annual Tea And Tiaras this November 2, 2014, at the Royal York Hotel. It will be an afternoon where “high tea meets high fashion,” and guests can enjoy gourmet treats and custom-blended teas from executive Chef Collin Thornton.
Hosted by Breakfast Television Toronto’s Jennifer Valentyne, attendees will be entertained by a live fashion show from retailer RW & CO, along with live and silent auctions, and access to an array of beauty products at the Beauty Corner. Come out to support an amazing charity and enjoy and afternoon of tea and fashion.
All-inclusive tickets are available for purchase for $80 per person or $600 for a table of 8 guests. For more information and to purchase tickets please see details at www.teaandtiaras.ca.
Top 10 #PRTips Of The Week: September 10th, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Hint: Don’t pitch to multiple journalists in a twitter pitch. Looks like twitter spam. #fakepitch
— PR News (@PRNews) September 8, 2014
Keep the faith, no matter what. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) September 8, 2014
A #prpro who can think like the client & the customer is of great value. #prtips pic.twitter.com/b67qDfxxtV
— JeneratePR (@JeneratePR) September 8, 2014
“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” Henry Ford #PRTips #Reputation
— Compass PR (@CompassPR_Mex) September 8, 2014
“The more people know about their own ethics, the better equipped they are to make ethically sound decisions.” #PRtips #GCStratCats
— Michelle Hanley (@hanley_michelle) September 8, 2014
Successful PRs are the ones with their fingers on the pulse – so be sure to make time to check out all the news from your industry. #PRTips
— Whitefoot PR (@WhitefootPR) September 8, 2014
prtips Conversations about your biz occur every day on Twitter, FB, LI – for public viewing. Make sure to monitor daily. prtips
— Paige MacGillivray (@paigeopikh) September 7, 2014
Never underestimate the value of a great headshot #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) September 8, 2014
#PRTip: Protect your brand and stand your grounds.
— Mr4.0 (@the_gifted1) September 8, 2014
#PRTip: Write FB status in 3 sentences or less. Longer msgs show “see more” message to appear & doesn’t appeal to most users.
— IndraPublicRelations (@indraPRGroup) September 5, 2014
Top 5 Toronto Halloween Events of 2014
Now that you have your Halloween costume figured out, it’s time to plan where you’re going to show it off! Check out some of the top Halloween events happening in the Toronto area this year!
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1. Halloween on Church
This epic street party is the perfect place to wow people with your costume! With accuweather.com predicting an extended summer for October, this street party is a great way to take advantage of the good weather.
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2. Haunted Toronto
Scare your pants off with the Haunted Toronto Scavenger Hunt! Get a group of friends together and work as a team to uncover Toronto’s spooky past: if scary is your thing, this is the perfect event for you.
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3. Zombie Prom
Reliving those high school days is a terrifying thought.. but if you’re brave enough, the Zombie Prom is the event for you. Pile on the fake blood and gory makeup, and who knows: you might even be nominated Prom King/Queen!
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4. Wonderland’s Halloween Haunt
Haunted houses, rides and ghouls! With all rides open and a slew of park extras, this event is certainly not one to be missed! Wonderland will be open for 12 days so there’s no excuse to miss out of the festivities this year.
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5. The Thompson Hotel Halloween
1812 Lounge is hosting a Halloween bash for all the fabulous partiers. Put on your dancing shoes and be sure to dress to impress! The Thompson is where people go to to see and be seen, so what better place to showcase your amazing costume?
Let us know in the comments where you will be celebrating Halloween this year!
