Copycat possibly caught

Many people think plagiarism only occurs in the writing aspect. Think again. An editorial cartoonist's reputation is on the line as her work is being closely examined after the question of plagiarism arises.

"In general, I would say the same standards for plagiarism should apply for both written matter and for visual material," Steele said. "We should credit someone else if we use any meaningful or significant part of their work."

Cartoonists and journalists alike work so hard to build up a good reputation, but it can easily be destroyed when people know you've been accused of stealing other people's work.

Wolverton said he would not take action against Breeden but that the similarities between her cartoons and others’ work would hurt her in the end. "It’s not going to be good for her in the future because she’s established a reputation for ripping off other people’s work," he said. "She’s ‘borrowing heavily’ which is at the very least unprofessional."

If Breeden's cartoons bare a substantial similarity to other cartoonist's work and there's evidence she had access to their work then she definitely should be in hot water. Her reputation may be ruined and that may be just enough punishment without action by either Wolverton or Handelsman.

It's just like cheating on a test -- you're only hurting yourself in the end.