Comments on: On Copycats and Leeches

By: Cory Miller

Cory Miller — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:51:59 +0000

Ivette, thanks for this encouragement!

By: Ivette Muller

Ivette Muller — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:43:42 +0000

Leeches and copycats have been the prevailing topic over the last few weeks. If it isn’t someone stealing blog content, it’s another copying a business model and even eBooks. It is frustrating, and makes me nervous about starting my own business.

But, here’s how I “try” to deal with it.
1. Every dog has their day. Some day, these people will be caught and have to pay dearly, or someone will copy them and they will have egg on their face.
2. Cheaters never win. While they may gain something in the short term, they will have no success in the long run because they don’t have the brains to figure things out on their own.
3. My word is my honor and no one can take that away from me. As you and others have mentioned, our true customers, clients and colleagues know we are the real deal. We can sleep well at night knowing we have done right by people.

I am so sorry this has happened to you. Even though I just “met” you, I am intrigued by your work ethic and drive to help others. You will be a success despite the leeches – they are no comparison to you.

By: James Dalman

James Dalman — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:40:19 +0000

Great post Miller! You know that there are just some people who are too lazy to do things the hard way, but people can pick out the fake and they won’t get away with it for long.

I would encourage anyone who knows of a business leech or copycat to call them out on it and do your best to make sure they get what they deserve – nothing!

By: Cory Miller

Cory Miller — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:43:23 +0000

Thanks Erin, John and Mike for the comments.

Mike, love your final quote. I think also those “genuine” customers heed and honor it too because they know that to build a lasting business that continues to innovate you have to have loyal customers.

Rock on!

By: Mike (gmikeb from twitter)

Mike (gmikeb from twitter) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:37:06 +0000

When I first started using Joomla and WordPress, I was initially overwhelmed by the number of sites offering themes and plugins. It didn’t take much time to identify the hard working, creative individuals and teams that deserved my support.

Let’s not forget that “copycats and leeches” survive and prosper because we give them a market. Consumers need to support the “true Internet Entrepreneurs” through our testimonials and our wallets!

By: John (Human3rror)

John (Human3rror) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:24:07 +0000

i’d feel pretty bummed.

but, at the same time, i’d sleep soundly at night knowing that (as you’ve said above) “policing” the internet is both stupid and impossible and that my energies are far more useful in doing other things.

keep on keeping on!

By: Erin(irishis98 from Twitter)

Erin(irishis98 from Twitter) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:09:29 +0000

Something tells me you are speaking from very personal experience. Good article.