The Star STEALS story and picture from blogger

[Adrian Wong]

It's a little late, but I just had to help publicise how The Star not only stole the story but also the key picture from a blogger. This isn't the first time The Star has attempted to "leech off" someone from the online community (including us!) but that's another story for another time.

Today, I want to help the blogger, Mr. Manager, spread word of how The Star stole his story and his picture. Here's his story :

The Star Online has very conveniently 'borrowed' my photo WITHOUT my permission and used it in an online article headlined “Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class” which appeared yesterday, Sunday May 4, 2008, on their website. It has become their most viewed story over the weekend.

First picture below

Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class

Here's a closer look at the pic. Notice how it has been cropped just exactly under YAB Lim's tie, to conveniently remove my watermark.

Second picture below

This is the ORIGINAL pic.

Third picture below

I really don't mind other bloggers using the pic without permission as long as they link it back to this blog (which they have all done) and not crop it to remove my watermark (which none of them have).

But when a well-respected online news publication blatantly lifts a picture off my blog without first seeking my consent, removes my watermark and then uses it to regurgitate my story which unwittingly generates hits that translate into advertising revenue, then that to me is just not ethical. This picture, although it was posted on the blogosphere, is not public property - it has a watermark bearing MY blog url! THIS IS MY PROPERTY! I am well within my rights to initiate legal proceedings, if I want to. But that would be petty, and I have better things to do.

Next time anybody wants to borrow any material from this blog and use it for a commercial site, kindly have the courtesy to ask first. Or, at the very least, link the SOURCE and credit mention the BLOG URL, like how all the other blogs and online websites have done. It's only good journalism ethics to do so.

To read my original posting “Have you seen a Chief Minister sit in Economy Class?”, click here. Feel free to join the mud-slinging debate at the comments section there.

You can find his original post here - Mr. Manager: Should I be proud or pissed off? Whither journalism ethics?

In the end, The Star's Group Chief Editor (the biggest fish in the pond la...) Datuk Wong Chun Wai apologized to Mr. Manager.

But so what? If he's sincere, he would have posted a front page apology (same page as the original stolen article). The Star just stole a story that benefited them financially without even crediting the scoop and picture to Mr. Manager, and all he can do is convey an apology? If WCW is sincere, post a front page apology la... Shameless.

Again, I reiterate that The Star is only good for its comics, Classifieds and use as wrapping paper and in extreme emergencies, toilet paper cause it's really hard to use shit to wipe shit off.

[Mac Daddy]

WTF and inappropriate me thinks

[The_YongGrand]

It seems that the paper company is very desperate!

Well, nowadays, I see the star just for the comics, cinemas (like i'll see that anyway!!) and the in-tech section! lol!

[Chai]

I don't even read papers these days.

[ZuePhok]

like i said before, the reason why it's still around is because the fish markets need it. it's not meant to be read

[Lacus]

Sweat...It's easier to copy and paste anyway :/ @chai, same here..Seldom read the newpapers ><

[Dashken]

I only buy newspaper when I go to KL to find Adrian. On the bus, NBTD, I have to use my hands on something, thus the newspaper. My ears are already busy...

Hmm... that means I buy once a year or not at all when I'm broke or busy (not the newspaper but the trip to KL). Hate going to KL though, coz I JUST HATE PUDURAYA!!!

[bslee]

Did anyone notice TheStar also makes FULL USE of Youtube for internet video broadcast? Looks like where they can parasite for free, they'd do it!. shameless!

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Dashken

I only buy newspaper when I go to KL to find Adrian. On the bus, NBTD, I have to use my hands on something, thus the newspaper. My ears are already busy...

Hmm... that means I buy once a year or not at all when I'm broke or busy (not the newspaper but the trip to KL). Hate going to KL though, coz I JUST HATE PUDURAYA!!!

ROTFL!! So you rely on the Internet almost exclusively for news??

Yeah, I hate Puduraya too. I have no idea why they cannot set up another bus station like that in PJ.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by bslee

Did anyone notice TheStar also makes FULL USE of Youtube for internet video broadcast? Looks like where they can parasite for free, they'd do it!. shameless!

Hehe.. Free mah.