This Is Not Sharing

Based on recent events.
Look, I get that a lot of people don't quite get the distinction between clicking the share button (in Tumblr's case, the reblog button) and downloading something and re-uploading it. I get that not everyone who does that is some kind of fiend with the intent to disrespect the artist or take views from them. I mean, those share buttons are there for a reason, after all. Unless they take issue with being told to fix their mistake (which, sadly, more than a few do, however kindly you put it to them), they deserve the benefit of the doubt. The whole issue of what is or isn't sharing or fair use or spreading the word or signal boosting or referencing or showing fandom is a fairly tricky one, but as long as we're willing to respect each other's wishes in the end (the Platinum Rule, as opposed to the Golden Rule), there's always some way to resolve matters.

The point is, I don't care what side of the issue you're on when it comes to copyright or piracy or the aforementioned networking options, NO ONE RESPECTS PLAGIARISM. Sometimes it's easy to assume as such where there is none (i.e. reposting without giving credit or linking, even good honest cryptomnesia), and that's where discretion is the better part of valor for all involved. As for the times when there's clear, obvious, and fully-articulated misrepresentation and deceit, all that stuff about benefit of the doubt can go right out the damn window and no one should really hold your reaction against you. You're more than allowed to be angry. What excuse could anyone have for trying to pass something off as their own they had no involvement in? How fricking desperate, depraved, and/or delusional do you have to be to think that pretending you have skills that you don't is in any way justified or acceptable? What do you honestly expect to happen? Do you really think you can keep up a facade like that and that everyone will be totally understanding of your circumstances when it all comes crashing down around you and you have to confront reality? What life-or-death situation is looming over your head that can only be averted by taking someone's drawing and saying you made it yourself?

Why am I asking this? Those idiots who think like that don't know how to read. They may know one squiggly line from another and be able to copy them from one student's homework to theirs, but they don't know what they mean. If there's ever an electromagnetic storm that wipes out all modern technology, maybe we'll have a use for them copying our handwritten manuscripts. Until then, no fricking excuses. Stop lying, or at least have the decency to own up when you've been called out as a fraud with simple, basic facts. Trust me, you'll still be hated, but there's at least a chance someone will pull you from a burning car should the situation arise. Fair?