The Drunken Severed Head wrote:
Dr Acula wrote:
Tim's mentioning of Spiderbabygate was briefer than I thought it would be, to be sure, but in the end what was said was all I needed to hear to relate his side of what happened in a fair and thoughtful way.
Exactly my reaction. I think Tim's point is being breezed past -- that the ultimate loser is Lianne McDougall; not that she deserves pity, but that she will pay for what she's done in a substantial way (loss of reputation, loss of writing opportunities.) As she has already been thoroughly criticized and denounced, there's no need for one more person to heavily excoriate her. (I would enjoy seeing the article's description on the VW webpage annotated to note that the article is comprised.)

He's right in his weighing the balance, I think; those she stole from did not lose money or a chance at more publishing. They have every right to be totally pissed, of course, which he acknowledged.

What I find astounding is that there are still people who are willing to forgive someone who committed libel, breach of contract and theft by deception, but not Tim for not angrily condemning the plagiarism of a friend who lied to him. Tim's words on the episode in VW satisfies me.

When there are no real victims of a crime, or sin, I think of Nietzsche's words: "Beware of those in whom the will to punish is strong."

Plagiarism may not be a crime in the legal sense but many think of it as stealing, which some consider a sin.  And usually those who are stolen from are considered victims.  Certainly in this case the authors had their work taken without either compensation or acknowledgement.  And what of the magazines, such as VW, which published MacDougall's work?  Were not they, and their readers, victims of MacDougall's dishonesty (which some also consider a sin)?

While there's certainly nothing wrong with defending Tim and his position, there's no need to attempt to paint those who may be critical as anything more.