Three Benefits of Being Honest

It is rather easy to steal thoughts and ideas from people and claim them as your own. A tweak here and a tweak there and you have created an original document.

That is plagiarizing (no stealing) and does not get you anywhere. It is not difficult to give credit where it is due.  So I have compiled a list of reasons why it is smart to share and be honest.

1. Readers view you as even more credible when you link or cite where information comes from. You will not gain from stealing thoughts and ideas. Research shows that web users are more trusting of sites that have links to other sites. It has the peer reviewed effect when information is acknowledged on many different sites. So build up your readers confidence in you as a writer and share the source. 
2. No one trusts a liar. When I say no one I mean no one. Your viability in the online market is predicated in some manner of trust. Readers, collaborators, writers, colleagues, and others are alienated by stealing content. 
3. Honesty builds relationships. In situations where you want to share something that has been copyrighted, just ask for permission. The worst that can happen is that they will turn you down, but on the other hand by asking permission you will send a message that you are honest and that will be the beginning of a good relationship. 

The people who have control of copyrighted materials are often good resources to have. You certainly do not want to betray their trust by stealing. There are legal consequences in those cases but even if it does not come to that the social benefits of being honest outweigh the gains made from stealing material. 

Connecting to others who have good material (worthy of being shared) is a way to collaborate which can help you come up with something great on your own.

Go ahead and ask for permission. When you get a response (that will most likely allow it) you will feel good. That is what being a professional is all about.