Media and entertainment
companies have long accused Web users of infringing copyright by sharing music or movies on peer-to-peer networks, or by reposting newspaper articles on blogs and other sites. But the tables were
turned on Thursday when accusations flew that a traditional magazine, Cook's Source, had lifted a blogger's article.
College student Monica Gaudio wrote on her blog that she discovered through a friend that the Massachusetts-based magazine had used her piece "A Tale of Two Tarts" in its print edition and also online. Gaudio's article explored how a 14th century English apple pie recipe differed
from one dating to the 16th century.
After exchanging emails with the editor, Gaudio says she asked the magazine to apologize and to give $130 to the Columbia School of Journalism.
Managing editor Judith Griggs allegedly responded by telling Gaudio that not only was Cook's Source entitled to use Gaudio's post, but that Gaudio should be grateful because the magazine had edited
her piece.
"Honestly Monica, the web is considered 'public domain,' and you should be happy we just didn't 'lift' your whole article and put someone else's name on it!" Griggs wrote. "If you
took offence and are unhappy, I am sorry, but you as a professional should know that the article we used written by you was in very bad need of editing, and is much better now than was originally. Now
it will work well for your portfolio."
Gaudio posted the exchange on Wednesday night. By midday Thursday, Web users had flooded Cook's Source Facebook page with angry comments, and the
magazine was one of the top trending topics on Twitter. In addition, Facebook users are now investigating the magazine in an attempt to uncover other instances of alleged copyright infringement.