8 November 2014

Hello! A few moments ago, I created an account on Fiction Press when someone from Wattpad notified me that YannisWritings has plagiarised one of my stories, entitled "Losing Cinderella". You'll find the link here https://m.fictionpress.com/s/3220367/1/Losing-Cinderella.

Allow me to post her Bio spiel:

Hey guys!

I'm so bad at describing myself oh my gosh. My pen name is YannisWritings (way to go Yannis, these people can read). Idk what else to say uhm my birthday is on 2nd October lmao. I joined FictionPress on 23rd October 2014 so I'm kinda new here. I haven't really explored the stories on this site, so if you have any good stories you want me to read, just PM me the title because I'm always up for a good read! Or if you're bored or whatever, just PM me because I'll most likely be bored too. If I don't get back to you immediately, I'm either eating or writing so... just talk to me dammit I love interacting with people from other countries.

Anyway, if you're reading this and have not read my story, please do check it out! It's called "Losing Cinderella". If you like cliche stories and fairytale-like endings, then this book is for you. Some of us really just need that little happiness boost that everything in life will be okay and all will be well in the end. What better than a happy ending after the journey the characters went through? I don't have a fixed schedule for my stories (including the ones on FanFiction), but I'll try to get at least 1 chapter a week.

I don't know what else to put so... ugh I'm so bad at this. If you're free, no harm checking out my confession account on instagram @iheartconfessionss :3 Well, happy reading guys!

Click this to go to my FanFiction page!

XOXO,

Yannis

The problem with people who claim other writers' work as their own is that they become dependent of the original author. They will never be able to move on with the story without the input of the creator.

This story is originally published on Wattpad. My Wattpad handle is ThoughtsOnPaper and "Losing Cinderella" belongs to me. You can find this story on http://www.wattpad.com/story/4472621-losing-cinderella.

Another mistake that YannisWritings has committed is bearing a lack of understanding of what a writer is. A writer is a very powerful being. We can create and we can destroy. We can weave lies so well that it can become truth. In being able to fabricate truth, you have to knit the web that can support that lie. Each strand of this web connects intricately with one another. So, in this instance, you have failed to create. Therefore, there is nothing for you to destroy. You have failed to weave a strong enough web to support your lie. The strands will never connect well, therefore, your lies will fall through a weak web.

Don't call yourself a writer--it's an insult to real writers who work hard on their craft.

I am a huge advocate for writers who have been victims of plagiarism. I didn't expect that I'd be one of them. I've been writing for so many years and I am a published author. I am thankful that I have been instilled with the ethics that come with any decent person--well,in this regard, I believe that I am a decent person. I am thankful that those ethics and values have become stronger through what I've learned in the Laws of Mass Media. I am aware that there are artists out there who are not given the credit that they deserve. So, to other thieves like YannisWritings, keep this in mind before your hands are too full from catching the stars you think are yours: even if you are not caught soon; or you defend yourself by insisting that this story belongs to you, there is a certain trademark I have that I imbed in my stories. People who know me will or may see it. If you are asked the questions--you won't be able to answer them. So, as I said, you didn't weave a strong enough web to support your lies.

I do apologise for deceiving my other readers, letting you think that I have updated a new chapter. It is one of the ways I am certain that YannisWritings will see this message. I believe that s/he has changed her username on Wattpad, but if you are reading this, I already found you. If you have any decency left in you, you will take that story down from Fiction Press and other sites where you claim that you wrote it. I'm sure you won't admit that you are a plagiarist online. I'm not expecting that from you. However, I would appreciate an apology. You know how to reach me. You've already posted on my Profile before and I've exchanged messages with you on that. I am not expecting you to post on my profile. I'd rather you remain anonymous. There are more private ways to do that. Oh, I have been to your country. It's so beautiful and I have many wonderful friends there. I've always thought that your people have a strong sense of integrity. It's quite disappointing that you're one of those who'll taint that. I'm sure you are passionate about the written craft. Probably too passionate that you wanted to produce something immediately. Though, I am flattered that among so many wonderful stories out there, you chose mine. It is unfortunate that you chose mine. If you had asked for help, I would be glad to assist you. That offer is still open, in spite of what you've done.

Again, I do apologise for my deception for letting you think that I've updated. To those who have supported me, my heartfelt thank you. To those who are struggling to create ideas, there is no need to copy and steal other people's work. Never think that you won't be caught because we live in the age of the internet. This means that the world has become very small. Don't be in a rush to gain fame, votes/likes and friends/followers because in reality--those whom you think follow/like/vote/befriends you online--unless you treat them with respect,  they will be nothing but numbers. To them, you'll be nothing but a number as well. Don't be a mere number. You are a person. They are people. Therefore, the least thing you can do to people is to respect them by being honest. Don't delude yourself with fame that you will destroy your credibility. 

If you need help with your writing, there are so many resources here on Wattpad and outside of Wattpad. There are also members who have very valuable experience and knowledge. You just need to seek them out. I did mention that those follows/virtual friends/votes/likes are mere numbers; however, a lot of numbers are pretty valuable. Sometimes, or a lot of the time, certain numbers do count--you just have to trust your instincts and take time to get to know these people. These people will contribute towards improving your skills.