Expert: Alice J. Bogert - 4/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: How can you and Steve Crain (Grammar Trap) have almost exactly the same
answer without attribution?
ANSWER: Hi Jim,

I don't know of what you speak specifically, so I'm guessing that great minds run in the same direction or, more likely, that we did similar research to answer your query.  I don't know Steve Crain personally nor have I ever communicated with him in any way on any topic.

You seem troubled by the similarities of responses to whatever your question was.  I'm wondering whether the responses were helpful to you?

Take care.

Alice J. Bogert

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: They weren't particularly.  

Here are your responses and Steve Crain's with his URL.  I find the similarities
of the two responses to be so similar as to suggest that someone copied the
other (or perhaps both copied a third) without attribution.  That is plagiarism,
intellectual theft.  As a teacher, I find it troubling when students do it; when
teachers do it, I think it shameful.

Answer
Dear Jim,

I understand your concern.  However, contrary to what your email indicates, you did not include comparisons of my response and Mr. Crain's nor did you include Mr. Crain's referenced URL. So, I continue to be in the dark as to what you speak, and I'm unable to address your apparent accusation without more specific information from you.  

I'm sorry you weren't satisfied with the answer to your query.  There are several other experts on the site you may wish to query to get a more helpful reply.

I'm hopeful you will send me additional information so that I, like you, will have an opportunity to be heard.

Thank you; take care.

Alice J. Bogert