plagiarizing on mics

[karen_g]

how do ya'll handle someone with a kind of sensitive/shy person  who then gets up on a mic and performs a relatively obscure piece (but one that a couple of people recognize enough to tell the host) with a few minor word changes?how to you constructively criticize without temper tantruming them into staying away?how do you call them out and try to foster going on in their own voice instead? or do you write that person off as too dangerous, untrustworthy, and get them gone?

[Rev. Bill Macmillan]

i would start with a quiet, friendly sit-down.
tell them that you liked their choice in cover poems
& say that you are looking forward to hearing their stuff too.

perhaps a kind reminder that it is normal for poets to
cover others' work... but to give credit where credit
is due next time.

try the kind "i don't think you were stealing" angle
& see if that gets the point across without spooking them.
i would also suggest that you have a copy of the poem
with you so you can pull it out to show them if needed.

hope this helps.
keep us posted on what happens.

-bill mac

[karen_g]

on the same night, there was a positive example from another performer, so i can maybe mention that, too.now more people are coming forward with recognizing the piece,so i think there will be some gentle conversations in my future.

thank you, bill & i'll update.i like knowing how other folks handle the sticky stuff.

[Casandra]

The only time I've been aware of a poet performing a cover against the rules I actually called him out on the mic.  It was a joke, and he did it on purpose and I disqualified him, and we all laughed.
Casandra