You would think that, in 2010, people would understand the stupidity of, in a professional capacity, being a complete and utter dick online. The internet has a long and easy to search memory. Apparently not everyone got that memo.

Seems that Monica Gaudio wrote a piece, A Tale of Two Tarts, on apple pie in the 14th and 16th centuries. This was written, and copyrighted, in 2005 and until recently, all was good.

Enter Judith Griggs, an/the editor for Cooks Source magazine. Desperate for content and/or under a tight deadline, Judith Griggs decided to take Monica's article and publish it. Without asking for permission or compensating her in any way.

After a friend mentions the published article, Monica contacts Cooks Source. The always witty and delightful Judith Griggs replies:

"Yes Monica, I have been doing this for 3 decades, having been an editor at The Voice, Housitonic Home and Connecticut Woman Magazine. I do know about copyright laws. It was "my bad" indeed, and, as the magazine is put together in long sessions, tired eyes and minds somethings forget to do these things. But 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! It happens a lot, clearly more than you are aware of, especially on college campuses, and the workplace. 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. For that reason, I have a bit of a difficult time with your requests for monetary gain, albeit for such a fine (and very wealthy!) institution. We put some time into rewrites, you should compensate me! I never charge young writers for advice or rewriting poorly written pieces, and have many who write for me... ALWAYS for free!"

Unfortunately for you Ms. Griggs, your stints at The Voice, Housitonic Home and Connecticut Woman Magazine didn't prevent you from becoming a complete and utter douche. Well, actions are not without consequences. Cooks Source has a FaceBook page which also has the stolen article (page 10 of the Cooks Source Pumpkin Fest photo album) and, if you'd prefer more traditional means of contact:

Call us at (413) 397-3338
Drop us a note at
P.O. Box 273,
Sunderland, MA 01375 or email us at
info@cookssource.com or
cookssource@gmail.com

Give 'em a shout. Heck, send them your first-drafts - maybe they'll proof them for free!

Brought to my attention by Popehat