I received a really harsh email a while back. The message was about a quote that I’d apparently accredited to the wrong source. The writer called my integrity into question saying that I was misleading my audience. Let me share how using a quote on your website can kill your credibility in one easy step!
As authenticity is one of my top values it wasn’t a nice thing to read and I found it upsetting for a while. I spoke with my fabulous dream team, who pointed out that it happens, it seemed to be an over-reaction from the other person and then I reminded myself that I had actually done everything possible to quote the right person. I’d found the quote online and added the name of the person that I thought had said it.
This person was questioning my integrity as I’d sourced the wrong person, stating I was claiming it was my message. It had someone’s name on it (not mine) but that wasn’t enough.
I don’t mind the fact that I received the email. In fact, I’d rather be told than unwittingly be breaching any legislation. However, I do mind the tone in which the email was written and responded saying that it was a genuine error and I take pride in the fact that I check my sources. When I reflected on it though I knew that he must be very passionate about it or wouldn’t have taken the time to write such a terse message.
In this instance, my checking wasn’t enough. Does it mean you have to go back to every single person with the quote? No, but if you’re really not sure then check it out. Is your source credible, i.e. a book. I quoted something of Ed Sheeran’s recently, only to find it was originally from Bill Cosby, and who knows if that was even the original source, so just take care.
One of the lovely Rock Your Biz rockstars, Sophie Jewry, had a copyright issue a while back with images. She’s allowed me to share this post with you, entitled What You Need To Know If You Use Images To Promote Your Business. It’s got some great image links too.
Not referencing your source is one thing. You must reference, but what if you are referencing the wrong person, innocently as I did?
Here’s what I did;
- Nothing to start with, I went for a walk and took time to reflect on what had been said, whether the comments were fair and how I might respond
- Talked to my lovely business mastermind friends to get their input
- Responded to the email, courteously, acknowledging my error but also pointing out that I felt the comments were very harsh (the news might have been the same but there are right and wrong ways to say things, as we all know)
- Took the post down – I saved the post immediately to draft
- Made a note to find the original source of the quote and replace, or even remove the image altogether. So far, I haven’t put the post back up, purely due to lack of time rather than anything else
When you’re using images make sure that you use ones that are OK to use. This is why I tend to use Canva as I know I can purchase the image and not worry about breaching any copyright laws. There are loads of different places to source images.
In this instance though it was a quote, so check, check and double check your quotes when using them on your site. Where possible go back to the person and ask if you have their permission to use it. I know I’m being much more careful now.
I learned some useful things from this;
1. Respond once you’ve removed the emotion! A great thing to consider when dealing with any customer /client complaints
2. When writing emails consider how the person the other end might receive it
3. Talk to your dream team, get their input – it helps to ground you
4. Check your source, check your source, check your source.
What are you currently doing with your images? Share your thoughts below…
If you liked this post then you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Sign up and grab a copy of my freebie mini eBook, 7 Things They Didn’t Tell You At Coaching School (you could be losing money & clients as a result).
About Ruby
Great post!
Source checking is SO important. It can be time consuming to check every image or quote source, but it needs to be done, especially if there is a possible copyright involvement.
I love the way you handled it. Taking time to “breathe” before responding is a great idea. In the past, i have gotten myself in trouble in such situations by replying too quickly, and thus acting out of nothing but raw emotion. Letting the emotions settle down before replying is almost always the best idea!
Ed Akehurst recently posted…Walkthrough: WordPress Websites Modular Training
Absolutely Ed. I thought I’d done all I needed to do but obviously not.
Thank you, it definitely is important taking that time out to reflect on what’s been said. They were very valid points, lesson learned my end
Ruby recently posted…What I’ve Learned By Stepping Up In My Business
Great post, thanks for sharing. I count myself as anal is looking for who said what and sometimes even go as far as trying to find out what the person was like to see if I would want to be in anyway associated with them. That said I’m certain in amongst my existing quotes there will be at least one error as some quotes have been misattributed for decades. Marianne Williamson, our deepest fear one, for example. Look forward to seeing you popping up on my Pinterest board again. I might even see if I can quote you today 😉
Great post, Ruby, and thank you for sharing what you have learned.
It is good that you stepped away until the immediate emotion died down, it can be so dangerous and flame the fire when we go in with the wrong filter on.
For the most part, I use the freebie images available in the available apps (that I know to be free) or lucklily being a photographer myself, I can use my own stock.
As for quotes, I will definitely be checking my sources even more carefully. It is so easy to find quotes online that are attributed to other people and to just take it as seen (I know we should never really do that with interweb stuff, but it does happen!)
Sarah Irving recently posted…11:11 Make a Wish