Do the right thing. If you use someone else’s ideas give
them credit, giving credit to others does not weaken or diminish your status,
in fact it strengthens it. In today’s world with the proliferation of
information it is even more necessary.
There is no excuse for not knowing, if you think you have an original
idea do a Google search and see if someone else has used it. That is not
unreasonable. I learned in the first clinic that I attended as a senior at
Fresno Sate in 1968 how important it was to give credit. Bill Bowerman was the
speaker he gave credit to Arthur Lydiard, Gosta Holmer and others who
influenced him in the development of his system of training runners. That left
a huge impression on me. This guy was the best and he had no trouble giving
credit to others. I am very concerned with the stealing of ideas and lack of
credit that is being given today. It seems to be a generational thing
especially among those that have grown up with the Internet. When you use
someone’s ideas or training methods give them credit. It is not hard, just a
mention in a speech, a name on a slide, or a credit on a DVD. It is common courtesy. In some cases there
are legal ramifications, I will not go there, to me it is just a matter of
doing what is right. Go the extra mile and give credit where credit is do.
Honor and respect those who have come before you. Above all be honest, most of
all be honest with yourself.
