The pen is mightier than the sword, or so the saying goes. I'm not judge, jury or executioner here in OS, but I will say that as a newspaper editor, the topic of plagiarism is forefront in my mind when looking to bring on new reporters or columnists.

Without getting into specifics on who is doing what in which post, I would like to layout some basic guidelines to help new OS writers avoid being accused of plagiarism.

But it's cool and I want to use it ...

If you really want to use a line that you think is pretty nifty, go ahead and do so, but be clear in your own writing that the line is borrowed and attribute the source.

My preferred way? Simple. According to so-and-so, "blah blah blah." Yes, Virginia, it can be that easy. (That's partly borrowed from "Miracle on 34th Street," by the way.)

If you're referencing a news story, inform your readers which publication it's from and the date it was originally published (if it's readily available).

This method is second nature to me, given my profession, but for those unfamiliar with basic journalism rules, it can be easily forgotten.

If using online search tools to research a subject, mention them. There is no shame in letting your readers know you did your homework.

One of the best compliments I received from an interview subject came from actor Robert Conrad. He's known for his TV roles in "The Wild Wild West" and "Black Sheep Squadron." Of course I had seen his TV shows as a kid but wasn't sure of his professional life so I researched the details before our conversation. He was making a fundraising appearance in my coverage area and I was writing a "pre" to the event.

After our interview was over he said, "Well, I have to tell you it's been years since anyone has known what I've done. Nowadays, I have to go over my entire career with these young reporters. You obviously put some work into this before speaking to me. I want to thank you for making that effort."

But I had the idea first ...

Just because you had the "idea" for a story or poem first, that doesn't give you the right to use someone else's words and slap your name on them. If you had the first idea, you'll probably have many more that are even better. Ideas are easy. The work to bring them to fruition is hard.

But these words spoke to me so what's the harm? ...

If written words speak to you, it's because you've made that invisible, intangible connection with the writer. By claiming them as your own, you are depriving others of that same connection. Attribute the source, if you'd like to try to pass along the connection, but don't post the words as your own.

But the phrase is a good one and in common usage, so can I use it? ...

If it's in common usage, yes you can. Phrases such as "a phoenix rising from the ashes" and "a look that would turn you to stone" are just a few examples. They are commonplace phrases and can certainly be used without attribution. You'd have to go back to ancient Greek philosophers to attribute many of them.

But my words are different and I'm using them in a comical way ...

That's called a parody and it is a protected form of free speech. Look at Weird Al. He uses the music and some of the lyrics of other bands to craft his musical parodies. Poems and short stories have also been parodied. Entire novels have been rewritten for this treatment. As long as it's clear that it is a parody and not being passed off as something else, then you're covered. This is also a gray area, in my opinion, and one man's parody is another man's ripoff. Just be careful and use some common sense.

These are just some basic guidelines I thought I'd pass along. I'm sure others will have more tips.