May 23, 2009 at 16:26:47

Maueen Dowd and Me--Together in the Same Yoke

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By Mark Biskeborn (about the author) Page 1 of 1 page(s)

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For OpEdNews: Mark Biskeborn - Writer

Dear Maureen,

I admire you. Your first-class writing is the reason I buy The New York Times every morning at my corner Starbucks. I look for you in the morning. Your style expresses your unique voice and sense of humor despite the serious substance you tackle in your columns. I love you, Maureen, and it's not just your writing, your eyes, your hair....

Although, I've no hair on my head, I sheered it off the day the Huffington Post accused me of plagiarism. Yes. You see, it happens to even the greatest of writers.

And now you; they might put you in a public pillory too? click here Oh, Maureen...your reputation.

As an editor and author of novels, I have been writing blogs for close to 10 years now. Anyone can read how I cite my references and link everywhere.

Although I cited my source, Saudi Arabia Exposed by John R. Bradley, I failed to place quotes on two of his four sentences. Huffington Post has placed me on an eternal online public pillory for plagiarism.

I was daydreaming...that you and I would stand at neighboring online public pillories, and that, together, we could share each other's company on the Web page of shame, enjoying the torment of unfulfilled union, where I now stand alone and without you, Maureen.

Alas, you are a celebrity while I a mere editor, author, lover of poetry and of a red-haired New York Times goddess. By the way, your hair takes on a gorgeous new reddish glow when you are mortified with embarrassment. We have this in common, shameful feelings.

Your admirer, longingly,

[Fellow] Editor

Mark

[OEN Editor's note: This piece refers to Maureen Dowd's apparently inadvertent use, without attribution of phrasing and an idea that originally appeared in another writer's blog. She promptly apologized and rectified the matter in the web edition of her column. Mark Biskeborn's referenct to himself as an editor refers to other media, he is not an editor for OpEdNews.com.]

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Mark Biskeborn is a novelist: Mojave Winds, A Sufi's Ghost, Mexican Trade. Short Stories: California & Beyond. Poetry & Essays. For more details: www.biskeborn.com more...)

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