20060708 KDDC Random House asked to investigate Coulter plagiarism allegations

Random House asked to investigate Coulter plagiarism allegations

July 8th, 2006

In a story posted on Media Matters on July 7, 2006, the watchdog organization that self-descibes itself "a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media," has asked Random House to investigate allegations of plagiarism in Ann Coulter's latest book, "Godless."

I guess this was to be expected. When you are a lightning rod like Ms. Coulter, one needs to understand that the left will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to disqualify her.

In a statement on their web site, Media Matters said,

"Coulter has exhibited a pattern of behavior suggesting that Godless itself may include other examples of plagiarism beyond those Barrie has already identified. ...Coulter's unethical conduct, as evidenced through the instances of plagiarism identified in her columns, and manifested in the book itself, does not only tarnish Coulter; if immediate action is not taken, it will soon reflect poorly on Random House."

Read More = Media Matters asks Random House to investigate Coulter plagiarism allegations. Media Matters also called to the reader's attention: Crown responds, Random House mum; Coulter dodges CNN cameras; More coverage of Ann Coulter.

Meanwhile, Tina Constable, Vice President, Executive Director Publicity, The Crown Publishing Group, responds:

We are in receipt of your e-mail to us and wanted you to have our statement on the matter you bring to our attention.

"We have reviewed the allegations of plagiarism surrounding Godless and found them to be as trivial and meritless as they are irresponsible. Any author is entitled to do what Ann Coulter has done in the three snippets cited: research and report facts. The number of words used by our author in these snippets is so minimal that there is no requirement for attribution. As an experienced author and attorney, Ms. Coulter knows when attribution is appropriate, as underscored by the nineteen pages of hundreds of endnotes contained in Godless." --Steve Ross, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Crown Publishing Group and Publisher, Crown Forum imprint."

Be sure to review the video found at: Coulter dodges CNN cameras. Watch the entire video.

Having had a little experience in reporting on allegations of plagaiarism, (see: "Who is Max Cleland?" ,) my view is that I sure wish that Ms. Coulter had properly attributed the passages in question. First off, she is a lawyer. Second, she sure should've known that the left was going to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at her. Third, proper attribution is the right thing to do. Ms. Coulter needs to set a high standard of being an example.

Yes, Crown makes a good point, never-the-less, a bit of personal responsibility on the part of Ms. Coulter could go a long way. Future copies of the book could be corrected to reflect proper attribution.

At this point, it may be safe to say, that even the most careful writer is going to make a mistake and the emphasis ought to be properly addressing the mistake and moving on.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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