Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
There’s nothing wrong with using Other People’s Work (OPW) if you use it correctly.
No, you can’t just copy and paste something and freely use it because “it’s on the internet!” That would almost always be a copyright violation; if nothing else, it’s a common courtesy violation.
You can, however, share small snippets under the Fair Use Doctrine. They should be properly attributed. You can also use full text, images, and video with the copyright holder’s permission—but getting that can be a time-consuming hassle.
The OPW Series
This is the first in what I hope will be a regular series. “Hope” and “regular” because if past history is any indication, I tend to redefine the phrase “regular series.” It’s quite likely the “series” will have two or maybe three issues. Or this could be the only one. Maybe this time will be different. Only time will tell. . .
There’s a ton of content out there about taking the high road—more than you may realize. Some of it’s terrific, some not-so-swift. Here, we’ll be sharing the goodness others have produced.
Shot-form on LinkedIn
Dr. Debora Sepich, Ed.D, MBA, penned Five Reasons to Take the High Road back in 2016. Eight years later, it’s well worth spending a couple of minutes on this quick read.
When you stay above the fray you keep your mind clearer and your vision is usually brighter.
Long-form from Psyche
Psyche is a digital magazine from Aeon Media (an Austrailia-based non-profit) that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy, and the arts.
Eastern Washington University’s graduate student Alissa Hebbeln and professor Russell Kolts wrote the terrific guide, How to Take the High Road, which was published in June 2024. It’s lengthy but chocked full of goodness.
Confrontation with others can trigger an involuntary response that discourages empathy and critical thinking. Restoring a sense of safeness can make it easier to take the high road in these situations.
High Road, the song
I'ma take the high road, baby get stoned
Have a little too much of something terrible
I'ma let you cool down while I walk out
You ain't messing me up like the times before
I don't need a ticket to your shitshow
Knock yourself out and hit a new low
Well, I'ma take the high road
Until next time
Hopefully, you enjoyed and learned something from these three shares. Stay tuned for Episode 2 of Other People’s Work (maybe).