Plagiarism Today Turns One

It was one year ago today that Plagiarism Today’s first post went up.

The post, entitled "GreatestJournal.com: Above and Beyond", was also the first entry into the host report and the first time that I had awarded "Hero" status to any host.

Those who have long memories or have been rummaging through the archives will probably note that, though the first post went up on June 13, 2005, the site itself didn’t officially go live until August 2nd.

The reason for the difference is that, after deciding to start a blog on the subject, I wanted to make sure that I had enough interest and time to maintain it actively over the long haul. I decided to test my determination by blogging "in the dark" for a period of two months, setting up an installation of WordPress on a hidden folder of my server and pointing the domain away from the site itself.

The experiment, however, was cut short two weeks before its deadline as I quickly realized my interest and desire to work on the site wasn’t waning the more time I put into it, but growing. Something that has been a trend throughout the past year.

As I look back over the past year of writing for Plagiarism Today, it has been an exciting and wonderful experience. The site has attracted a great deal of attention from the online crowd as well as the mainstream media and, while certainly not becoming a runaway success, is already more popular than I had envisioned it would become, especially so soon.

Best of all though, I feel as if the site has done some good and, perhaps, helped a few people out. education and support is what PT is about and, in that regard, I think it’s been a great success.

But as I look forward to the next year, I’m excited not just about helping others, but also about seeing what’s new, what’s changing and what new things I will learn.

Because, for me personally, the past year has been one giant learning experience and much of that has been applied to the evolution of Plagiarism Today. Needless to say, that is something that will continue and will continue to define what Plagiarism Today is and the role that it serves.

Thanks Yous

Finally, I owe a great deal of thanks to some very special people that have helped make this past year happen.

First off, thanks goes to Westhost for being a great host and helping me survive the Slashdot effect and being an all-around great host.

Thanks also has to go to all of the authors of WordPress. PT never would have happened without it.

To all of the readers that have stopped by, commented, emailed me, linked to PT on your own sites, provided me with tips, asked the hard questions and given me valuable feedback, I owe you a great debt of gratitude. I doubt I’d have survived the year without your support.

Finally, my greatest debt is owed to my better half, Crystal, who has sacrificed more than anyone for this site. She has withstood lonely nights, my long ramblings about various plagiarism-related issues and a variety of other impositions, all with comfort, support and love. I don’t think this site would be possible without her.

It’s been a wonderful year and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

[tags]Plagiarism, Copyright Infringement, Content Theft, Anniversary, Plagiarism Today[/tags]