Copy Alerts (previous coverage), a service that allowed users to track where their content appears on the Web, has shut its doors, thus ending its service its alerts. Its home page has been replaced with a very brief announcement that directs visitors to this site.
Copy Alerts functioned a bit like a Google Alerts and Copyscape mashup. It allowed users to enter a URL for a page and then receive email alerts when copies of the content appeared, combining the input method of Copyscape with the notification method of Google Alert.
Though Copy Alerts has had much of its ideal functionality replaced by newer services, including FairShare, it still remained a viable service for static pages without RSS support.
Copy Alerts replaced an earlier Copyscape-like search service entitled Bitscan, which used a different methodology than Copyscape and returned different, but still relatively valid results.
Though it doesn’t seem many people were using Copy Alerts, it was still a very interesting service that filled a good niche in this field. It is sad to see it go.
(Note: After writing this article, I am thinking about creating a static page for this site that highlights the list of plagiarism detection applications and services and would be updated as new services opened/closed. Do you have any thoughts on that? Do you think there would be enough interest?)
Thanks for the input, I'm definitely going to look into this when I can find some time.
I think a static page of services would be great. It doesn't hurt to give people options on all the services that are available.
Ouch, it is gone. I have just subscribed to the service for like less than a month and I have enjoyed getting their notifications as I get to know who's copying what. It is indeed sad that it is now terminated.
Jon.I think your idea of a list of plagiarism detection services would be a great resource for site managers. I suggest Tynt Tracer as an addition to that list. It is a fantastic product that allows users to sign up for a free account so they can monitor what content is being copied from their site.Visit tynt.com for more information and to get your own free Tynt Tracer account.Cheers,Trevor
I definitely think this is a good idea. I have to do some thinking about the best format for it though. In the end though, I'm going to do what I can t make it happen!
Thanks for the feedback. I'm definitely going to look into it shortly!
Sure, a list of plagiarism detection applications and services would be used by a lot of people. Ourselves included.
Hi Jonathan, the static page would really be very interesting, at leat in my concern (and useful). This site is a reference space and believe would be great to have the information here for one of the main questions we are beeing asked is preciselly about tracking contents in the Internet. Of course, if I can help, just will try to give any information I might find around the web. We can feecback.
RT @plagiarismtoday: Copy Alerts Closes its Doors: http://is.gd/ndHt