Credit

I don't particularly care if I get credit for what I write about. I am diligent in providing sources when I "quote someone or some book directly" as that is proper. If my posting with my perceptions and viewpoints seem familiar it should because it will be derived from what I have learned from others. When it is important I provide a bibliography especially when I quote directly but if I simply "redact" some information into my own words, thoughts and ideas I don't bother. That is pretty much proper and ok for the medium.

I am not a narcissistic person so I don't go out and whine and cry when someone uses what I write regardless because I am simply overwhelmed when I read something from others that speaks to what I write and believe. I have never asked for nor require others who use my postings to make sure everyone knows it is mine because honestly it is about getting the information out there for people to consider and use to make their fighting arts something they can enjoy and use when needed. I freely provide anything I write, say or do free and without any real restrictions. I believe when someone MUST HAVE credit they are either in it for the money or they suffer from a narcissistic personality disorder at some level. 

When I write directly, as I have in the past, and pass along material I have learned form others I usually give them credit at least once. I have several times provided credit to what I have learned, academically, to others but sometimes I miss but it is obvious where the information comes from.

Example, I write from my perspective on self defense and violence and I can tell you no one is "fooled" into thinking it is all my own creation. It mostly comes from what I am learning, daily, from luminaries who have actually gained their knowledge from "experience in violence and self-defense" such as Rory Miller and all his books and videos and then there is Marc MacYoung's books and postings and blogs and books and videos and etc. There are others such as Wim Demeere, the Kowadan blog, the Isshinryu Forum, and especially regarding Isshinryu luminaries such as Steve Armstrong, Don Nagle, Allen Wheeler, Long, Mitchum, Advincula and Andy Sloane not to leave out all those who publish and practice here and on Okinawan, i.e. Sensei Uezu, etc. 

At least I put myself out there trying to live up to Tatsuo-san's desires, as I perceive them, to promote Okinawan Isshinryu and their culture and beliefs and I do so without calling people names or trying to denigrate them, their practice of martial arts or their belief systems. No one wins when you speak ill of others regardless and I do realize that sometimes it happens - if I have done so to others, I apologize, but as to feeding the narcissistic needs of any one individual simply because of their misguided "need" to be held up on a pedestal and adored by the masses - Not going to happen. 

Off to soap box. Get back to studies and practice. Learn from everyone regardless for there are always gems among the coals piles. Dig deep, learn and then pass it along - freely and with reservations because what you think you know may not be what you need to know and facts may not be facts. Change, as Tatsuo-san would indicate - I believe - is inevitable and natural. Let go of the ego and pass along what you can to others, isn't that what "sensei" means anyway, pass it along to all and not just who you pick and choose as worthy to you - shall I say again, narcissistic. 

Then again, who the &^%$ am I anyway? Just another martial artists trying to learn, train and practice with the tools I was given and what I learn from others. No one is the original source of any of this stuff but merely students passing down and adding to the huge thing we all call martial arts. 

Oh, in case you wonder, just do a search on all my blogs, etc. and you will find that when I miss giving appropriate credit I usually come back and correct that when I am informed of my mistake or I do a blanket credit to make sure every now and then missed opportunities are given credit regardless of how I do my own stuff. But then again, those who already are aware don't bother because that is not important to the grand scheme of things. 

Am I on a tirade? Guess it is time to let it go. Gone :-) Oh, before I go, if you read a post or material I have written and FREELY given to all of you then simply make a comment and I will gladly give credit where credit is due. Don't just whine and cry to your crew, say something directly and I will make the correction. Phew, done.