I thought writing about the blog “A Cut-and-Paste Job (from the archives)” (Cayley) to be a suitable last entry for the MAIS 606 course since the blog discusses using previous work in a new context and early in the MAIS 606 course, the question was asked: “Would this include your own work? In other words, can you plagiarize yourself? Why?” (Athabasca University ). While the topics are different, they are still both based on reusing ones written work.   

I was surprised to not find any mention of plagiarizing yourself in the “A Cut-and-Paste Job (from the archives)” (Cayley) blog. However, Cayley does discuss the pluses and minuses of using previous written text in a new context. Importing previous text can expedite the thought process and help to formulate a draft, but it can also lead to an awkward, disconnected piece of work.

I completely agree with the author, there has been times when my desire to insert, in my opinion a very good section of work, into a new context has overshadowed the disconnection between the new work and previous text. There have been other times when the previous text has blended wonderfully with the new work, or the previous text has been the perfect starting point to build upon.

I think citing yourself should follow the same rules as citing the work of others, either you cite direct quotes or cite a summary of the material. If you summarize others’ material in your own words or summarize your previous work in a more relevant manner, make sure you cite the original author (including yourself). Quote the original author if summarizing diminishes the material or if the material could not be written any more appropriately, even if the author is you.

When contemplating reusing previous work, I think we should ask ourselves: I am using this text because it adds to and improves the new work? Or, I am using this material because it is easier and quicker than creating original thought? Only if the answer to the first question is yes should reusing previous work be contemplated. Consider it a bonus if you answer yes to the second question as well.

Works Cited

Athabasca University . MAIS 606 Forum Discussion Question . 2012. Web. 9 August 2012.

Cayley, Rachael. Explorations of Style A Blog about Academic Writing . 17 July 2013. Web. 9 August 2012.