Thoughts on Plagiarism

I had to think about this a bit before posting. Plagiarism doesn't make me mad or upset. It simply makes me a little sad and, depending on the situation, even makes me laugh. It makes me think, "So, you are seriously that lazy and unimaginative?" If someone stole my thoughts I'd probably feel the same way. Obviously, there has to be some price to pay for stealing another's words and ideas. If the plagiarist is a "professional", the fact that no one will ever give any weight to future writings may be price enough. If the plagiarist is a student, the failing grade is a pretty fair price to pay. I'm not sure someone who intentionally plagiarizes would fit the definition of a "student". If all you are going to school for is a passing grade and a piece of paper, why not just create your own school and dummy up a diploma? I realize there are people in this world who thrive on cheating. I just don't happen to understand them and try to expend as little of my limited brain power thinking about them. I've heard the breed can be found in abundance in D.C. and many courtrooms across the land....;o)