Thread: Deleted

Deleted, wonder why...

Hey! Great Job! I think the template you're using is really great. And kudos to you for figuring out wordpress! I have a couple of suggestions, of course...LOL.

1) I see you page title says you're in the Tristate Area, but it doesn't say that on your homepage. I also think you're contact info is hard to find. So I would put your location and ways to get a hold of you somewhere on the homepage.

2) It looks like your home page is a blog. I would change this ASAP. You can make a static homepage using wordpress. I'm exactly sure how to tell you to do it, but I've done it before. I would then add your blog to a menu item, maybe after Hire.

And I think that should just about get you where you want to be.

I agree that you should have city, state clearly stated at the top of your homepage.

Also on the rest of the pages, turn off the comment box. If you really want feedback, have it only on one page, not every page.

Otherwise, looks nice :)

Oh wow! I just realized how similar the wording is to Carrara Nour's site and it is a word for word copy of it. You shouldn't plagiarize her FAQ page. Not only is it wrong, it will hurt both of you in Google rankings.

Change your FAQ copy ASAP!!

You also plagiarized her booking page party descriptions.

Big chunks of Carrara's FAQ have been copied, too. So, you blatantly plagiarize Carrara's (and who knows who else's) site, paste it to your site & try to pass it off as yours, AND then post on huge public forum asking everyone's opinion? You got some big brass ones there sister.

Your gallery page has no photos and seems to be a contact page.

And, yeah, change your text. If you use copied text you're going to send message to your local dance community that you aren't ethical. Right now the only thing that defines you in my mind is the fact someone who doesn't respect the work of others. You don't want that to be why other dancers pause and thinking "Why is that name familiar?....OOOOOH!"

Dear Kitara, i won't harp on what the above dancers have said (but please change it asap, we all make mistakes or maybe think we're getting some inspiration and get a little carried away). But admit your mistake (ie apologize to Carrara) and change it. Since you're in my area (Philadelphia area), I had to notice that your rates seem a bit off and by off I mean low. Please get in contact with some of the other dancers (if not myself) in Philadelphia (Najia, Fatima, Shiraz, Ewelina, Yareli etc) to get a clear guide on expected prices. Its better to ask other well established dancers first than to undercut and receive angry emails. Just a thought!

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time somebody has "borrowed" from my ad copy

On the one hand, I'm flattered that enough dancers like my writing style enough to borrow inspiration from it. Inspiration is good! And I looked at a lot of dancer-sites for ideas when I first started working on my website. But using somebody's ad copy verbatim just isn't cool. For one, duplicate text WILL hurt both of our search rankings. Two, you will do so much better from a branding standpoint if you learn to write in your own voice instead of somebody else's. I promise.

While I've been behind on my e-mail these past couple of weeks, and while I can't always guarantee that I'll get to it right away, I am always happy to help dancers edit and proofread their ad copy. There are plenty of other Bhuzzers here who excel at writing, too. If you're stuck generating your own ideas and verbiage, there are people who can help! And I don't even mind when dancers e-mail me and say, "Hey, I like what you said about how you're not here to monopolize the party....mind if I come up with my own spin on that?"

I really, really dislike being the copy writing police. I would much rather help people than police them. But as always, it's important to respect the hard work of others. We've seen countless threads on Bhuz about stolen choreographies, Bella knockoffs, unauthorized photo usage, pirated music, etc. Similarly, many of us work our butts off to brand ourselves through our written content, and I think anyone can understand why people like myself get very upset when we see our hard work on somebody else's site.

Just my $0.02.

Also: I thought the Bio looked and sounded familiar to me. Turns out I saw it on my friend Yuliya's site. Please change this, too.

Yup. One and the same: NJ Belly dancer Yuliya available in New Jersey, NYC, NY, CT, and PA

Kitara, I'm sure you feel beat-up right now...but if you apologize and work to correct your error you can pull out of this.

I know writing copy is hard, but you if you wouldn't photoshop your face on another dancer's body then you shouldn't place your name in their description.

Beyond the fact that it is disrespectful to the dancer you are taking from, it is disrespectful to yourself. You should want your bio and page to reflect who YOU are. You should want your clients to want the dancer you are.

Get your friends to help you figure out what it is about >you< that is special and get help making all your rough drafts better and better.

And the opening quote about being yourself comes from...anasmadance.com

(Headdesk)

I've sent Anasma a message about it. Hopefully by the time she gets it it will no longer be an issue...right?

Originally Posted by ozma

Get your friends to help you figure out what it is about >you< that is special and get help making all your rough drafts better and better.

Yes! When going through a slight branding adjustment not long ago, a very smart business mentor once recommended that I contact each of my friends and ask them to name one single attribute about me that makes me unique. After getting enough pieces of feedback, I was able to zero in on which traits people loved most about me, and infuse this into my newer branding. (Not to mention, it's great to revisit that list when you're having a bad day! )

Also, you can go back and read your testimonials and reviews from previous clients, and start taking note on the compliments you receive from audience members after your shows.

Once you figure out who you are and what makes you unique, then expressing this only becomes that much easier.

Jeese, thanks to you ladies who gave nice critique. Actually the parts that you state I am blatantly copying from Carrara, I actually don't like and had redone wording last night before even seeing these post! I felt looking at it again, that it didn't come across to well, at least for me. I looked at so many websites trying to get a feel of what I liked what I didn't like; formats I liked of dancer. Could I have come close originally to Carrara's quite possible? Her's might have become ingrained in me but felt upon reviewing further it's not for me. IF I HAD BLANTANTLY, INTENTIONALLY plagerize, why ladies would I ask for you to look at my site, really! Thanks also so much for causing problems with me and Carrara who I greatly admire.
On a side note, I suffered tremendous loss this year. I lost my only child. I am trying to pick up the pieces and go. Staying positive thru all I have been thru. It is not easy. I really could use support from group, not an attack. Time and time again, I said nothing but nice things to you ladies. See the beginning of this post. You guys have me absolutely crying at work, my day job. I am such a wreck, I can't even work. I am going home. I would not expect this from you. I thought you guys were great. Most of you ladies still are.

My heart is breaking all over again
My lost son

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I'm so so sorry for your loss. I'm sure at an emotional time like this, even the smallest things can be hard to handle, but I think most of the responses on this thread were very thoughtful.

I'm also sure that belly dance has been a great source of comfort and even fun since the death of your son. A lot of people use the dance to heal from heartbreak.

However, once you start marketing yourself as a professional, you have to learn how to take critique and feedback...because, well, it's business. Being in business (hopefully) means that business is business and personal is personal.

That can be hard when it comes to belly dance, especially when we love it and rely on it for fulfillment. I learned this lesson the hard way, many times over. I've been there. I used to look for constructive criticism all of the time on bhuz and it turned out I was just looking for acceptance. When I felt that bhuzzers were being too harsh, I took it as a reflection of me (insecure, unsure, etc). But most of the time it was just people's opinion and it didn't have anything to do with my self worth.

What I am trying to say is that if you're feeling like you can't handle the stress of this critique on your site because of emotional stuff you are going through right now, then you might want to put this aside for now while you heal. When you feel ready to launch into business is business mode, then go for it! I know that is hard advice because you love belly dance and working on projects like the website can help you focus on things other than your loss. But hang in there. You will become a stronger person in the end!

I'm so sorry to hear about your devastating loss. It surely must be very, very difficult for you. I echo Andalee's thought that perhaps this isn't a good time for you to launch your dance career. You're understandably very emotionally fragile right now, and it could be extremely difficult to deal with the stressful aspects of the business of belly dance at such a time. And there ARE many stressful aspects to the business side - hecklers in the audience, clients who refuse to pay you what you agreed on, getting lost on your way to a gig, sexual harassment by clients, fights with other dancers over gigs, and more. I'd hate to see you enter that fray when you're so vulnerable.

That said, I do feel the need to address this issue of copying large amounts of text from other people's web sites. It can take the person who wrote that text many hours to craft just the right wording, then editing and polishing it.

Please realize that the feedback you have received from bhuz people on this thread is a direct result of what YOU choose to do. You brought this on yourself by taking text from other people's web sites without permission and putting it on your own site. You may be upset now, but the reason you're upset is NOT because bhuz people are mean - it's because you did something you shouldn't have done. Please take responsibility for your own actions, and don't try to accuse bhuz people of attacking you. YOU were the aggressive one, YOU attacked these other dancers by going into their online homes and TAKING what you wanted.

I am sorry that you are going through personal loss.

In light of your personal sharing, I feel afraid to say anything for fear to continue the conversation will be seen as ignoring your great loss and your personal pain.

But...I take the idea of lifting copy very seriously. I wouldn't make the accusation if it were just similarities to your prose. There's at least one whole section, unchanged, down to words capitalized for emphasis.

Even if it was not intentional, you should look into changing the text on your webpage and asking Asasma if you can quote her and credit her.

Anasma (Anasma | Theatrical Belly Dance, Hip-Hop, Liquid Fusion, Paris, New York, & Worldwide)
"“As any Art piece conveys a message, Dance is a personal expression of the body, mind and soul. It is my way to exchange with other beings. My dancing expresses who I am and what I do, what I want, what I fear, what I love… I open my heart, for others to see inside, to see through me and to feel… For I believe that All is one. Love what you do, do what you love, enjoy the magic of life, be as true as possible, be yourself.” ~Anasma"

Kitara (http://bellydancepa.net/):
“Dance is a personal expression of the body, mind and soul. It is my way to exchange with other beings. My dancing expresses who I am and what I do, what I want, what I fear, what I love… I open my heart, for others to see inside, to see through me and to feel… For I believe that All is one. Love what you do, do what you love, enjoy the magic of life, be as true as possible, be yourself.”


(ETA this section has since been changed to read:“Dance is a personal expression of the body, mind and soul. I open my heart, for others to see inside and to feel. I believe that All is one. Love what you do, do what you love, enjoy the magic of life, be as true as possible, be yourself.”...still no credit to the original author.)


And this is why Carrara/Satinworship thought she recognized bits from Yuliya. It is not exactly the same but is very very close.

(NJ Belly dancer Yuliya available in New Jersey, NYC, NY, CT, and PA)
This highly acclamed dancer has a natural musicality and understanding of Arabic movement and culture combined with a playful sensuality keep her in high demand. Yuliya's ability to interact and captivate audiences differentiates her from other dancers, and makes for an unforgettable performance.


(About | Kitara Belly Dance based in Philadelphia, PA region)
This beautiful dancer has a natural musicality and understanding of Arabic movement and culture combined with a playful sensuality which keeps her in high demand. *Kitara’s ability to interact and captivate audiences differentiates her from other dancers, and makes for an unforgettable performance full of everlasting memories!!!

I am sorry for your loss, I truly am. I honestly don't know how one goes about picking up the pieces from something like that, but I hope that you can find peace and get back to a sense of normalcy.

That being said, I think the ladies in this thread (ESPECIALLY Carrara, who you plagiarized from directly) were actually really, really helpful and nice upon discovering the plagiarism. They are offering you help and suggestions to change, and are giving you the perfect "out" by assuming that you *didn't* mean this in any malicious or intentionally illegal way. A personal tragedy doesn't create an excuse for illegal activity, and it's not fair to expect people to turn a blind eye because of it.

What you did is illegal. Maybe it's because I'm a lawyer (and have several friends who practice in intellectual property), but I don't know that I would have responded as kindly if it were my work being plagiarized. So, instead of shifting the blame onto the people who have discovered your illegal use of others' work, maybe you should say "thank you for being respectful of the situation. I'm sorry that I did this and i didn't realize it was illegal or immoral. I will definitely be changing my text and I hope that I can come to you all for suggestions and help if and when I get stuck."

That's what I would say if I were you, anyway.

Originally Posted by dreamkitaro

Could I have come close originally to Carrara's quite possible? IF I HAD BLANTANTLY, INTENTIONALLY plagerize, why ladies would I ask for you to look at my site, really!

Well, I really don't know why you asked people to look at your site, but Carrara's is not the only web site you plagiarized. Since you seem to be implying that you did not plagiarize anybody, I guess some evidence is needed:

On Mariyah's web site at Bellydance at Your Bridal Shower | Belly Dancer New York :

It’s summer, and the season brings with it many beautiful and joyous weddings!

One of the most popular requests that come my way is for bellydance bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Next to the wedding reception itself, these pre-wedding events are some of my very favorite parties. Bellydance is glamourous, sexy, fun and empowering. It is also a perfect choice if you are looking for an alternative to the typical bridal shower or bachelorette activities. Brides and bridesmaids who are planning these events often have many questions for me so I decided to put together this guide with some options to consider when booking a bellydancer for your party. Be sure to let the dancer know your vision for the event so she can arrange an entertainment package that is uniquely suited to you and your guests!

On Kitara's web site at 2011 July « Kitara :

It’s summer, and the season brings with it many beautiful and joyous weddings!

One of the most popular requests that come my way is for bellydance bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Next to the wedding reception itself, these pre-wedding events are some of my very favorite parties. Bellydance is glamourous, sexy, fun and empowering. It is also a perfect choice if you are looking for an alternative to the typical bridal shower or bachelorette activities. Be sure to let the dancer know your vision for the event so she can arrange an entertainment package that is uniquely suited to you and your guests!

A gathering of family and friends honoring the bride to be is enhanced by the communal spirit of belly dance, which originated to celebrate the transitions in a woman’s life.

Originally Posted by dreamkitaro

IF I HAD BLANTANTLY, INTENTIONALLY plagerize, why ladies would I ask for you to look at my site, really!

Another example:

On Mariyah's web site at Bellydance at Your Bridal Shower | Belly Dancer New York

Additional artists- A bellydance performance or lesson is an excellent focal point for your bridal shower entertainment. Depending on the size of your event, you may also want to consider additional artists to add to the atmosphere. A henna artist is one great example. Elaborate henna decoration is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in many parts of the Middle East and hiring a henna artist to do smaller designs for you and your guests is fun way to incorporate this tradition into your event. Many henna artists can do traditional designs as well as modern glittered designs.

On Kitara's web site at 2011 July « Kitara

Additional artists- A bellydance performance or lesson is an excellent focal point for your bridal shower entertainment. Depending on the size of your event, you may also want to consider additional artists to add to the atmosphere. A henna artist is one great example. Elaborate henna decoration is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in many parts of the Middle East and hiring a henna artist to do smaller designs for you and your guests is fun way to incorporate this tradition into your event. Many henna artists can do traditional designs as well as modern glittered designs.

Originally Posted by dreamkitaro

Could I have come close originally to Carrara's quite possible? IF I HAD BLANTANTLY, INTENTIONALLY plagerize, why ladies would I ask for you to look at my site, really!

On Carrara Nour's web site at FAQ | Carrara Nour | Belly Dancer for Weddings and Events in Orlando

There are literally dozens of belly dancers for weddings and parties in Orlando. What makes you unique?

The beauty of belly dance is that each artist brings something unique to the table.

On Kitara's web site at Frequently Asked Questions « Kitara

There are dozens of belly dancers in Philadelphia area. What makes you unique?

The beauty of belly dance is that each artist brings something unique to the table.

wow. this is making me sad and angry. coupled with her response, it's making me pissed.

Honestly, like others, I don't even know what to say at this point. I am truly sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it must be like to suffer such a loss, and I know how much these critique threads can shake you up even when you're in your normal everyday state of mind. You might want to stop reading this thread right now and revisit it in a couple of months, if that helps.

Fact: When you market your dance on the internet, someone will always have something to say. Especially if you have a high internet profile like I do. While you can't please everyone, you can minimize your chances of getting into trouble, and this is where the rest of this thread comes in. (ETA: I'm still learning the fine art of staying out of trouble!)

Back when I was initially finding myself as an artrepreneur a few years ago, I actually used to get a lot of criticism because of the way I marketed myself and - wait for it - the style in which I wrote my ad copy. In hindsight, I can see why some people didn't really like what I was doing, but at the time, it felt like I was constantly under attack by "haters." Time and distance helped me handle the criticism and utilize the useable bits to improve myself. Now, I can understand that most of those people, save for a few who really WERE haters, actually intended to help me out. And that, they did.

Within the last 6 months or so, I've had to chase down a couple of dancers for "borrowing" extensively from my ad copy, and while a few accused me of being a jealous/paranoid/unoriginal/fat/[insert adjective] hater, I'm sure they will thank me someday for encouraging them (in my blunt Yankee style of delivery) to present their REAL selves to the world. To be 100% true to yourself in this business, is a gift that each one of us possesses, but very few of us act on. I built my brand around my flat-out stubborn refusal to copy anyone else, and encourage any up-and-comer to do the same. Many of us get a web presence first, and then figure out who we are. Reverse the order and you'll get far better results, guaranteed

No, I don't have a problem with you. If you change that text to make it yours, then we're 100% cool. I promise. And if you need any help with writing or proofreading, I am happy to do that for you. Just say the word.

And again, my thoughts are with you during this tough time.

I think I have found this thread too late as I don't see anything on the website.

But one thing I will say, if you don't want to rewrite the content had found you can contact the copywriter below. For around $15-20 they will have a human ( as opposed to software) rewrite a 400 word document for you which will appear "unique" and your site won't get classified as duplicate content by the search engines.

Premier Content Source - SEO Content Writing

For around $15-20 they will have a human ( as opposed to software) rewrite a 400 word document for you which will appear "unique" and your site won't get classified as duplicate content by the search engines.

As a copy editor, I would just like to point out that the price you quoted is disgusting. Nearly as bad as $40 hookers. If anybody out there wants to use a copy editor for a "unique" rewrite, please pay them decently. Hint: A$20 is not enough.

Just like bargain-basement belly dancers, there will always be people who want the gig badly enough to undercut and settle for less. Can you find a copy editor for $20/hour? Yes. A good one? No. It'll be a hack looking for something to do in between writing Jacob-Edward slashfics. Somebody is answering all of those crazy ads on Craigslist for people to help write memoirs and screenplays in exchange for a byline. Probably people who aren't capable of getting real writing jobs, though.

Originally Posted by Zumarrad

As a copy editor, I would just like to point out that the price you quoted is disgusting. Nearly as bad as $40 hookers. If anybody out there wants to use a copy editor for a "unique" rewrite, please pay them decently. Hint: A$20 is not enough.

Well it's better than the $2 that Indian writers will charge and they general churn out stuff that is unreadable.

The price above isn't for original unique copy that requires research, it's for manual spinning an article. Original copy can cost $90 and up depending on how specialised the topic is. I think the most expensive I've paid so far as part of my work is $0.70 a word.

The price above isn't for original unique copy that requires research, it's for manual spinning an article. Original copy can cost $90 and up depending on how specialised the topic is. I think the most expensive I've paid so far as part of my work is $0.70 a word.

Gosh, really? Please tell me more about the trade of copy editing.

And I'm not even going to ask why you're paying someone to rewrite other people's work for you.