A rather large oops

I have debated for about twelve-ish hours on if I wanted to actually publish this post or not, but I feel as if I have to- for me. Because of the brick on my chest. Because I feel as if it may help another blogger.

Yesterday I did something that as a blogger I should have known better not to do... I used someone else's idea without giving them credit.

Granted, the issue has now been rectified, and it was a small mistake, but honestly after 15ish months of blogging, it shouldn't have happened. And the fact that I didn't even catch it- the other blogger did and emailed me about it- is pure nonsense on my part. I'm mean, I'm grateful that she caught the mistake and emailed me about it, rather than calling me out "publically", but I still feel like a complete douche bag for not realizing it earlier. 

Blogging is about creativity and sometimes it's hard to not want to use another's amazing idea, but what alot of people don't know is that you HAVE/NEED to give credit when credit is due.  No, there aren't any copyright laws in blogging- that I know of- but it's definitely bad for business when you don't. And can certainly turn a fun hobby into something that you just don't want to do anymore. 

Some bloggers will call you out when you use their idea and you will feel like a total bag of shit for not realizing what you did- but others don't. And then whenever you talk to them it's like there's a rather large elephant roaming around. I've never experienced the latter, but then again I really hope I never do.

So what do you do when you are called out? 

Realize that you made a mistake, apologize profusely, and correct the mistake. Don't act all high and mighty- gravel. Gravel a lot. Issue a public apology.

So when should you give credit? 

-when using a picture that came from another blog (ex. outfit inspiration)

-when using another's post idea (ex. a sponsor showcase/highlight post idea)

-when replying to another's post 

-when highlighting your favorite pins (it's my understanding that it's ok to link back to the pin- but I could be wrong)

-when using a sentence or two from an internet source (think back to high school/college and use non-plagiarism etiquette) 

-there are more, but I can't think right now. 

*Side note: 

when linking up and using a link up button, you are automatically giving the "host blogger/bloggers" credit.

*Another side note: 

blog posts always need pictures, so Kristy Girl has a really good post on a collection of copyright free image sources

Have you ever made an oops and then rectified it (in real life or blogging)?