Blog Post 3

Johnson-Eiola and Selber define assemblage as “texts built primarily and explicitly from existing texts in order to solve a writing or communication problem in a new context.” This relates to remix in the sense that it is something made from something else that has already been done. In music, for example, it is using lyrics or a catchy beat to make it newer and better, by putting your own spin on it. Or, if we’re talking in terms of writing, it is taking information from something someone already wrote, and adding information to it that is more useful to you or you readers. I think to draw a line between plagiarism and originality you must consider a few factors. The first being to make sure no part in the remade text is a word for word copy. Writers and artists do everything in their power to make sure their work remains their own, being that they don’t want anyone to rip off their work or idea. But what they sometimes don’t realize is that their “original” is also in fact ripped off of someone else’s idea. Sources can be traced back time and time again for people to realize that nothing is truly an original. I think when we take that into consideration, the line between plagiarism and originality becomes clear. As long as the “original” is not a carbon copy and not just reworded entirely, it cannot be considered plagiarism. I did not find any parts of the article confusing.​