A lot of people get ticked off when their ideas are ripped off.
I don’t. Actually, for most of my ministry career I’ve encouraged youth workers to take my stuff and use it as their own. I don’t think it’s a good idea to copy someone’s material every week so you don’t have to develop your “create muscle”…but, occasionally I think “copying” is a good idea.
We all need help! Good ideas inspire us. I’m all for copying people’s stuff… with a few “rules.”
1. don’t claim it as your own.
2. don’t publish it.
3. don’t sell it.
Take an idea…adapt it…make it your own…give credit…where credit it due.
Here’s a creative “camp rules” video my friend Matt McGill made for his youth group.
It’s good, it’s funny, it’s an easy idea to rip off. And that’s exactly what this “creative” youth worker did (see below). Personally, I think Matt’s video is better quality, but I love what this guy added at the end–it was creative and funny. I appreciate that this youth worker admitted that he ripped off the idea (he wrote in YouTube description: “Basically we ripped off Jake Rutenbar for the Ski Rally Announcements.” Although: note to youth worker–it was Matt McGill, not Jake Rutenbar–but, Jake is a lot funnier and more creative than Matt–so, I understand your confusion).
Check it out:
Not everyone agrees with me on the “essence of creativity is the ability to copy and adapt”…what do you think? Share your thoughts here.
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