《北京青年报》（英文版）就微博著作权问题采访徐新明律师

Weibo users could forward the message by regular ways instead of taking others’ as their own original work. If they quote, they should offer the origin; otherwise it is a breach of tort law. No matter how long or how short, it is original and should be protected. People should go against the tort, or at least condemn the behavior. It is a copy-and-paste era, especially online. Since each user is independent, it is hard for the Weibo supplier to check all content. Therefore, the most important thing is to cultivate netizens’ consciousness to value original works.

I don’t take Weibo seriously. I seldom forward others’ but write my own stuff. If others copy mine, it is only after what I wrote, that is to say, they will always be second. People will know who really wrote interesting things and finally will follow me, not them. Also, celebrities can get many people to comment. If an unknown person copies the content, it does not have the same effect. People who are good at creating an original Weibo always write more, and those copycats can get one or two, but not all of them all the time.

Many people hold that it is no big deal to copy a Weibo message, but actually it reflects a very bad habit in the country. In the legal system, people should defend their copyright and original works. Online, netizens should respect others works and keep self-discipline. Plagiarism is ugly, no matter where or when or in whatever situation.