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Floating around the Internet these days, posted and e-mailed back and forth, are a number of writings attributed to me, and I want people to know they're not mine. Don't blame me. Some are essay-length, some are just short lists of one and two-line jokes, but if they're flyin' around the Internet, they're probably not mine. Occasionally, a couple of jokes on a long list might have come from me, but not often. And because most of this stuff is really lame, it's embarrassing to see my name on it. And that's the problem. I want people to know that I take care with my writing, and try to keep my standards high. But most of this 'humor' on the Internet is just plain stupid. I guess hard-core fans who follow my stuff closely would be able to spot the fake stuff, because the tone of voice is so different. But a casual fan has no way of knowing, and it bothers me that some people might believe I'd actually be capable of writing some of this stuff.

George Carlin#70

AuthorshipInternetQualityReputation

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author warns readers that many quotes circulating online under his name are fake and often of low quality.
In plain terms
He wants people to know fake quotes online are not his and are usually bad.
What can you take from it?
Creators should clarify their work to protect their reputation from fake content.

Where it applies

  • Social media management
  • Author branding
  • Fact checking

Putting it to work

  • Verifying sources
  • Protecting brand image

Questions to consider

  • How do you verify an author's work online?
  • What responsibility do creators have for fake quotes?

Another view

It is difficult to control misinformation once it spreads widely online.

More from George Carlin

  1. I love and treasure individuals as I meet them, I loathe and despise the groups they identify with and belong to.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. {On his work appearing on the Internet} It's a conflicted feeling. I'm really a populist, down in the very center of me. I like the power people can accrue for…

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. I don't understand why prostitution is illegal. Selling is legal. Fucking is legal. Why isn't selling fucking legal? You know, why should it be illegal to sell…

    Permalink to quote #68

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