Cartoonist loses job due to claims of plagiarism

A case of plagiarism?: (Top) Nate Beeler's cartoon that appeared July 21. (Below) Jim Hope's cartoon that was submitted July 22.Jim Hope, a freelance editorial cartoonist for the Culpeper Star-Exponent, has lost his job due to the appearance of plagiarism.

Hope's cartoon about the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac is very similar to a cartoon by Nate Beeler of the Washington Examiner. Beeler’s cartoon appeared July 21 on his blog and the syndicate CagleCartoons.com. Hope submitted his cartoon to Star-Exponent editors July 22.

Jim was quoted as denying any wrongdoing, saying, “It just seems that the muse struck twice but at a different time and place."

Hope later expanded his thoughts in the comments field on the newspaper's website:

The incident of two pieces of art work done by Nate Beeler of the Washington Examiner and the one done by myself was truely coincidental. I had no previous knowledge of Mr. Beeler’s work till I was notified by the Star-Exponent.

After locating Mr. Beeler’s work, I was dumbfounded in the similarities. I contacted Mr. Beeler explaining to him the situation and claimed no right to nore did I plagiarize his work. Mr. Beeler responded, stating, ‘No worries, I’m surprised more people didn’t use that image.’

In my own defense, people in all lines of life come up with the same ideas and concepts, especially in this line of work. I sincerely hope you, the readers understand.

Clay Jones, editorial cartoonist for the Free Lance-Star, agrees that the problem of similar ideas does effect every cartoonist, but he doesn't believe it to be the case here.

"I hate to see Jim lose his gig and he's a really nice guy," Jones said on his blog. "But while cartoonists often demand to receive the same respect as columnists, reporters and the guys who sweep up the place, we have to hold ourselves to the same principles and ethics of this business."

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