When the pen becomes a sword

Is plagiarism horribly unethical, synonymous with journalism, or simply a case of sloppy attribution?

For the most part, sloppy attribution is to plagiarism as manslaughter is to murder. It’s a serious offense but not as grave.

Actually, since the plagiarist knows where the material is coming from and accurate attribution is easily achieved, sloppy attribution is merely an attempt to obfuscate. As journalists – equally as bloggers – laziness should be no excuse. Sloppy attribution is plagiarism and, to continue with the analogy used in the quote, first degree murder on the grounds of premeditation.

Source:
Romenesko