Pointing the finger

There’s been talk that Google copied Yahoo!, and then talk that Yahoo! copied Google with the launch of IE7.

Jeremy Zawodny (Yahoo!) points out how Google copied Yahoo’s promo page for Internet Explorer 7. Suggesting that they googlified it.

Matt Cutts (Google) gives an appolgy if one is in fact due, well sort of. Then points out how Yahoo! copied the way Google displayed ads not too long ago. Suggesting that Yahoo! shouldn’t be pointing a finger unless they’re willing to point it back at themselves.

Take a look and see what you think (IE7):

Without knowing all the facts I would say, sure there has probably been some copying of ideas between Google and Yahoo!, but in design it happens more then you’d think. Other people’s designs can really spark your creative ideas or process. However, it’s one thing too use others designs as a springboard for your own creations, and quite another to copy them outright. The problem with copying is that you’re taking credit for someone else’s ideas (simple enough right). You’re also not flexing your own creative muscles. With anything, they need to be stretched. If you’re copying someone else’s designs all the time you lose your ability to design. A designer is only as good as their ideas; it’s what makes them great at what they do. Nothing cuts more then seeing someone else taking credit for your ideas or designs. It’s fine to look at others designs to flex your creative muscles, but think twice before copying someone else’s work. I think every designer has experienced someone else taking credit for their work. Some have even had the displeasure of watching others do it right in front of them. Please, give credit where credit is due, because as they say “What goes around comes around.”

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