DEAR HARRIETTE: A good friend of mine is a video content creator. The other day while we were having lunch, I suggested a concept for one of her videos. She seemed uninterested in the idea at the time and sort of brushed it off. A few days later, I logged on to Instagram and saw that she did, in fact, create a video incorporating the concept that I suggested. The problem is that she didn't credit me with the idea at all and instead said that she found the idea 'somewhere online.' I feel hurt and confused. What should I do? — I Want My Credit DEAR I WANT MY CREDIT: You should speak to your friend immediately. Confront her about using your idea without attribution. If she is truly a 'good friend,' ask her why she would falsely state that she found the idea 'somewhere online.' Be strong as you speak to her, and demand that she add proper attribution to the video. Further, tell her that if she makes money on the idea, you expect some type of financial compensation. Do your research to find out what creatives are paid for video ideas so that you have a clear understanding as you talk to her. As a friend, tell her how disappointed you are that she essentially stole your idea.
