I have some reason to want to use some content that I found on another site for my own site. I know there is some issue about 'duplicate content' that search engines do not like. But how much of an issue is this? Is it an automatic strike against you if you have content that is already posted on other sites? Or are there degrees within which it is fine? Etc... Any advice?
duplicating content can lower your rankings if it is picked up on. changing it around abit may work but i would stick to original content
There have been PLENTY of sites that DUPLICATE content on there sites on PURPOSE. Let me explain... A webmaster goes to ezinearticles and sees an article that he likes. Puts it on his site with a link back to the origin or source. Is it duplicated content? Yes. Will he get penalized for it? Probably not. It's what's called sndycation. There have been sites like the grizz's that have been ranked #1 for years for the term "make money online" and a some of his posts were articles from other sites. Now just going and stealing someone elese's content and taking credit for it as your own on the other hand. That's Wrong and should be completely avoided.
First of all, you are vague when saying what type of content you want to use. If it is pretty general, you should be okay. If it is specific, then I wouldn't use it. I would also look into seeing if that content is copyrighted before you go any further!
Duplicate Content is not accepted by Google. Your site gets penalized and also you will have effects in SERP's.. So its always better to have unique content..
Duplicate content on your own site will get you penalized. Syndicating content will not. Think about it, google would have to penalize itself, seeing as how that is the main objective of a search engine. For many other reasons though, it is always best to write your own original content. No worries about plagarism, better connection with your audience, the fact that you forever OWN that piece. Just a couple of the many benefits of being original.
Thanks everyone for your help. I have tons of original content on my site. But it just occurred to me yesterday that in the long run there are some articles out there that my audience could also benefit from, so I thought 'Why not have it on my site as well?' I had not thought of that before, as I just want all original content, but if search engines won't penalize me for it, then I would like to use some articles from other sites once and a while.
It is always better to have a ORIGINAL content on the website. This will give advantage over your competitors. Do remember that content is for visitors.