Steemit is an incredible tool to create and distribute original content, and the reward system built into it allows us to support content creators. However, as it becomes more and more popular, the potential for abuse grows as well, and it is our obligation as good internet citizens to provide attribution for anything we did not create.
Nina Paley has a useful song to remind you of the principle:
This isn't a matter of legality. Intellectual property law is a completely different matter. We're talking basic ethical behavior here.
- If you didn't make it, say so.
- If you know who did, say so.
There's a bit of wiggle room, such as using CC0 material as an element in something you made yourself, but don't abuse CC0 material to just plagiarize and post without attribution to make a quick buck. Go the extra mile to be as up-front as possible. And remember, when in doubt, decline payout.