PIGGYBACKING

Piggybacking is when a concept, initiative, or item, is coupled and followed with another, concept, initiative, or item. The secondary is either, related to the primary, or completely non-related, but, somehow shares some tie to the primary. Whether this be by name, or similar goal, one cannot move forward without the other, and it's usually the primary that suffers from the secondary. People are probably more familiar with this, as it happens in politics frequently. One group will attempt to change legislation on a particular subject, and, there will be a secondary group, with their own separate agenda who attempt to slide their legislation in with the initial movement. That's really what it comes down to, is the agenda.

I can see why the agenda of a second uninvolved party, would want to latch onto a primary focus. It helps your cause, if you're the secondary. This happens, not only in politics, but, in business as well. Someone or some organization comes out with a great product, or concept, and another party will attempt to ride that wave, in an attempt to gain either a fame or monetary increase. I see it alot usually with larger companies vs smaller companies. A smaller company, will usually imitate something done by larger company, but, with a minor twist so as to not evoke copyright law. This allows them to appear, on the same wavelength as the larger company, and in turn boosts their revenue. The interesting thing about piggybacking, is that its not a steal, its not necessarily a copy, but more like an adoption, that ends up slowing down the primary. It's somewhat of a parasite, a pirate, or a knockoff. For instance, a company will make a garment with a signifying logo, and a secondary company will come along, looking to capitalize on top of their popularity by doing the same logo slightly different, or having a different meaning.

I know, that this is part of the game now. You see it a lot in rap music too, an artist, puts out a track, and seventeen different remixes of the track with seventeen different rappers on it, pop up overnight. It's interesting, but, also sad at the same time. The creativity is lost due to people wanting an easy route to some money. The interesting thing is we accept it as, "pop-culture", but it's a game of borderline plagiarism. It's bad enough when it happens to larger brands, but, when it happens to smaller companies attempting to get off the ground, it's a bit unfair. However, the thing is, if you stay dedicated, then you outlive the leeches that are attempting to piggyback your rise. Originality, is not everyone's cup of tea, and not everyone can maintain the momentum. The more momentum you gain, the popularity grows, and the consumers start learning to spot the imitations.

In the end, piggybacking doesn't always work well for those who piggyback. They end up having to sacrifice creativity, for an adaptation to popular culture, for survival. They eventually disappear into the abyss, of the countless others, who are doing the same and are doomed to piggybacking each other.     -  925