The Ethics of Content Remixing: Kobi Omenaka on ‘Stealing’ Ideas

K

Kobi Omenaka

LinkedIn Author

I turn B2B founders into podcast-powered authorities | £500K+ revenue from one tiny show | Side quest: AI Search, AEO and building AI tools in public for growth, marketing and fun | Co-founder Stripped Media | #Dadjokes

In a recent LinkedIn post, Kobi Omenaka addresses the contentious topic of content ownership and the practice of remixing ideas online, urging creators to adopt a more fluid approach to inspiration. Omenaka frames the discussion by recounting an experience where he offered his LinkedIn post content freely, only to later be accused of idea theft by another user.

The situation escalated when the accuser, whose own content was found to be lifted from Instagram without credit, confronted Omenaka. This experience led Omenaka to reflect on the nature of creativity and content sharing in the digital age.

“The internet isn’t built on ownership of ideas. Neither is coding. Neither is art.”

Omenaka challenges the notion of absolute ownership, suggesting that most creative work is inherently derivative. He invokes the famous adage, “Good artists copy, great artists steal,” to underscore his point that borrowing and adapting are fundamental to creative processes across various fields.

The Nature of Digital Content Creation

Omenaka posits that in the current digital landscape, where content is frequently shared and adapted, the concept of originality is often overstated. He argues that unless content is created entirely from scratch—a rare occurrence—it is a form of remixing existing elements.

When is Remixing ‘Fair Game’?

The author distinguishes between genuine inspiration and outright plagiarism. He notes that while he encourages others to use and adapt his work, he draws a line when content is presented as entirely original when it has been lifted without acknowledgment. In his own case, Omenaka made a point to credit the original creator of a piece he had adapted, contrasting his approach with that of the user who accused him.

“If you didn’t shoot the footage yourself, you’re remixing too.”

This highlights a key aspect of Omenaka’s argument: the ubiquity of remixing in digital content creation. He suggests that the effort involved in tracing the origin of an idea or piece of content is often minimal, yet crucial for maintaining a healthy creative ecosystem.

Rethinking Content Ownership

Omenaka encourages creators to release their tight grip on ideas that may not be as unique as they believe. He advocates for a more open approach, where sharing and adaptation are seen as natural progressions of ideas.

“So i say steal my stuff. Use my Canva files. Please don’t tag me, the notifications clutter my feed. 🤣”

His willingness to let others use his work freely, even to the point of not wanting attribution, stems from a belief that ideas are meant to circulate and evolve. This approach aims to reduce the anxiety and possessiveness that can hinder creative output and collaboration.

Focusing on ‘Important Stuffs’

Ultimately, Kobi Omenaka’s message, shared on LinkedIn, is a call to action for creators to focus on the substance and impact of their work rather than on defending perceived ownership. By releasing the pressure of originality, creators can potentially engage more freely in the collaborative and iterative process that defines much of online content.

“And stop tying yourself in knots about things that were never really yours to begin with.”

His post serves as a reminder that the digital space thrives on shared ideas and that a more generous and less possessive attitude can benefit the entire creative community.

📝 About This Content

This article is based on insights shared by Kobi Omenaka on LinkedIn.

📅 Originally posted on May 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →