How much of the internet is automatic?

So SoarPort.com was profiled on Mashable, which was very kind of them. Less than a week later, and about 80% of the hits on Googleare basically regurgitations of the Mashable article. Say what? Only on the internet could such a thing even be considered quasi-legal. I can't reprint an article from my local newspaper for free...why should I be able to do so online?

Which begs the question, why are people doing it? And I'm not talking about people who got the idea from Mashable, then wrote their own article: I am talking about sites that have taken the Mashable article verbatim and put it on their site. I would imagine a site like Mashable puts a great deal of effort into crafting their content to attract search hits, so not only does the material get jacked, but the same mechanics that led people to their site will lead them to the leeches. So obviously, there is advertising money to be earned through this practice.

And you know, as the reviewee, it doesn't really work for me either. Yes, there are a few more sites linking to mine, but they are really hollow links. Unless someone goes to Mashable, they are going to get a lesser experience reading the reprint, because it will be slathered in ads and other disconnected content. I guess there is no real way around it...it's too bad Google couldn't figure out a way to reward sites that create content, but banish those who just steal it.