Ghost Writing: Ethical or Not?

[Irako of the Desert]

Wikipedia

A ghostwriter is a writer who writes books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to another person. Celebrities, executives, and political leaders often hire ghostwriters to draft or edit autobiographies, magazine articles, or other written material. In music, ghostwriters are often used for writing songs and lyrics for popular music genres.

Opinions?  

[Irako of the Desert]

In an attempt to spark some discussion, I'll ask some questions.

Is it fair for someone to take credit for someone else's work, even if they have permission to do so?

Why would someone try ghost-writing?

Would you ever consider ghost-writing?  

[RabidKitten]

I am ok with ghost writing ^_^ There are so many instances of it though many people aren't even aware of it happening. I don't even know if Elivs wrote any of his own music! But where would my music collection be without the King's dreamy voice to lull me asleep at night?

As long as the author/creator has given their permission for it to be utilized by someone else I say go nuts.  

[[ Hoodie ]]

I think it is completely unethical for another individual to take credit for anothers pieces even if that individual is paid for it. It is highly dishonest and misleading of an individual's talent in any given field. They expect collegiate students to be uphold academic honesty by writing all their own pieces, yet they do not hold the same type of standard for other individuals such as celebrities, executives and etc. It is highly reminiscent of a bully beating up the nerd and forcing them to do their homework.  

[applesauce600]

[ Hoodie ]

I think it is completely unethical for another individual to take credit for anothers pieces even if that individual is paid for it. It is highly dishonest and misleading of an individual's talent in any given field. They expect collegiate students to be uphold academic honesty by writing all their own pieces, yet they do not hold the same type of standard for other individuals such as celebrities, executives and etc. It is highly reminiscent of a bully beating up the nerd and forcing them to do their homework.

Who is this "they"? It's the schools that try to curtail academic dishonesty, so is that the "they" you speak of? Are you saying the school systems should do something about how celebrities aren't writing their own artistic pieces?