Hi

I have a website that gives away a digital product for free but the stipulation is a credit back for using it. I added an example of how to credit which includes a text description of the site and have over 8,000 people copy the exact phrase.

So is 8,000 sites crediting my site with the same line of text bad? Some include a backlink to the homepage (others include it but it isn't a hyperlink, just the text).

Any suggestions on how to better request a credit back that is more organic?

Thanks