Stolen Ideas
I have to post about this because the more I think about it, the more it upsets me.
My friend Robyn is one of the most creative, talented, and wonderful people I know. Her work spans a number of disciplines but I’ve always admired her ability to really show off her own style, no matter what she does.
She creates these wonderful yo-yo collages that she frames and sells in her etsy shop. One of her gorgeous pieces is shown below:
Recently, she came across a tutorial from someone who was “inspired” by her work. Her piece is below:
I’m sorry, but it looks like a pretty blatant copy to me. Which in itself isn’t the worst thing in the world (goodness knows I’ve seen something I liked and thought, “I could make that” and did it myself) but I would never post a tutorial on how to do it on my blog for everyone else to copy as well! And the absolute WORST part is that SHE LINKED TO ROBYN’S SHOP. SAYING THAT IT WAS HER INSPIRATION. I guess that the word “inspiration” has become a euphemism for “copy”. And then, in the comments, everyone is praising her creativity! Le sigh.
I don’t mean to come across as angry – it just bothers me. I think that it’s really important to try to consider others when we go out on the big wide web and share ideas. I know that we can’t always give credit where credit is due (and I know I’ve got TONS of pictures floating around with no names attached) but if you do know, please be considerate of others.
Has this ever happened to you? Someone you know?
*UPDATE – I apologize as this was not an actual tutorial as more of a “I made this and you can too!” sort of a deal. Still makes me mad, but not so blatant.
January 14th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
ugh, i totally think you’re justified. i’ve had issues with this kind of thing before & it’s not fun at all.
January 14th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
That sort of thing is frustrating and horrible. I must say though at least she did link to your friend’s shop. That’s more than most do and for those who are crafty or time challenged, they will know where to buy one. It’s something.
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January 14th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Amen, sister!
January 14th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
That’s such a bummer! I don’t understand why people do things like that. A couple of months ago someone copied my art work but I probably wouldn’t have known if they hadn’t ‘hearted’ my Etsy shop. When I saw their avatar I thought it looked awfully familiar…… They didn’t do exact copies of my work, but it was pretty darn close and I was really frustrated.
It’s one thing to make something for yourself based on an idea you saw somewhere else, but to make those things and sell them, or put together a tutorial as in your friend’s case, just seems like it’s going a little too far.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Wow! I can’t believe it…or I can believe it. But,that’s just sad. :(