Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bloggers eyes are everywhere !


Apparently there was a great market near Sydney over the weekend . A blogger contacted me yesterday to tell me all about it . There was a variety of stalls but one in particular caught her eye , it was one selling the stall holders "original" designs . It was a popular stall and this lady enthused how original and unique her designs were . In a very nice display this stall holder had a pile of my design Frances Frog . When the blogger enquired about Frances she was told it was her own design now because she had used different fabric , what !!!

I have just a few questions for this person - did you ponder and sketch this design for weeks ?

Did you test your pattern in calico and hand it over to kids to see if it passed the rough test ?

Did you dream about your new design ? Did you pass your almost finished pattern to a variety of testers and appreciate their input ? Most importantly , did you name your design after your little sister who lives in New Zealand that you rarely see ?

I can confidently say NO is the answer to all those questions . I am a very easy going person and I am flattered that people like my designs all I ask is that people think carefully and treat others how you would like to be treated .

50 comments:

Miss Muggins said...

I am so sorry that this happened to you, but I am glad that you at least know about it. The nerve of some people is unbelievable. I believe that what goes around comes around, so Clare keep on doing what you are doing, she will get hers (one day)

Teresa said...

Clare this is awful... Really sorry there are people out there that can't think for themselves and have to steal other peoples ideas. Yep Karma is on it's way to bite her on the butt.... Don't stop doing your thing xx

Lyn said...

It's awful what some people do, I'm so sorry!

THank you for your lovely comment on my blog too.

Lyn
x

retdairyqueen said...

So disapointing
We all know it was your design
Take care

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

Copyright Laws are useless really though...
I mean how many of us are going to spend $$$ ON a breech.
It annoys me too and more importantly it just dissapoints .
Never the less...Keep doing your thing and being Original.

CurlyPops said...

That is so horrible. The good thing is that there are lots of lovely people out there keeping an eye on things for you.

Kylie said...

The least that woman could have done was acknowledge you as the designer instead of trying to take all the credit. I have had that happen to me before too - some people just don't care.

ittybittyandpretty said...

oh clare, how very annoying for you...the fact that she said it was her design just because she changed the fabric is so wrong. i dont know all the legal things but my heart knpws right from wrong and i could never do such a thing.
hope all of your blogging buddys make you feel better.
%*_*%

Vicki ♥ said...

What a horrid person that is Clare...I really feel for you and I am glad you said something about it all too. Its a pity you didnt name and shame this cheat and unimaginative person. I bet they werent made as good as what your one is. Hugs Vicki

Rebecca said...

Oh Clare what a horriable thing to have happen to you. I know a few people who have stopped designing patterns now for this reason. I am a big beliver in karma and she will get what she gives out.
Hugs Bec

Simone de Klerk said...

I can't believe reading this. I'm sorry that this woman did this. And I agree with Rebecca - she will get what she gives out.

Kate said...

That is such a crappy thing for that woman to be doing. But your title is acurate and we need to keep hassling people like this and making sure they know we know what they are doing.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

I am so sorry for you, Clare. To create and have stuff stolen like that is so cruel. Can you do anything about it as far as copyright goes? I don't understand all these laws, But I do understand that it is STEALING someone's creativity. Hugs from me. :~(

Cardygirl said...

It is a shame in such a generous & sharing world as the craft world, people cannot even have the manners to acknowledge your hard work & generosity in designing & publishing a design. It is a reflection on her own inadequacies...it will give her no true joy that she has to resort to theft...but be honoured that your designs are SO worth stealing...you are fabulous!

Anonymous said...

So wrong...I agree with what others have said 'what goes around comes around!' Keep up your wonderful work Clare.

Narelle said...

Dear Clare, What a horrible person. I bet that person can not lay straight in bed at night. Sorry that this has happerned to you.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

It doesn't matter how many times this happens to you Clare, it still ruffles your feathers every time.

I've had my fair share and one I took legal action against. It cost me a packet but worth it.

What we need is more education by the magazines. Is this person actually serious when they say they changed the fabric? Clearly they know nothing about the copyright laws.

I'm sad that this had to happen to you. Hopefully now that she has been spotted and questioned she might give credit where credit is due.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Lucky-1 said...

Bloody hell..... the nerve of that she devil!!!

I am so sorry this has happened to you Clare.....(((HUGS)))

Carla said...

It's been happening a lot lately it seems. Doesn't make it any better. I really can't believe she would be so ignorant as to think by changing the fabric it made it hers. Ignorance of the law doesn't make it any better.

manda said...

That's just plain rude. I feel for you Clare! I can't imagine what it must feel like as I've never had any ideas stollen. I hope I never do. If I was ever to copy someones design, I'd at least give them credit for the pattern! You need to take out an add in Handmade magazine like your others and make sure that more people know that it's your design!
Hugs and countless cups of tea and cupcakes to see you through the angry and stunned stage!
Manda!

Unknown said...

Ah there you are. Tryed to post on your last one but it wouldn't let me for some reason! Anyway, I enjoyed your posts! Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog! Suzie. xxx

Selfsewn said...

Hi Clare

I've been put off posting photos of my creations for the same reason.

I'm sure its not just the odd person who copies but major players like Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley etc. Its just a hunch. These copycats must think we are mad displaying our own designs for easy pickings.

I'm not sure of the way forward, as you need to display your work online to sell it. I'm just being a little quiet on posting my creations now especially if I want to sell them.

Shame you cant go to the craft fair and meet this woman, I'm sure she'd be red faced!!

Clare

barb's creations said...

What a horrible thing to happen to you Clare.I just don't understand how she thinks she can get away with making one of your gorgeous designs hers just by changing the fabric!! Boy there are some dumb and mean people out there.
Keep your head up.We're all here cheering you on!Your designs are so original and unique and don't you ever forget that!!
My thoughts and best wishes are with you as you go through this injustice :)Barb.

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Clare,
Here, Here, I'm agreeing with all of the above comments!

I can understand your anger and frustration and rightly so!

I'm sure we'll all be more careful about sharing our new designs now.
Hugs,
Anna

Barb said...

Oh wow....that would upset me to...I say, give credit where credit is due...and that is just wrong...wrong ...wrong....I am soooo very sorry.

Joy said...

Shame on her Clare!!! How utterly disappointing, I'd be so angry!! And I agree whole heartedly with the others, Karma WILL catch up with her and when it does she'll be sorry!!! Maybe you should name and shame her!!!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Anonymous said...

Hi Clare, it is so frustrating that people feel that they can behave like that. All I can suggest is that you make it really clear what people are allowed to do with your designs and get them to contact you if they have any queries. If you know who the seller is then you could check they are not selling them on the net or come to an arrangement where they can sell with a label giving you design credit? Kate xxx

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Ouch...I have had the same thing happen to me. In fact they copied my pattern and sold the pattern itself!

I had to decide that I am not going to continue to live the injury that other people do to me.

Your little frog is adorable!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

Gloria said...

So sorry that someone would do such a decietful thing. Those that cheat really only cheat themselves ...because she really knows that it is Not her design. She will get hers.....

Nikki said...

That's awful Clare. It is understandable that you are feeling angry and betrayed. There is no excuse or reason for what that lady did. Please try and not let one person upset you too much. She is one person. You have many more people who support you and what you do, and are prepared to stand up for you.

Jo in TAS said...

What a horrid woman! Kharma will bite her in the butt one day, and hard!

Liz said...

Clare--that is terrible. some people are just not honest anymore!!!

Natalie Ross said...

Well said Clare, I too have had this happen to me over the years and it's great to know that we have supporters who let us know what these @#$%@# are up too! It's a small world isn't it and Karma will get them in the end! Do you want me to send Barry around to sort them out???

Nat x

Judith Tetley said...

Earlier this year, I went into a craft show in Queensland while travelling, and found that a stall holder had made up some of my designs for sale. I do allow hobbyists to sell up to five made up items in one year, of any one of my patterns, but.......the courteous thing to do, is to acknowledge on a tag that I am the Designer and; to not give the impression that the work is entirely their own.

When I told the stall holder I was the Designer and pointed out that there wasn't a label on her products saying so, she nearly fell through the floor....yes; the actual Designer can appear at any time, or..... people who respect the Designer can also be on the lookout.......so people need to start doing the right thing.

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I hope you will be able to follow this through and let this person know; that she is in TOTAL BREACH of Copyright Law and you have the right to take legal action.
Kind Regards
Judith
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Leanne said...

What goes around comes around. I'm not sure why people think they will get away with things like that the world is such a small place.

Kylie said...

Hugs Clare - it is such a shame that people do this - and I am sure that if she had have done the right thing and contacted you she would have found that you are indeed a nice person and helpful.
Oh and to say that it is her design as she changed the fabric - LOL what a joke!

Bev C said...

Clare, Lets hope her frogs decide to leave her and hop of to a better place. I hope this lady ends up reading this and we can all shout to her "Honesty is the Best Policy!!!"

edward and lilly said...

OMG, I can't bear hearing stores like this!

Debra said...

hmmm...its her karma Clare...can i call you by your first name...let it go...create your beautiful things...focus on that :)x and thank you for calling to say hello :)

Anita said...

Clare, some people make you cross. This situation seems to be happening a fair bit lately. It's a pity that person doesn't have a go at designing something themselves and see how long it takes to actually design things. and to you, I love your frog. Well done! Kind regards, Anita

Natasha Burns said...

ick that's just not right Clare, what a bummer that happened to you! changing the fabric makes something her design? is she for real? that's just disgraceful and completely dishonest

LaurieStar said...

Oh my! I'm sorry - that must have been hard to hear. Either way - we all know it's your frog! Too cute, I say!

Christina Lowry said...

The nerve of some people! Clearly she is clueless. I wonder if any of her work is "original" then. Hopefully something good will come out of this for you.

Dogwood said...

How very sad. I am so sorry that there are people out there who are willing to steal designs and deny it when questioned. I guess the best thing to do is "let it go" and carry-on with your sweetness.

Have a nice weekend.

Julie said...

No good. I'm glad it was brought to her attention, I wonder if she will re-think what she has done. And the different fabric excuse...pathetic.

miss~nance said...

Sorry to hear this has happened to you Clare.

Gail

Khris said...

Clare I ordered and paid for a frog pattern on your Ebay site over a week ago and have yet to hear from you or receive the pattern...I am only in South Australia so presumed it would be here by now???
Khris

Khris said...

Clare it is downright shameful that somebody would do this...they obviously have no morals and no shame.....disgraceful...shame, shame, shame on them...and I hope they are reading these comments and feel shamed...hugs Khris

Berrylicious Buttons said...

mmm... just posted in my blog about a very similar thing. I am at a crossroads with my business due to the whole copying thing .. take a look if the article intrests you. I have even had someone "almost" copy my business name.. sad part is thy have been following my blog for sometime privately and have then decided to use a very similar name 8-( .. now all my products are being copied! the fabrics, the packaging and even the words in the listings.

Beedeebabee said...

That a girl! AMEN to everything you said!!! Hugs, Paulette ;)