It isn't the first time. But I have been here for over 2 hours and it is much worse than I thought. In these few hours of investigative work I have found another 5 of my designs copied and 4 are being sold! What to do? I feel sad and a bit defeated.
People say I should be flattered but it kind of feels like I'm having something really precious taken away from me. Doesn't help that I don't feel well either. :( I just wanna sit and sulk and cry. Is that too honest?
Anyway, here, see for yourselves:
So, what do I do? At this point I really don't know anymore.
So, here is my truth. I think Copycats are thieves and I wish I had the energy to go after them right now and make them see how serious their transgressions are and how sad and broken hearted they make me feel.
Where is the basic human etiquette and consideration? If I decide to do something, do you really HAVE to follow suit and try to ride my coattails. Do you really think that you will feel good about success that doesn't come directly from your own creations? Seriously?!
Well, I guess the best thing would be for me to just walk away from this computer right now and go spend time with what really matters. My kids. They always make me smile even on the worst day.
I sincerely hope your is much better than mine! (I mean that.)
I know exactly what you're going through. I had the unpleasant encounter of someone doing this to me in my local craft fair market. After seeing my product at the first one of the season, two women went home and copied my work, exactly, and came back to a following fair selling them for less than I was. It's frustrating to say the least.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, I think your work is awesome and this fan loves your blog.
Feel better!
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ReplyDeleteMy love! It's true! Your work is so much better and neater because you take the time and put love into it. The other person is just a thief and not original at all. We love your work! Please don't be sad. Love you mama!
ReplyDeleteYes maybe you should name and shame.
ReplyDeleteMost of us gain inspiration from other quillers, but to steal designs that you are selling is not right.
Hope your blog continues( with copyright over the pictures)
Sandy, very cute!!!
ReplyDeleteNati from Brazil
http://natiquill.blogspot.com
Oh! Sandy! It is proven that your work is obviously better than theirs.....100 times. Neat, tidy and elegant. What they did is very low. Don't give up. Your work is an inspiration to me and it help me to calm down when I am stressed with office work. God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. I appreciate your support and that of those who have e-mailed me personally. I would never publish names. I was taught to be a lady and I have strong christian standards, so if I stoop to their level, I'd be just as guilty.
ReplyDeleteI did some Tracy Anderson exercise and cooked up a real Puerto Rican meal and when hubby gets home I'll get my share of hugs and love and it'll all be okay. Thank you all again and I hope your week is an awesome one!
Oh that is so sad Sandy. It must have been horrifying to see the exact replicas. But even seeing the replicas and the original side by side you can easily spot the finesse and skill of the quilling in yours making it a class apart!Do hang in there dear.
ReplyDeleteOnce I heard that only the best things are copied ;)...
ReplyDeleteyour work is lovely...don't be sad.
those copies are made by the ones who think you are really the best ;).
I also saw my characters -that me&my sister did on canvas bags- on mugs from a very known porcelain company of our country.
ours: http://dukkan.beztorbam.com/asp/listgroup.asp?group=BZTE01
We were devastated, but then there is this fact to accept: Once something is on the internet, there's no escape from the copies..:/
keep on doing your best. you are very good at it :).
I keep on following you...
http://girlielittlethings.blogspot.com/
Sandy, I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, but know this. Your work is a GAZILLION times better than the examples you've shown of the pirates work - and yes, she/he IS indeed a pirate. There is no comparison, but I do know first hand how frustrating this can be for you. It's the scourge of handcrafted business I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteYou rock Missy, don't you worry 'bout a thang :)
Just found your blog from a link on one I follow. Rise above it! Your work is amazing and their's is truely c**p! I'm going to start following you as I'd like to be able to quilling better than I do now and your work is inspirational.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing your blog for the first time while searching google for some quilling advice, please don't even think about stopping just because of some people (who, by the way, are clearly no-where near as skilled as you are). Your blog and work is awesome :o)
ReplyDelete