naff stuff

A few posts ago I alluded to the negative and depressing side of blogging and having anything on the internet. I've had a really bad year for having my designs, images, writing etc copied and it's been festering in my mind so I thought I'd purge it by writing about it. 

Basically it's stuff like this. This person* has cloned over 400 of my images from flickr, my blog and my redbubble page and posted them as their own on a picassa account. Not only that but they've made replicas of some of my knitted animals and are using my images as their printed tags, business cards and on listings on taobau (which seems a chinese version of Etsy). This is only the latest occurance of many and some days it truly makes you just want to jack it all in. I guess I continue because knitting is really what gets me through the day!

I know that I'm way too sensitive but it hurts a lot and I get so upset by this kind of thing. I started making the animals in 2004 as an antidote to some of the difficulties in raising a son with severe autism and I worked very hard to make my designs different to other knitted animal designs that were around at the time. I started the blog in 2006 and quickly discovered that as soon as you post images and people like what you're making then others will steal from you. I'm lucky that there are lots of people who look out for me and let me know when they see things that are copied. I'm lucky too that my work is distinctive and so copies stand out a mile.

In the UK the legal rights of designer/makers are protected by unregistered design right. In the UK you do not need to register a copyright for something that you create. This right is automatic and the instant you make something unique (ie not copied from something already in existence) it is protected by law. The organisation A.C.I.D (Anti Copying In Design) are an excellent source of information and they are strong in championing creative rights. But, regardless of the legalities I see it as more of a moral issue. How you can blatantly copy something you have no creative claim to is beyond me. If people had an ounce of creativity, imagination or integrity it wouldn't happen but in the 'want it now at any cost' culture we've arrived at, the honest, hard working people who just want to make something of their own are the ones that suffer both financially through lost business and emotionally.

*hopefully these links will be disappearing soon as Google's legal team are currently looking into the matter.

PS: It's not just my images and work that have been taken but Dilka's beautiful work has been copied too and another artist who created this image. I know I've seen it somewhere but have searched flickr in vain. if anyone recognises it and know the artist please let me know so I can contact them. Perhaps between us we'll be able to get Google to terminate the offender's account.

Comments

[Jennifer]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. I think you are tremendously talented and generous. It stinks that people would steal from you in this way.

[sara]

I really think you should consider placing a copyright text across a portion of the picture.
Your post is terribly sad - i can't believe someone is treating you so horrible.

[hila]

my dear,
you are a very talented person.
The imitator does not reaches your level of art.
please keep on knitting!
You inspire me so muck!

Hila

[periwinkle]

You inspire so many people Julie, obviously this " person " is envious of your talent . Big Hugs
Lisa x

[SmurfPop]

I don't think you're being too sensitive at all! You put a lot of time and effort into making these beautiful little people, and for someone to take credit for all your hard work is disgraceful - the brass neck of some people! The old saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" is a load of... RUBBISH. I just hope the knowledge that so many more people enjoy your work and respect it than abuse it is enough to help you keep going through all this <3 x

[Esther]

oh my goodness! I really can't believe that someone would blatantly copy your images and toys! It seems to have gotten beyond a joke and way passed the "flattering" stage of people copying because they love your work. You are an inspiration to many as your designs are so cute and adorable - I just which I had the talent to come up with some original designs :o) You did inspire me to make a little fluffy bunny last year (see my blog) but nothing as good as yours! Keep your chin up, you have a lot of support and people will back you all the way.

Love Esther xxx

[craftgirl78]

This is so awful! I can't believe that person is getting away with copyright theft! I hope they get the punishment they deserve. I happen to love your work and think you are very talented - keep up the good work!

I would also like to add that whenever I feature something that I have made from someone else's pattern on my blog, I ALWAYS credit the person (or company) who designed it. I wouldn't dream of stealing someone else's design and calling it my own!

[Kathy]

Julie--I'm so sorry that this has and continues to happen to you...I LOVE your blog and all your creations! I'm in awe of your creative talent and I also believe in KARMA...Don't let the bad people get you down! Know that there are tons of us out here that get inspiration from you!!!

~ Kathy

[Flo]

Holy cow, that thief is blatant and shameless! I completely understand your ire and hurt. I truly wish you can find recourse but I do believe she can and will hide behind double barriers of language and nationality...like the coward she is. I hope it is some consolation that her work is shoddy in comparison to yours and it fails to capture the essence of what makes your work so special. You say that anything posted to the internet is immediately copied, but I would say it is usually the best work that is stolen. Good luck, Julie. I'm rooting for you!

[katieh]

It's wretched that you have to deal with this. :(

I agree with the other commenter about you watermarking your images. It really wouldn't take anything away from the beauty of them, and it should deter people from stealing them. (Only part of the problem I know.)

x

[trashalou]

Oh Julie :-(

[marian camilleri]

I have read your blog for a while now and having seen the images of her second rate copies can understand how irritating it must be to see all of your lovely work brought down in this way. It probably isn't any consolation but they really are a very poor copy and your animals really shine in comparison. It would be a shame if this led to your chosing not to share your lovely work and images as those of us who just want to look and admire and enjoy would feel sadly deprived.

[Allison]

What a cheek! How awful for you, It must be so distressing to have designs that you have worked and re-worked, and spent so much time and effort on, stolen like this, it's kinda like identity theft.

[Gemma]

Not funny in so many ways, I can't believe people can be so blatant about something like this. How awful it must be to see your hard work and painstaking efforts being passed off as someone elses.

Violating, horrid. (((( ))))

[The Garden Bell - Kate]

You poor dear. Just what you need on top of everything I'm sure your daily life involves.

I see Lucy in Attic 24 on your blogroll. She is a dear friend of mine in bloggerland. In fact, in her blog today she mentioned my post from yesterday which was dedicated to her.

I also have a mention of Autism as it is something we live with in my family on a minute by minute struggle.

Hang in there and do what ever you can to get your rights. They are soooooo worth fighting for, just like all causes in life's journey.

Sending Bunnie Hugs,

The Garden Bell.

[Carolyn]

There are enough problems in life to deal with...why do others want to create more? I agree with putting a copywrite symbol on a portion of your pictures...this may help until they figure out how to photoshop it. I guess I would try to look at the bright side, what a compliment to your creativity and gorgeous knitting for someone to want to copy it.
You do absolutely beautiful work, and when I see replica's, I know where the origional creative source comes from:)

[Rebecka]

I am so sorry that you are being copied. I have one of your precious bunnies "Iris" and I love her!!! I feel so lucky to have her! I hope this is resolved. I love what you create and I am sorry this has happened to you. I hope in the future I will be able to get other one of your creations. (They are hard to get!)

[Sinta]

This is the problem with the internet at the moment. Sorry you had to deal with crap stuff like this :( But don't worry, copycats don't create things with as much love and care as the originals. Some people just have no morals.

[Julie]

Wow! Is all I can say. I know you've mentioned this in the past before but I didn't realise quite how blatant a rip off it was. I'm totally gobsmacked that someone would copy so many of your images and ideas and a) try to pass them off as their own and b) sell them for profit.

You and I have had an email conversation or two about this in the past (as I've made a couple of bunnies inspired by your little cotton buddies for my DD and friends). I thoroughly enjoyed the toys I've made, but I would never dream of selling them. I can't imagine the level of audacity it must take to think it's okay to sell them as your own designs. Still totally blown away by those links.

I'm really sorry that you're having to deal with this Julie and I hope you can get some resolution over it (be that from Google or another means).

xMx

[Carly]

I adore your blog and your designs and I think it is disgusting that someone can steal your images, work and designs :( I just hope they get what they deserve :(

[Gina]

Not much more to add - everyone has said it all but stuff like this stinks! A copy will never have the same quality as an original... and we all love the originals.

[Georganna]

Not too sensitive at all! You have every right to be upset by this, but please don't let this stop you from being a cherished part of our blog world. You're a valued inspiration!
Blessings,
G

[PG]

Apart from being bloody angry about this...have you considered licensing out your designs to a company or autism charity? They are so popular, and sell so well. That way you get the full backing of a company behind you, you wouldn't have to lose copyright to your work, but once things enter the commercial arena you (or rather, whoever you license to) have the legal and financial clout to really do something about this kind of theft. You have a really good *story*, through your blog, which could be used to your advantage; your work is too precious to be ripped off left right and centre.

[raspberry]

what happened with Tesco and the egg cosies ?

and big hugs as always!!

[Jane]

I feel for you Julie. By comparison they have nothing on your originals.Please dont stop making your wonderful creations....
Jane

[Vivien]

I'm joining my voice in with the many that say your work is head and shoulders above those that rip you off. I'm so sorry that your work is undermined in this way and I can't imagine how frustrating and upset you are, and rightly so. It's theft.
You're a source of inspiration and joy to the vast majority of us and it would be a shame to not see your new designs.
These others are cheap rip offs and poorly made. I'm so sorry for you.

[dottycookie]

Good grief. I am stunned. Leaving aside the fact that the copies are nowhere near your standards, I find it unbelievable that someone would publicly display such complete ripoffs. I can understand someone wanting to make one for themselves - though they'll never look like yours - but selling them? And passing them off as their own? This is ridiculous.

[Martine]

I am shocked, Julie! This is what happens all the time, I know of the felt dolls club in our country, one after the others copycats. They don't seem to care, but it hurts when it happens to you!
best wishes, martine x

[Lisa Wakely]

Take heart, there are plenty of us out here who appreciate the originals and not the knock offs. Even if I had a pattern to make my
own it still wouldn't be a "Little Cotton Rabbit". Some people don't understand or appreciate what goes into the creative process. Please don't stop :) You would be missed.

[WPGGAL]

I enjoy your originals so much. I enjoy your blog. I feel I know you. Please don't let this get you down. You have so many people that are on your side, try not to let the other ones jade your optimism. You are a very talented lady, they are just copiers.

[Cele]

Oh my goodness, I must be so niave I can't believe that anyone would even think about doing these things.
I completely understand why this has been so upsetting. You are right that your designs and manufacturing skills are far superior. the originals far outshine the copies. Just wanted to let you know that you have plenty of support and to wish you good luck :) Cele x

[Stella]

I can not believe this person ... illegal and a thief.
Your animals are soo cute, i have been reading your blog since a month ago and have seen your pictures and your work ... it is very dissapointing that some people takes credit in something they havent done. One picture of my cross stitch album, was taken from someone else and posted it in her album, i was very upset about it .. i know how you feel .. fight this !!!! Hugs, Stella.

[Kat]

Hi Julie
am v sorry to see those links I knew copying would go on but never to that degree. The thing is your designs and talent at making them up is impossible to match so it's like the copies of designer bags or something they are always going to be so inferior. Though that prob doesn't help you feel any better sadly.
If ever I spot anything underhand I always know to alert you, so you have a team of us out here in your corner like scouts.
Oh and your arm looks nasty but glad arnica is helping I wouldn't be without it. As a completely sideline comment was your blouse in that photo from White stuff?! I have it too :)
love n care kat xx

[juliet]

It's an awful thing to have your hard work stolen in such a manner. At least you are knowledgeable on how to deal with it.
I am glad you have chosen to keep doing what you do X Juliet

[Mary]

You think you've seen it all, don't you, but this has really left me feeling dazed! How does anyone do this? Where is their sense of shame or embarrassment? Have they no ability to imagine how the orginator of the work that they're claiming is this theirs must feel?

I know it's no consolation Julie but you are the second toy designer I've heard of this year who has suffered this sort of horrible experience . The other desinger had insult added to injury when the woman who was ripping off her patterns and passing them off as her own warned readers of her website that a woman in England was making inferior copies of her toys! And the amount she was charging for the knitted toys was unbelievable! This sort of behaviour defies belief.

You have my heart-felt sympahty, Julie. And you're welcome to any help or support I can give.

[jessica]

:( :( :( Your work is beautiful. There is no way you are being too sensitive about this. Your hard work and passion for knitting really show through in your blog and your animals. Why wouldn't you be upset? I hope all goes well in the legal process to fix it!

[Natalie Wade]

OMG. I saw you mention the downside of blog, and knowing how amazing your work is i guessed it would be due to copying. But i never guessed someone would have the audacity to even go as far as to print out your pictures as their business card and tags. I am horrified. I do not think you are too sensitive.
Like i said before, you and your work really is an inspiration to me, but never to the point i could lower myself to the level of these people.
I hope it gets sorted. Your work is a one off, and you can tell it apart from others.

[April]

Oh Julie

That's awful, I am so sorry and appalled that people can DO that!

Your talent is unique and your toys are special because they are unique.

It is so sad when the big corporate nasties stamp on creativity.

Really hope you can get this dealt with

April xx

[Kate G.]

Of course, it hurts. Peoplle who steal designs are coldly brutal.

Thank you for outing one of them, Julie. It was a brave thing to do and necessary as designers learn to protect themselves in the electronic frontier.

Don't let this person steal your heart, too. That would be the saddest act of all.

[Caroline B]

Wow.....just wow, I cannot believe the barefaced cheek of this woman! You must be spitting feathers - I do hope you get it sorted out satisfactorily. Did you get a result from Tescos in the end? I'm gobsmacked.....

[Lisa M.]

That is just horrifying! I love your work and can't ever imagine copying it. Your designs and pictures are simply beautiful...please keep up all the good, hard work you do. Don't let these other bad eggs get you down!

[Deb]

So sorry you need to deal with this. First, this person's work does not even compare to yours. Secondly, she needs to get a life and take a lesson in morals -- Keep knitting -- you are a very special person.
Deb

[jooles]

My heart goes out to you, what a terrible shock it must have been.
It is beyond me how some people can be so greedy and thoughless.
Please know that you have bucket loads of support from people who admire you and your work so much.
by the way,there is no comparison in the craftmanship.
keep your chin up x
jooles

[Laura Sydenham]

It's such a sad world we live in now that people want to take credit for other peoples hard work! I don't know how some people live with themselves. Good for you for having a good rant and getting it all off your chest. Even though I can't knit for toffee both my mother and my daughter knit and I love to see what you create. I also adore your stamps.

Please keep doing what you do so so well.

Hugs Lol xxx

[Heather]

I am so sad that this keeps happening to you. Looking at your gorgeous creations always brightens my day and I hate to think that the images have been appropriated and your lovely creations copied. Because you are such an artist and your designs are so distinctive anyone who sees the others will immediately know they are copies..I hope you manage to get this resolved and I am sure many of us who read your blog will be sending the best of thoughts your way.

Heather

*I keep meaning to let you know that Zeke and Mabel, bunnies that I made from the egg-cosy pattern that you sell on etsy, are enjoying life on my bookcase here in Canada - thank you for enabling me to make them part of my household*

[Candi]

Julie....people that have no talent, scruples or....a general sense of honesty, are always going to spend their time trying to make something of themselves off of others. Just because you're a good, talented and honest person, that worked hard to get where you are, doesn't mean everyone else has that in them. Take heart and be assured that, in the long run, all the dirty wash will come out in the end and you'll be standing on one giant clean clothes pile. Warmly, Candi

[Heather]

That sucks!!! I am sending big hugs your way! I don't know how some people sleep at night.

[robertarr]

Oh Julie It's shame!I'm sorry.
Continue to create and knit my bunnies friends.You are too talented. Best wishes.

[Jackie]

How dreadful for you Julie ~ it just goes to show that some people are very creative and can come up with beautifully original ideas and some other ( shall we say less talented and that's me being polite) people feel the need to steal and exploit. Your little knitted animals are truly the cutest little things around :O)

[Megan]

No, you are not being too sensitive! They say that imitation is a form of flattery, but this has gone WAY too far...claiming your work as their own?? I am saddened that someone would so blatantly rip you off like that and I'm sure I would be outraged if that ever happened to me.

You keep standing up for yourself and protecting what's yours. There's nothing shameful in that.