Please, need your help....

[studionubbo]

Could you give me your thoughts on this. I just would like to hear views from 'neutral' people. Thank you!

http://www.teamimhoff.com/

[Former_Member]

Wow. That's a tough one. It's nice that she links to your shop, but it's not so nice that she's basically just copying what you do. I didn't look too closely at the blog, but if you can comment, I'd add a very cheerful, nice "thank you" and think of a way to phrase it that would make potential buyers want to buy a print from you. But, man, I really don't know.

[Former_Member]

She only has a 197 followers so I dont think you are going to lose very many if any sales from it. I understand your frustration though!

[EmpressBatsEmporium]

she did say she isnt selling it. so maybe comment that if peiple are interested in buying similar item to check out your shop

ps. what does "you are my lobster " mean anyway?

[IstriaDesign]

Wow, I don't know what to think about that! I agree it's nice that she at least linked back to you, but I kinda feel she should've talked to you before doing that. That's my opinion! We all "steal" ideas, and make our own versions of things but this is just copying it literally. I don't think I would be too happy with it though.

[Former_Member]

On a positive note hers is off center and disproportionate...so it makes you look that much better, but if she is the Pampered Mom maybe she should just splurge on the original!

[Former_Member]

This happened to a friend of mine whose craft was knocked off by the pioneer woman's daughter. When people do this--like posting prints on DIY boards on Pinterest---they forget that the person they stole the idea from is an artist who is making their livelihood on the craft. In my opinion it's fine if she wants to steal and do it herself, but she shouldn't go advertising to others using the "you can do it too" mantra. I would email her and lightly discuss the matter. Also...I would think of copyrighting your work if you haven't done so already :)

[TheRogueBaby]

Hmm, that's a tough one. I don't think she meant any harm, and she did give credit to where she got the idea. And she didn't give a tutorial or instructions on how her readers could re-create the item themselves. I would leave her a nice comment, thanking her for the credit, and maybe offer her readers a free shipping or 5% off coupon code or something?

[studionubbo]

I just think it's a weird thing to do. I'm not worried about losing sales from it, as Natasha said - she only has 197 followers.

It's the impression that it gives out against Etsy as a whole. Almost like "Here's what I found on Etsy and here's how to copy it". Kind of devaluing our work? And almost saying it's okay to copy to people reading?

I appreciate that she has linked to my shop and don't think that she has done anything in a malicious way. I just don't think she's thought it through.

[Former_Member]

Empress, didn't you ever watch "friends"? Lobsters mate for life. So cute.

And I agree with Lizzy/Jane - the quality of your print is just so obvious when you click on it after looking at hers. And if she's a pampered mom, she probably has pampered friends who would rather just buy something than take the time and energy to create something. So, you might actually get some sales out of this.

[Former_Member]

Oh, and I LOVE Ricky's coupon idea.

[Former_Member]

Oh no :( That's terrible. I'm with Brittany, I think you should email her about it and (nicely) explain your problem.

Hope this helps, sorry it happend to you!

[DeerGirlDesigns]

just wanna throw it out there that since lobsters mate for life it is pretty horrible to see them torn apart and boiled alive to feed us lobster at a seafood restaurant. Just hope people think about that before eating next time.

Sorry, that's all I have to add to this. I certainly appreciate you feeling weird about this blog. No idea what the proper action should be. Looks like good advice from a few people. Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Bahahaha davkadeergirl! Thanks for throwing that in the mix.

[DeerGirlDesigns]

hahaha lol hey keepin it real! :)

god save the lobsters!

[studionubbo]

Lol! Thanks Davkadeergirl! That was the laugh I needed :)

Thank you everybody! Think I'll sleep on it (bedtime here in the UK).

Killing with kindness could be the right way to go. Just can't help being a bit pissed off about it. However in the grand scheme of things it's 'no biggy' I suppose!

[Former_Member]

Sorry, I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't believe that she's done anything wrong.

She saw something she liked online and decided to do a DIY version of it and post it on her personal blog. She didn't give a step by step tutorial of how she did it, and really, I don't believe she knocked your print off, she used a different font, and the border, etc. are different.

Take for example the "keep calm" sayings that are out there in print form right now. Everyone and their dog are making them. I think it's just kind of part of the game.

I would be thankful that she did link to you, and she was very clear that she's not selling or reproducing it at all.

I'd definitely comment on her blog though saying thanks for the credit!

Sorry!

[WintergreenDesign]

Well it's nice that at least she didn't claim it as her own idea and she did link to your original (which is obviously much much better). I guess the thing is we can't prevent people from copying or trying things out themselves.... now if she started selling them that would be another story. I have found a couple of my things on DIY pinterest boards... but most people won't do it themselves and those who try might discover that it's not always as easy as it looks. But I do understand your sentiment that it undervalues your work... and I agree... it's definitely a toughy...

[Former_Member]

Wow, I think it is pretty shocking that she stole your work and then admits it. I must say I am too surprised to think what to do about it right now.

[Former_Member]

LOVING Ricki's idea... It's the perfect way to bring people into your shop to see everything you have listed. I do think it's tacky that she did what she did, yet I believe she had the best intentions, thinking that since she gave you the credit, she did nothing "wrong". Maybe take a mentor's approach and tell her thanks for linking your shop, that you are honored, and if she needs help or suggestions creating her own original art, you would be happy to chat. Maybe say something, too, like "Let me know if you want to use any of my other items, as I will offer discounts to those who purchase from my shop when they mention they found the link from your blog." That will come across as though you're on her side and that she needs to let you know because it IS your business and livelihood, and that you take it seriously.

I admire your graciousness for seeking advice, instead of just unloading on her! It would have gotten under my skin, as well.

Good luck!

[Studiomoonny]

Take for example the "keep calm" sayings that are out there in print form right now. Everyone and their dog are making them. I think it's just kind of part of the game.

_________________________

It depends re: the "Keep Calm" sayings. I have made a few and they are complete parodies of the original "Keep Calm and Carry On", including a different graphic at the top, different colors and, of course, a different saying. There is creative license in parody.

This chick just blatantly ripped off the OPs work and I am sure if she could have made it exactly the same, she would of. Then she did a blog post about it.

I would be a bit miffed if I was the OP.

JMO.

[seemomster]

"Keep Calm and Print On."

I can understand why it would be galling. OTOH...her attempt is so poor...it highlights the quality of yours.

And lobsters are delicious. But, alas, they upset my tummy.

[PlatoSquirrel]

I think it was nice for her to list your shop as to where you can purchase it. Its a personal blog. I am guessing you have gotten some traffic from it too, which is nice :) It's a quote that I've seen a lot (here on etsy too.) I also think that a lot of the traffic here (on etsy) is people saying....hey I could make that...