What a weekend…
So, just as I do every morning, last Friday morning I turned on the TV to watch Create and Craft while I had my breakfast. I knew they were launching a week of Christmas shows so I was excited to see what goodies were about to be shown.
Ali Reeve, who I recognised from some Craft Clinic shows, was introducing some of her new Stamps Away MDF Kits:
One of the products was an MDF Christmas Tree kit which looked very familiar…
As they showed more and more of these Tree Kits I grew more sure that this was one of my designs.
The Tree Kit was selling on it’s own for £9.89/£10.99.
But it was also included in a multi-buy which was priced at £26.99/£29.99.
I ran up to my craft room and dug out my Swirly Christmas Tree design and could see straight away that it either was my design or something incredibly similar:
The only way to know for sure was to lay one design over the other to see if there was a match:
When I saw the results of the overlay I just buried my face in my hands, I could not believe that someone would be so blatent and to do it on TV of all places.
My Terms of Use have always allowed other crafters to sell their completed projects, I even give an example by saying ‘finished cards etc’. The Stamps Away Kit is not a completed project, it is a raw MDF 3 piece kit which is sold for completion by the purchaser:
Even the description states that it needs completing:
And there are the Assembly and Decoration instructions:
Doesn’t seem like a completed project does it?
I sent a message to Ali Reeve’s email address who sent it on to her husband Paul. In Paul Reeves reply he admitted taking my design saying:
When putting together our MDF Christmas tree I took to searching the web for “Free Swirly Christmas Tree” which resulted in a number of images, including your own appearing. I then traced this image, modifying the centre (for our specific needs) to cut the tree out of MDF…we only lifted the image from the Google search results
When I replied pointing out that this was in breach of my Terms of Use I was accused of changing my Terms after I had seen Ali Reeve on TV selling my design:
the item was sold to the TV and to CleverCut prior to you expanding your terms and conditions and you stating that we are now in breach of them
In a later email they refered to this apparent change again:
we complied with your terms and conditions on your website at the time of using your design, we do acknowledge your NEW terms and conditions you sent us at 3:03pm on the 20th June 2014
NEW huh? I don’t think that Ali or Paul Reeve knew that there was such a thing as the Internet Archive, here is the proof (from 9th Feb) that my Terms of Use have not changed since last year:
So, What Happened?
After several accusations and criticisms from The Reeves saying that I had changed my Terms…and being told that it was my responsibility to make my Terms clearer…and being told that I should include my Terms with every single download I offer etc etc… I had enough by then and I sent a Cease and Desist requiring that they stop selling, promoting or displaying the Stamps Away MDF Christmas Tree Kit under The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Ali and Paul Reeve have since removed their Kit from their own website but it remains on the Create and Craft website and many photographs displaying the Kit are still online.
The Final Straw
Yesterday I checked back to the Reeve’s online store and guess what I saw:
They have tweaked the design of the Tree Kit and put it straight back up online.
How Do I Feel Now?
You know, a simple apology or some recognition of their wrong doing would have gone a long long way. I have not been offered an apology nor a single penny for the kits they have sold to date, the most they would offer was a mention in a newsletter that they send out once or twice a year and added that :
we felt (that) far exceeded what was required for us for using your design
I guess that Ali & Paul Reeve feel some sense of satisfaction by getting one over on a crafter who was trying to be generous and gave her time away freely to crafters who struggle to afford craft supplies or raise money for charity, if that was their intention then I guess I should say well done you!
I’m not surprised you are angry at this Bird,you are one of the most genuine and generous file creator there is. The sheer cheek of some people,sorry but to Google search for free Christmas tree is not anywhere near adequate as I’m sure Paul Reeve was well aware.they are hardly amateurs! Ignorance is never an excuse. I do hope that this comes back to bite them in the bum big time!
I couldn’t have said it better! Totally agree. Sorry for what happened!
I think this is disgusting i got this file from you last year and its a blatent cheek them tweeking and passing off as their own
Gross. Gross, gross, gross. How hard would it be to put a thank you link somewhere on their website directing their customers to your fabulous, generous designs? How difficult is it to say, “We are so sorry we misunderstood” and make an apology on their website? People are so greedy.
“we only lifted the image from the Google search results”
As if appearing in an image search somehow negates your rights to the imagine!
Doesn’t matter where you copied it from, it’s still copied.
Amen, Carol!
i am so sorry this has happened to you seems so unfair that they could do this. I think you have done right to name them at least us crafters that love your designs know not to buy from them. and please know i really love your designs and all the hard work you put into them.
I can not believe that these people who most certainly know the rules of copyrights could say they did not understand yours. I am a real beginner at this card making, and I fully understood what you wrote down. I will never buy anything from these people. I feel so bad for you, and I think you are a better person than me, because I would go after them BIG time. You deserve the profit they will make by selling your design. Hug to you, Ann
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!
your T&Cs have always been very clear, and you have always been more than generous. I am sure if I were to take a photo from the google search of one of their products and reproduce it for monetary gain they would view it very differently. Have Create and Craft been made aware of this Bird? I certainly won’t be buying anything from her outfit, this is no way to treat a fellow crafter.
I think this is disgusting , I will never buy anything from them again and I sincerely hope Create and Craft remove the illegal product from their inventory.
Why oh why can people not create their own products from their own creative skill.
I have been on the receiving end of copying but my copiers created an inferior copy and it did not sell but I was so angry that they had no original ideas and thought it was ok to copy a hot product and cash in on a product created out of my head.
Take this further and they will tread more carefully in future
The nerve of some people. I wish I could offer you some legal help on this matter. I can only say I am deeply gratefuller for your generosity and talent and for sharing your designs freely as you do.
Can you maybe send an email to the TV Show, at least maybe they will not work with them in the future…
This is truly unscrupulous and I would expect a company like this to remove the offending item completely and not just tweak it and put it back up for sale ….if they had an moral’s they would any way.I just hope ppl in the future realise the time and effort that goes into every file you design and she some respect.
Oh dear! Bird I am horrified it was them! I love watching Ali Reeve on C&C and her ideas and products are inspiring. Well, not any more! I will not be purchasing from them again and furthermore I will be sending an email to them telling them why! Frankly I am disgusted. You are the only person I know who gives so freely to other crafters, both with your designs and the time it takes you to produce them. That they can have taken such advantage of this is unforgivable and you deserve at very least an apology, but certainly a cut of the proceeds would not go amiss either!
Don’t despair, loads of people are behind you in this, I suggest everyone does as I will be doing and votes with their feet! Kindest regards…..Marcia
I agree, the email on their site is just an info one. I wonder if Bird can give another direct email.
Truly so awful, I hope sue them Bird
* I hope you sue them Bird
I am so sorry you have had to put up with this..You are such a kind and giving person to share all of your beautiful talents with us..I hope you can settle all of this mess to your satisfaction.
Blessings to you always..
hugs from Hawaii
bobbi
There have always been cheaters since the beginning of time and there will always be cheaters in the future. It’s how we deal with them that matters. The more the public knows their names, the better! They are going to end up ruining their own reputations. You will take the high road and be the better for it.
Wow I can’t believe what people will do.. did they honestly believe no one would notice.. I posted on Craft and Create TV’s wall on the post for the winner.. and I notice I wasn’t the only one…I love your files..
Laura D.
This is discusting what these people are doing and it is happening to many times with people copy copy copy. Why oh why can people not think up there own designs ?
I really love your designs and look forward to new ones becoming available.
I do hope that Create and Craft find out about this and stop advertising them for sale.
Good Luck with your work.
Best Regards
Gene x
People copy because they do not have the brains and talent to think up their own designs. I’m sure this not the first time they have stolen other crafters designs and it will not be the last time. It so “easy” to get online and “Google” something. I am sorry to say that this happens all the time on the WWW.
I am so upset that this has happened to you Bird. I hope you can, with the help of all of us your loyal fans, kick butt.
This is terrible and I am so sorry you have to go through this! I am so amazed and grateful of your generosity and to have someone take advantage like this is outrageous!! What can we do to help? Should we bombard them with e-mails saying how disappointed we are in their actions? Tell us what we can do to help!!
Hi Bird, this is a copy of the email I have sent to Create and Craft
Dear Sirs,
I am horrified that you have this item for sale as the design does not belong to Stamps Away. This design was stolen from Birds Cards and as such is now a copyright infringement. Paul Reeve stole the design from the Internet, he has already admitted this to the owner. I am disgusted that Stamps Away has stolen this design and with no credit or thought to the designer. You should not be selling it, and I am asking you respectfully to please remove this product from sale. By continuing to sell it, you are also committing copyright infringement and breaking the law.
Yours faithfully….Marcia Hughes
I hope this makes them think, I am waiting for their reply! I also submitted a review of the product saying the same thing, so we’ll see if they publish it! I’ll keep you posted as to any developments!
Kindest regards Bird….Marcia
If I remember correctly for anyone to use a copy of a design they only need to change 30% of a product. Even with the term and conditions. It doesn’t look like 30% of the product was change at most it looks like 10%. I feel for you I would hate for this to happen to me.
Monica, I see this being posted often and is simply not true – there’s no magic percentage that makes it ok. It is simply not your design.
Its not the first time they have “stolen”. The splogeaway mat was copied by them. It seems they have no shame. Your designs and generosity are very much appreciated by everyone as these replies show.
Well all I can say is this has been going on too long! that’s the trouble nowadays people have no conscience regards others work they think if they see it on google they can trace it and use it by deleting elements and adding elements makes it theirs.. I know someone else that does this too frequently but still nothing is done… They should be ashamed of themselves!
Make a stand and post on Create and Crafts Wall.. I shared the blog post on their wall too.
C&C website now showing this
We’re sorry this product was so popular, it has sold out.
To me that doesn’t go far enough – people have bought the item in good faith. They need to put out a statement and offer all who bought the item the option to return it and a full refund!
Please, please tell us who we can send emails and leave comments for that will aid in the righting of this terrible wrong. There are Facebook pages and websites – can we leave comments there and what would you recommend that we say to these thieves? You have an army of loyal fans – please tell us how we can help! ~chris
I think this is absolutely wrong, on every level. I think you should sue them.
I am glad you chose to name and shame, and I hope we all vote with our feet (as mentioned in a few other comments above).
We all love your designs, and I hope that you don’t feel you have to stop sharing your work. I really love your work, and look forward to it. I love your ideas, and the fact that you share so willingly. I am not sure if you will want to continue to share, but I truly hope you do anyway, despite the nastiness and dishonesty of others.
It is my opinion that even if it was not clearly stated (and I am pretty sure it was), surely it is not ethical or honest to package and resell someone else’s work? The fact that it appears under “free” is irrelevant. Not to mention that 99% of all similar types of sites state that you may use for personal use, may (or may not) sell items made using the ideas and or templates, but that under no circumstances may you resell the template itself.
It is a form of bullying, and I hope you are not too hurt and deflated by this whole unpleasant experience.
If nothing else, I hope you feel encouraged by the number of people who have come out in support of you, and know how many more there are who will still remain silent. It will be a huge loss if we lose your inspirational ideas and selfless sharing.
xxx
Janis
I’m so sorry this has happened to you, Bird! This is totally unscrupulous on the part of a large company. I agree – it’s bullying of a small business owner. I know it doesn’t help you at the moment, but looks like you have a lot of backing. I think you should sue for infringement.
I must admit to being shocked by this. I always thought Ali Reeve to be a good and conscientious crafter, but it is pretty obvious that they have taken your designs with no regards for your terms and conditions. I hope you will be able to sort this out, if I were you I would contact Create and Craft and let them know that these designs are yours and not the Reeves.
Shame on them! I will certainly not support them in any way and will pass this info along to my crafty friends as well. Be assured from all of the positive comments that you are loved and appreciated! Your designs are so extraordinary and you are so generous to share them… please don’t let this bring you down… the wrong doers will get what they deserve in life, you must keep your head held high!
Peace!
Dear Mr and Mrs Reeve.
I write to say how horrified I am at your theft of another person’s copyrighted design.
This is not a hate letter as such, just a letter conveying my deepest disappointment in the ethical behaviours of your company.
I have downloaded and used Birds free designs for some years, using the completed projects to fund my crafty habit, and also to raise money for local charities. Birds terms and conditions have hardly changed over the years, a bit of tweaking here or there, but in actual fact, have NOT changed since February of last year!
As a digital crafter who uses free files I am well aware of MY responsibility to check the terms and conditions of any free files I download to use. As a company YOU are in no way excused from observing the terms and conditions attached to any file you download from the internet.
When you search for images in Google, you have the option of going to the page of the picture you are interested in, and it always, in grey writing, shows the address or name of the site from which it has obtained the image. In this case it would have probably been much easier for you to download the original file which included the .gsd and .ai versions of the design, and then use your editing software to adjust the design to your needs. Then perhaps you might have looked at the terms and conditions on her website.
I would like to thank you for making my hobby harder. For forcing generous people like Bird to change their T&C’s when they have in the past offered their files freely to all.
Using a trace of an image displayed in google IN NO WAY absolves you of ignoring the terms and Conditions related to that image. However it does show that you didnt even look at the terms and conditions attached to the site. It does NOT absolve you from profiting from anothers work, the lowest form of theft in my opinion.
I note that the original tree 319712 is still for sale on Create and Crafts website, the bundle with the lantern seems to have sold out, and I can only hope that all profits from Birds design are forwarded to her, for her work, and that a full and frank apology on Create and Craft is forthcoming. There is still a cease and desist order on this item, yet it is still being sold.
Because I am very concerned, have you informed Create and Craft of the copyright issues? If you havent then you could well be bringing Create and Craft into disrepute as well, I am sure their legal advisors would have something to say about this.
Until such time as a full and frank apology, and monies rendered to Bird for her work, are forthcoming, I will NOT under any circumstance have anything to do with any product you produce. I am sure I am not the only person who will be boycotting your company and products.
I may like your products, but I dont like your ethics Mr Reeve. For your information, there are thousands of people who download and use Birds free files, even in the States, France, etc. We KNOW the T&C’s, we abide by them. Its not just this country you need to worry about loosing custom in.
Be a man, admit your mistakes, and re-imburse Bird for stealing her design. Do not prolong this, the more this continues the worse it will become for you, with people from all over the globe becoming involved.
Having entered into correspondance with Bird, it is now too late to claim ignorance, as she will have the evidence she needs to bring a court action against you, quite rightly.
Dont insult her by giving a mention in a newsletter. You, sir, are a Thief! And it would seem so far, a Liar!
Severely disappointed.
Louisa Price
well said Louisa x
Well said!
Lou, Can we copy your letter and get as many people as possible to email it to them?
By all means copy my letter ladies and gents. For your information this is the reply I received from Ali, at 10.59 pm, 10 minutes after I had sent the email to her:
Dear Louisa
Thank you for your email, unfortunately not all the information has been shared online but I am not in a position to discuss this further as we are awaiting legal advisement
Regards
Ali Reeve
I’ve had the same reply from Ali and confirmation of receipt of my email from Ideal world.
Well said As a frequent create and craft buyer and club member I would gladly copy your letter and send it directly to the create and craft Site. I will also be boycotting Clever cut store and telling them why.
Well Louisa I raise my hat to you – what a perfect response to the Reeves. I am hoping it’s an actual letter you sent to them rather than just posted here. I would think a copy sent to Create & Craft would be well justified as well. I am so sorry for Bird as she is such a generous and talented person who gives us all these amazing designs free for our use. How dare people like these abuse her and her talent! I for one am hopping mad. Perhaps if you gave us your blessing we could all post this letter on our blogs?????
Karen :o(
Karen B yes the email was sent and acknowledged by Ali Reeve, her response is listed further down the comments in this thread, xx
Lou
Sorry Karen meant to add, if this letter is of use to you or anyone who wishes to support Bird, then by all means please post this letter where you will.
I have NO objection to you substituting your names in place of my own either! As the Reeve’s have already received and acknowledged my email, they will know where it has originated, but if it is something you would struggle to put into words, and would like to use mine then by all means do so. I am NOT a fan of someone taking others ideas and profiting by it, It has happened to me in the past with another company who deal with Create and Craft.
Couldn’t have said it better!! Great job!!
Wish I could have said this as well as you have stated. Good job! I just hope the Reeves take it to heart and repay Bird for her efforts, not theirs.
Well said Louisa.
Here here. Well said !!!
Well said Lou
I’m just catching up with other comments that I might have missed when I left my comment a while back. Not sure what the position is with the Reeves at the moment, but I’ve certainly been put off by this behaviour, which has left a bad taste in my mouth that I can’t seem to get rid of. By Ali’s reply – it seems like she is implying there is more to it and we aren’t aware of the full facts – she’s just trying to make it sound like we’ve only heard one side of the story – like they’re the injured party or something. pfff.
Love your letter though – good one!!
Paula x x x
What happen to Bird is so upsetting and wrong. Thank you for sending this letter in behalf of all the crafters that have been blessed by having a person llike Bird that shares her work and trust her subscribers with her time and creations. My eyes are full of tears to know that they are persons like Reeve with such bad feelings and attitude towards persons like Bird who willing shares her work for free.
They ( Reeve) and people like that will have there time, if you do wrong you will get what you did back. They night say whatever they can say but we all know the true.
I extend my sincere sympathy to Bird and my disappointment with this horrible attitude of the Reeve or anyone doing such a thing.
I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this. It is shameful that people will so blatantly steal from you. I hope you will consider legal action. We little people need to take a stand against these bums.
Hugs
helen
In my opinion the best course for your followers is to let everyone they know, in person or on the internet, know how these people operate and make their money on other people’s creations and not buy ANYTHING from them in the future. I appreciate all the creations you offer us for free and wish I could send you more money in return for all you share!
I am so sorry that someone would blatantly steal your beautiful designs & then sell them as their own. It boggles my mind that they can get away with this!
I will never buy a product from these people even if they apologize at this point. I will repost this blog and I will alert everyone that I possibly can to let them know that these are not folks that we should be supporting.
You held your ground and acted like a lady I’m proud of you I appreciate you thank you for everything you do for the craft community.
This is not the first time that I have heard of them taking someone else’s ideas and “Re-branding” that idea as their own. I am shocked, I didn’t see the programme, but I am ashamed to say some crafting people are unscrupulous.
The culprits should have tried to contact the designer of the files and negotiate with them, especially as they wanted the design for commercial gain.
Sorry will not be purchasing from them, and C+C “GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER” you are aiding and abetting a theft…….
You should take out a lawsuit on them hun,they have admitted in a email that they used your design and they have publicly proved they have made money from it. You have the proof that your terms and conditions had not changed so they are clearly in breach,they haven’t got a leg to stand on. They should have worked out with you a payment but as they have kind of just stuck two fingers up at you,you should sue their asses,they should pay for it. A company like that should come up with their own designs or be willing to pay the artist that has done the design,they cannot continue to make money off other peoples talent and I for one will never buy from them ever as I am one of those crafters who struggles to afford craft supplies,mainly because companies like theirs charge so much for them and we need people like you who are happy to share your creations free for us to use. Don’t let big business beat the little guys.
I have made my feeling known on the create and craft facebook page, I find this reprehensible, so sorry this has happened to you, I love your files and your generosity
I am really sad that you have to go through this, Bird…shame on them!
Ali Reeves has always annoyed me for taking credit for ‘inventing’ craft techniques that have been around for years, but this is a step too far! I for one will boycott stamps away products. Shame on you Ali Reeve.
I am sorry that someone decided to blatantly steal from you. That is a kick in the teeth. I’m sure it would be within your right to seek damages in court. Scum bags!
This is beyond reprehensible. They are crooks plain & simple. You are in the right & I hope someone will go after them in your behalf for free. People like them should be prosecuted & put in jail as the criminals they are.
I am so sorry that there are such horrible people in the world as these. It is always these few rotten eggs who make it bad for the majority of the honest people in the world.
I love your files & really appreciate all the hard work you do & share with all of us. But I would totally understand if you decide not to do this.
There is another blog I belong to who had the same thing happen to her. She went after them & made them remove her creations from their store.
I am so very sad and angry at the same time to hear of this… What a bunch of crap and an out right cop out on just straight up stealing from you… Then to write the absurd letter back about the changes in terms when he knows it is not true. I apologize for you having to go through such a horrible injustice to all of your kind hard work and giving that you have done. Please know that you have many people that appreciate all that you have done in sharing with us and we will be happy to stand behind you in this ordeal. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you right this wrong.
Bird, I’m sorry that you have been taken advantage of in such a horrible way. I am so appreciative of all the hard work you have done and for all the free designs you have freely given over the years. I do pray that these people will make it right with you. hugs, Patty
I am so shocked at this pair that they can do this and, it seems, also get away with it. Don’t let the buggers get you down pet! I will most definitely be letting my crafting friends know about this and I bet when the Reeves see a drop in the sale of their products they will fully realize what the crafting community think of them. I hope they get their comeuppance! I also hope that you are fully compensated by them for what they have done (although that would require them to be decent people and by all accounts it doesn’t appear so). You have my 100% support in what you are doing and thank you for naming these people as we all need to be aware of what they have done. It makes me wonder how many other peoples’ designs have been stolen by them!! Keep your chin up Bird – you have a lot of people behind you. xx
You have one of the clearest Terms of Use of any website or blogger I follow. If these idiots couldn’t understand what it meant, then they clearly don’t need to be in business. I know it will cost you money in the long run to try to keep them from making money from your designs. So you may decide it’s not worth the fight. But I guarantee you, these people will get what’s coming to them in the end. God doesn’t like thieves!
Wow, just Wow!! I’m so sorry they are treating you so badly. I sure hope you get a resolution you are happy with. I for one, am so appreciative of your generous nature!
i am so sorry that you have had to go through this. I find it outrageous that they even slapped their own copyright on the image of their kit.
If they were here in the states, I’d be the first to head a boycott campaign against these lowlifes.
Such a shame that there are always people out there who will take advantage of your generosity. Sorry this has happened. You are right to call them on it.
I’m so sorry you are going thru this, Bird. I’m so glad you confronted them even though you didn’t get the results you were looking for! At least calling them out lets others know that the design is yours! Is there some way you could put your name on your designs? I know others who have had problems like this only sell files with their name or web site on them. They can’t be printed without it. I guess with cut files it’s hard to do that. I don’t know what possesses some people to do the hateful things they do to others. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Big Hugs!!
This is very sad! Let me just say that I will never purchase anything from them. Thank you for all the files that you have shared, I really appropriate it. Praying for you and sending a big hug.
I wonder what Disney would have done if they lifted a Disney image from the Google search results!
Did you also contact the TV show and let them know?
God Bless you for your willingness to share your hard work
Bird – I’m so sorry this happened. I so hugely appreciate your sharing your talent so graciously with all of us. As a response, I sent Clever Cut an email telling them what they did was theft and that they should be ashamed of their lack of business ethics. I suggest everyone who left you a response to this shoddy practice do the same. If they get a load of emails complaining, it may make them take a step back and think about what they’ve done. I also told them I’d tell everyone I know not to buy anything from them because of this intellectual property theft and their denial of that theft.
I sent my email to
info@clevercut.co.uk
I suggest you all out there do the same.
Good idea, I’ll do the same!
Unbelievable! This is outrageous. I wonder if you would agree to me copying your blog post to post on my blog in the hope of reaching more bloggers and hopefully going some way to stopping these thieving b******s.
Caz x
I am so sorry this has happened to you.
This is so awful Bird, not surprised you are so angry. You are so generous to offer your designs for free to us crafters. I just can’t believe how anyone could do this. They should be ashamed. Hope you get this sorted out, contacting the channel might be a good idea.
Donna x
Hallelujia! I am very happy to say Create and Craft have now removed the MDF Christmas Tree from their website! Thanks to everyone who is supporting Bird, keep up the pressure folks, people should not be allowed to get away with blatant theft like this……Marcia
Create and Craft may have removed the item from their site, but CleverCut still has it displayed on their homepage. It’s not nearly as nice as Bird’s original design, but quite clearly copied from her work.
I sincerely hope at least that they are never allowed on Create and Craft again. Makes you wonder how many other of the designs on their site are “borrowed” as well.
I can easily imagine someone not really understanding the terms of use, or thinking that since they changed the design, it is OK to sell it. Then a big apology and removing the item from their site when you contacted them would have been the right thing to do. But I cannot imagine anybody being so rude as to call you a liar about your TOU when obviously they know they did something wrong, since they admitted they “lifted it from google image” which means they didn’t even look for TOU in the first place…
The TOU are quite clear “finished items!” A kit for someone to assemble is not a finished item. And by taking the image from Google Images they would not have had access to the TOU anyway! xx
hi Bird, I am shocked that this has happened to you. Some people have not integrity!!!. I agreee with all your other readers so won’t repeat what has already been said above. Take care, I do hope that this will be resolved soon, Lyn BIG HUG xxx
Good morning, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. You are so very kind and generous and for this to happen is just awful. I wish you the very best, and thankyou for all you have done for us crafters…. Janet x
I have posted this to my FB wall has have many of my other crafty friends. I’m sure the power of the internet and subsequently peoples’ feet will force this despicable pair into either having to pay – whether that be royalties or bankruptcy charges. Hugs xxx
Disgrace , they obviously desperatley need to earn money and dont care how they do.so glad you highlighted this.
I for one, wont be buying any more Stamps Away products and will be emailing them to tell them!!!
What a pair of low-lives. Whether you have t&cs or not you DONT TRACE SOMEONE ELSES IMAGE AND SELL IT AS YOUR OWN. Contact C&C and attach the reply admitting to taking your design. Twats xx
I’ve emailed C&C and said I’m not happy x
I can’t believe that such a company has done this to you and their reply is even worse. I think they will find that a lot of people will be boycotting anything they might sell in the future. I’ve never bought from them because her style is not to my taste but if I had I certainly wouldn’t again.
I can’t believe it, don’t know what to say, have these people no scruples! I don’t have any Stamps Away products and that won’t change in the future for sure. I love your site and your lovely generous die cut images. I think you have done what you can and I think the power of the internet will certainly make people vote with their feet. Take care, big hugs Jane x
I just feel that I must leave a comment here. You are so generous with your wonderful designs and I for one have loved using some of them for my cards, cards which I do not sell at all.
It is another one of these cases where one, or a few people could ruin things for the masses.
I sincerely hope that you get some compensation without having to resort to expensive legal action.
I feel so angry on your behalf.
I’m appalled by the actions of this company – mostly for the way they have ‘justified’ their use of your design. I won’t be buying from them
in future either. If I do see something by them that I would like – chances are I’ll be able to get it from the original designer if I ‘Google’ it.
Have only just found your website and I thank you for all your designs and hard work. I think it’s disgusting what they have done and would never buy from them or recommend their products. Jan x
Hi Bird – I would love to say that I’m shocked that this has happened to you but I’m not… So many ‘well known Companies’ are guilty of taking designs from wonderful Designers like yourself and claiming the designs as their own – having the morals of a gnat! On any given day you can watch C&C and you will see blatant theft of ‘others’ designs but C&C either do not know or do not care. After being a crafter for many years and being on several DT’s you see it happening all the time. Myself and others have actually queried some items with Companies but nothing ever happens!
A suggestion – copy all this Post with all the supportive comments from your wonderful followers and send it direct to C&C, Ali &Paul Reeve and CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS – everyone has forgotten that Stamps Away design for Creative Expressions and they are the type of Company who will not appreciate being drawn into something like this – hit them where it hurts and query every single design and get them to comment as to where the designs have come from – they won’t want to do that! Once you plant the seed that everything is not as it seems and that Ali & Paul Reeve are taking designs from Google and not designing them themselves – crafters will pick up on it and will then decide themselves whether they want to be complicit in theft of other Designer’s designs.
One thing I personally would do is – publicly post an Open Letter on their FB page, Create & Craft’s pages and their own Blog etc expressing YOUR CONCERNS and how you feel this could be remedied – by doing it in an ‘Open Letter’ format you are enabling all your superb followers access to comment themselves on your behalf and that way Ali and Paul Reeve will see how this is going to adversely affect their Business and ‘good name’ within the crafting industry!
I am so annoyed for you, if you haven’t guessed – I wish you all the very best in getting this blatant theft sorted xx
It just goes to show they stole your design, copied it, passed it off as their own and were not sorry. IE: assholes.
Maybe we all should post on c&c reviews this is a stolen idea and not their own and get people to sent it back in protest, it will hurt them hard in the pocket, and serve them right
Have shared this link on my wall stating how despicable this act of theft is I do hope you get some satisfactory response about this Bird xx
This is totally disgraceful and a breach of copy right no matter what they say. Why don’t you try contacting Trading Standards and see what advice they can give you. I used to love watching Ali but never again. Love your designs and am grateful for all the hard work you put into them and its just wrong in so many ways that someone thinks they can come along and steal them for profit xxx
Thank you for letting everyone know who the culprit was, Bird, hopefully they will lose business by their unscrupulous dealings – the old saying “cheats never prosper” does come true and hurting them in their pocket is the best way to make your point – sadly there are probably many more out there who are doing exactly the same thing in one form or another; today’s world is such a weird and unpleasant place. You need to set up a commercial license so that anyone who wishes to use your files for commercial gain has to pay you to do so and you can take action if anyone is found out using them illegally .. either that or you must start charging EVERYONE which will sort the men from the boys with regard to who really wants your files and who just takes them because they are free. Like I said in a previous post many will take something just because it IS free, whether they want or need it or not. To some free means worthless – you are definitely NOT worthless. In the meantime, everyone who supports you needs to use social media to highlight this problem; you won’t be alone – loads of people are being ripped off left, right and centre by those who seek to profit from someone else’s hard work.
This is absolutely disgusting. I am a cutting file designer myself and for someone to blatantly copy one of your designs is ‘not on’. Personally I would contact Create and Craft, if you haven’t done so already and make them aware that they are selling a kit made from someone else’s design and see what they have to say about it.
I completely agree with you posting this, these people so deserve to be named and shamed. Well done you. x
What despicable behaviour by Stamps Away. It’s not the first time they have done something like this either. And the wonderful techniques Ali Reeve has “invented” have all been around for years.
Wanda – you totally hit the nail on the head there. A majority of ‘her ideas’ aren’t hers at all but she blatantly stands there on TV and makes out she thought of them.
I think they should be paying you a royalty for using your work. Because these companies appear on TV they think that they are entitled to do as they please. I expect that if someone copied their work and made out it was their own they would take legal action. They stated they took the picture off the net they should have taken steps to make contact prior to the manufacture of the item.
well I, for one, will not buy anything else from them. Bird, you have always been generous and we appreciate youxxx
I’m really sorry to read that story – it’s terrible when people take advantage of you, and then don’t even have the decency to apologise. I’m not in the US, but will make sure never to buy from those people!
Create and Craft should not support anyone who does this, they should have removed the product once it was highlighted to them. The only way to treat people like this is to boycott their products and expose this all over the internet and hopefully it will hit where it hurts, in their pockets.
I’m so sorry, you are so generous. Tell me if I can do something, sign something or anything else to help you….
Shame on them – both for stealing your design and then (after your contact with them) slightly amending it, just to carry on with the dishonesty. May all the crafters out there realise this and stop buying anything from them.
OMG! How ridiculous. I am a ‘hobby’ crafter – I make papercuts and templates and sell them, but only for pocket money pennies, and even I am VERY careful about copyright – yes i can probably get away with stuff as not many people see my things (I’m certainly not an a National TV programme!!!) but I don’t, for many reasons. To say they ‘searched for free swirly christmas tree’? How ridiculous! Is this how they do all of their designs?! Not exactly original or talented! Anything could come up on a search term – are they stupid?!
Hi Bird, I love your designs and I’m sorry this has happened to you. You are so generous and it’s so unfair, they are nothing less than thieves. I will be emailing both companies.
What can I say…. I am totally disgusted in seeing the information you have shared with us, Bird & Louisa’s letter to the Reeves, says it all really. What also astonishes me is the revealed fact that they find it reasonable to copy/trace/etc an image (designated ‘free’ so they think they can ‘acquire it’ with no financial outlay to themselves) and then pass it on as their own design & profit from it.
It goes to show the character of ‘sellers’ & makes me wonder too, who else they (& possibly others), have done this to. I am sure there are a number of customers of theirs who will no longer purchase ‘their’ products on learning of this – after all, how many designs of ‘their’ products are actually ‘theirs’ to profit from? I am appalled.
So sorry for all of this. Wish people could just be happy being able to use designs crafted by others. If someone can tell me how to note all this on Facebook & Pinterest will do so. Bird you have behaved as the classy lady you are. Very Proud.
If you do truly have a copyright on this item then I would talk to a copyright/paten attorney and file a suit this is wrong in every way possible. However I do know a lot of people claim to have a copyright on their items and do not really have such and if this is the case he can actually turn this around and get one himself and say you are in violation of his rights. This is something all crafters should be aware of. simply placing a copyright symbol on an item does not make it copyright you actually have to file and have a number for each item you have copyright on.
It’s not a case of copyright, per se, it’s more intellectual property. Copyrighting is more for phrasing, logos, wording done in a specific style/colourway etc – it registers that particular image. However, anything you create is your intellectual property and other people do not have the right to take it, copy it, and use it commercially.
What I mean is, you don’t have to register a copyright on every single image/cut file/whatever you create in order to be able to protect it (or to have an expectation of ownership over it).
There is no legal requirement to register copyright in the UK, it is totally voluntary and is something an individual would need to assess based on the likelihood of their work being copied and the financial value of their work. I believe it is different in the US.
Bird, this really stinks. If they are ‘pros” then we do not need them in the business. This was just plain tacky!
You have beautiful designs and are always so generous with your talent.
I guess they thought you would be pleased that they liked your design enough to steal it. Shame on them!
Still for sale here… http://www.clevercut.co.uk/ECatalogue.asp?Parent=TV&Show=TVJUN20&DisplayMessage=BASBASBAS%20MDF%20Christmas%20Tree%20in%20basket&ShowDesc=Create%20and%20Craft%20-%2020th%20June&Action=&Search=&Page=1&Ditem=
Really sad for you. I hope you reach a decent agreement and that you get compensated!
Bird,
I am so glad that you posted their names. I will NEVER buy anything from them! It is so low to be so blatant and so unapologetic. I once worked with a lady who told me that designers never get the credit they deserve…she was certainly right in your case.
There is a group on FB called Stamp Out Stamp Theft. I don’t know if they can help you or if it’s just a group to make crafters aware of who is stealing idea. It could make more awareness to your situation if you posted a link to this blog post on their site.
I am appalled at the blatant theft of your designs. Even if it was found on Google, there would be a link to your website.
I, for one US citizen, love your designs and appreciate your generosity. I have always been amazed that you would create such beautiful designs and then offer them to us freely.
I think you should bring legal action against these thieves.
Dear Bird I’m very sad this has happened to you. I can’t believe when someone is running a business they can say – because it came up in a Google search it must be free! And then to add insult to injury to argue with you about your own design. Sending you lots of hugs.
Wow…I cannot for the life of me get over the nerve of these people! At the very least, I figure they should completely pull the file for sale, make some sort of amends by offering you a proper royalty on each unit sold, and give a sincere apology. Since this hasn’t happened, I suggest dear Bird you go after them legally till you get the satisfaction you deserve. These are very unethical people from the sounds of it and need to learn what they did was wrong…they may do it again to someone else. Take care.
Bird,
Have you considered “going up the chain”? Craft & Create is part of Ideal Shopping Direct. Here’s a link to a page of their directors, http://www.idealshoppingdirect.co.uk/about/directors/. I did a quick Google search and came up with Tony Sheridan LinkedIn page http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysheridan. I strongly suggest you contact him with a history of your contact with the Reeves & your supporters response. They should be concerned with protecting the reputation of their company and be able to put an end to this nonsense. If he doesn’t respond, continue going up the chain. Good luck
Don’t give up Bird, you still have the law on your side..and they know it!!
How dare they try to imply you changed the copyright rules just to catch them!!
They may have more money behind them but you have the law behind you, they can argue all they like but they are in the wrong and they know it
Good luck in whatever you decide to do xx
Unbelievable. I am just echoing what everyone else is saying…ill-gotten gains by the unscrupulous. I will say that I am quite impressed with your investigative skills…overlaying the trees, computer searches, etc. Personally, I would like to thank you for the free files. I have used several to make cards for the troops, people in the hospital and even for my children. My daughter and I were just looking at some designs for her to make for the girls in her dorm (she is a Resident Assistant at her college). The cut files are so useful when you have to cut out 24 of each item. Many thanks for your years of free use. Those two will get what they deserve in the end…and none of my business!
I am about to make a card and pennants for a 5oth wedding anniversary and the first designs I turned to were yours. Because you are so generous with your files, I have delighted in downloading a good number for use with friends, family and the charities I make cards for. My cardmaking would be all the poorer if you hadn’t been so kind. Like everyone posting on this feed, it makes me angry to think that some people trade on the thoughfulness of others and think only of ‘making a fast buck’ for themselves. Last year I posted a small tip just to say thank you for all that you do – and would happily go along with whichever safeguards you need to put in place.
Dont’ let the nasties get you down!
Kind regards,
Hazel
I live in Adelaide, South Australia. I love receiving your emails…and know that it is for personal use only…which has been made very clear on the T&C. I make cards (birthday, sympathy, get well, etc) and sell them at the aged care home that my lives in. She has the box of cards in her room and it has been great – people come into Mum’s room to look at the cards, they have a chat, and it is a bit of company for my Mum. I do not charge very much for the cards, but it is not about the money. It is about enjoyment, hobby, love of making a card to suit a person – these are my rewards.
Good luck with the a…holes – I believe in karma. Go on their facebook site, get it out there in the public arena that they are low lifes!
I appreciate what you do and am sure there are lots of people who do to. They are lousy but don’t give yourself an ulcer over it. Move on.
I have downloaded several images from you as well as another very generous designer. When I download from you, I make sure to put them in a folder marked “Bird”. That way, when I design for sale in my Etsy shop, I make sure not to pull from a folder of designs that are not my own originals. I have a beautiful swirl tree from another designer that I just can’t imitate. I wanted to use his design in some vinyl I was selling, so I e-mailed him to *ask permission ahead of time*. If he said “no”, I would not have used it. However, he was generous and said I could use it. The point is that I asked *ahead of time*. Lifting a pic off of the internet without permission to use for sales is clearly unethical in the very least, not to mention against the law. Sheesh. They know better, and it sounds like you have a case. Fondly, Tami
Totally disgusting! I say we should all copy the image off your website and add a star to the top of it and have all of your followers offer it as a free file from Bird on our blogs so they won’t be able to sell any! Why pay if you can get it for free! We should just blast them with it! I see they have a copyright policy and threat on their site, guess you should change your terms to the same as theirs, charging anyone who lifts off of them!
“CleverCut Copyright Policy
All images and text (including product photographs and descriptions within our shop) are copyright Clever Cut Limited (known as CleverCut). These are our interllectual property and in alot of cases a great deal of time and cost have gone into producing these. We ask you to fully read this copyright notice, in particular if you wish to use any information or images (including simply linking to it) that is contained within our website, online shop and any newsletter, email or documentation we send out.”
LOOKS LIKE IN A LOT OF CASES THEY WORKED HARD TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSES DESIGN! tHEY GO FURTHER TO SAY:
” Use of our images or Text
The use of our images or text without prior written permission would be subject to a fee of £50 per each individual image or block of text. We class using our images or text as either lifting the information and saving on another system (both online and offline medias), or using an image directly by linking to our system (known as sponging). Normal html links to pages within our website are authorised as long as these link only to the webpage and not directly to an image, the only exceptions to this are linking directly to our popup information pages or placing links (of any type) on auction websites (e.g. Ebay) or websites where your aim is to sell a similar or related item and are using our images or text to assist in this.
We ask that you contact us prior to using any text or images within the CleverCut website and online shop. Our information is often used under license for a nominal fee, prior written consent must be given before use. You need to contact us in writing, initially via email.
info@clevercut.co.uk
Applicable Charges
Images or information (website/product text) whether copied and used away from our servers or left on our servers and used elsewhere (known as sponging) will automatically be subject to a charge or £50 per item. This policy is available for everyone to see, either through our website (i.e. this page you are reading) or in writing available if you contact CleverCut and forms part of our website usuage policy. We always persue the recovery of costs of our intellectual property when it’s unlincensed use is detected. We only authorise the use of our interlectual property in writing, on headed paper and signed by a partner or senior member of staff. ”
SO ARE THEY PAYING YOU 50 PER ITEM THEY “SPONGED” OFF YOUR SITE? IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO TO HELP BRING THESE CHEATS DOWN LET ME KNOW BIRD, I WOULD LOVE TO HELP PUT A NAIL IN THESE CHEATERS COFFINS!
~DIANE
This is so disgusting! It seems this is a problem that crops up all too often. I can only imagine your disappointment with people such as them.
I appreciate all that you do (and offer) to others.
So sorry for your need to deal with this continued problem.
So sorry this happened to you. I can only agree with what others have said. You are so generous with your files and then to have someone turn around and take one to make a profit. They must not be aware (tongue in cheek here) that even though the image is found on the internet there are still copyright laws that are applicable.
Bird. I am member of a few different craft sites and I have requested permission to post this on a couple so far. I hope the more people who see this and complain will at least let them know what we think of them
Unbelievable! The nerve- and they admitted it was your design and then again to tweek it and keep selling it! You are so generous and talented- I have never bought from them and certainly never will!
It’s us , the consumer with the power. I will never, ever watch that show or buy there or product. The sad part:There is no reason to STEAL someone’s ideas. There are too many people willing to sell. Or, wow, here’s an idea: Create your own! Loser’s! Anyone know an address to so I can complain!
I read about this on FB today (Silhouette Chums)and just wanted to wish you luck with resolving this and I hope you don’t let them intimidate you. On the plus side I have now found your wonderful website and look forward to trying the designs. I hope you don’t give up what you do!
I feel disgusted at what they have done and I have written to them to let them know this…I love your files and this shouldn’t happen to you…I’m so sorry.
This is not the first time I have seen this company name, and these individuals, involved in this sort of theft. I am so sorry you are their target now, Bird. Have courage, and hold your ground. They are in the wrong. Right, and the law, is surely on your side. I hope you gain the victory.
I’m so sorry you have been ripped off by these blatantly greedy people. Your loyal fan base can attest that your Terms and Conditions haven’t changed for a long time, and they will definitely be losing a lot of custom over this, which will serve them right.
Have you contacted C&C to see what they have to say on the matter?
I appreciate all you do for us, and the hours of work you put in to make these beautiful files, and I’m just so angry that this has happened to you, and I will certainly be telling everyone I know not to buy from them.
Unbelievable!! I don’t know anything about law but I wish there were more that could be done to get them to stop. I have always appreciated your hard work and creativity.It really bothers me that those people took advantage of you!
Bird,
You are one of the most generous people that I have seen in the crafting world. We truly appreciate your hard work and support you in whatever course of action you take against these thieves.
Being from the states, I had never heard of these folks before, but thank you very much for sharing their names with us. I will be sure to never do business with them. I am headed over to facebook and will be commenting on any sites I can find that have to do with them.
I hope your day gets brighter.
Wow, the headaches of doing the right thing are endless for you. I’m in the US and never heard of these folks, but they sound like so many that don’t give a thought to anyone else but their own wallets. It’s too bad that they didn’t have the common sense to “do the right thing”, but you have so many loyal and true fans and we all silently support you. And now many of us will make our voices heard…..I hope that gives you some comfort knowing that even though you don’t hear from us often we are hear to ready your defense against these would-be thieves. Long time crafters/sellers know to look at terms of use and if they are confused, contact the creator for clarification before going forward with a major project of reselling the items made from that pattern. Duh!
I really feel for you. I have run a website for years with free templates much like yours I don’t visit you often not because I dont like your templates but because I dont want to get ideas and we end up with similar templates. The fact these people have searched free christmas trees and freely admit tracing yours is an outrage. What was wrong with them offering to pay for the design ? It makes my blood boil you dont profit from your templates why should someone else…grrrr
At last the culprits are named! I am as outraged as everyone else that these people have stolen your design and passed it of as their own and by all accounts have done it before to others. Never again will I be watching Ali Reeve on Create & Craft or buying her products. If I knew how to blog I would happily spread the word. Go Get’em Bird we’re all behind you. You are such a generous and talented lady and don’t deserve to be treated in this way.
That is so wrong. My heart is breaking for you.
Please know that I love your designs and check your work daily. I have also NEVER sold anything-let alone anything you designed. My craft projects are better because of you.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
I will never buy from Ali Reeve or even watch her on Create & Craft.
I am usually never inclined to comment on most things but I had to express my absolute disgust at how you have been treated! HOW DARE THEY!!!
I love your designs and your generosity in sharing them with all of us. I for one would not have a clue where to start designing my own.
I agree with Iris about contacting C&C. I cant imagine that they are aware of whats been done to you and surely you must have some legal rights.
I will not be watching anymore of their shows and will be sharing your story with everyone I know!
Thank you on behalf of all honest people out here in cyber land for your generosity.
x
Oh Bird I feel absolutely gutted and angry for you too..this is a horrible way for another human being to treat another let alone one in the public eye.. I have been coming to your site since I have had my Silhouette and read the rules etc ..I would not dream of adjusting or not telling people who the beautiful work comes from..let alone sell anything as my own.. It is nice in this horrible world to find someone who is generous and sharing your wonderful art,that is what it is..I have read a lot of the messages and there are a lot of people like me who think your great so please don’t let what this couple have done get to you we are all behind you ..Christine xxx
incroyable d’être à ce point malhonnête !!
je comprend tout à fait votre déception
je ne connais pas du tout cette chaîne car ici en France nous n’avons pas de chaîne de scrap malheureusement mais si je vois quelque part ces créations, je préviendrai pour que personne ne les achète
peut être pourriez-vous déposer plainte auprès de la propriété intellectuelle, je sais qu’ici en France on n’a pas le droit de s’approprier tout ce que l’on trouve sur Google ou ailleurs, les images et dessins appartiennent toujours à leur auteur
j’en profite aussi pour vous remercier de tous les jolis fichiers que vous mettez en ligne
cordialement, lilas
Its great that you named and shamed Ali Reeve. A number of years ago something similar happened to me. I felt violated and heartbroken as I had worked so hard pulling everything together for my own customers. In a way you should be flattered I guess as clearly your design was liked enough for them to STEAL it.. quite frankly why should they profit from your design. That would drive me nuts but you are clearly a very talented person and im sure they will think twice before crossing you again. Oh and by the way thank you for all the wonderful designs, as with out your brilliant site my life would be so boring xx
This is so horrible! I am sorry for the stress they have caused you. They should at least have apologized. I love your designs, Bird. You are so generous and it is disgusting the way they have taken advantage for their own greed. Sick. (HUGS) to you. I hope they take it down and it stays off their site.
I’m sorry to see there are people in this world that would be so rude and taking advantage of your generousity….I will not support or buy anything from people like that….why let them flourish when they don’t deserve it….I believe in karma and what goes around comes around….don’t let this keep you down….not everyone is like this….Most people have integrity to do what is right…I personally appreciate your cut file and would support and purchase your files if you choose to sell them….Thank you again, I truly appreciate and value your hard work
See how loved you are Bird, even here in the USA we deeply regret all of the pain, frustration and sorrow this has brought you. If we could tell you how many times we love and appreciate your designs, you would have a path to the moon and back again. Sometimes it takes one little wave like you Bird to create a tsunami because you not only represent yourself but also thousands of independent artists like you who fight everyday to preserve their designs. Sometimes enough is enough. God bless you and I hope this doesn’t dampen your spirit of giving to the ones who really care.
I am so very sorry that this has happened to you. I have just found your website the other day. You do fantastic work an freely share, giving a lot if us inspiration. Others have stated things a lot better than I can. I just wanted you to know I truly appreciate your talent an all you do an share. My heart an craft hurt for you. HUGS
I can empathise with you, since something of a much smaller scale happened with the tutorials on my blog. A user from Live Internet Russia, scraped the entire contents of two tutorials, plus several images from other posts, and placed them on her site. All attempts to have said content removed have been ignored, and she has now upped the ante, by placing the printed link to her site on my watermarked, copyrighted images! Last week, while conducting a cursory image search on Bing, I have now discovered that the ‘.ru’ subdomain to my blog has been hacked, so that anyone clicking on an URL which bears my blog name, but the ‘.ru’ extension, gets redirected to Live Internet Russia. In the less than nine months since I have been blogging, this is the second incident where someone has stolen content from my blog, and as a result, I have decided to limit what I was once willing to share freely.
I just told the friend who directed me to your post, that as a rule, I am not usually one for litigation, as a means to an end, but in your instance, I think you should sue the pants off of them! They have definitely crossed the line with this!
All the best!
Ann Marie
I think they should at least share profits…50 – 50! I have seen this happen with rubber stamp designs too…one company in the UK copied the designs of Stamping Bella in the States. I use to order from this company in the UK when I lived in HK.
I quit ordering from that company and sent them a letter stating why. Didn’t stop them from doing it…no moral compass I guess.
I’m so glad you called them on it. And Louisa’s letter was right on.
he may need to read some of these, before he decides to do that again….http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/copyright-fair-use-and-how-it-works-for-online-images/…………….http://www.plagiarismtoday.com/stopping-internet-plagiarism/your-copyrights-online/3-copyright-myths/
OMG! You’ve got to be KIDDING me! People have NO couth. NONE. They were banking on the fact you wouldn’t see what they’ve done…period.
Im sorry that you are going through this. I so admire all of your designs and your talent. Your generosity does not go unnoticed or unappreciated, but of course, there is always someone out there to ruin things for everyone else.
Thank you for all you do and Karma will work with those two. :)
I have no words for the things happend. So sorry! You are so wonderful and people are so … NO WORDS!!!! XOXO Katrin
This is utterly disgraceful and she is on Facebook getting everyone to rally round her as if THEY are the ones being hard done by..I will never watch her again on C & Craft she has done this to other crafters..they brought out the blending mat not long after SplodgeAway..ripping someone elses idea..totally wrong and you need to stop that company in its tracks!! you go girl !!!!
If lifting a picture from a Google Search was ok then, as a card designer among a group, we would all be using Thomas Kinkade Christmas scenes or L S Lowry pictures (for example) I can see the copyright holders of these having something to say about it if we tried! Just because someone is generous enough to offer a free design or template doesn’t mean you can then take advantage, they should be ashamed of themselves!
I’m absolutely disgusted that a big company would do this. I hope Bird puts a legal claim in. At least c&c have removed from their site but unfortunately stamps away haven’t.
I have sent them an email and posted this on all the craft sites I’m linked to. Bird I hope you know from all these comments we are 100% behind you
I totally agree. What an abuse and assault. Another reason not to buy from created and craft. Xxx
What Ali and Paul Reeve did was totally wrong. I hate that they took advantage of your generosity. Even without terms and conditions it’s just plain wrong to trace what you gave freely and then put it up for sale as their own work. I hope that you will take any and all recourse to stop them. Who knows how many others they’ve done this to. I don’t know who they are but rest assured I’ll never purchase anything from or support the Reeves. So sorry this happened.
How absolutely horrible! These individuals and the companies they work for/provide to and offer these products through should be disgraced! The theft the perpetrated is bad enough, but I’m even more sickened at their careless and insulting response. Strength and patience to you Bird as you muddle through this. So very sorry this has happened to such a sweet, kind, generous person as you!
This is a horrendous situation and one I believe should be punished by law. I hope you can get some satisfaction to that end. You have been so generous to us and we appreciate it so much. I am sure that you have lost some trust in the world at large. It is always a few rotten apples that spoil the batch. Good luck.
I echo the shock and outrage of all the earlier posts and what to add how sorry I am that this happened to you. Your creativity and generosity is a boon to crafters like me who enjoy crafting but don’t design and it is just sickening that someone would prey upon that very thing. Please know that you are very much appreciated and supported!!
That is disgusting what they have done especially when it clearly states in your terms. And then for them not to apologise and just tweet your design to make money from it. Usually the crafting community is so nice. There is always one bad apple ((hugs))
Dx
I really enjoy watching Create and Craft and have in the past enjoyed watching Ali Reeve when she appears, indeed I have a couple of her ‘Projects and Techniques’ DVD’s.
I have to say I am really saddened and surprised at how they have communicated with you and at the use of your design. I will have second thoughts at purchasing from Stamps Away and Clevercut in the future. Bad news about a company sticks like glue (no pun intended).
I’m sure/hope there was no ill intent on there behalf but as a mark of respect to you as a crafter and designer they should compensate you in some way. Not just a mention in a newsletter sent out in a few months.
I for one will be using your Tip Jar.
—-
I am so sorry this has happened!! You are such a generous person, I can’t believe someone could be so rotten!
You are such a talented designer and are so very sweet to share your designs with all of us. To hear that someone has taken advantage of your generosity (and profited from it) is disgusting! I can only imagine how violated you feel. You have a bigger support system than you even know. Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way!
I just posted a comment through the blog email which I see I received days late! I am not in England and don’t know anything about this show, but if you or someone can tell us where we can post in support of you, I would be happy to do it. It should be made public for all to see that they steal the designs they sell!
Just wanted to add my support to Bird. I WILL never buy a product from Ali and Paul again and I hope that c@c stop having them on, this would surely have an affect on their business and rightly so. Bird is a kind and generous crafter and I cannot believe she has been so blatantly walked all over. I will be emailing c and c and ali and Paul too. The more emails the better I say.
here’s what should be done…leave a comment on their site every day and all your followers should do the same with a guarantee..that we will no longer be doing business or buying ANY of their products from them…. cause who know from whom else they have STOLEN and they expect us to buy something they TOOK from the internet??? The tv station should also be notified..if they can not do research on the product they are soliciting to us to buy we will no longer buy from them either..if we as commoner understand your terms are they uneducated high paying lowlifes that show no respect to the talent that others that do have and use their brain and do the hard work and NOT try to rip off people I would like the email addy of both and blogs also since those are read by MANY!…Do I count since I’m in the USA?? but news travels fast!!
Me again…how could he sell something that was FREE??? was that disclosed by Ali or the TV station???? sorry getting upset here!!
all these comments should be forward to the blogs!!! the truth should be known!!!
That is just horrible! Sadly, it happens more often than we know. It’s a classic case of big corporations stealing from small/individual organizations who are trying to do good. I don’t know how far you want to go with this, but I’m sure an attorney could help you out. Best of luck to you! Keep your head up :)
I am so sorry that this happened to you. I have loved your designs and appreciated your generosity in sharing them with the crafting world. This is terrible that somebody else would steal your designs to profit from them.
Bird, I hate these disgusting people have taken your designs and made money off them. I’m in the States so I’m not sure who to get in touch with to show support for you. It’s galling that they used your goodness and profited from it. How can I send an email to the TV show that had them on? Or how do I email them directly? People like that make the world a bad place for the good, kind people like you. If you just tell me what to do I’ll gladly do it. You have my full support and admiration. Can you block their IP address from ever coming to your site again and stealing more designs? I’m sending love and hugs to you from Alabama.
Ok I have just looked at the tv listings and it seems Ali is back on sat with her christmas stuff, this will be very interesting viewing,I can hear me shouting at her already ggrrr
There is a greedy couple called the Reeve’s
who seem to think they can do what they please
they steal others designs,
and make money by the piles
I cant think of an ending, copy and paste this as your post and add your ending then maybe this can be posted on other sites he he he
The right thing to do – if it is still in the hands of both sets of legal advisers, is to not have her on! The even more right thing to do is NEVER have her back on!
I’m so sorry someone did this to you. You are very generous to share your designs and it is simply WRONG of someone to disregard what they KNOW is wrong and do it anyway. Honestly, I don’t know how people like that sleep at night.
:(
So sorry this has happened to you.
Hugs
Ann xxx
I am disgusted to read about this and you should contact create and craft and inform them that they are selling a product design that has been stolen from your hard work. They are very big on Angel Policy so I think they would be interested to hear about this.
wow,
I would never have expected this from Ali. I always got the impression that she supported smaller companies etc. I guess l was so wrong. As a fellow designer who has put work out there some designs given freely for crafters to use as not everyone has a limited budget and things are not cheap. We are not only being ripped off by companies like this but there is also a big player in Create and Craft that has caused a lot of pain and heart ache and loss of earnings. That was the reason l stopped shopping from this company they are a company thats only there to build profits on the back of crafters. Now Ali has lost a lot of respect from me by doing this it is so wrong. My work is copyrighted and l offer the use with limits ie they cant be added to another package and sold as their own design etc.
We give our work to the crafting community expecting some sort of respect back thats not to much to ask is it?
I will not buy another thing from this company. I have a growing list of companies that as far as l am concerned have caused my fellow crafters to be ripped off and discarded and they are just ‘Crafter’s who don’t know what they are doing!’ Join me boycott companies that do this and name them so we can all avoid them at all costs.
I support anyone who feels as a designer that their work is being prostituted by another company for money gain.
ITS WRONG and we need to stop it!
I have emailed Create and Craft and told them in no uncertain terms that if they continue to have Ali Reeve on their channel and her items for sale, they will lose customers in droves. Not much of a reply, only to say my email has been sent to Head Office …
Am sure that Head Office will be receiving many similar messages. Shall watch with interest on Saturday.
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks and I just sat down to download the latest of your awesome designs and saw this. How sad. To profit from stealing from you and then try to put the blame on you and your terms is low. So low. I’m so sorry that they have treated you this way. I love all of your designs and you are incredibly generous to share them with us. Thank you.
Bird honey,
I am saddened and shocked and disgusted.
I feel sick sat here reading all of this.
Hun can I please just say here that if you need financial help in order for you to pursue this as a criminal matter, then please add a Paypal Donation button to your page.. I’m sure that .each and everyone of us crafters who have ever downloaded your files will gladly donate to help you not let them get away with this.
How awful for you to have to go through this at all.
Hugs,
Karen.xx
HI Bird
as another great fan of your site and your generousity I have sent this email to Create and Craft
Dear Sirs,
I am sad to see that Stamps Away design has been stolen from Birds Cards and as such is now a copyright infringement.
Paul Reeve has already admitted copying the image from her site
Stamps Away are selling this kit with no credit or thought to the designer.
I would ask that in order to preserve the channels reputation that you should consider removing all images from your website and desist from selling it.
My limited knowledge would suggest that your channel is committing copyright infringement by selling a stolen design
Yours faithfully
If anyone has the ability to set up a website to publish this theft I for one am happy to come on board !
best wishes
Pandora
I have also written to Clevercuts and expressed my disappointment and upset regarding their actions
Here is their email address if anyone else wants to write to them
info@clevercut.co.uk
Pandora
Dear Bird’s Card,
You need to contact their web site host with the information and their website host, by International Law, will shut down their website/s until the stolen designs are removed.
Your work is beautiful and I look forward to each and every post.
Happy thoughts,
Petrina
Dear Bird’s Cards,
Shut down their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/CreateandCraft
In the upper right there is a drop down that says “report
to the right side of ‘messages’ are 3 dots. click on that and a drop down menu comes up…one of the choices is:
“I think it’s an unauthorized use of my intellectual properties’ click on that and hit enter…let Facebook do the rest.
I’m so sorry to hear that this happened to you Bird! I have loved learning how to craft through the beautiful files you’ve shared.
I will join the gang in writing to CleverCuts to express my outrage!
God bless you and THANK YOU for sharing with us!
So sad to read! :-( I Do not understand people who can do so …. And then not being able to apologize or give you credit for your work …. Love your files. And hope you do not have more stuff like this in the future : Hugs from Sweden
Hi Bird – just to let you know I’ve posted this both on my FB page and also the Scanncut FB group that I belong to. I think the more people know about this the better.
Hugs.
Karen x
Wow!!! cannot believe the nerve Paul and Ali have to not only claim that your terms of use was different when they lifted your Christmas tree design but then, once confronted by you, they “tweak” it a little and continue to sell it as their own idea.
What a blatant theft of your intellectual property rights. Shame on them. I for one will no longer be buying ANY product from them or from their shows on Create and Craft, since who knows from where they got their other designs? I am so sorry to see you being treated in this way, I hope that if enough people boycott their products and spread the word, they will get the message.
So sorry this has happened to you. I love your site and have used your designs to create some lovely cards for friends and family. It’s so sad to see your generosity taken advantage of. Don’t let it get you down, you are fantastic!
So sorry to read that your generosity has been taken advantage of in this way. I hope you are able to resolve the matter soon.Sue
This is outrageous. I hope you get satisfaction. On a positive note, I have now discovered your fabulous blog and become a follower :D I wish you well x
What gives people the nerve to do something like this? I just don’t understand why they think they can use your design without changing it to make money off of it when you are not!
I have not cut many of your designs yet but do appreciate that you make them available to us and enjoy checking them out. And to claim that you changed your terms of use right after they started selling is just ridiculous. They are trying to cover up what they have done. Know that we are all on your side.
I’m sorry to read about this and hope you get things sorted ASAP.
It seems that the show on C&C scheduled for Friday has been moved to the 11/7! Just seen this on FB.
When you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar it is always easier for the guilty parties to place blame on the offended party. What a bunch of morally deprived crafters. They should hang their heads in SHAME.
I am so sorry it happened to you, you are very generous and it is sad that people too advantage of it. I have enjoyed your designs.
I have been to look at the C&C webpage for Friday 27th, saturday 28th, sunday 29th and monday 30th June 2014, there is now NO LISTING for any show by Stamps Away, or Ali Reeve. Though Ali was due to be on with Stephanie Weightman, as a friend of mine saw the listing but None of Ali’s products were listed at the time she saw the details, just generic items, eg ink paper etc.
If I had bought it, I would return it to Create and Craft for a refund, stating that the item is under a cease and desist order for breach of copyright, and that postage to and from Create and Craft should be refunded as it is an item in breach of copyright.
Brilliant news!! I wonder how many other designs in their portfolio are now under scrutiny.
Funny you should say that, I found a couple to be very familiar!
I’ve just come across this article.
I’m watching create and craft and Ali Reeves is on now. I thought I would search to see if her items were available cheaper else where.
After seeing this I no longer want to search for or buy any thing from them.
I am disgusted with what they have done.
I don’t have a machine that uses svg files (can’t afford one unfortunately)
but I would never do as they have done.
I am rebelling by not buying their products.
I’m sorry about what happened to you, I wish you the best and everything will be ok for you, God bless you for everything you do for us, the crafts lover’s.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I just want to say thank you for your kindness and generosity with all the wonderful things that you’ve shared for free on you blog. They are gorgeous!
Cannot believe that this practice carries on in this day and age!! I have written to Create and Craft, Creative Expressions and the crooked company in question. Hopefully, if enough of us do this you will gain something from the deception. I’ll be watching with interest so please keep us informed!
Bird, your generosity in sharing your fabulous designs with us “little crafters” is excellent karma. The Reeves’ egregious violation of your intellectual property also has karmic repercussions, none of which can be remotely construed as positive.
I must admit to relishing the thought of an excruciatingly thorough audit of their business files to discover and verify this and possible other cases of infringement — featuring humorless tax accountants, computer impoundment, and big juicy settlements. Heh.
I have only just read this and I have to say, I am so very disappointed in Ali. I used to make a note of when she was going to be on C&C so that I could watch. I did think that the tree looked familiar and now, having read your posting I can say with certainty I will no long follow or use the products sold by Ali and Paul Reeve. There is so much on the market now. From the initial responce you received from Paul it would appear that this is his normal practice. Perhaps at a Trade Show attention could be drawn to the attention of other people like you, so that they are on their guard.
Finally, may I say thank you for all the lovely designs you so generously let us use. Kind regards Miranda x
I think this is a classic example of someone with resources taking advantage of artists. I’ve worked in design, and it’s standard that you cannot change someone’s design slightly and represent it as your own without proper compensation or AT LEAST contacting the person with your intentions. They darn well knew they were taking advantage. It’s also, sadly, a common practice. Your license has always been very fair; I’m sure we’d all like to be able to make money off of free ideas, but in the end those ideas should be ours. Thank you for bringing this issue to the attention of the public. I’ve been using your designs for free for years and I owe you a big tip! I was thinking of using some of them on cards that I sell, but I knew I had to contact you first for a commercial license. Hey, if I’m making money off it, why shouldn’t you? Thank you again for being awesome! Best, CG
I am so sorry that this has happened! You blog is such a blessing to us at home croppers and crafters that do this for love instead of finance. The first thing I would have done was call the station that hosts this program and complain. Perhaps the station would then get intouch with the program and have these people eliminated as clients as what they are doing is illegal. That being said, thank you so much for what you do for us crafters, it is greatly appreciated and on the whole it is not abused.
So sorry that this has happened. People are just so brazen and do whatever they want, figuring they are immune to rules and regulations. I love your designs. It is too bad people like this have to spoil it for you and your fan base…
It’s unfortunate that your common decency has been taken advantage of by corporate schemers. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time this type of thing has happened…. and won’t be the last.
As frustrating and WRONG as it is, don’t allow others greediness to change YOU and what do. You do what you love because it’s what you love…. not to “get rich quick”… although getting rich from it would be wonderful, wouldn’t it!
I am so sorry that this is taking place. I will boycott the show. I will repost your posts for the world to know.
Keep faith that Karma is a bitch and will bite them in the ASS at some point in time….
Until then, keep your chin and spirits up!
UNBELIEVEABLE!i´ve never been seen something like this using the tv! i live in brazil, here there a lot of crafters that uses the picture of another´s crafter work to show how their own work to get customers, and we hate this! of course! but what happened to you is out of line of all limits! shame on those Ali and paul!
this is unbelieveable! i´ve never been seen something like this using the tv! i live in brazil, here there a lot of crafters that uses the picture of another´s crafter work to show how their own work to get customers, and we hate this! of course! but what happened to you is out of line of all limits! shame on those Ali and paul!!
I am disgusted. I read this entire post with my jaw dropped. It’s ridiculous to believe that there are people like this. On accident, maybe. Claiming ignorance, ok. But right the wrong, man, am I right?
I, for one, have always been so appreciative that you’ve allowed anyone and everyone to download your wonderful designs for FREE, and I think you’re the only person ever that is ok with someone selling a product that they made from your design.
I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this.
I am sorry to here what happened to you, it is a disgrace. I love the images and file she share with us , thank you so much.
Bernadette
x
This is a disgrace you always have the most wonderful designs. I hope you stick it to them, it is what they deserve. I will sign your letter.
Hi Bird, I know many have enjoyed your generosity and fabulous cutting file shares. I alsoshare cutting files and have found them all over the internet and up for sale. I give freely and don’t like it when others sell what I give freely, but have adopted this philosophy; ” When I do something good it’s my good to own. When others take my good and do something bad with it; this is their bad to own.”. Keep up all of the wonderful things you do and know karma will always come back to bite those who do badly right in the derriere.Bless you and thank you for all your good. Hugs, Debbie
Hi a quick update they are still selling your template on there site, they may have “tweked” it a bit but it still looks like your work. Dam disgracefull.
Dearest Bird, I just can’t believe that you have been wronged in this way! These people are obviously not talented (they have to plain & outright STEAL talented crafter’s work), unscrupulous cads & despicable human beings! I wish that there was some way for you to sue them for everything the have! Did you contact the TV show with this proof of theft, as that might make them refuse to do business with these people for fear of repercussions. I wonder if there is some way of delivering your files that requires acceptance of terms & conditions prior to the download commencing? I want to thank you so much for your very hard work & the sacrifice of your precious time in order to share your gifts with us, you are the last person on earth who should have to face this kind of abuse. Thank you, thank you thank you, you dear soul.
Many Blessings I pray for you,
Melitta Ball
There are probably a lot of people making money from your designs that you don’t know about. There’s a free copyright service available with which you can protect yourself a little better. myfreecopyright.com.
Utterly despicable – I certainly won’t be buying any more of Ali Reeve’s products!
I haven’t read through all the comments, so this might be covered, but I think you should contact Create & Craft & threaten them with legal action, too.
Hello!
This is something so ugly!!!! I am with you from the distance and wish you strenght in the fight for right behavior.
I have just gotten around to reading this. I am so so sad that this is happening! I have so enjoyed your designs, they helped me make Christmas cards this year for my four grown children that I was SO PROUD of – and I NEVER could have done with out your generosity. Thank you for what you do Bird…..I appreciate you.
Dear Bird
I am disgusted to read about Stamps Away stealing your design and then selling it as their own. How low can you get!!. It’s hard to believe people can be so greedy.
Without your generosity, many of us would be unable to access so many incredible files. A heartfelt thank you to you.
I live in the UK and have checked the C and C website to find out if Stamps Away company is still being broadcast on their channel and they are. They are scheduled to appear tomorrow (12th July) at 4am (repeat)and 5pm. There is no way I will be buying anything from this company.
An earlier post noted that Ali often claimed ‘new’ techniques were her own ideas but this isn’t true. Being a retired teacher, I did many of her ‘new’ techniques with the kids years ago. A pretty dodgy company in all aspects.
I’m a firm believer in ‘what goes round comes round’ so, hang in there, Bird, and you will win in the end. God bless.
Hello Bird
Im not sure if you are reading any of the posts people are writing or not. But if you are I went to the site and could no longer find them selling your christmas tree. So either my blondness hit it from me or they actually removed it from there site. I am in the USA Tennessee to be exact and brand new to SVGs. So new I got a Cameo for my birthday in may. It is still in the box. Yep I’m scared to try it out. But am thinking of taking the plunge this weekend. I am downloading your files and hope you meant them for Cameo’s too. God bless you for your kind heart and hope Karma comes around VERY SOOOOOOON for Stamps Away. Have a great year.
I think their new version of my tree is still up.
Oh do get your machine out of the box and have a go, in no time at all I bet you will be addicted! I certainly was with my first one.
You should find studio versions of most of my files, if not try the gsd, but of course if you have the designer addition of the software you can use the svgs. There should be a format for every file that will work woth your cameo :)
Shocking but not at all surprised. Companies like this are ripping the pee out of crafters and is no wonder we turn to cheaper versions when possible. But to take your initial design and sell it on is what companies do to people who are basiclly, on thier own.
They know you wont have a team of lawyers to defend you and probably cannot afford to take them on in court.
They are thieves, plain and simple. A small reimbursement would not have gone amiss. Maybe next time Alli is on C&C, we could all drop an e mail in during one of her shows and drop discreet hints of not buying it unless you are compensated. Start e mail with usual praises then say I would like to buy it but feel a certain person who designed it should be compensated for the design use.
Hello Bird,
So sorry to hear that a kind and generous person such as yourself has been ripped off by unscrupulous people such as these. I’m angry for you so can only begin to imagine how you must feel. I know it won’t help but I think I can speak for a huge number of people who wish to express their gratitude and appreciation for your beautiful designs and the hours of pleasure they’ve given. I hope the company concerned reap everything they deserve for their blatant thievery.
Oh Bird! I am so so very sorry that you have to endure this. I was away for a few weeks and just got back to catching up on your posts and believe me, I am sitting here FUMING that someone is so pathetic to steal and then blame you for not writing the terms clearly! That’s really low! There are so many kind and generous artists like you that put their heart and soul into designing and freely sharing and then there are thieves (yes, let’s call a spade a spade!) that shamelessly steal without any conscience! Sorry but all I am able to offer a few words of comfort and sympathy and I hope you know how many of us truly appreciate what you do on a daily basis. What goes around comes and around and trust, the money they made by stealing your designs isn’t going do them any good! As you said, an apology would’ve gone a lot farther than arrogant attitude!
coming in a little late on this but if they only lifted the image from google search as they stated then how did they read your terms of use?? surely to read them they must have gone to your actual website. Their excuse is so full of holes you could use it as a strainer! If it was me I’d be getting legal advice.
Isn’t it just? ;)
Shame on them!
Unethical and dishonest people like this make me very angry.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
So sorry this happened to you.
I stand behind you 100%!
YOU GO GIRL!!
That is brutal!! Sorry that this has happened to you. I will not buy anything from them.
A friend told me to check out your site and I came across this story, man, that was soooo very wrong… I will never buy anything from them if I come across them (I am new to cut files since getting my Silhouette for Christmas, but have made a few simple ones and know how much work this took you to make).
That unbelievable,I am so sorry to hear this. It has changed my opinion of the Reeve’s. I can’t thank you enough for all the hard work you put into giving us your designs, it is greatly appreciated.
Hi Bird,
Hope you are well,
You have many supporters out there because of you’re kind enough to give something for free that others wouldn’t, people respect that, and don’t abuse your policies.
Please don’t let this one incident deter what you have worked for, you have a great support network to back you up what ever path you decided to go down.
Everything happens for a reason, Karma or whatever.
You will still be appreciated for what you do and others will be seen for the actions that they take.
I’m sure I can speak for all of us…..if you need anything, just ask.
Kindest regards
Jo
I am so sorry that this happened to you! It literally blows my mind that someone as generous as you are with your designs could be treated in such a manner,,,,,,I’m heartbroken for you :(
What a disgrace! At the very least they should be paying you a fee for the use of your design.
By law, they have breached copywright and could been hauled off to court for that breach. (It’s called plagiarism!)
As a writer, I have had my work used without permission, and it feels awful. I’m darned sure I wouldn’t be letting them get away with it.
You’re obviously more forgiving than I would be.
I am appalled! That anyone should abuse your overwhelming kindness and generosity is unforgiveable and I am truly, truly sorry your goodwill has been “rewarded” in such a disgraceful way.
As an admirer and follower of Ali since she first appeared on Create and Craft, I am indescribably disappointed to learn she has been involved in this despicable act. My admiration of and support for The Reeves ends now.
So sorry.
Marion
UK
UPDATE: You might find Ali Reeve’s Facebook entry of today (22 August 2014) of interest. https://www.facebook.com/ali.reeve.92
Hope he’sin agony for a long time to come!
Marion
UK
Hi Bird,
Any update on this that you can share with us. I see that Ali Reeve on her facebook page is showing off a new set of Molecule stamps which they have copyrighted in 2014. Looks very similar to the design that think geek have had for many years and has been show on the TV show Big Bang Theory – hope they are not claiming that they thought it up.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/2891/
I have had one of these t-shirts for about 10 years !
hello Bird. new to all this internet business, so have only just come across this.To be honest I am not at all surprised that this has happened to you; it always does to people with genuine artistic talent. It’s happened to my husband more than once, and when you don’t have the financial means to pursue the matter, they get away with it. BUT you have the power of the internet and an obviously dedicated fan-base to aid you. I have one of the trees awaiting decoration for this christmas-just bought candle holders to go on it today actually, and am now feeling in a bit of a moral dilemma! But I shall certainly NOT be buying anything else as I simply cannot abide this sort of behaviour. They are in the business and no excuse is good enough.They know they did wrong and hoped they’d get away with it. Even if you don’t pursue the matter legally, if everyone who has said they won’t buy from them again sticks by what they’ve said, this will have an effect on their business and you can take a measure of satisfaction from the fact that there has been some form of moral justice come out of this. I hope you continue in your generosity to other honest crafters and wish you all the very best in the future. xxx
ps I am off to visit your site now.
Thanks for your kind words Moira but you should certainly decorate your tree and enjoy it :)
So sorry to hear about all this. What a mess — what horrible people. I’m very sorry this happened to you — your files are so great and you’re so generous to share freely. I try hard to follow terms of use — and have contemplated selling at craft fairs, online, etc. some cards made with free (or purchased) SVGs (from here and elsewhere).But haven’t yet – due, in part, to copyright rules. I don’t always keep really good track of where SVGs come from — I just keep them in my library and use them when I want them.
I just saw this and am new to your blog love your site and your designs. Have not had a chance to use any but plan on making decorations for my grand children to put together and decorate with they love home made things but their grand mother is not the most talented person so was so happy to find your site to be able to make some really beautiful things thanks to you. Anyway I wanted to add this:
The internet is a very powerful tool. My husband works for a very large manufacturing company and it is amazing the affect that public opinion has and how quickly the word gets out and the effect it has. SOOO people keep expressing your opinions they will spread like WILDFIRE!! Good luck Bird and thanks so much for your generosity and your talent We are behind you.
In addition Bird: Fight the good fight you will win I am sure of that. And again thanks for all your efforts and your generosity to help us less talented individuals. You are wonderful!! I have never bought from either of those companies and will not in the future either.
I think it is so good of you to freely give your time and talents to us Bird, and for someone in business who should know better that to blatantly steal your work to call their own is terrible to say the very least! All I can say is thank you so much for all your generosity to us crafters. I have not long found your site and I LOVE it, so a big thank you from me. In my very humble opinion, Karma happens and I hope you get to see it.
I am reading this almost a year after the fact…and…I’m appalled at the reaction of the people who blatantly stole your pattern and used it for their own personal gain. *shakin’ my head at the audacity of some people*
“found it in a google search” Well, yes, that’s how I found your website, too. But I’m not about to go making hundreds of items from your FREE FREE FREE files and selling them to the public as my own creations. These people obviously have no morals.
You are so kind and generous with your time and talent! I collect most of your ‘freebies’ even tho’ I may never get around to using them…certainly won’t get around to using them all.
I think it was the lack of apology that stunned me. No manners then. Is the offending tree still on the website and is it still for sale? Might be worth checking at this point, months on. If fair sized companies do take others peoples’ designs and pass them off as original to them, despite gathering from the Internet, and surely realising somebody must have put up the design, I suppose they wouldn’t see any any reason to stop because the likelihood of being found out is small. After all if your tree hadn’t been on TV, you might never have known. I’ve not long had a cutting machine, and I don’t sell whaf I make, but if I wanted to, and even with your relaxed and friendly attitude, I would still ask you, even if selling a fews made cards for charity. Copyright is such a minefield and people like C&C are always talking about it, it’s not like it’s a new concept. I do hope you get this sorted so it doesn’t always rankle. I’d like to thank you for your designs. I’m still at the playing with the scan’n’cut on board designs and trying to use canvas but I do look at sites with free downloads like yours and I am struck by all the effort you must all have put in.
I came across this thread accidentally and have never visited your website but certainly intend to browse after all the lovely comments I’ve just read about you. It’s ironic because I was trying to fix an error preventing me getting on Clevertcuts website!
I’m so sorry that you’ve been treated really shabbily by this company. With so many crafters working away it’s really hard to achieve complete individuality, but no decent crafter would blatantly set out to profit big time from someone’s else’s creativity. We ‘small folk’ appreciate the talent and generosity of crafters like yourself – so a big thank you.
I’m really disappointed in Clevercuts. No one in this world is so big or important that they can’t apologise for getting it wrong. Hope you get the recognition you deserve x
I have used several of your designs in my crafts. I think you make some amazing designs! That being said… I also noticed your terms, which are honored!
So my questions for you is, have you even talked to a lawyer? Check this out, don’t know if you have heard of this or not… But you should post this for the greedy people out there… http://creativecommons.org/about
This is not acceptable, I reallized a few years ago that their designs were not as original as they claimed and stop buying from them, but really feel that the public should be reminded of this kind of behaviour more regularly. Would you mind me reposting it on my blog as well pls. These people do not deserve to make money from it again or rom anybody elses hardwork.
I have just come across this post by pure accident whilst looking for mica powders which I had seen being demonstrate recently on a ‘well known TV craft channel’. I think what has happened to you is totally outrageous and I can assure you, I will not be purchasing any of that woman’s products if this is how she treats people. I wish you well Bird and thank you for sharing.