A lot of people have asked me when I'm going to open an Etsy store. The answer is probably never. First of all I think that crafting for profit takes the fun out of it for me. It makes it more of a job. Second, there are just too many things to concern myself with to make sure I'm not breaking any laws.
That brings me to something that I'm finding very disgusting. The amount of people who sell things using copywrite material is just unbelievable. Why do so many people think that it's acceptable to sell an item using an image that belongs to someone else? Go to Etsy and search for Disney, Starbucks, or any other big name you can think of and you will find tons of items being sold. This is called copywrite infringement and it's not OK but it's being done all over the place. I see it on Etsy and I see it on Facebook.
When I was making cards or other items for craft shows, I would check to make sure that any images being used were not labeled as personal use only. Apparently that isn't necessary in todays world. Should any of these companies decide to crack down on the illegal use of their logos and images, a lot of people would be in big trouble.
15 comments:
I agree - it is awful when someone uses your creations without permission or credit.
Amalia
xo
I had no idea! All they should post is pictures of their own items that they are selling. Nothing else is needed. Wonder why so many get away with it?
Dear Ann, you're right to enjoy your craft for the sake of creating beautiful things. I have a different type of "selling" and fortunately I am passionate about it. I work under a company umbrella which has been doing it the lawful way for 45 years so as long as I follow the rules, all is well. I wish I was as creative as you are. Well done. Jo
I agree about making to sell, I'm often asked if I am selling an item I show and the answer is always no. I don't want the pressure of making sure it's perfect and posting etc.
Briony
x
I agree ... crafting for profit takes out the fun and makes it more of a job. About copyright law ... people have complicated a lot of their own lives! Did anyone in the 1960s know about copying right? And how good life was then!
You are so right to not sell the things you make. In 2006 when I got my first camera some of my photos were so beautiful I frame them to hang them on my wall over my desk at work. People love them and say can I buy that when I found out they would buy it then I was so sure you can have it for $25 and then I would hang two more and somebody would want to buy those and then it escalated and people wanted me to take a photo of a lighthouse and frame it for them or any way it got out of hand and I stop doing it
Integrity is uncommon these days for sure. Perhaps some are simply ignorant of the copyright laws and no doubt others just don't give a darn.
I agree with you that crafting for profit takes the enjoyment out of the crafting.
Yep, the copyright infringement is rampant and was always a big topic for discussion amongst our tole painting chapter. Published decorative artists have their designs stolen all the time and they are given no credit or compensation. It's wrong. ~Andrea xoxo
You're right. People don't seem to care about copyright laws at all and they even steal other small sellers stuff. It happens with everything everywhere. I had a Florida photography Instagram account a few years back and had my photos stolen constantly. It's ridiculous!
I never thought about things on Etsy like that...I guess cause I never look for them. I have mixed thoughts about copyright...not in this instance. I agree with you.
But I bought a purse pattern one time...really did not have plans to make any and sell. But on a quilting board, someone brought up this designers copyright statements. So I went and read them for myself.
I totally agree that to copy her actual pattern and sell it is wrong. But she had such a nasty statement. You could not, according to her make a purse and sell it. The thing is, I had just been looking at purses from a big name company that looked like hers...just not made with her pattern. So, my thoughts were she acted like she invented the wheel. Would not give permission to make some and sell at a fundraiser. I would give anything if I had taken a screenshot of her statement. I would never, ever buy one of her patterns again...I put the purse in Good Will...did not want anything to do with her products again.
And then there are quilters...I see people put copyright on patterns and they are old, old patterns. Way older than me. Maybe it is more about the way they go about making them.
I hear you and I would be leery of selling stuff too. It's better not to have those kind of headaches. The fines would be far greater than your profits were.
Have a fabulous day, Ann. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to Gibbs. ♥♥♥
This is a very sore subject with me too, Ann. A few years ago, "someone" I trusted asked me for an original of one of my Eagle photos saying she would give me credit. (my name/trademark was not on the photo). Turns out she had been contacted by a national publication regarding the photo who wanted to publish it. SHE got the credit. So people who infringe on others in any way are pond scum...jp
Good for you for crafting for pleasure, to feed your soul. The last thing you need is a side hustle.
I agree about copyright infringement...thank you for telling me about Pixabay. I sometimes use pictures from there because I know they're safe to use.
I think selling anything is a big pain! You do crafting because you love it and you're good at it!
About a year or so back - the whole copyright issue came up with people who sell via Etsy - this particularly to do with what's acceptable for collage - or if you use kits from designers or ephemera - right through stencils and diecuts from designers and owners of said designs. How much your work is deemed original.
Then it all seemed to disappear...and not much else has popped on the matter. I suspect you have to "educate yourself" and then do your best to "working within what feels acceptable"
I think that is why in some ways I don't necessarily sell much - but also the freight from where I am to anywhere "north of here" is out of this world!
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