Rainy and blustery –chilly and bleak. This is the view on Buck Mountain as I pack the remnants from our retreat week into the back of Shamu and head down the mountain toward home.
It’s been a wonderful respite up here, and I know it will be waiting for me again the next time I need it, the next time there is a break in my schedule.
It might not be perfect for everyone, not the most expensive, not the best floor plan or even easy to manage stairwells. As cabins go, it’s not the smallest, not the most grand either. But this place with its tiny kitchen, slightly sagging front porch, basement with bead board paneling walls that aren’t so attractive is my soul.
I find so much joy and peace up here that it is truly hard to leave. I am so grateful that “home” is only 1.5 hours down the road. And that I can come back here—as often as possible.
Sewing Nook back together!
One lone machine remains on the table in the sewing nook. The design wall is “almost” bare. The cutting table is cleaned off, ready and waiting for my next visit.
I’ve had a lot on my mind over the past few days, and there is something I want to talk about.
This isn’t your ordinary rant about copyright issues. It is a real discussion of etiquette and respect.
This past week I was made aware of videos on YouTube where folks had taken my designs – either our Grand Illusion Mystery, or my Wild & Goosey block from my Addicted to Scraps column with Quiltmaker and made their own how-to videos, posting them publicly. For the entire world. Without asking my permission, or even considering how they may be over stepping their bounds by doing so.
Yes, they did mention me as the designer. But no one asked me for permission, or even considered how I would feel about it.
Just because something appears in a magazine or is given for “free” on someone’s website, as in our yearly mystery, doesn’t give anyone the right to take my pattern and make a how-to video and post it live.
As for the Wild & Goosey issue – this is a block that I am taping an on-line class with this summer. The videos people posted without permission can have a direct impact on that class, and on MY livelihood as a designer.
I would NEVER EVER EVER take someone else’s design and make my own video on how to do it and post it to the masses. I don’t care if I mention them or their book or pattern or magazine issue in the video. It is not my content to deal with. Not without permission.
But because it is NOT mine I wouldn’t even THINK of asking permission so that I could do it. I just would NOT DO IT. PERIOD. It’s not mine to do that with.
My advice to the videographers? Make videos of your OWN designs.
Now, you can take my patterns and teach a class at your local quilt shop or guild, and each student can have the book or pattern or magazine in class and that is fine. But you can’t publish digital media on another person’s pattern. That's PUBLISHING! That is different than just teaching. You are pulling the rug right out from under that designer if you do so. You are not helping to “increase her brand”. You are tying her hands as to what she can do with her own block or quilt pattern in the future.
I also want to talk about pdf copies.
If a designer or magazine puts a printable pdf copy of something out on their website, that is for your personal use. Because they have it there for free doesn’t mean that you can save the file to your computer and then go and host it as a file on your own website or blog. You don’t have ownership of that file. It is copyrighted. It is fine to LINK to the file on the magazine’s website –but you can not host it yourself with your own URL. Copyright issues, folks.
No, it is not okay for you to host the pdf copy from Quiltmaker for Wild & Goosey. You can link to it. No, it is not okay for you to host the pdf copies of our mystery on your own site either. You can link to the copies on MY site.
Basically it boils down to being kind, courteous and respectful of what has been given to you by the designers through our books, websites and magazine issues.
I know this is long, but it’s been a heavy weight on me this week and I just needed to get it out there.
Thank you for listening.
I hope you are able to get the videos taken down and a lot of people just do not understand anything about copy right issues or ignore it I guess.
ReplyDeleteI am very disappointed to hear you are experiencing this problem, Bonnie. Etiquette and good manners seem to have gone out of the window in so many areas of life ( holding doors open, not speaking on mobiles at restaurant tables, speaking courteously to other people, etc) . So in a way I am not surprised that people are taking liberties with your designs. I do hope you manage to track these despicable folk down and that you can get their pirated videos destroyed.
ReplyDeleteThis is unimaginable to me. I hope these individuals will see the error of their ways, learn from it and remove the material that is YOURS. I also hope they do it graciously and you will be spared having to take measures that cause more stress. Many thanks for all you do for quilters near and far. It is always sad when a few spoil things for the many. Good thoughts to you, Bonnie, as you work through this troubling issue. Sandal
ReplyDeleteI saw a wild and goosy video this weekend, and thought the same thing. She had good ideas and said she was new to paper piecing and wanted to share what she had tried. But the more I watched I realized she could just have easily drawn 5 random lines on paper and made the video. Then showed what she had FINISHED with your block, and pointed us to one of your post.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry these things happen. It seems we get so excited we want to share. We all need to slow done and think about what we are doing..
Amen Bonnie !!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, this is just despicable and sad. People should not infringe on others' rights. I know. I had a whole book (on pediatric hospice) published under someone else's name. I got no credit for it. and I received no remuneration for it.
ReplyDeleteThese things should not happen to anyone!
I have seen a you tube promoted as you mention by someone who thinks they are entitled to use your work as their own. I removed them from my feed and thought I wish there was more we could do to shut down these type of unlawful uses of designers work. Frankly, I know people who think it's OK to "get away with" copyright enfringement. I wonder if your loyal FB followers all used the "I don't want to see this" option and then responded to FB as to why, these folks would lose their power. ( Just some thinking I've done on this subject). I love your work Bonnie and it saddens me to know others would steal from you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this happened to you Bonnie. With the internet, YouTube, Instagram, etc., it seems that people don't think about copyrights or realize the ramifications of their actions when they do things like this. I hope you've been able to get the videos removed.
ReplyDeleteI NEVER make a quilt, gift or commissioned, without putting on the label the name of the designer, and the name THEY gave the quilt. If I post the finished work on my blog (or other social media) I list the designer, quilt name, AND the source of the pattern, book, mag, or website. I would NEVER take credit, or fail to mention it. And to make a video? NOPE!
ReplyDeleteThe lack of respect and consideration of others has filtered to even the quilting world, this makes me very sad and angry. Across the board there is less and less consideration of others and respect for them as a person including their property. How does society deal with this sense of entitlement?
ReplyDeleteNot all people are disrespectful but the impact the bad behaviour has on society as a whole is permiating all aspects of life.
I feel bad for the violation of your work and person - I wish there were words of wisdom. We can only hope that each one of us will make a difference by being kind, respectful and considerate!
Many people don't get the concept of "intellectual property." Designers and most other artists suffer abuse and real attacks on their livelihood because of others using copyrighted materials without respect for the copyright. Personally, I look at it as a sign of the times, the disrespect prevalent in our culture, and ignorance. If we all work together to report this abuse, perhaps we can help educate and remind others that they are thieves and committing a criminal act when they ignore copyright.
ReplyDeleteI try to give people the benefit of a doubt. Perhaps they just don't understand copyright and how it applies to the internet - which is often thought of as a "free for all". Or perhaps they think they are helping to promote you without realizing that in the process they are hurting your business. I hope these people see your post and remove their tutorials etc. Common courtesy is at a bit of an all time low these days. So sorry you fell victim to it.
ReplyDeleteIFirst of all, I'm very sorry you are experiencing this challenge. You stated your feelings and the damage to your business extremely well. I have no idea who the subject of this crime is but if I stumble across them on utube...I won't be watching or doing business with them.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I love your home on Buck Mountain! It's so welcoming. I too love the mountains and always find them healing for my soul.
Sending you love and much respect from Charlotte,
Denise in NC
Makes me sad that you are having these issues with your designs. I think some people are unaware that this is wrong and others know it is wrong and just don't care.
ReplyDeleteI too hope you can get the video taken down. You are so good and generous to us out here in blog land, can not understand why someone would want to steal from you.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a totally accurate grasp of the copyright laws but I would not be making a video either.When I include pics of quilts on my blog I try to include the designer and their quilt name too. Even if I put a twist on the pattern...it had a start with that designer.They say change one thing and the quilt design is yours...not so I think!That designer worked hard and paid money to create that design,how can you than change one element and call it yours. Good luck...I know you have enlightened me a little and hopefully others too!!
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed in some people. You are one of the most generous people on the web when it comes to free patterns. You even answer my emails personally! Not sure how you do it all. Violating the copyrights an basically stealing your ideas and designs is pretty despicable. Hope you take care of those people.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have some type of legal recource. I'm just an regular everyday fan of yours with no YouTube account or blog that is a how-to but when friends, family, strangers ask for 'my' quilt patterns, I don't give them copies or pdfs or whatnot--I give them YOUR blog site and tell them that everything they need is there--patterns, tutorials, encouragement, what have you.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the thoughtlessness of people. These patterns are your livelihood and we know it. You are generous to share them with us for a time and THEN put them in books for us to buy. I pray these videos will be removed and people will THINK before they do such an injustice. Bonnie, you have every right to have this weigh on your heart. Please know you are loved and respected for your wisdom in sharing this situation. My prayers are with you for a speedy resolution to this and for the future.
ReplyDeleteWell played. The tremendous amount of thought and heart you have put into this matter really shows. If I was even thinking of pirating ideas, I'd see the error of my ways and not feel resentful. Your blog is a bright spot in my mornings and I call you "my friend in the mountains". Thank you for reminding us all to be kind and fair to our internet friends.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had time to read all the comments but.....you are perfectly correct on all your points. Is there any way that you can check the names of the makers of the videos against the list of subscribers here and then "blacklist" them from your blog? So sorry you have to deal with this.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I struggled with the same issues and over the years, it took the wind from my sails and I've mostly given up sharing any kind of patterns/designs. It says a lot about those who do it -- lack of creativity, lack of respect -- but it still aggravates the heck out of me when I see or hear of people doing it. I saw that some were suggesting handing it all over to an attorney but there seems to be an endless supply of folks who are happy to copy your designs so you would go broke trying to stop them legally. I have no answers for you . . just wanted you to know that it makes me so angry and I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you, Bonnie. Can't believe these people would think it was ok to do this. And yes, I went and watched one video this weekend just to see if she mentioned you as the designer and she barely did in quick passing. How would these people feel if they designed something and another person did this with their pattern? I hope the message got across and they remove their videos, PDFs and any other offending information. Copyright laws are to protect individuals who create something and these people need to under stand that. It is to protect you and all other designers.
ReplyDeletesigh..I wish people wouldn't use words like "despicable" when they don't know the people or their intentions..when the "bird flu" took off on Open Studio, so many newbies wanted to try the pattern but didn't know paper piecing..it was suggested that they look for videos on You Tube on how to do it, and that worked, for some people..having been a teacher, I know there are some who still will flail and wail until you take them step by step through the actual pattern..the person who made the video was only trying to be kind and helpful..I'm sure she will be the first to apologize, and remove her videos..knowledge of the subject of copyright is a limited field that most people know nothing about..Bonnie, your video in May sounds great, but most people know nothing of that intent..and in this day, most people want "it" NOW..so please, show your support of Bonnie, but please, curb your words of judgement Chris Gray, Augusta GA
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I saw the You Tube on wild n' goose blocks and thought they had permission, otherwise I would never have watched it. I thought it was more of a "how to" on paper piecing more efficiently and certainly didn't realize they were pirating your pattern at the same time. I'm very sorry to have unknowingly participating in the theft of your product. I have purchased all your books and supported you in every way I know how, your generosity has been unbelievable in sharing so many free patterns and mystery quilts. I will certainly be more cognizant in the future of the possible ramifications of these kinds of acts. I saw it on your blog so I really did think they had permission, sorry again!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, Sadly this happens across the arts! I have a good friend who is finally following her passion, writing and producing movies. She has poured countless funds and time and energy into her works! Twice people helping her (for pay) have stolen her video films and edited and put them out there as their own, making money off of them. Even with copyrights and ASCAP rules, this is done. It is very disheartening and as an artist, myself, I hurt for my fellow artists experiencing this kind of theft!
ReplyDeleteMarla. Keating.marla@gmail.com
I can't believe someone did this to you especially when you are so generous with your free patterns. Plus the fact they know hu you teach your own patterns in classes too. Many people need to learn and respect copyright laws. It is one thing to help someone who lost one Page of a pattern but not to copy a whole pattern that has a copyright.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe someone did this to you especially when you are so generous with your free patterns. Plus the fact they know hu you teach your own patterns in classes too. Many people need to learn and respect copyright laws. It is one thing to help someone who lost one Page of a pattern but not to copy a whole pattern that has a copyright.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that this is happening so frequently - again!. When I got into quilting this was a issue written about in a lot of magazines and the copy right laws. Maybe some of these articles need to be reprinted. It is my feeling that these are not intentional, but newer quilters that are totally unaware of copy rights. I am working with a friend on pattern kits to sell as fund raisers in our guild with wool and also fusible applique. She suggested we use a pattern that is free and I reminded her to read that it is posted for personal use only. We are not working on our own designs.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this issue. You are more than kind and generous with your time, talents and patterns. Most of us are grateful for all your wisdom, knowledge and sharing. So sorry for the abuse of your kindness.
ReplyDeleteI saw a wild and goosy video this weekend, and thought the same thing. She had good ideas and said she was new to paper piecing and wanted to share what she had tried. But the more I watched I realized she could just have easily drawn 5 random lines on paper and made the video. Then showed what she had FINISHED with your block, and pointed us to one of your post.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry these things happen. It seems we get so excited we want to share. We all need to slow done and think about what we are doing..
Bonnie, it continues to amaze me as I see and hear of blatant theft of Intellectual Property. You, of all people, are so incredibly generous with your wonderful patterns. I am so sorry that this is happening to you, too.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the people doing this DO know better and just do not care or they think they won't get caught. Our level of morality seems to be slipping off the map.
Bonnie, I was truly shocked when I saw the posting in question and truly regret that I did not notify an admin. This world is full of people who are selfish and think they are above others. I am a new follower of you and in all my years of quilting (since 1977) I've never seen a person who is not only so talented and such a fabulous teacher but one who is so sharing. With much respect, Dawn from Iowa
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sad comment on the "me" importance that our society has become. Manners ? Courtesy ? Honesty ? Regard for others ? So sad to see it enter the quilting world too. Just not the character one expects of a quilter. A couple of years ago I was very surprised by the comments of a small quilt shop owner who indicated that she loses a fair amount of small items to shoplifting. Hardly believable, but true.
ReplyDeleteI hope you contacted her and asked her to remove the videos. (super terrible video anyway!) But, once I was lambasted for incorrectly identifying a designer and felt they (and her friends) were overly vicious to me. I was mortified and had no way of contacting her to apologize personally.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have this type of discussion every now and then to remind people this is how you make a living!
I hope the cabin mess wasn't too big:) Sure had fun there and will treasure our time together.
This is why I no longer do much designing. I have had people, standing right in front of me, tell another person they like the pattern and that person says "oh I have it. When we get home I'll make you a copy."
ReplyDeleteSeems more than fair to me!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very informative post.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, I was visiting random blogs this morning and came across your very informative discussion of copyrights. I'm a 20 yr quilter but new to the online plethora of quilting blogs, patterns, etc so I appreciated your explanation of even PDF etiquette. As I was reading I looked to the left and saw your paragraph about copyright. I appreciated but would encourage bold colored border to catch the eye of those of us that need brought up to date on these etiquettes. I work in the world of trying to educate moms about the risks of formula and the benefits of breast feeding. (Don't go there with me, Google it) We've realized that we are reeducating generations and it will take that long to get the word out. I'm hoping that this issue is more a matter of lack of knowledge rather than stealing, though I know there are enough of those types out there. I'm not aware of a place to go to find the latest copyright rules for patterns, blogs, links, PDF's or even giving credit to the designer, quilter on a quilt I've made and given away. So I encourage every blogger, online store etc., to get the word out by placing appropriate copyright etiquette information with each post, pattern, blog or link or any other type of copyrighted material. I learned a lot about copyright this morning and for that I'm grateful for your discussion! Keep educating!
ReplyDeleteI added a pinterest block to my blog, and I often get requests to lift it so they can put a whole post with image on their board or blog. Say what???
ReplyDeleteSo much of that site is pure theft seemingly sanctioned by the world.
I wish you luck..and peace.
Sharyn in Kalama
The act of stealing IS despicable and you certainly are NOT being judgmental to call it such. copyrights are your property!
ReplyDeleteThere was a QuiltArt (email list) thread about a month ago about a quilt shop doing a class on a quilt design--without even asking for the designer's approval. The shop owner basically said "too bad" (I have read her response and was really disgusted how little she cared!!). The designer (in Australia) decided to have an attorney send a cease and desist, and FINALLY she shop owner pulled the class.
ReplyDeleteI wish people would think before they did this stuff, but once you have copyright on something, you have to stay vigilant to keep it. Keep writing about this sort of stuff happening Bonnie, because the more people become aware, perhaps the more they will think before doing it.
I am so sorry to hear that people are taking advantage of your generosity and that your wonderful break was tainted by the selfish acts of others. I think we all need to do a better job of policing these things to support you and other designers - I personally will commit to report these types of things to the admins where possible (like YouTube) going forward. No need to get into nasty discussions - just a simple challenge regarding designer permission is all it should take.
ReplyDeleteI must say, though, as terrible as this is, I am relieved to hear that the bad news you referred to a few days ago was not health-related. I was worried about you!!!
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ReplyDeleteI find copyright to be a confusing arena, but do hope that if I ever crossed a line that someone would tell me (in a respectful way) what to do to fix it and make amends.
ReplyDeleteI have had issues related to Pinterest (people wanting me to give them patterns that aren't mine, etc. and I'm not even on Pinterest) as well as sites like Bloglovin who scrape and post my content every day on their blog.
As a librarian, my job involved making staff aware of copyright issues. I had a wonderful staff but this was not a popular issue to say the least. Video is a particularly problematic area. Bottom line; any use of another's copyrighted work MUST be preceeded by a dated written permission from the holder of the copyright. You have every right to defend your property. You have legal redress should you choose to pursue it. Though costly, you are on solid legal ground and entitled to compensation including your costs to protect your product - considerable compensation. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie, for a great post. You hit all the correct and right points. I am calling it the Golden Rule for bloggers, I think. I too found one of my original designs posted and not credited to me on another site, along with a full tutorial. Comment and contact was completely ignored. I took the high road this time and will let it go...but I will be mentioning and linking your post soon and in many places!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your recent findings. I'm sure "frustration" doesn't even begin to cover your emotions. But this had me thinking...I have seen lots and lots of people publishing patterns and such that look very similar to what others have already published. Sometimes the blocks are the same! I've heard people say that only the "written instructions" for a quilt are protected by copyright, as most blocks are public domain. This is so confusing to me...if I design something in my EQ7 program, and share it with others, am I infringing on someone elses copyright (without even knowing it)? So how does one check to see if they are using someone elses pattern?
ReplyDeleteIt's frustrating, I know. I want to believe that many people are simply unaware of the proper/improper use of proprietary material. In fact, I think some people believe they are flattering a designer by sharing their information. The best thing we can do is inform people how some types of sharing damage the designer, and I think you have explained that very well. Unfortunately, there will always be a few who will intentionally, and "under the radar", share copyrighted materials. I discovered, quite by accident, that a friend was photocopying and sharing one of my patterns, including the color cover (because this person had access to a free color copier). That really hurt my feelings. I hope that your explanation helps people understand the appropriate ways to share, or not share, information.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I sincerely hope that THIS is the bad news you spoke of earlier, and the "challenge" you were facing. I was afraid you were referring to a personal health crisis.
ReplyDeleteThat said, among your devoted followers there must be someone who is a lawyer, or has a lawyer close at hand (such as a spouse or child) who could be enlisted without high cost to send cease and desist notices to people who infringe on your work. I understand that each instance of infringement costs YOU money and time, and hope you can find a way through this.
My sense is that your gentle soul will balk at using legal means to stop the infringement, but I support any action you may have to take.
Please keep us updated on your progress as you deal with this. You have an army of quilters out here who support you.
We can all comment on the videos we find, and speak to the people who post your work, and in that way attempt to defend you against this assault.
Regardless of their "intent", they are overstepping. It is only right that they be corrected and stopped.
Thanks for everything you do!
Sometimes I think that people just don't always think about what they are doing! Often intentions are good but they don't think about what effect what they are doing have on others. I hope that your post today will wake up some of these people. As for the ones who know what they are doing (ignoring copyrights, etc) but do it anyway...they need to wake up as well and think about how they would feel if someone stole something from them! We need to love one another and respect them as well!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I am so sorry that this has happened. Unfortunately I see instances of this happening on a regular basis. I don't know what the solution is because people just don't understand what a problem they are creating for those creative people who come up with amazing designs for us to use. Please know that we all love you and your work and I hope that you can get this resolved quickly. We need you concentrating on all the positive good you bring to the world of quilting without this hanging over you. HUGS from Texas!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm making a wedding quilt, loosely using someone else's pattern. I will be showing the changes that I'm making to her pattern, along with her original pattern, but, I'm doing it with the pattern writers permission, and also linking back to her blog, each time. I follow her blog, and she also follows my blog. I asked her permission before I even started buying fabrics for the project.
ReplyDeleteagreed, agreed. It's sad that today some people just don't recognize when they are steeling something. Taking another person's ideas and touting them as your own is no different from breaking into a stranger's home and raiding their refrigerator to make your evening meal!
ReplyDeleteBonnie I hear what you are saying. Some folks just do not realize when they are online --- they need to pay attention! Someone has design the project, somehow it is now being published etc... keeping track of who is doing what with your designs would take an army I guess.
ReplyDeleteBUT I will always tell folks to be responsible readers, piecers and quilters when using another's patterns.
Thanks for retelling us what we all need to understand and practice.
Smiles, JulieinTN
I tried your cauliflower Soup recipe, it was delicious!!! Is it a recipe passed down in your family!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie for your very polite rant. We have posted the link to our guild's website ( mississaugaquiltersguild.ca ) under "Items of Interest" to reinforce how important copyright is. It is truly unfortunate that more in the quilting world either don't get it or ignore it. One ugly solution is legal recourse and that is, indeed, ugly for everyone. Maybe speaking with this person directly will solve the issue with her.
ReplyDeleteI hope these greedy, thoughtless bloggers get their come-upance someday. I also hope they don't ruin everything for the rest of us. I'm afraid that before too long, we will not be seeing FREE patterns and FREE Mysteries because of these ingrates. Think people. (Good, got that off my chest.)
ReplyDeleteHi Annonymous
ReplyDeleteI expect I am the person you are referring to because I used the dreaded word "despicable". Sorry I do think it's despicable if people sit on the back of someone else's designs and then make videos of how to do it. If there are newbies out there who are struggling to sew the block/quilt design then surely they are bright enough to email the designed. Bonnie ALWAYS answers emails immediately so there is no excuse. By the way, what was your name again? Annonymous?
I am sorry to hear this Bonnie. In Scotland we would say they have a brass neck!
ReplyDeleteI had a professional long arm qulter in the US completely copy an original quilt of mine, which I am pretty sure she was doing as a commission for someone. When I challenged her about giving me credit as the designer, I got a curt apology and then she blocked me. I was angry but felt there was nothing I could do about it.
Bad ettiquette indeed!
Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse of the law. Someone who is smart and savvy enough to figure out how to make a 'how-to-video' and upload it to you-tube certainly has a clue about copyrights....and knows what is their own creative product and what is not. It is not difficult to figure out that if someone else created the design its not yours to do with as you wish....
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago Paula Nadelstern gave a talk about this issue at Quilt Market. I'm sure the content of her program is available somewhere (Quilts Inc., maybe). The impetus for her legal action is the carpet that is between the Houston Convention Center & the Hilton Hotel. It was a complete copy of one of her award winning quilts that Hilton had done in carpet form. Her cease & desist action did nothing. Her very persistent attorney filed a copyright infringement suit. The outcome was a sealed settlement which she could not discuss but afforded her a brand new state of the art kitchen, a sizable donation to her retirement account AND attorney's fees. There is precedent. People need to be warned. But we live in this "entitled" society who thinks they can do whatever they want with things, ideas, creations THAT LEAGALLY BELONG TO OTHERS.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in your quest to deter this. You may have to become a quilting "hermit" & not show anything until it gets published.
Hugs, Bonnie! I totally agree with your comments and the issue. SO many bloggers are doing this now. I think it's wrong, too. I hope they realize this, and stop doing it. Thanks for sharing, and making your readers aware.
ReplyDeleteThis brings up mixed feelings for me. I understand copywrite but i dont like the anger and words the people are using. Its such a thin line. A question could be asked has Bonnie gotten permission to use every peice of fabric she uses in her scrap quilts? Where does it cross the line? If i know whoyou are talking about i dont think the person on youtube was claiming it was her design.. To me she is a fan who wants to share her love of quilting and her love of Bonnies designs. She got me motivated to go buy Bonnies books. To me quilting is art and creativity. Too many days i think people forget that.
ReplyDeleteI saw a wild and goosy video this weekend, and thought the same thing. She had good ideas and said she was new to paper piecing and wanted to share what she had tried. But the more I watched I realized she could just have easily drawn 5 random lines on paper and made the video. Then showed what she had FINISHED with your block, and pointed us to one of your post.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry these things happen. It seems we get so excited we want to share. We all need to slow done and think about what we are doing..
I am so sorry. So many people seem to think they can take anything just because they want to use it. The video thing is out of control.
ReplyDeleteBonnie I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have dealt with people's misuse of copyright before. When I see it, in any form, I call them out for their theft of property. I have heard every excuse in the book, but theft is theft. If someone else wrote/designed/produced etc something it is theirs.
ReplyDeleteEven in my guild we get written permission from the quilt designer for an opportunity quit and we don't sell their pattern. We do list on the label whose pattern it is and how to purchase it.
We all need to be vigilant. Even on YouTube you can message the person that uploaded it and let them know it is copyright infringement.
I hope you get this cleared up. I'm very sorry that you must keep going through this kind of theft.
Bonnie, Thank you for posting your concerns on the issue of copyright laws. I think it is something that a lot of quilters and craft people do not know anything about and it should be brought up more often on all the blogspots. I think that people DO think that if you say it is free, they feel it is free for them to do with it what they please.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to read of this for you Bonnie. I am always afraid to post much on your sight as I don't want to ever do something that might be wrong.
ReplyDeleteIn your reading I see you will be doing a "Wild and Goosey" video series. This would be great for me and I am sure several of us who just can't quite understand how it should be done.
Thank you for your time and patience with all of us.
Thank you for visiting this subject. I have come across a few instances where I see your ideas here and there. The first question that pops in my mind is "That reminds me of Bonnie Hunter. At some point there is a minor or brief mention of "Bonnie". It struck me as odd, not quite right. You have confirmed my suspicion. It is key ask your permission and be cautious and specific in composing instructions and/or a video. For shame.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your troubles, Bonnie. Being new to the quilting world, but a crafter for many years, I am hoping to one day make a quilt good enough to sell. This brings up a very serious but interesting issue. Is there a place/site that gives current, accurate information regarding what can be made to sell? There may be some confusion as to what is meant by "in the public domain" as this term is often used in relation to computers as well as old patterns. Some quilt patterns or quilt block patterns may be considered public domain now, but then one must consider the actual quilting pattern used. I imagine that these patterns as well would fall under some form of copyright laws. In order for myself and others to avoid infringement, where do we go to learn the rules? We are all so grateful to Bonnie and others, who share their ideas and patterns with us for free and in books and magazines, that we don't want to lose this valuable resource. It would only make sense to spend time to learn the rules and how to correctly label our work -- Bonnie covered doing labels in a blog a month or so ago -- in order to give credit where it is due. If anyone can help with a site to go to for this information, please let me and others know.
ReplyDeletepronurse@richland.ca
Sorry that you are having to educate us about how we can use your designs. I have many friends who are photographers or artists and they have these same problems with copy right violations. As a new quilter, I was thrilled to find some free patterns online and have printed some out for my own use, I am not proficient enough to teach anyone any thing . and I firmly agree with what you have stated! I hope that these folks will take down the videos and apologize at the least. Thanks for the education . Jan VanDeWalle
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to make light of the issue but when I read about the blow you were dealt I thought it was a serious health issue..so glad you are healthy and are able to work through this problem. Thanks for explaining the problem...I really do appreciate your boundless energy and work.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm going to offer a different point of view. If the you tube video gives you credit and tells folks where to get the pattern I see no harm. Both patterns are advertised as free. If they are demonstrating a specific technique but not giving away the pattern how is that copyright infringement? Too me it's no different than someone demonstrating in a class but requiring each person to have their own copy of a pattern. Everyone learns differently.. Especially adult learners. Some need just printed instructions.. Some need just visual instructions.. Some need a little of both. I understand you're hurt ...
ReplyDeletePlain and simple --- it is THEFT!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKaren
There are too many comments here to check to see if this has been suggested already or not.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it many younger people who have grown up with digital media just do not get it, as to where the boundaries are. This is a fact of life. I don't think you can solve this fast enough with education in a newsletter. [I'm not young and I often just skim them and look at the photos.]
You need a service looking for copyright violations. [Or do it yourself every week.] One that will also get the postings removed. I assume other prolific producers of digital art have this. It's just necessary. Forget appealing to people's ethics. That's 20th century stuff. You need a different method because it's a different time.
'Good' rant. THIS is something I would love to repost for everyone to see. I am constantly amazed that this 'etiquette' is something ALL people do not understand. If it's not YOURS then don't TAKE it. Ask permission if you can use it, link to it, teach it, etc. I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! I had a new design of mine stolen from me and published by someone from Canada. When I approached her I got a very indignant, extremely nasty reply. I did not have the resources to fight her eventhough I had the proof it was my design. With that experience I totally gave up publishing my designs. My health just won't take the stress. So I happily follow your mysteries and patterns and leave the publishing up to you younger gals. I will mention however, that any quilt block that is in 'public domain' has no copyright attached to it and any quilter is free to do with it what she/he wants. Good example is the basic log cabin block, nine patch, four patch etc. When they are put into a quilt in a unique setting they are then moving to copyrighted areas. The blocks alone are not protected. This is what I found out when I was going through the issue of stolen designs.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your problems. Looking forward to quilt cam this week.
I call it our Human Experience on Earth... Bad things happen and life is not fair. We have all been robbed of something at some time... Our challenge is what to do about the hurt and damage that has been done to us.
ReplyDeleteBe strong. You haven't done anything wrong. Look at your options. Make a decision and follow through... Even if one's choice is to turn the other cheek. Remember: God knows the truth about people. Grace and peace be yours.
I think you wrote a very good post explaining why people should not post their own tutorials (video or otherwise)of your patterns. Some people just don't understand the concept. You did the right thing in bringing it to everyone's attention.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry if something was done against the law, but the video I saw on You Tube of 2 sisters sewing on your GI Mystery did not bother me as much as the harsh and hateful comments of some here on your blog. Those 2 ladies did not seem to me to be trying to hurt Bonnie, quite the opposite, so why not just enlighten them? I bet they are horrified of their blunder. Quilters should be examples of kindness and love, not hate, and I don't think Bonnie wants meanness unleashed in her name, just a problem discussed in an adult manner and taken care of.
ReplyDeleteWith her amazing tact and grace, Bonnie has once again responded beautifully to the unkindness of another quilter. I've learned so much about quilting from Bonnie through her blog and youtube videos, etc. The most important gifts I've received are her words of restraint and wisdom like those contained in the post above. After reading this post, I decided to go scrub the bathrooms and the kitchen floor in order to vent my frustrations on Bonnie's situation.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I looked for the Grand Illusion videois on Youtube and found that they have been made "Private". I don't think that solves the problem. I believe that the videos need to be completely removed from Youtube forever. When a video is uploaded to Youtube, it is by default made Public. The author can then choose to make a video Private or Unlisted or Delete it. Youtube can also takedown or Delete a video for copyright infringement. The author of the Grand Illusion Videos has simply changed the privacy setting to Private and she can still send/share the link(s) to her videos to anyone she chooses. I think that she should be "encouraged" to completely remove her videos from Youtube or any other video platform.
Good Morning, Bonnie, It's a new morning. I read your post last night and the comments this morning. I sincerely hope everyone will handle the issues regarding your work and talent with respect, manners, and integrity. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Emily
Good Morning, Bonnie, It's a new morning. I read your post last night and the comments this morning. I sincerely hope everyone will handle the issues regarding your work and talent with respect, manners, and integrity. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Emily
Entitlement. That's what it's called. I'm not happy with the people of the world that think they are entitled to whatever they want. Whether it be yours, mine or someone else's intellect or physical belongings or for whatever reason. If you don't know then ask whoever it belongs to.
ReplyDeleteBonnie you have the most wonderful way with words and always thought so. Today's post was no exception.
Good heavens Bonnie, if I make a quilt using your pattern, your name even shows up on my label as the designer. Hope this can be stopped.
ReplyDeleteLparker
I saw one where they are only talking about the Grand Illusion and they were being attacked by us Boniacs. I did see she had posted videos on the individual steps but she obviously took them all down. Kudos to her. She did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had your grace in the way you are handleing this issue. I would not be as grown up as you are and I'm almost 64
ReplyDeleteI know this is very frustrating to you. It is so hard to be creative and not have people take your designs. I am a florist and I have had people take pictures of wreath and arrangement. Stand in front of me and say I can make this...Not nice. But how do you copy write something like that, or a quilt that can be changed in some way...Frustrating !! But Thanks for all the info you give on making quilts ... It has help me a lot.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're having a stressful time, sometimes it can be so hard to leave those places we've escaped to right?
ReplyDeleteActually, there is a lot of jealousy in the world and obviously these people have no creativity of their own...I am in retail and I've seen this over and over on my own small scale. Whether employees or customers, many try to take over and all to get attention! It would be a sad day when we could not enjoy your patterns, ideas or blog and just appreciate YOUR talent. Hang tight and know that all the world is not like the sorry few who need to be parasites in order to feel important! Linda Hartman lhartman1@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteBonnie, There are copyright laws for a reason and since you do hold the copyright on your patterns, etc. believe it would be in your best interest to contact a good copyright attorney to take care of your rights in situations like this. It is a very complicated world out there, and ignorance of the law does not constitute innocence. You have copyrighted your designs, patterns, etc. The law is in your favor....less stress for you!
ReplyDeleteHI Bonnnie- so many comments--but comment #24 sounded like the knew this person. I would hope this person would step up and take their own video down. I am sure you have been told who they are. I am wondering if you need to copyright your patterns on the utube system-so you won't be plagerized(sp?). I love your videos of the cabin and all the antique stores. machines are cheap in Ga.not like California--All the best Wendy
ReplyDeleteI am not for sure. I think she will probably rethink that. She does so much for free--it is to bad .....
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie, I am so sorry that this is happening. The total disregard that some people show to others baffles me. Please know that most of us who follow your blog appreciate all that you do for us and the quilting world as a whole. Sending you love and support through this trying time.
ReplyDeleteAs a quilt teacher I try very hard to follow the copy right laws. It is not always easy to do. Articles on the subject can sometimes be confusing and muddled. In my effort to educate myself I have read conflicting articles on the subject and have had to chose which one I agree with. Please continue to educate us so that we are more aware of the proper copy right laws and can follow the rules.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You made some great points and hopefully it will clarify the issues if anyone has any doubt to the legality of sharing, at the very least, and to think beyond that, at what is the moral choice-especially if that choice negatively effects someone's livelihood.
ReplyDeleteDear Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad this has happened to you. I am a long, long time follower of your blog and I know you've had to comment before. You are incredibly generous with your creativity and I hope the offender does the correct thing and remove their posts.
Ignorance is not an excuse.
Unfortunately, I think it's a sign of our times. I live in orchard country and was leaving the fruit stand with my purchase when a car pulled over on the side of the road. The Mom, Dad and all the kids got out and started picking apples. I yelled across the road - "I hope you've paid for those." It didn't even embarrass them.
You have a legion of fans who love and support you. Hugs,
Dianne in BC
Ignorance is not an excuse. I'm sorry this happened to you, Bonnie, but frankly, I'm not surprised. There's no end to people's bad behavior.
ReplyDeleteSaw this block on the FB group page and loved it. I'm very interested in the upcoming online video class since I've never done paper piecing. Like many I wouldn't begin to know when helping someone else do or understand was illegal. Sad this has happened to you.rjc2cam@gmail.com
ReplyDelete