Liars and Thieves and Artists, OH MY

Do me a huge favor, would you?

If you know our stamps or even own some, tell me, have you noticed designs that are strikingly similar to our stamps, but are NOT our stamps?

We have noticed it too.

And quite frankly, we are sick of big name companies, websites and designers taking credit for our work.

What about you? Happened to you? Or have you just "seen" it happen to us or others?

We want to know.

Post it here or send an email to us . You are more than welcome to do it anon.

We have gotten a huge response alone just from our posting about what is happened to us.

But we are not going away quietly. Perhaps a little humility goes a long way. Perhaps being "outed" will lead them to think twice about doing this to anyone else again.

I'm over it. I watched this industry from "behind the scenes" for a long time. First, with my digital scrapbooking designs (as many of you know) and lastly with my stamp designs.

And it is the reason we and so many others are disgusted by the industry and some of the big names in it. I remember the scandal that happened a while back with a now famous designer. She is one I realllly admire and think is a wonderful artist and person. She had showed her designs to someone ( i even think they were HOF entries but i could be mistaken), and that "artist" she had showed them to turned around and created design/s based on the secret design she had seen. That's how I remember it. It was a thread on twopeas many years ago.

Point being, that person that claimed to be an artist created designs based on the true artists' designs...and know what? The person that was the peeker/taker went on to be a hall of famer. By the time her year had come as a HOFer, the scandal was forgotten by many.

But I remember. I remembered the scandal because I knew it was not the first time the person had been accused of being inspired by another only to pitch it as her own.

When you have SALT you have PEPPA. Read between the lines. For those that know the reference here, I hope that you will know more will come.

It is horrible the way some of these people will chew you up and spit you out...as if you don't exist, and as if you won't "know" or "find out"...Believe me, I have experienced first hand who some of the bullies in the industry are, and I think those that don't know would be extremely surprised to find out who.

Am I bitter today?
Yes, I am.
Am I spewing at the mouth?
You bet.
But my gosh,, since when would one person step over another and disgrace themselves in the name of fame?
Aren't they reminded, every time they are congratulated, that they are being congratulated for something THEY DID NOT CREATE?

Do they really think people won't notice?
Well, I notice.
And I don't forget.
And I remind myself that it is that type of person that I never want to be.

A thief
A liar
and a person so deathly afraid of putting myself out there that I will steal to gain the fame i want but do not deserve.

I worked hard.
With my digital stuff and with my stamps.

God helped me with all of this.
He helped me sort through it.
He helped me to understand that it is okay to be angry.
But that I need to work through it.
And I'm trying.
So hard.
Do this, Wendi.
Let it go.
But before you do, let others know that it is OKAY to stand up to the cliques. It is OKAY to let them know they wronged you. That is what will make you stronger...knowing that you took a stand.

And are not okay with their rewards of your hard work.

I'm off on an a rant that is just making me appear the way I feel.
Bitter and Angry.
I should go pray.
Sigh.
I don't want to be this angry person today.

Before I go, a question...
Would you out them?
What would you do?
What do you see in the industry?

Good to be back...real good:)
ws

Comments

[angie]

If someone were stealing supplies from a contacting company and using those supplies to build homes to sell under their own name, is it wrong? Yes, it's wrong. Is it stealing? Yes, it's stealing. Would you report them to the proper authorities? Yes, you would.

Wouldn't you?

[[carrie]]

here's a lil nugget to chew on, Sweets:
Romans 12:19-21
"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will reap coals of fire on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I can hear the anger in your posts and I believe that is completely natural for you to feel it...God will bring you through it if He brings you to it.

[Aimee]

You should out them. As a consumer I would want to know not to purchase a stolen design.

[Linda]

I agree with Sue about evil flourishing but I do still think your motivation and purpose is more important. It is one thing to fight evil and stick up for the good guy but to do it with revenge in your heart serves no purpose. IMHO

[Sue Sume]

Sorry that you are going thru this...evil will flourish when good people do nothing.
Good Luck!

[Linda]

I guess the bottom line is what is your motivation for outing someone. Only you will know within what the REAL answer is.

If you want everyone to know who the bad guys are? I think that is between the transgressor and God when that happens.

I think I know where you're coming from with this. Sometimes taking the high road is not so immediately satisfying LOL.

[Leah]

If I were in your shoes, I would take a business approach. Hire a lawyer. Photograph, document and date your ideas and products. Register and trademark everything. If somebody steals from you consider a lawsuit.

Don't out her. You have talent, use your energy to create. Just protect your intellectual property and guard your earning power. Share with caution.

My $.02 and your $$$!