We all are associated with pattern "sharing" in one form or another. Before the internet - isn't that like saying "pre-historic?" Well before every household in America had a computer and on the internet, pattern sharing consisted of taking a crochet pattern you had and sharing with a neighbor, or perhaps a family member. No big deal; right? Right!
I think every industry has included within their budget an allowance for petty theft. And basically, whenever you share a pattern that means the person you're sharing with doesn't have to pay for their copy, which in turn means the designer doesn't get paid for that "copy."
Fast forward to every person having a computer, or some form of modern technology that enables them to connect to the world at large and they belong to a sharing group. No big deal right? Wrong!
This now means when you share a pattern with a group - maybe consisting of 200 members... the designer is not being paid by each member of that group, for that pattern, by 200 times! And worse, many of these members are part of other pattern sharing groups that consist of 100 to 500 members. Do you see how this minor infraction can grow from petty to grand theft with just a few key strokes?
My mind boggles under the weight and gravity of what pattern sharing is doing to the industry at large. I know what's its done to my little corner of the internet world. It's brought my designing almost to a halt at times. Like many designers, I love what I do, but it's not just a hobby, it's my life, it's how I make a living.
If
you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you
poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
If
you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you
poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
If
you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you
poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha139190.html#xRvfWXHbV6ym3Evv.99
If you prick us do we not
bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if
you wrong us shall we not revenge?
Here's a poem I wrote back on September 1, 2011.
Crocheting Blues…
My eyes were dazzled my hands were twitching
I saw a new pattern so cute and bewitching;
I wanted to grab my hook and crochet
But the cost of the pattern – no way!
I saw a new pattern so cute and bewitching;
I wanted to grab my hook and crochet
But the cost of the pattern – no way!
The price for patterns is over the top
It starts with a computer or a mere laptop
Then you need a printer for patterns to print
And an ISP that you basically rent
It starts with a computer or a mere laptop
Then you need a printer for patterns to print
And an ISP that you basically rent
Add in toner, you always need ink…
Paper and yarn or thread I think
I now can’t afford the patterns to pay
Pattern sharing groups are the only way
Paper and yarn or thread I think
I now can’t afford the patterns to pay
Pattern sharing groups are the only way
Patterns for you and patterns for me
Gifts for the home or holiday spree
You only pay once and share with all
The price for patterns isn’t bad a’ tall!
Gifts for the home or holiday spree
You only pay once and share with all
The price for patterns isn’t bad a’ tall!
Now you can afford the patterns you steal
And it’s really not a big deal…
The price for patterns is way to steep
And designers don’t need pay for their keep.
And it’s really not a big deal…
The price for patterns is way to steep
And designers don’t need pay for their keep.
Please stop and share the URL where you got your pattern and NOT the pattern itself. Support your favorite designer!
7 comments:
Oh, WOW! Super Post. I will be sharing this, repeatedly!
I am here because Becky of Grammy's Creations left your blog link on her blog to show me how to find you. I so agree with all that you say. Please, please everyone always link to the original source if you see something you like and want to tell other's where to find it.This applies to all social media, always pin to the original source on pininterest too. It is common courtesy and the right way to 'share' your finds online.
I recently send a pattern that I bought some years ago but never used. I DID
delete the file fro my computer once it was sent. I appreciate all the free pattern's my favorite designers are always offering as well as purchase them. I know too that if they can't afford to continue that it WILL be my loss. Please... continue :)
Thank you Becky. I'm sure many don't understand the gravity of the situation and are only looking at the one copy of a pattern they received, or the one they just handed to a friend online. It's the sheer volume and how that pattern is shared multiple times over that creates the problem at large.
Thank you for your support Linda! :-)
Thank you Shari! Your support is very much appreciated! :-)
Great post, I will be sharing this definitely ! :-)
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