Apparently Now I'm From Costa Rica

So the other day I got an email from a friend telling me that I work has appeared on a gallery for Perler Bead art. So I followed the link she sent me and find my 3D Mario Mushroom picture uploading onto some gallery for a Perler Bead store but it's listed under the name, Adrian - 14-year-old, Costa Rica. What the fuck!

Now I wouldn't be so mad if it was my design he stole but it was my picture. He couldn't even get up of his lazy little 14-year-old butt to made the god damn thing himself in order to earn the pattern the site offers when you post something in the gallery. Nope, he just ripped off my picture and uploaded it.

But I have spies everywhere as I always say and I found out. I emailed the main parent company site, EK Success Brands, to get them to take the picture down but they never responded, useless pricks ... so I'm just going to rant about their lack of help and this little bastard, Adrian on all my online outlets. Probably won't do anything but it makes me feel better.

Also from here on out, every one of my photos will be re-uploaded with my company name on them. I am so sick of people stealing my photos and custom designs.

More on the Subject of Etsy and Copycats

Now I don't want anyone to think I hate Etsy due to my last rant because it is a great site for artists to sell their wares. Ebay is too expensive and not targeted at the right market for us, plus it lacks the community that Etsy has. However what does upset me about Etsy is the lack of support they show artists when they need it the most.

Etsy claims that they will moderate between members when there are issues but honestly I have seen several stories where sellers who create original items had other sellers on Etsy steal their exact items and Etsy did nothing to help them. Most small sellers or hobbyists can't afford lawyers to defend their work and if Etsy doesn't step in, how can you stop other people from just selling your art without your permission?

So sellers are left to defend for themselves and disputes can get nasty. The harassing emails start, more items are stolen and people will go as far as attempting to destroy each other lives basically. Thankfully I've never had to deal with anyone like that but I've again heard the stories.

But all the finger pointing aside, isn't the idea of copying art just ruining the whole purpose of art? Why bother selling crafts if all you're doing is producing something created in the mind of someone else? You may as well go work in a factory then sell on Etsy?

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