Yesterday I posted about a copyright infringement / defamation issue (here) and in less than 24 hours I removed the post. This person had damaged my business, done various things (I wont get back into it) and I had not responded in any way until I wrote the post. That was my response. I used their name.
I felt bad about it and I removed the post. This person and I have since reached an understanding and the case is resolved.
When others threaten what I create (yes, it happens here and there) I handle it privately and it sucks up my time, my energy and it's awfully unpleasant but then it settles. This time was different and I responded differently - I exposed their name in public and despite removing the post I felt bad about it. None of you want to visit my blog hoping to see miniatures or sculptures or witches and get dragged into an unpleasant scene like that. I should have handled it quietly like I usually do, and I apologize to all of you and yes, to her as well.
As we say back in Blighty, it "wasn't cricket".
These broads have more apology to add. Click the images to enlarge and scroll through with your arrow keys.
Thank you, and goodnight all. I'll do better next time. :)
10 comments:
But would it have been resolved if you hadn't posted anything? Interesting quandary.
Dear Caroline
Anyone who creates great things sooner or later runs into the copycat problem. For me, it happened when I was very young and stupid and I didn't handle it well. I made some life long enemies and I will always regret it.
Lots of people who read your blog are creators, we relate and sympathize. I missed your original post, but whatever it was, I'm sure it's not as bad as you imagine.
To help you feel better, I'm going to share some wisdom I've gathered from my friends over the years:
Meraai, who has a foul mouth, used to say, 'And then what did you do? Hit her on the left tit, I hope?' If only life was so simple. But I always laugh when I think of that.
My friend Kiewiet who's a lawyer says, 'put nothing in writing', and 'least said, soonest mended' and 'mud sticks'. I live by her words. Sometimes when we hurt, we want someone to share our feelings and make us feel better. It's best to do it with carefully selected friends, in private. By publicly ranting about something distasteful, we taint our own name. I can't tell you how many times over the years Kiewiet's advice has made me hold my tongue, and how many times I've been grateful later.
And finally, a good one from my friend Wendy. 'As long as they are walking in your footsteps, they will never overtake you'. I know this seems like small comfort when what other people do directly impacts your income, but it is true. You will move forward from this point and go to new places, but they will never experience that freedom, because they don't have what it takes to walk their own road.
I hope you feel better about the whole thing quickly. Put it behind you and think of happy things!
With lots of love and endless admiration.
Megan
Hello Caroline!
I hope that this message finds you feeling better about the past day or so and I'm so pleased to read that you have resolved this with the person concerned.
I'm sure that you and she will now be the better for it.
Keep on doing what makes you special...
Tee
Happy that you were able to resolve this with the person. It is easy to respond in anger out of frustration. A good reminder to not do it in the heat of the moment. Wishing you well.
Hugs,
Barbara Diane
Honestly, as bad as you feel about it, and even though you took the post down, I'm kind of glad you did it. It's the internet equivalent of being put in the stocks and sometimes it stinks but other times it's the wake up call people need to rein in their own behavior.
Going crazy overboard is obviously not kosher but you didn't lie, cheat, exaggerate or do anything illegal. Sometimes the truth is just enough of a spanking.
I can understand why you took the post down too though. It's all about what you can live with and if you're satisfied with your own behavior.
Looking forward to more posts and fun faces in the future!
Some times enough is enough. I am still a fan, love your work and am not bothered in the least that you blogged about the incident. Keep doing what you do, learning and adapting, your art will grow from it. No worries I fully understand that some times we do things, don't like how we feel or our actions and adjust. Bringing things into the light can be beneficial and it's all tricky to navigate honorably when others are NOT honorable.
Don't beat yourself up over it, it happened, you reacted as any normal human being would have. It's like someone stole a piece of you so of course you want to get it back.
You're still awesome to me!
You tried to handle it legally and politely, but she made you play hardball. I am a non-confrontational person, but I support your post yesterday and am proud you stood up for yourself. I'm glad it's over now and you can let it go and move on. Happy creating!
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I have to wonder if anything would have changed if you hadn't named her publicly. It seems that you did all you could before taking that step, it wasn't like that was your first response.
I'm glad for both of you that this is resolved. From what I saw of her work she is a talented sculptor, and isn't doing herself any favors in relying on copying someone else's stuff.
Personally, I don't think you did a bad thing. I also do think you did the right thing in taking down the post once it did what it was intended to do.
Happy creating!
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