Everytime I see this grass at this time of year I am reminded of one of our families most favorite Christmas storybooks, Trouble with Trolls written and illustrated by Jan Brett.
"you can see the white cotton grass waving wildly in the wind, It's all that is left from the day I had trouble with trolls."
Interesting when I was searching for the book link I was reminded that trolls is the name given to certain people.
"People of all ages in any walk of life can become trolls because the anonymity granted them by the internet gives them the freedom to sow discord, destroy the credibility of individuals, and even shut down websites and forums. Trolls like to argue, not for the sake of a stimulating debate, but to annoy and upset people. The more aggravation they create, the more they believe they have achieved."
Read more at Suite101: The Trouble With Trolls: Cyberstalkers And The Law http://www.suite101.com/content/internet-trolls-a193145#ixzz17o8HogGt
It made me think that individuals and companies that steal peoples ideas and designs are also trolls. If you have a chance this weekend I would recommend you read this, this and this. This is happening to so many of us and it is high time we caused a ruckus. So tweet, facebook, put up a link on your blog or flickr. There is true strength and passion in the handmade community.
xo
m
I just blogged about it. It really makes me sick. I hope consumers can get educated to buy being aware of what they are buying.
oxox
Posted by: Sonia | December 11, 2010 at 09:30 AM
I left a long comment on Sonia's blog. I am so sorry this is happening to you and to others. Please know, that as a consumer, I value your time and talent and ingenuity immensely. I am constantly inspired by what you and others are giving out to the world. Thank you for your art.
Posted by: Jenna C. | December 11, 2010 at 11:10 AM
So I know Craftster isn't a selling community, but I love it there because of the lack of trolls. My husband doesn't believe that there can be an online community that big without trolls, but it's true!
Posted by: Jessie Hansen | December 11, 2010 at 11:24 AM
I do love Jan Brett's books.
Posted by: Dolores | December 11, 2010 at 07:10 PM
Trolls indeed Margie!
Posted by: Abigail | December 12, 2010 at 06:29 PM
I went and read all of the posts you linked to. Lots to think about. A while back I read a bit about what was happening to the creative young woman who makes Fern animals - how a big company had used her designs in mass production. I also read a frightening post by a woman who found that someone else had taken photos and content from her blog (including photos of her children) and used them as her own - basically a case of identity theft. Creepy.
Inspiration/sharing/learning vs stealing/misrepresentation.
I loved what Creative Thursday had to say about her life as an artist and the long, steady road she has taken. I have been using the term "Slow Craft" a lot lately (adopted from the Slow Food movement). I do not know if I made that up or heard it somewhere but I feel that my creative process SLOWLY unfolds - I learn and add to my skills. I don't want to be sloppy or focused on the end result. I do not have a need for an immediate goal or gratification. I think that happiness and longevity probably come from this approach.
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.
Posted by: Lovely World | December 12, 2010 at 07:55 PM
yes, yes, and yes again...I always recommend buying original and "stimulating" the economy of handcrafted. Stay out of mass produced and you won't aid and abet the trolls.
Posted by: Cindy Michaud | December 13, 2010 at 08:33 AM