…in the Cookie-Jar 🙁
Tonight I was reading a very disturbing article on one of the digital scrap-booking sites I visit – often. The article was about digital scrap-booking piracy. People breaking into the digital store, down-loading kits and sharing them with others – apparently for free and sometimes making them their ‘own’ work.
I am blessed to be working with some incredible designers. I know that they put their heart and soul into creating the kits. They spend countless hours (for minimal profit) creating the kits. Some even offer freebies for our enjoyment.
Some of you might know that I created a kit – for free. I had the link on my blog. I purchased the materials I used in the kit. I added a TOU (terms of usage) to my kit giving credit where credit was due. Why I am telling you all this? Why am I disturbed about this?
Well, I checked the server tonight – I had a huge response on downloads. I was thankful that so many people liked the kit to use for their enjoyment. After looking at the numbers of downloads and the numbers of comments – something didn’t add up. When you have a total of 2,915 downloads but only 215 comments (thank yous)??? That really makes me wonder.
So, I am asking you to when you get freebies or download kits you have purchased:
- Don’t share the links with your friends or groups
- If a designer gives you a freebie – say ‘thank you’
- Give credit where credit is due. Always. No matter if it is purchased or free.
I have taken down the link to my kit. I am not sure where my kit ended up. I just hope that the people who downloaded the papers or the elements give credit in a proper manner; and used the kit for personal enjoyment as stated in the TOU. Thank you for listening.
Blessings to your week…
Sorry this happened dear.
I’m so sorry that happened to you! It’s amazing how people can be so heartless and greedy! I didn’t use your kit, I’m clueless when it comes to scrapping, but thanks for putting it up and letting others enjoy it!
I am sorry this happened. There is no way to trace who downloaded? HUGS! I know Andrea Gold has been talking about this a lot on her blog….is there something new hitting that I don’t know about? Well it is probably best if I don’t know =) I have had people link back to pictures on my blog lately, which normally I don’t mind but one of the pictures is of one of my sons so my hairs were up a bit. I am just watching things closely.
Hugs.
I hope that no one does misuse your kit. How amazing though over 2000 downloads. I didn’t see your kit but you’re obviously talented.
Hugs.
Sarah x
My guess is that you were linked to by a freebie site for scrapbook lo. Or that a blog posted a link to your freebie which lead to the high number of downloads (and very few comments). Hopefully, it’s just a personal use thing and not something else. (((hugs)))
i hear ya Iris! i had that happen a lot when I made my kits, now I don’t really make much anymore for giving out. Not that I cared who used them. It just felt a little pointless kwim?
Anyhow, I know what you mean! Where are you making your kits for? (I’m still a scrap junkie!)
Howdy Iris–it’s me, Carmen returning from Never-never Land. Looks like you’re still blogging away productively. I’ve been focusing on our family, schooling, and finding out why I’m in pain constantly. It’s been diagnosed as Lyme Disease, so hoping I’m on the recovery road.
Do you use WordPress? Seems like I asked you this before. I’m (really) starting a new WordPress blog–partly to keep in touch with hubby while he’s in Iraq (or rather to allow him to see what’s on my mind.) I’m stumped! If you have time and think you can help, my e-mail is my.word@hughes.net.
Blessings Sister!