The Good, Bad & Ugly of the ‘Net
This post is not like my others. ‘And I’m feeling violated! So absolutely violated! I can’t believe how infuriating it is! This ‘internet thing’ is so unbelievable sometimes! I’ll tell you; the good, bad & UGLY of the ‘Net! and maybe you can help me. (NEW UPDATE! See below!)
First, the Good:
Since starting this site I have made a lot of friends sharing my projects! I get emails daily from very kind people who actually thank me for posting projects and patterns for free. Some share something about themselves and also feel a kinship to me. It’s so sweet. I’ve even had an 80+ lady offer to ship me leaves from Australia for my eco printing. One wonderful lady sent me some silk that she knew I could use. How amazing is that!? There’s a world between us but they feel like they know me through my words. I really love that feeling of being connected and appreciated. My readers enjoy my projects and I feel good about that.
The Bad, really really BAD:
I am super busy designing my projects, photo editing, writing, answering emails, digital media and all else that goes with this blogging thing. I don’t have the time to cruise the net for ‘fluff’. One of my readers recognized my projects and gave me the heads-up.
OMG! I almost fell off my chair, when I saw the exact copy of 2 of my projects in a click-bait video by 5-Minute Crafts! I mean EXACT! Each piece and method to the absolute ‘T’! But Don’t let me sway you, look for yourself: or on YouTube.
Do you remember this Rock Eye Peepers project (Oct 2018)? It is completely designed by me, each aspect from using the tin foil and the glass pebbles…
Compare the screenshots to my photos. U N B E L I E V A B L E!
This video is running rampant through Facebook and gaining massive views by the second. Again, OMG! Some people with integrity actually ask permission to link to my site; (how very ethical of them) 5-Minute Crafts did not ask any permission!
How can this company (5-Minute Crafts) just steal a project and publish it as their own?! Can this be possible?
Come on, tell me, is it the same? Could it be a fluke that just happened?!
How coincidently they used all the same materials, same order…
…same outcome:
I think I hear your answer! Am I insane?
What to do?!
I NEVER thought this type of blatant theft could happen! Yes, I know you are saying I should report it. I first emailed the company which gets confusing as they are under a few names (figures) to which they did NOT reply. No reply to many attempts!
5-Minute Crafts is a fairly large firm with more manpower than I have, so why do they need to take MY MATERIAL? Design your own! If this happens with mine, then where did all their other material come from?
Not just one Project, but 2!!!
To my horror 2 of my projects were ‘taken’ and copied in the same video. The Concrete Lighted Step Spook has been one of my popular designs as it uses such easy materials… The use of every single jar and styrofoam meat tray all copied. How is this possible?!
5-Minute Crafts flies through the video so fast and people question if the projects even work. Well, the consistency of the mix and the improper referral to ‘Cement’ tells again that they have no true idea, just that they found a great project and copied it (ya, I said that a few times)
The UGLY:
Well, the ugly part is what can be done about this blatant copying. I filed a Facebook copyright violation and the following day I was asked for more info. After a couple hours a quick response: ‘Thank you for your report. Based on the information you’ve provided, it is not clear to us that the content you reported infringes your copyright. The reported content appears to embody a similar idea that’s expressed in a different manner from your work.‘
Can you believe it?! ‘Similar idea, different manner’??! Unbelievable!!!
I also filed a YouTube Copyright Complaint Submission but have yet to hear back. I suppose Instagram may also follow…
UPDATE: YouTube has come through!!! – ‘Thank you very much for your notification. The content has been removed.’ See for yourself: I have some faith again and hope this sends a message to ‘Stay away from my content!‘
Please help me:
This is my Concrete Step Spook in progress, ‘similar’ seriously?!
If you see my point and can’t imagine that they really dreamed this up please post comments to that fact. We need to become aware of where these companies get their content, cool projects or not.
Does this one not look exactly like mine??!! I know it’s a great design now as this video is going on 60 million views. Does that not say anything about my projects? Let’s step up and take notice of what we watch on the ‘Ugly ‘Net’! This can happen to anyone… as I never imagined it could happen to me. But then again I believed most people are good and have ethics. I guess my bubble is bursting.
Has this happened to you? I’m looking into legal action. Tell me I’m not crazy. I’ll update when I get info. Sadly this may impact how/what I put my effort into and any future posts.
I am sorry that this has happened to you. It must feel like someone raped your brain and then took credit for all the contents. Unfortunately, there are people in the world who take credit for the blood, sweat, and tears of others. Fortunately, these people are among the minority. Since I have not read all the comments on this site, I am sure others have suggested that you to find how you can better protect yourself from this cyber crime.
Having said that, please don’t let these miscreants destroy your belief that most people are good, as I believe they are. Please keep on making and teaching us how you do the wonderful things that you do. You are wonderfully creative and it is a blessing that you bestow upon us your knowledge, That shows what a kind heart you have.
I am glad I found this article. I will boycott 5 minute crafts. I, too, am so sorry that this happened to you. I really love your content and creativity. Thank you for sharing. As I read recently, “I want to drive the Karma bus.” Don’t let the turkeys get you down. You are better than them.
Thanks! So much good is available on the ‘net, too bad that some ruin it for others (and make millions off the backs of others) 🤷🏻♀️ Thanks for the kind words!
Hi Barb. I’ve been following you for a long time and have made many of your creative projects. I’ve never sold any but have been asked if i would make step spooks for two friends. in fact I just asked your permission on another one of your articles to give a few as gifts. Please don’t take this wrong.. You are so multitalented. People such as myself who were born without any talent love to take your tutorials and make your projects. While most of us would never steal your photos or pretend that we are the original creators, there’s always going to be those that will not think twice about making a buck off of someone else’s great idea. I can’t think of a single good project that has not been copied by thousands and thousands of others. There’s really no way to stop it, The only question is how you’re going to handle it.
When you have a good idea it’s going to spread like wildfire! The only way for you to really truly protect yourself is to not make tutorials of your projects, or patent them. And that would be a shame. I think you should be so proud of the work that you do and how many people you have following your work and copying your ideas. All that energy that you’re spending going after those idiots perhaps would be better spent coming up with your next amazing project?
Thanks Peggy! I understand when someone uses an idea as inspiration but actually using the pictures of mine was just so disheartening! But, I try not have it put a damper on my energy but use it as a compliment. Yes, I look forward… not back!
I love your projects even though I haven’t done any. I appreciate your your imagination and ability to make the ideas a reality! You have a great gift and are very talented!
I am so sorry your project ideas are being stolen. Our society has been in a downward spiral for quite a few years. Breaks my heart to see what is happening.
I understand that you feel violated but please continue with your designs and projects. You give great happiness just by looking at your projects and admiring your work. And it’s obvious that other people like and admire your work enough that they are willing to copy (steal) your intellectual work.
Wishing you the best!
Thanks for the kind words. As an older generation I remember the days where kids would copy my answers and look; now we have it in a digital form… I hate to think what the future will hold. ‘But, I will try to keep it going as long as I can. Your head would spin if you knew all that is needed to keep this site running… I LOVE the creative part…