A Word About File Sharing

[Robin Carlton]

Hey guys,

As many of you know, file sharing is one of the biggest issues we battle as professional digital scrapbook designers. Due to the downloadable nature of our products, it is far too easy to take our hard work and redistribute it around the internet without giving our designer's financial well-being a second thought. Because of this, we rely on our customers and friends to take an active role in protecting our work and informing the community that file sharing is wrong.

For the record, the ONLY legitimate source of Sweet Shoppe products are purchases made here in the shoppe, purchases made from one of our designer's solo stores, promotional downloads distributed via our store and/or personal blogs and occasionally downloads via special promotions with 3rd party vendors.

If you participate in a yahoo or google group, a private messageboard or ANY other online venue and Sweet Shoppe products are offered to the members via 4Shared, RapidShare, Pando or ANY other download service - you are STEALING from our designers and are in violation of our terms of use and the law.

Additionally, if you purchase a kit and share it with your friends or contribute your purchase to a group buy of our new releases or other products, you too are STEALING from our designers and are taking and using product that isn't rightfully yours.

As SSD is a fairly large store, file sharing is an issue which we are faced with daily and it is one that we reserve the right to handle in the means we see fit on a personal, private and professional level. We ask that you trust us to evaluate each situation presented to us and to take the action we see fit. We have an incredibly strong and intelligent team of designers who take these activities seriously and will make the decisions needed to protect our work and community.

All of this said, we also believe in the good of the community at large and know that people make mistakes and can change. So we implore you to make the right decisions where file sharing is concerned, now and in the future, because we will not hesitate to take action against people we discover to be involved with this practice.

Take an active role in educating people about this issue - If you share files... STOP. If you know people who share files... tell them it's wrong and distance yourself from the activity, dont just turn a blind eye because they are "friends". DO the right thing and make a conscious decision to be a better person today than you were yesterday where file sharing is concerned.

If you have any questions about our policies, terms of use or if you have information on people or groups sharing our files, please contact us (admin@sweetshoppedesigns.com) with as much information as you can including a link to the original posting of the shared file within the group or messageboard.

Thanks so much for your understanding and help with this very serious issue,

Robin

[ColleenSwerb]

Thanks for addressing this Robin. We knew you'd handle it all in the way you saw best.

[Paula]

Wholeheartedly agree!!

[~Julie~]

Thanks for addressing this Robin.. I can't believe people are still doing it!

[marnel]

I whole heartedly agree ;)

[nun69]

dude...can't believe that people do this....well said!

[juliemarie]

Well written Robin! It's so sad you had to though.

[pbumbaca]

Well put Robin. This whole subject just grates on my nerves and I'm so sorry all of you designers have to deal with it!

[Joan]

Very well put, Robin! It's sad this issue constantly rears its ugly head. I really hope those who need to read this the most do.

I have the link to the Stop Digital Piracy blog in my sig. It's a good place to send people to help educate them on the issue. There's a wide variety of graphics available there to use in your sig, on your blog, etc.

[mixedclawzz]

Agreed. Very well put.

Unfortunately those who REALLY need to read this, won't.
Hopefully that is not the case tho.

[lacidock]

Very well said Robin!

[Joan]

Unfortunately those who REALLY need to read this, won't.
Hopefully that is not the case tho.No, I agree, the ones who need to read this the most will turn a blind eye, and that's really sad. Hopefully there are those who have a conscience and will realize what a mistake they're making, or those who honestly don't understand what they're doing, and education and awareness help reach them at least.

[lizzyfizzy]

whatever yours and the designers decision is regarding recent events, i back you up 100%. thank you for stating this so clearly and fairly. once people know it's wrong they need to make it right...doesn't mean forgiveness can't come into place. your the best, robin.

[Amy Carey]

Well I know of some people that used to do this and don't anymore, so maybe there is hope after all. Robin you are so succinct and well spoken...I think you said it perfectly, though I agree with everyone else that it was sad that you even had to. :(

[[michele]]

It's sad this issue constantly rears its ugly head.



That's exactly what I was thinking.


Well I know of some people that used to do this and don't anymore, so maybe there is hope after all.

That surprises me but is nice to read!

:) Michele

[SeattleSheri]

Very well put Robin. I hope everyone reads this thread.

[Megan Turnidge]

It's sad you had to post this, but hopefully it's of some help to someone reading! Piracy really, really gets to me... it makes me so angry when I hear this happening. :cursing:

[amystoffel]

Thank you Robin. I know this is such a serious and personal issue. I thank you for speaking candidly with us.

[AnnieBananie]

Amen sistah.

[fluffypuppies]

I agree... I think it's terrible that anyone would ever think it was ok to to that... They should think about how they would feel if it was their designs and they had people sharing the files. I would bet that wouldn't make them very happy. Thanks for the very informative post.

[Becca Bonneville]

This is certainly a must read thread! I hope those who really need to read it do! You are the bestest Robin and I couldn't of said it better myself!

[MelissaL88]

Very well said, Robin. I'm so sorry that you even had to write it.

[scarletsierra]

I too am very sorry you have to even make this post, Robin. But I agree it is necessary and I truly hope more people read it and educate themselves. I'm a firm believer that when you know better, you should do better.

[Brooke W]

Very well said, Robin. I hope it's taken to heart by those who need to read it.

[Kara]

Thank you, Robin.

[amandabarugh]

Just agreeing with what everyone else has already said.

[Stacey42]

Thanks for posting about it Robin.

I do know people who didn't realize sharing with a few friends is piracy because when most people think of piracy they think of putting links up for the whole internet to download, not burning a CD for a couple of people.

[Tracie Stroud]

Thanks so much for posting this Robin!

[wildblueeyez]

;302894']

That surprises me but is nice to read!

:) Michele

Piracy is how I found digital scrapbook sites - someone was sharing links and I loved the designs so much I went looking for the site that the designer sold from. the great community and friendship was what converted me!

I admit, I was a part of a very small yahoo group that shared links BUT I never downloaded, but I did send the links to the designers to kill. You can ask any of the designers here. I have since left the group as this was all unfolding here at SSD so that I was not guilty by association.

The members of that group knew it was wrong but they didn't care because they kept the group small and closed to the public. Educating them wasn't an option - I knew what I needed to do. and did it.

[sammi]

Well said Robin. Thank you!

[AllieP]

Very well written, Robin!

[SamaraGugler]

Thank you Robin!

[scrappurple]

I am sorry that you have to even deal with this ... :(

[newfiemountiewife]

Great post Robin, I hope those who need to see it, will.

[crystalbella77]

Thank you for the reminder Robin, but I am so sad it was necessary. :(

[SirScrapalot]

Well said.

[Jennifer]

Thank you, Robin.

[EveRecinella]

Thank you Robin!

[K_eve]

VERY well said, Robin.

[switchwiz]

yep, well said, this is no different then walking into a store and taking something

[sannajeannine]

Extremely well said Robin....thank you for addressing this.

[meganmecrazy]

I get VERY upset when I hear about this happenening! I've (THANK GOODNESS) never been in a situation where I had to witness it going on but it's great you are addressing this!

[schock77]

Well said Robin. I know these things can happen, but never seeing any pirating myself, I didn't really realize how widespread the problem is. It's sad.

These designers work their butts off churning out new products all of the time (think about how much work a layout can be, let alone designing an entire kit) and for just a few dollars a piece, yet people steal those? Many of these gals are full-time designers- this is their livelyhood- and I'm appalled that people would continue to pirate their stuff.

Good for you for taking a stand against these pirates! :)

[roxyrenders]

Wholeheartedly agree. In addition to sharing links- I know of instances where a site had problems with the distribution of coupon codes earned as prizes. That is digital piracy, too. Once had a person PM me for some links that were issued during a chat because they had missed it....ack!...that's digital piracy in my mind! So many freebies are available I don't understand the need to engage in digital piracy. It is disrepectful to the designer and to art form of digital scrapbooking.

[MelindaH]

Agreed. Very well put.

Unfortunately those who REALLY need to read this, won't.
Hopefully that is not the case tho.

I have to agree with this. I'm sorry you even have to post this. People really should realize without having to be told. :(

Melinda

[Mel+hergirls]

I have read this and agree whole heartedly as well. I did once share files....I have admitted that but do NOT anymore nor associate myself with anyone that does share. It is sad that this continues to go on. I have spent quite a bit of time here lately reading the piracy blog and it is an excellent source of knowledge.

[junebug]

very well said Robin. i hate that you even have to post this at all. it's a shame there are people out there doing this despite all the fights against it.

[shades of bliss]

I really appreciate the pro-active approach you and the sweet shoppe community is taking in this manner. It is a nasty, nasty practice and shame on all those that do it!!

[anrobe]

It saddens me how much this happens in our community. Very well said, Robin.

[CA Dreamer]

You said it very well and if anyone doesn't understand the issue after reading your message, obviously doesn't WANT to. It is too bad that you even have to deal with this aggravation! :cursing:

[rach3975]

Well said, Robin! I agree that the ones who most need to read this probably won't, but hopefully there are some people who have been unthinkingly downloading the files who will now know better and stop.

[Leah]

Very much agreed!

[nikki81]

Thank you Robin, I agree with everything you said.
And I know ppl make mistakes, when they are not fully educated with the full facts, but also believe once you do know them you can try put it right.

[**Holly**]

Thank you Robin, I agree with everything you said.
And I know ppl make mistakes, when they are not fully educated with the full facts, but also believe once you do know them you can try put it right.

I agree too...

Thanks so much Robin :thumbup:

[babycake]

Thank you Robin, i totally understand everything you are saying. Unfortunatly, making mistakes is something humans do best, but knowing the full facts can hopefully get ppl to change their ways and put things right again. :thumbup:

[Top Chef]

Ok, so I've joined a few sites (am I allowed to mention which ones?) <shrugs shoulders> Guess it doesn't really matter. anyway.

EVERY place I look there are freebies offered. If it's a freebie, is it considered piracy?????? There are also sites that offer free downloads that do not recognize the designer. I cannot remember the actual site but have gone there a few times via a Google search of "free digital scrapbooking".

THAT being said.... I've also seen "kits" made by people who say "I made this new kit" and when doing a search on the internet, I'll find the exact same backgrounds (images) they say they made and yet, they are just there. Taken from the internet to use in a kit. IF you get images from the internet and use it in a kit-how is that any more yours than if I just use it from the internet but not the entire kit? (I ask bc I've been questioned about the use of this such bg without using the whole kit).

As an artist (writer), I completely understand the issue with piracy but if it's offered for free, it seems there is a bit of a gray area that should be addressed. I would not want someone to plagairize my material but at the same time, I also wouldn't put it out there as "free" either. I guess this is where I'm confused!

On another note... I OFTEN, do not use an entire kit (probably why my stuff doesn't have the same solid elemental feel as the ones I've seen here) but a mix of stuff from various sources. I've not been able (thus far) to keep track, but EVERY single piece is either from a free download or something I've put together myself (grabbed off Google images-no copyrights listed) or made by myself. In instances where I use other sources, I will happily give credit to "someone" but often (almost always?) I just blanket it with.... I do not know where I got this or that, but I did not make it. It was from a free download. I commend all of you who are able to keep track of the different pieces of kits you've used!!!! HOW DO YOU DO IT!!!??!!?!?!?

and finally..... what is the difference between "pirating" these works and those who use Microsoft Office, PSP, PSE and allow their friends/family to use the same cd?

I'm done... I'll be posting a "hello, I'm new here" thread in a few mins. :p

[Amber1279]

Top Chef ... a lot of your questions can be answered at this blog: http://jenjen.typepad.com/stoppiracy/

[adrianka]

I have a question regarding this issue which has been bugging me for some time.

If I have a kit that I've bought legally, but I have never used it myself for whatever reason (it didn't meet my expectations, it doesn't suit my style anymore, etc.), and I have a friend who might be interested in starting digi-scrapping, can I give her such a kit as a gift? That is, for her exclusive use, she wouldn't be sharing it with anybody, and I would delete the files from my drive, thus giving up the right to use them.

It would seem to me that it's OK - the kit has been paid for and it will be only used by one person, only the purchaser and the user won't be the same person. If you buy a CD/DVD/whatever you don't like, you can give to others, after all.

But still I thought I'd better ask what you think about this.

[Trixie Scraps]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if EVERY digistore out there paraphrased what you said here and also posted it in their forums? And if DSA/DST did as well?

I think there are a lot of people who just don't care that its morally wrong and will continue to do it, anyway... but there are some people who don't stop to think or don't realize how badly they are hurting the designers' profitability... and if this post were visible throughout our entire community, maybe those folks would see it and it would take root.

In any event, well put Robin.

[Lyudmila]

I whole heartedly agree.:)

[chocochoco]

Thank you Robin! So much agreed!

[Damayanti Studio]

I worked as a Designer 3 years. A few months ago I retired. One is caused to retared is just that digital piracy is a large scale...So I understand everything you wrote Robin and will fight with you.

[lulutoo]

Wow--group buy? I've never even heard of such a thing. That is just terrible that anyone would even think of doing that! What I don't understand is how anyone would even enjoy using the product knowing that it's stolen. If they can't afford it, then they can always stick with legal freebies, after all!

[ForellaP]

I find that those who are new to digital scrap-booking may be more susceptible to piracy simply because they don't know how much work goes into the making of digital supplies or they are under the misconception that all graphics found on the web are free unless watermarked. It is up to us, the community to educate them and help them find legitimate sources of free samples as well as great places to shop. Share you knowledge and don't be shy about explaining piracy to those who might be new (or maybe older) to the community.

[Ewelina88]

I whole heartedly agree

[SinisterPink]

The problem with piracy of any kind is that people see it as a victimless crime, and also will quite happily bang the gong for one type of battle against one type of piracy, while turning around and commiting piracy somewhere else.

As someone whose work has been stolen, heck I once was walking in town and someone came past me with a T Shirt and I was like, "Oh that looks familiar", then I realised he was sporting one of my paintings a large dragon with a bare breasted lady on his back, and I don't print T Shirts.

I have a no tolerance view on all types of piracy, because I know the work that goes into a product, be that art and digital resources, software, games or movies.

The really sad thing is the products here are so underpriced for the effort anyway that the creators are only making a minimal amount for their continued efforts anyways. Artists very rarely make enough to keep food on the table, particularly if they are doing something they love, and not having to design packaging or products :)

Also I find from quoting costs to people that often any creative work is undervalued, especially digital work as people seem to think their is a mythical button on the keyboard that just "makes" art.

Jeebs I would love to find this button, it would save me tons of work....

Generally I pay for everything I use and follow the TOU to the letter, do be aware that some people offer commerical kits of specific shapes and elements FOR kit makers, this is not pirating just always please make sure you read, understand and follow the TOU.

As for friends who are strapped for cash, I have and will continue to buy them vouchers or points to buy kits they can't afford, it would never occur to me to share, I don't hurt my fellow creators...

Sarah

[bcgal00]

It's unfortunate that has to be said....but you said it very well. I completely agree!

[oscaralley]

100% agree!

[Jazz2000]

Wow--group buy? I've never even heard of such a thing. That is just terrible that anyone would even think of doing that! What I don't understand is how anyone would even enjoy using the product knowing that it's stolen. If they can't afford it, then they can always stick with legal freebies, after all!

I never thought of any of these things either.

[Ozegirl]

I just cannot imagine how anyone would think file sharing was ok.

[Inglis666]

Very well put.

[Cherylny]

Hello Robin. I'm new here - been hanging around awhile and decided to officially come in and have some Sweet Fun. I totally agree to the above and know how hard you designers work to create your designs and collections. I completely understand and agree!