Arbitrary "law"
Well, this has been an ugly day for me... I have been kicked out of the Etsy PlushTeam.
As you know, I am one of the more outspoken defenders of copyright on Etsy, so the accusal of copying another Etsy member is hitting me hard. What is really annoying me is that I haven't been told who I am supposedly copying.
I have only received an e-mail informing me that I am copying someone's "signature style", informing me that the member has been encouraged to request deletion of the item, a demand to take the listing down - oh, and informing me that I have been removed from the Street Team, no further questions asked.
Funny enough, the email was called "questions regarding item", while of course no questions were asked, nor information given.
You can see the Blimp in question - am I missing something? Especially since it's been listed since November 2007... My Blimps are basically just socks where the opening is sewn into two ears. Faces are always embroidered with thick yarn, designs vary - I get most of my faces by doodling comics and cartoons or going through Japanese craft books.
Which copyright laws am I breaking? Whose signature style is this supposed to be? As far as I know, I am pretty much the only one making these sock Blimps. And sorry if I am wrong, but what is so signature about any of it?
Seriously, I am stumped. And of course pissed of, because I faithfully paid my dues (kiss that money goodbye) and am given no explanation whatsoever.
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Update 07-03-08
Another team member have since informed me of who she thinks might be concerned. By now, the seller in question has also contacted me, and we'll see how that plays out.
As you can see, I have deleted the Blimp in question. I know I am not breaking any laws, especially as we are talking details in the face, but it is not a typical Blimp of mine in any case, and I do not offend - that one will just be sold locally in one of my other outlets, or maybe given as a gift. Though all of my friends have recently been getting boys, no girls - ach, something will come up.
I'll keep you posted!
