Post #393344 by Paipo on Fri, Jul 11, 2008 4:19 PM

Thanks for that - I really appreciate you taking the time to respond thoughtfully. I realise you guys are in a difficult position when something like this happens, and I don't want or expect any of you call people thieves or have to end up policing your vendors, but I do believe that if guys like this keep operating at these events you will lose quality vendors. I can see the way the wind is blowing at the moment and it's not looking good for carvers.

I've spent way too much time this year fighting idiots who are too lazy to pay someone to design original products for them. Case in point - the guy at Eyeball Kicks in Wellington is still selling bad copies of my work, and has posted a mealy-mouthed disclaimer linked to the carver's name denying all wrong-doing (and also trying to make me look like the bad guy!).
Unfortunately for him, the very lengthy written apology I received from the carver involved admits that not only did he copy my designs directly, but that he discussed making pieces based on what I was doing with Calvin before proceeding. I'm getting pretty sick of these guys just blaming the carver when they are the ones selling the work and profiting from it at events or on their site. I have yet to receive an apology from either Calvin or Larry, but I live in hope....