Post #7744 by the75stingray on Fri, Sep 6, 2002 6:44 AM

This whole original-rip off-artsey-fartsey thing sounds vaugley familiar. Hummm, maybe another posting...?

TikiFish, while I agree with you somewhat and empithise with your situation, you probably have to consider WHO the buyers are and WHY they are buying these pieces;
1.) I seriously doubt if any one here in TC or anyone with any REAL artistic appreciation would consider buying these pieces.
2.) Perhaps they are purchased solely because of the 'Shag' name association. Is that done to draw in an unsuspecting ebay buyer? Yes. You are absolutely correct about the "making a buck" thing. (Although that IS what ebay is about - Buyer Beware!)
3.) Possibly purchased by a rich aunt for a gift to her tiki loving niece or nephew? What unknowledgeable mom would not say "Shag, oh yes, my son talks about his work...Can't afford one of those, but this one says it's LIKE Shag, maybe the kid will like this!"
Now, hopefully this recipiant is going to say "Gee, thanks mom, this is great!" But in reality, I bet money that the kids gonna be thinking "Geeze, what the hell did mom do - I hope she didn't spend a lot of money on this".

I do agree that what I have seen of yours is FAR superior in originality, ability, imagination, creativity and versatility! But because your stuff (and Rains) says "Original" then it doesnt appeal to those shoppers.

Fortunately, or unfortuantely, buyers are often -and always will be- lured in by 'cheap' gimmicks to catch their attention.
(I say 'cheap' because I always think of used car dealer T.V. commericals and radio ads. Think about the deceptive tactics used there!) Buy with ebay, you can't just walk away that easily.

By the way, didn't you make those Fimo Tiki Christmas ornaments last year? I'll be looking for those in a couple of months.

Just food for thought.
Recap: Rip-offs bad, Money good.
I agree with Hanford, at the risk of loosing my good standing with Tikifish.
I kinda agree with Kokomo about the 'hooters'. (Yeah, Shag's chicks are always so flat chested! We need an artist who is a 'breast man' for once!)
I'll shut up now.

-C
:sheckymug: