You are Awesome!
I wanted to let you all know just how completely awesome you are and to thank you so very much for all of your support, it has meant the absolute world to me. I have been flooded with the most fantastic emails, helpful suggestions, kind comments and amazing acts of support – so much so – that you have completely floored me!
I was kind of aware of how many people could be reading my blog but the amount of contact I have had over these last few days has really made it hit home, it feels a little overwhelming that so many people were actually following my little corner of blog-land.
I have read stories from some of you that unfortunately have had to face similar issues and some who are still facing them, it is truly awful and although it is heartbreaking we can’t let it break our spirit (easier said than done, I know) and we can’t let it stop us from standing up for ourselves :)
How can people blatantly copy your design and have no remorse whatsoever for doing it? I always liked Ali Reeve but this has certainly put me off buying any of her products in future if she can allow this to happen. I bet they wouldn’t like it if the boot was on the other foot. As you say you have had a lot of support over this and no wonder as you are a very talented lady who freely gives out free designs on a regular basis and those of us who are extremely grateful to you for doing so would never dream to stoop so low.
Thank you for all the wonderful designs and inspiration you give to us all.
I’m so happy to hear this Bird, when I added my comment I saw the ton of people before me, it made me happy to see all the support. I am happy that we have restored some of your faith in people. Just let us know if there is anything we can do to further support you. I try to give to your tip jar and I also advertise your embellishment store in the sidebar of my blog. I would buy from your store if you were in the US, international shipping is ridiculous and that is the only reason I don’t. So seriously let us know if you need us to organize anything on our blogs. ~Diane
Thanks for all that you do…it is nice to feel the love sometimes! I was going to wtite a note on your previous post…but time got away from me.
Don’t know if you have seen, but create and crafts face book page has an announcement that that product has been withdrawn from sale due to copyright infringement dispute……thought you might like to know if you don’t already. A lot of us may not comment on every post, but rest assured you are valued and appreciated.
Unfortunately, while there is a mention of the dispute on the facebook page, the website merely states “We’re sorry this product was so popular, it has sold out.” I don’t use facebook or I would slam this company for their hypocrisy. The item should have been immediately pulled from the site. Period.
I’ve put a donation into the tip jar. You are such a creative and caring person and I hope that Create and Craft gives this matter serious attention.
I think that “good” will prevail in this case. I am appreciative for all you do and for all the free designs you have so freely given over the years. Keep looking up. hugs, Patty
Thinking of you and hope everything is soon sorted. Big Hugs and prayers xx Jan
So happy to hear that Create and Crafts has done the right thing. Restores my faith in their integrity. Now I hope everyone who placed an order and couldn’t cancel it before shipping returns it unopened.That should send a loud and clear message that this king of action won’t be tolerated.
Hurray for Create and Crafts.
Marion
You are the awesome one. :)
So so sad to hear this Bird…. You have always been so generous with your cut files.
I really hope that this all works out for you. You are a fabulously talented lady and generous to a fault.
Hugs
Caz x
Believe me, we all love your work and efforts. I told you on FB and I repeat it here. Everyone is free to do what they want with their creativity and it seems that everything has a price. Your files just seem images but to us it’s sharing knowledge and creativity. We imagine how much time you spent on them. We are all grateful for that. Thumbs up :)
I have been directed to your site from Mel’s blog (Create and Craft presenter). I own a Pazzles machine and was impressed by their designs but your site just blows me away. And all for absolutely free. It just restores your faith in human nature and generosity. I was really angry by what the Reeves have done. The very least they should have offered was a humble apology, and certainly some money for using your excellent detailed design. I was going to write to Create and Craft to demand that the item was removed but see that it has already been done. So, instead I’m sending you buckets of love and gratitude from all of us who don’t have your tremendous skill but are so delighted that you share this with us so wonderfully. Just think Karma.
You are AWESOME!
I hope you had their Facebook page shut down.
You are an inspiration for remaining positive. Thank you as I needed that more than ever today.
xxxooo
We all know how hard you work on your designs and I for one is very, very grateful that you share them..Thank you so much and sending you lots of love and well done in keeping your spirits up at this stressful time xx
Thank you for all the beutiful designs and inspiration. You are so awesome
Thank you for your wonderful designs, thank you for your work. You are simply awesome.
Don’t let this incident break your spirit Bird!!! You are the best and some people aren’t. At first I thought maybe the Reeves didn’t know better but when they came back with their emails to you like they did I surely thought differently. Keep up your good work and forget these Reeves.
Glad to hear that C & C have pulled this item, and like Marion says, I hope people will return the item unopened and get a refund, so it hits them where it hurts, in their pockets!!!
They’ll rue the day when they messed with Bird and her army of fans. Take care, keep strong, we’re all here for you. xx
Just wanted to say i hope this is all over now and thanks very much for what you do for us!!
Wishing you all the very best!xx
Life has taught me just how important support is and sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference. So happy to see so many crafty people taking a stand. Wishing you all the best.
I tried to post this yesterday, however my computer was acting hinky!!
Bird, Im so sorry you are going through this. The audacity of some people just floors me sometimes! You are so kind and generous for just giving us your hard work in the BEAUTIFUL files you create. And for people like the Reeve’s who have their work put on tv to be sold, I’m sure they have money enough to hire someone to create designs for them if they can’t do it themselves!!! And regardless of what your TOU are or were, you would think that they would have at least given you credit for the design…but maybe they wanted to keep YOUR work a secret to themselves for future kits to sell! I would go after them, tooth & nail!!!
I LOVE you artistic creations and am SOOOOO thankful for you sharing them. Most other creators charge a lot of money for what you do and some of use just can’t afford that all the time. I’ve used your files a couple times to create cards for family & friends and when they say “Wow, that is a gorgeous card,” I always give you credit for the design work. And I have a special file on my computer titled “Birds Beauties” that contains links to all of you wonderful cards & creations. I also follow you on Pinterest & Face Book! And if I have a bad day or am lacking in the creativity department, I just visit one of the links or Pintrest or FB and can always find WONDERFUL INSPIRATION!!! So, thank you for all you do and helping out those of us who really need it once in a while!! :) LOVE YA’
What an AWESOME attitude you have! You are an inspiration to all of us! I appreciate your talent and your beautiful willingness to share your gifts!
De nos jours c’est monnaie courante
que certaines personnes ne respectent
pas le travail des autres mais il faut
se dire qu’ils sont des êtres peu
créatifs et leur seul moyen de paraître
et le plagia sans commune mesure mais vous
vous serez toujours au dessus d’eux parce que
vous avez un don !Alors je sais que ce n’est pas
facile pensez uniquement à ceux qui vous aiment
J’adore ce que vous faite et je vous soutiens .
Cordialement
Lyn
I too have come via Mel Heaton’s blog having been so inspired by the designs on C&C and am very disappointed by the Reeves’ – I thought they were better than that! All they really needed to do was to credit you with the design work and say sorry plus some recompense would have been a nice touch.
I have looked at all your fabulous svg designs and downloaded many. They will inspire me to get crafting again. Thank you for your great generosity and I have put a small token of appreciation in the tip jar. Your designs will be used purely for my own needs.
I just don’t know how people can live with themselves doing this sort of stuff.. I mean really?? they told you it was your work and then turn around and create a kit out of it/? Karma will get them back for sure…. I wonder how many others work they stole??
……..actually, you’re the one that’s awesome. (as others have already written :0) )
I just want to say a big thankyou for your wonderful free SGV files….you are amazing….I have found you via Mel Heaton and Ihave to say she was so full of praise for you and your designs today on create and craft…I am so sorry that you have had this design ripped off you….sadly there are some in this world who will do anything!please keep doing your wonderful designs for those of us who have no talent to do it ourselves…bless you xxxxx
This was the reply I had from the Reeves…still not good enough in my opinion!
Full Disclosure of all communications and facts regarding “Swirly Christmas Tree”
25th June 2014
Although this matter had been resolved by Saturday 25th June 2014 (by our acknowledgement of receipt and obeying of Birds Cards Cease and Desist) it has since been published in part in the public arena with what we feel is an edited (by way of omission of detail) of all communications which we believe has been orchestrated to skew the situation and cause public anger. This includes the misleading statements that no offers were made and no request ever took place on what Birds Cards would like for the use of the image.
A small number of people are also exaggerating fact as well as implying that the image was stolen when bombarding forums, Facebook walls and messaging individual Facebook members. You will see in the communications that the problem has arisen with what we believe are confusing and ambiguous terms of use which needed to be expanded while this matter was in discussion. Despite this our first communication explained what we were doing, what at the time we believe was requested in the terms of use. Our second communication asked Birds Cards to let us know what they would like for the image use, and our third communication asked Birds Cards for a commercial rate for using the image. So rather than nothing offered on Friday the 20th June 2014 we made one offer (as we believed it in line with the terms and conditions) and two further requests for required restitution.
Finally on Saturday 21st June 2014 a new Swirly Tree design was uploaded for sale (see images after email communications). This had been re-drawn from scratch with the purpose of in no way using any portion of Birds Cards image, and the new design is Copyright to us and we are free to do with this as we wish. The notion that the new design is “tweaked” from Birds Cards cutting file is untrue and this is clear to see.
It should also be noted that a third and final request asking what Birds Cards would like in relation to the used image was sent after this matter was made public with an additional request that Birds Cards checks the new tree. At time of writing this, no response had been received.
This matter had been dealt with privately and the reason our response has not been published publicly is because it is unprofessional and unethical to publish a legal matter in the public arena especially if doing so without full disclosure. P.R.Soft Ltd (and our associated brands) is a professional company and always try to run our organisation in a professional manner.
Paul Reeve
P.R.Soft Limited
Birds Cards Published Terms and Conditions of Use
Terms of use obtained 1st June 2014
All Email Communications
Email received from Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 11:14 BST
Email sent to Birds Cards Friday 20 June 2014 12:01 BST
Email received from Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 15:03 BST
Email sent to Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 15:31 BST
Email received from Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 16:06 BST
Email sent to Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 16:28 BST
Email received from Birds Cards dated Friday 20 June 2014 21:16 BST
Email sent to Birds Cards dated Saturday 21 June 2014 15:22 BST
Email received from Birds Cards dated Saturday 21 June 2014 16:06 BST
Our New Swirly Christmas Tree
For the purpose of showing our new Swirly Christmas Tree as sold from Saturday 21st June 2014 (approx 4pm) compared with Birds Cards christmas tree we have used the existing swirl tree design (copyright Birds Cards).
To show both designs overlaid (highlighting the difference) we have first shown our design in red with Birds Cards design shown in black over the top, the second picture is Birds Cards design with our Design over the top.
What a lot of effort to go to rather than say, Sorry!
If anyone could forward this to me with the attachments to: bird@birdscards.com I would appreciate it :)
I’m so glad that you have been able to see just how many people appreciate and value your designs. Just read the Reeves response above………what a lot of hot air, bluffing and trying to bamboozle and as you say Bird – all they had to do was say SORRY!!!! You go girl……we’re right behind you!
Karen x
Me again Bird…….just seen that C&C have posted a statement on their Facebook page about the tree:
https://www.facebook.com/CreateandCraft
it was posted 22 hours ago so you need to scroll down a bit.
Karen x
We’re behind you. Stand strong.
I am so glad to know that you have received such support from all your followers…we truly appreciate all the wonderful files you have shared with us. You are a wonderful talented person. Let us know if we can do anything to help…write letters, post on facebook, etc.
I think it is just awful. Your designs are beautiful and I appreciate not having to buy them. I would never dream of putting them on the market like that company did. I hope this does not cause you to change things, but if you do I will be your customer.
I have just seen the statement on create and craft facebook, and it seems there are people who think they have done nothing wrong, but like I said in a previous post, they are no better than the theifing Reeve’s god only knows who else they have stole off, It seems their fans are blaming bird…Shaneful people lets hope this can be put to rest and Bird gets just what she is owed, and a very big sorry from them, least they can do
I have nothing to do with either side but I still believe there was no intentional ill intent and I respect both parties as crafters and business owners and respect birdscards.com for what they do in the world of crafting too. I do not know all the ins and outs of copyright law etc. but I hope the situation that has occurred will be resolved amicably and satisfactory on both sides so we can all get back to the important matter of crafting. Kind regards.
Keep your head up high and you will prevail!! You are AWESOME!!
Hello Bird,Thank you for the latest post but I think it is you who are AWESOME and I think you know by now how much we all love you and your work. Keep your chin up. we are behind you in this so you don’t need to feel alone, If you need anything please let us know. I am on a pension but I will find some cash if you need it to get these B****r*s. WE LOVE YOU.
Je t’envoie plein de bonnes ondes, Bird’s !
Bises
Hi Bird
Hope you heard Mel Heaton mention your name and give you credit for your files.
That should help you feel a little better I hope.
xxxxx
I have followed and downloaded a lot of your files, and think you are a very generous person who is an inspiration to us “normal” crafters, love and hugs, and keep smiling, we all love YOUR designs [they must be good to be nicked!!!]
Keep up the good work, and many thanks for what you do xxx
Well I threw my 2 cents on C C FB…if I get banned from there it was a good cause!!.. lol
here’s one idea.. there is one blogger that only sends her cut files to her subscribers only!! and she knows who they are….or you can charge with stipulations…so sad but true..
a million thanks :)
I love all your works and thank you for being so kind in sharing them. more power to you !
Me siento muy feliz, de saber que muchísimas personas le han
apoyado. Así que siga adelante según su corazón le dicte.
Por mi parte le estoy muy agradecida por todos los diseños que pone a nuestra disposición para que trabajemos, son hermosos y muy útiles.
Es una pena que personas quieran hacer dinero a costa de su trabajo.
Le deseo muchos éxitos y que Dios le siga ayudando en todo lo que hace. Reciba un fuerte abrazo.
You’re work is fantastic and I am pleased that action has been taken. It is companies/people like that which will ruin things for everyone – please keep your head held high and keep up the amazing work. There are many of us who appreciate you and your designs x
I’m very happy that Create and Craft removed the item. Hopefully the people who ‘borrowed’ from you will learn that their integrity is more important than a few dollars.
WOw- that is just so Blatant! I hope they sell none OR that you consider getting a lawyer! Bet if you get a lawyer, people will help donate to help pay- that is just so wrong!!!
Bird, unfortunately some people are greedy and cruel in their pursuit of money. Please do fight for your rights. Did you notice they admitted that they look for free files rather than have a designer to create them? Not good people nor will their business thrive because of their fraud. My heart hurts for your sorrow. Sending you hugs and kind thoughts because you are the best! For so long you have shared your talent so willingly and all of us respect you immensely. Please know you are so appreciated and loved for your kind spirit!