Snippets from a bead artist.

5.08.2013

New NEDbeads Policy Updates

Hey there, beady land!  I know I am a terribly inconsistant blogger... I had hoped to do better with it this year, but so far life has jumped in front of me too many times to really pay enough attention to the blog.  Today's post is one that I hope lots of people will find, however, as I am changing up the policies regarding my tutorials.

I don't know about you, but I have been hearing so many things about copyright everywhere that the thought of one more discussion really makes me want to run the other way, but I was recently gently convinced to read two more discussions on others' blogs, and am really glad I did. I found out that there are many designers out there who feel as I do, and aren't afraid to market their designs in a way that feels much more comfortable for me, personally.  There has been so much angst and anger everywhere in the beady world over this particular issue, and many horror stories as well of how many designers have had their work disrespected, copied, stolen, etc etc.  And when someone has a policy of selling their tutorials or patterns without giving the purchaser permission to sell the finished work, or ask that a higher price be paid for using the design commercially, I respect that and support it.  It's a personal choice that I think each designer needs to make for themselves.  Above all else, I believe that we need to respect each others' work, and practice good ethics.

I have realized that the policies I have in place on my own tutorials (no selling finished work from my tutorials without a commercial license) aren't making me happy.  I don't feel good about them.  I don't feel good about them because they don't reflect my beliefs about art and creativity, and they don't make me feel good about sending designs out into the world.  I know there are unethical people out there that will do what they wish, and that outright copies will be made and sold, and that there are times when I won't be credited with my work.  But I want to share, especially with those who have inspired me, or taught me something, or showed me a new way of looking at my beads.

I want to learn, and never ever stop learning.  I want to create pieces that make others want that same thing.  And I want to share what I learn about how I go about creating, and my process.  If there is anything I can offer to the community that has taught me so much and helped me to learn how to take my own path, I want to offer it.  My hope is always that people will enjoy my tutorials, and to take whatever parts of them inspire them most, and create something later on that is theirs completely with whatever they have learned in the process.  I've had some lovely ladies who created marvelous things based on my tutorials, but changed in such a way that their own creativity took them in a completely different direction in the end (one special friend in particular created a beaded bead from my Runway bracelet base!) and they ask if I mind if they sell the pieces.  Do I mind??  I am ecstatic!!!  I love to see them, I love that they took them places.  I am truly and honestly honored, any time that I can show someone something that sparks their own creative voice.  To me, this means that I am passing it on, paying it forward - and that means a great deal to me.

So my decision has been that I want to change my policies and allow any work made from my tutorials to be used in any way the purchaser sees fit OTHER than mass production.  The tutorials themselves - all written material and images - will retain my copyright and can't be shared, taught, or reproduced without written permission.  Don't share the tutorial - but by all means, share what you learn about your own process if you can, you WILL inspire someone else along the way.

My prices will remain the same, and won't go up.  I realize that people who have purchased commercial versions of these tutorials will be feeling rather miffed right now, since they paid a higher price.  If you have purchased a commercial version from me, please send me an email at nedale67@gmail.com  and I will give you a half price discount on another pattern of your choice.  Please do NOT purchase your pattern and then email me - I will set up a listing for you when you contact me.

I will be working over the next few weeks to amend the wording on all of the pdfs and listings in my shop, as well as the policy statement, but given some of the things that I am dealing with personally right now, it may take awhile.  So please disregard the 'For Personal Use Only' portion of them, as this public post gives permission to sell your finished work.

I have a new tutorial in the works as I write this, I can't wait to show you!!

Bead happy, bead ethically, respect your designers' policies and hard work and have a fabulous week.



19 comments:

  1. Thank you SO much, Nancy, for voicing your opinion, and making what seems to SO MANY OF US, to be a common sense change. While I rarely purchase patterns to complete them EXACTLY as shown, it is nice to know when the designer is OK with selling what I make. MOST of the time, though - it's been changed up and substitutions made to the point that it's an original design anyway! (much like your student). I respect this decision very much, Nancy. Thank you.

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  2. You are a blessing to the beading community, Miss Nancy Dale !!
    Thank YOU

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  3. Nancy - this is so well said and written and I love your position on the matter! The whole copying/copyright debate has been something I've been following for 20 years now in the bead world, and with the internet simply becoming commonplace over the last decade, it's taken on some interesting twists.
    I admire your talent and your fantastic attitude towards creativity and passing it on!!!

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  4. Wow, Nancy. Bravo. One day, when I retire and can find the time and energy to make patterns for my designs, this will be my philosophy as well. I have tremendous respect for you, for your work, and for this decision of yours. I think design should always be credited, and ideas and photographs should not be stolen. Beyond that, I think that how a designer's work can be used is a personal decision, to be made by each designer. And once a designer clearly and obviously publishes their agreement with their buyers, that agreement should be respected. I also think that if a company that does mass production wants to recreate a design, that is a special circumstance that requires special payment and credit. I honor you, and your new policy, and I will honor whatever changes you might decide to make to it in the future. But most of all, I honor your integrity and your clarity. Thank you.

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  5. I couldn't have said it better myself nancy! You are a TRUE inspiration to a lot of people ME included. You are a diamond, and i am truly happy to 'know' you and class you as a dear friend. ((hugs)) to you special lady xxx

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  6. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Nancy :) I'm glad to see some positive sides to this debate, and ultimately its up to each designer and respecting each other's positions on it. Sending love to you!

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  7. You are a very special woman, Nancy! I love your work. always have, and I am always on the lookout to see new pieces you bead!
    I am so grateful to you and other beaders as I have learnt so much through your tutorials!
    Best regards
    Orly

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  8. Yes, what Marsha Wiest-Hines said. I applaud you.

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  9. Bravo - that is a big step to take and acknowledge. I wish you well on the next part of your beady journey x

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  10. Well said and expressed! Hehe I am special! <3

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  11. Nancy, thank you so much. It is very generous of you though certainly not required of you. You do what makes you happiest. I will always support any beader's copyright policies whatever they are. We are all very fortunate that you have changed yours that directly benefits us, lovely lady.
    Looking forward to seeing your new tutorial!
    Gemxxx

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  12. Very honorable, you have all my respect. I agree with everything you have written

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  13. Nancy, thank you so much for voicing your opinion so eloquently and so passionately. You are an inspiration - on so many levels - and it is of no surprise to me that you are making a change in your policies to reflect, more clearly, your kind and generous nature x

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  14. Well done.

    I have never put anything up for sale in my Etsy shop, nonetheless, I developed shop policies and my very favorite is: I intend to live up to your expectations and my high standards.

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  15. You are one classie lady.....I have so much love, admiration, and repect for you!!

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  16. This is really great, what you're doing, and so articulately written. I love this new policy and your generosity. You know (I hope) that I love you and respect your talent so so much. You have been an inspiration to me since I started beading and now you are an inspiration to me on this issue, too. It's great to see a voice of reason and calm on the topic!! Hugs to you, you amazing person!

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  17. A generous imagination, and a generous heart. What a fabulous combination!

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  18. I agree with everything you said and very happy to hear you change your policy. I definitely never intend to mass produce anything because then the jewelry looses something of it's speciality of being unique if there are too many but I would like the freedom of being allowed to sell something that I make from any design I purchase. Since beading is (for the meantime) just a passionate hobby of mine and so much fun and not my day job, I don't have time to make many things but the things I do make, I hope don't have to necessarily be just for myself (although it usually does :-)) . I just love it when people are surprised that I made something I'm wearing and ask where I got it and I'm every happier if they are interested in buying something from me. Many designers put a limit of "for personal use only" which really makes me sad, so I prefer not to purchase the pattern in this case. I only purchase patterns which allow me to sell. It is VERY rare if I purchase a tutorial which is for personal use. I haven't reached the stage of experience yet of being able to make a pattern totally different although I do try to change things a little if I'm comfortable with the stitch. I getting better and more experience everyday, so I do hope I will be able to do that in the future. Thanks so much for changing you policy. I wish all designers would do that.

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