The talk on this subject split into three main threads: 1) How difficult really was that mat and do I have enough bobbins for it? 2) Should we photocopy the pricking? 3) How badly does illegal copying harm pattern production?
The first thread disappeared into the midst of polychromatic awe when we saw the photo of the fan and all got hot under the collar. The third thread was a very thoughtful discussion on the harm that illegal copying does and how we may both discourage designers and hurt them by doing it - also it helped to actually encourage a few of the people here to think about actually, maybe, could might, publish a few of their own patterns. In addition we also looked as the problems of reproduction in lace patterns - with the now infamous 2" too short pricking for the cake band out of one of the earlier english needlecraft magazines. However, all these good talks were overshadowed by a small but highly heated thread on the so called 'rights' of the lacemaker. You know ... It's my right to have anything that I want and I want it all now. I may have a want and a desire to have the pricking (actually I don't really but we'll pretend), so I have a want and a desire but I don't have a right to it. If I buy it, I have a right to own my copy, but I still don't have a right to it. I had a very interesting conversation off list with another spider and from that came out a very interesting theory - perhaps the real reason we have been known to 'pinch' designs and photocopy patterns is simple - laziness. We cannot be bothered to go and actually buy a book for ourselves, we cannot be bothered to write a cheque for a 65p pattern. That I find sad. I will not defend those who 'steal' patterns by photocopying them however I will protest that there are many excellent books which are now out of print and if we continue to photocopy books then we will never get the book published again. I personally would prefer books rather than a photocopy simply because they are more robust. When I started lacemaking I put all my single patterns into plastic pockets into a large ring binder. Now, 14 years later, virtually every lace guild photocopy (as that is how they used to sell them) has glued itself to the pocket resulting in most of the dots remaining in the pocket and not on the photocopy. Give me the book any day. And Ruth - once again to you and to Vivienne - keep up the good work - I for one support what you are doing but a big, big please from me - keep on the list and keep us informed of what is happening with you, the mat and any fantastic books you are producing. And if you want, feel free to clip us around the ears every so often - sometimes it's the only way we learn. Regards Liz In an email dated Mon, 8 Sep 2003 12:55:06 pm GMT, "Ruth Bean" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: <snipped> >When illegal methods (stealing) are discussed it discourages the publication >of this and other specialist works, and harms the reputation of our list. <snipped> >Ruth >Ruth Bean Publishers >E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
