My Personal Worst

                                                                    April 10,2008.

Oh ouch.....I am so ashamed that I did not get a post up on Monday, I remember back in the day when I posted two or three times a week.  Those were the days.  Now, I am just too dang busy, over-worked, under-staffed, uh spent a few days gardening.....oh heck I have no idea why I can not find the time.  I may have (said it once before) bitten off more than I can chew.....but that would be defeat and I can not admit THAT!

I am thinking I need some divine intervention thing, or some you know light shinning down on me with angels singing and telling me the answer.  I just do not know what to do, and part of me wants to just say um a bad word and let it be....

What Would You Do?                                                                                                                                                          
So, I mentioned before about copying and competition snaking into my territory and I got everybody all fired up about it way back in 2007.  Remember those days?  The good ol' days for sure!  I am sort of watching something unfold and I am humming and hahhhing as to what to do.  I am curious if I could get some feedback if you have had this happen or what you would do in case it happened?  I mean hypothetically speaking of course, and no for the record it has not happened yet.  Just a few scenarios that have run through my head:

The Tammy Fae Baker Way

Hide my head under the covers and cry and cry and cry - that ugly face make-up all over your cheeks cry.  Ya, this is not really my style, however it does sound like fun - I mean just once I could go to bed, eat ice cream, chocolate and watch soap opera's all the live long day.  This may not be how I would handle a "art attack", but some might find it helpful.  Maybe I would figure out things, solve all the worlds problems?  Maybe it would give me some insight as to what I could do....after the crying and eating thing.  I don't think this is an honest option.....but maybe it has worked for someone?

Here Comes Rocky

Cue the music please, I am running up the court steps....I could fight back and be really mean.  I could go and call all my channels and demand they do not carry the perp with the copy-cat products.  I could insist it is me or her....oh PLEASE I can't even joke about this one (and I AM joking)!  This would never fly, nor would I have the guts to do this.  Not the guts really, just the gall to do this to another person.  I think I have made it clear where I stand on the whole thing - but I would not sabotage another business, ever.

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them

I could just turn around and start copying their work, ya, ya and then the lines would be all blurry and no one would know who did what.  Okay, I can not even take this one seriously, though it has been suggested to me.  I can't, I really can not do it.  I want to be seen as a brand, as a product that people know and trust.  I want people to know what to expect when they get  my product, not wonder who the heck made this piece of crap.....um tile, sorry.

Do Nothing - Deny, Deny, Deny

Do Nothing.  Hmmmm, this one would be tough for me, but I said "Do Nothing" not "Don't discuss", that I  could still do.  Right?  Isn't that what this blog is for?  I mean I would have to dish, complain, cry - really I know I would.  And do nothing, I mean what could I do if a product comes onto the market that looks really similar to mine?  I am not sure I could do a damn thing.

So there ya have it - my conundrum of the week.  I am seriously stumped and not sure what to do.  I would really love some suggestions?  Some answers?  Comments? Email? Call me? whateva!  Just HELP please.... before I hurt somebody!!!

Comments

[Carrie S.]

I have no advice. I hate that Sh*t. But, I once read another designers blog (big time artist) who was constantly being ripped off, and her take was to continue doing what she was doing. Not necessarily turning the blind eye, but moving on and continuing to create other things. The copycats can't keep up and usually give up. And, they can't get into your head - so it's important to keep creating new things.

That's what we're supposed to be doing anyway, right? Keeping it fresh? I know, easier said than done.

[Mama Zen]

I honestly don't know what I would do. It's a lousy position to be in.

Actually, a cease and desist letter might scare them into knocking off the knock-offs!

[Kathleen]

Please delete this.

FYI, I've never been here, I read all the entries down to this point. What compels me to stop and comment now, is all the times (4?) you apologize for not posting. STOP IT. Your regulars love you, trust you and are just happy when you do, and newbies like me, don't notice. It breaks up the copy. If we read this far, we're pleased with the quality of the content and we can go and read archives if we're really banged you only post once a week. Or whatever your frequency is.