April 6, 2006.
Websters Dictionary Definition:
copy v. IMITATE: mimic, ape; REPRODUCE: duplicate,counterfeit, forge, depict, portray
That about sums it up for me. I hate, hate, hate copying, or plagiarism as I like to call it. Having been an artist all my life (went to art school, I have the degree to prove it I am not a stay at home crafter mom.....uh, sorry), I have been 'copied' many times over.
Copying as a Kid
The first time that comes to mind is fourth grade, I entered a drawing contest for the cover of an organization newsletter. Always needing constant stroking I showed a good friend......so I thought.......she copied it and entered the contest also. Exact same drawing, I kid you not. She won the front cover, I won third place, the back cover. My mother would lead me to believe it is the 'highest form of a compliment........uh, ya no it isn't.
If your company reaches any level of success or you find your products in a highly visible sales channel, you are going to invite imitation. It is human nature to copy, or to imitate another. It sucks. I personally (as I am sure you can tell) have no toleration for it.
Lack of Talent
However, in my humble opinion, someone that blatantly copies your business model, a product, whatever, is not very creative. Let's face it, it's easy to copy someone else's idea. What is harder is to guess their next great idea. While I am on my soap box, I realize I did NOT create ceramic tiles, I only figured out a way to put personalized artwork on them, and sell them.
When I find myself angry as all hell over a competitors disregard for my original ideas, it inspires me to create more. I go into serious R & D and it makes me MORE creative. I am truly inspired to push my product line to the next level. In a sense they have helped me. This is a hard lesson learned, but one that is necessary to succeed.
Sadly though, I am also tempted to send the culprit's my new product catalog with a note 'in case you needed some inspiration.
I'll give you five bucks if you send the catalog. :)
Posted by: Emily | April 06, 2006 at 02:28 PM