Giving Bloglovin a Try

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

Seems like a nice place for artsy blogs.
Oh, and Facebook's down right now!  :) Whatever shall I do?

Nope, I'm Not Flattered - And I'm Not Going Away

For those who have followed me and my work for the past decade or so - you've likely heard this all before. So feel free to skim or skip as you see fit.  For those who don't mind a bit of ranting, stay here and get ready.

This morning, several people alerted me to yet another website that has stolen an image of mine.  This one is slightly different than the dozens of other sites that have stolen my images to use to sell their copies of my beads - but I will go into that later.

This website - Indian Bead Store, aka Dev Exports has taken the below image and used it on their main website.

Midnight Mermaid bead set, made in June 2009

I can, of course, prove these beads are mine, because I have several other photos of them that aren't published online.  I also know what they're made of, how they're made, and can point to the fact that they carry my artistic voice.

I also talked about these beads in my post about CiM Mermaid, added to this blog in December 2009 (originally written in June, and moved over from my old Word Press blog).

Now, I'd like to talk a little about how people have responded to my many discussions about this kind of thing over the years, because I just need to get a few things off my chest.

First, I know most people are just trying to be helpful - and I really do appreciate that.  However, there are a few things being said to me that just don't help at all.

"It's because your beads are so beautiful!" - This comment (and its variations) is incredibly kind, but misguided.  The people who lift my images to use as marketing for their own work do not do so because of the beauty of my beads.  They do so because it is easy.  My website is www.lampwork.net. A simple search for lampwork brings up my website and all the images therein. I think the image thieves are looking for a quick and easy way to design their websites, and my images are right there, easy to lift.

Other artists don't have this problem nearly as often, because their website URL's are often their names or business names. I have thought of changing my web address, but I have had lampwork.net for over ten years.  It's established, and I think it would hurt my business to move.  But I am still considering it.

"You should be flattered!" No.  No I shouldn't.  I get no credit for the image, my name is nowhere on the site.  The images are usually taken because it is easy (see above), and because they think they can copy the beads. Often, they do.  This not only hurts my business, it makes me feel used and tossed aside. Yes, it's true that I should grow as an artist and make beads that are harder to copy.  I know this.  It's hard to grow as an artist when things keep happening that thwart motivation, though.

"You should watermark your pics!"  Yes, I tried this for years, but people were able to lift the images, remove the watermarks and proceed to post the images wherever.  A passing familiarity with photo editing software makes this pretty doable. So I stopped watermarking my pics because I think watermarks are ugly.

"Don't let this bother you - just ignore it!" and "You're letting them get the better of you!" This is a blatant disregard and invalidation of my feelings.  If I could ignore it, I would. I am sensitive. I admit it. It's really difficult for me to just turn a blind eye when I am being stolen from, used and when I lose business to bead exporters. It hurts me as an artist, and it hurts my bottom line. As far as I am concerned, this nerve is still exposed.  Whenever I think I am over it, it happens again.

I've also had people over the years post and email me that talking about this does no good, and is pointlessly negative. To those people, I say "Bite me". Talking about it not only helps me vent the anger and frustration and hurt - it also informs others that this is happening.

Legal action is not possible for me (overseas, expensive, etc), so all I can do to get some recourse is inform others. Posting about this online is the only way I can keep the issue relevant, and maybe stop people from buying from stores that refuse to do their own work and earn their keep legitimately.

I can't offer customers beads that are as cheap as those on an exporter's website.  But I can explain that they are not going to get what they see there, at all. Not even a little bit.

Now, I promised to explain why this particular website is different from the dozens of others that have stolen my images.  Here's why - Indian Bead Store and Dev Exports also sell glass rods.  More specifically, they sell something called "Dev Glass".  Looking at this glass on their website, it seems that this might be Devardi glass - an indian glass company that came on the market a few years ago.

I am not a fan of Devardi glass - their company or their business practices, and to have my beads on a website that sells this glass really makes me sick.  Plus, as a seller of this glass, which is used to make beads, this company should know better than to steal an artist's images to use as marketing for their own stuff. It's a slap in the face.  This website - Indian Bead Store/Dev Exports seems to be affiliated with Devardi glass.  If they are not, it's a huge coincidence.

At any rate, I would like to implore you, the bead buyer, collector and user, to refrain from buying from any website that steals artists' images for use as a marketing ploy, please. And spread this around if you feel like helping me out.  I would really appreciate it.

I'm done ranting for today - thank you for reading.

~Kandice

***Note - I received a very rude email from the owner of Devardi insisting they are not affiliated with this company. I am not certain whether or not I believe him.  He threatened legal action.  However, it's completely legal for me to state my opinion. I am still of the mind that this is no coincidence, but if I am wrong, well, I am wrong. I doubt that, though. I am still not a fan of Devardi, and never have been - something which I am completely within my rights to insist. 

Inspiration - Swarovski's New Ad

Swarovski pairs together two of my favorite things - their brilliantly colored crystals and.....kitties!!

Swarovski House of Cats - be inspired!

Off Topic: Entrecard Top Droppers

Every month, Entrecarders like to show a little love to the people who have visited our blogs the most. Here are my top Entrecard droppers for the month of February. Thanks so much guys!
Also, you can add your entrecard Blog to my new EC Drop List! This list is more general than my webring - any blog with an EC widget can join it.

Top EC Droppers for February

Youniquely Chic
All Blogspot Templates
Dallas Marketing Services
ThemeLib
Outlandish Observations
my review
Dunia soer
John Wright Art
Unique You
Stroll Through Storyland

Looks Like Fun!

Yep, more off-topic Entrecard stuff!

This contest looks like a lot of fun, and there sure are a ton of prizes and ways to enter.
Of course, it could be that I just dig the colors in their new banner. Seriously - cool!

Entrecard is great, come join in, and then enter the contest. :)

Off Topic: Entrecard Contest Entry - Who's My Fave?

There's a contest going on at one of the blogs of Entrecard, and this is my entry. To enter, I need to answer this question:

What is your fave Entrecard blog site and why?

My favorite blogger over at Entrecard is also another beadmaker and bead blogger. Her name is Jenelle, a.k.a. Sortafloweringdesigns, and her blog is called Glass Muse.

From a purely asthetic point of view, this blog is gorgeous to look at. Juicy colors, lots (but not too much) going on in the blog, and stunning beads to look at. Browsing her blog when I drop my card there everyday brings a smile to my face. She's got lots of great content on a variety of artistic and glass/bead/jewelry related topics, too. I'm most drawn to her brilliantly colored beads and her sweet, floral graphics.

Jenelle also has another section of her website devoted to the Entrecard dropping system, which brings up art and hobby blogs for me to drop my card at. This makes my day easier, and lets me see some really pretty, artistic blogs. You can join her list, and your blog will be put in her code, which when you click on it brings up ten entrecard blogs at a time to drop your card at. What I like is that the blogs listed are all hobby, art, fashion and craft related. I usually stick to those kinds of blogs when I am dropping.

Jenelle is a talented artist, brilliant marketer and colorful soul. That's why she's my fave over at EC!

If you want to enter this contest, please visit the website in the widget below. You can also visit Entrecard here to see what all the fuss is about. Don't forget to join my Entrecard webring, too!

Contest Sponsors:

Viral Emails

The Lie Politic

My Reality Television

Sinigang For the Soul

Blogs That Follow

Entredropper.com

Off Topic - for Entrecarders

I just started a web ring for those who have blogs that are art or craft related, and who use the Entrecard widget to help promote their blog. I'm going to be using it as my main drop list, so I hope you'll join me!

Entrecard Arts & Crafts

Yes, it's pretty empty right now, but hopefully it will fill up fast so we can have a fun group of blogs to read and drop cards on.

Completely Off Topic - Entrecard

I've been using this traffic program for a couple of weeks now, and I really like it. There are a few things I would like to say to all those who are using Entrecard, and for those who are thinking about it. (Click on my widget to the right if you have no idea what this is).

First, I personally think it's really fun to use - and I have run across several interesting blogs which I have bookmarked. Dropping my card is easy, for the most part, and being able to advertise for free is a nice added perk. I spend about an hour every day while drinking my coffee just checking out blogs, commenting and dropping my card.

There are just a couple of constructive criticisms I would like to offer other bloggers who are using this program - maybe it will help you increase your traffic and the usability of your blog.

1. It's a huge pet peeve of mine to click on a blog from the Dashboard at Entrecard and have it load fully and not be able to find the widget at all. If your widget is no where on the landing page, I can't drop my card, and I will likely not take the time to read your blog. Please, put the widget somewhere on the landing page. Even if it's at the bottom - that's fine. *Especially if you participate in the web rings or special lists for Entrecard users.

2. Do not automatically load sound or video on your blog! Nothing makes me want to leave it faster. It not only taxes my system - it's rather annoying, because I am often listening to something on my own system. If you want sound on your blog, give the user the option of playing it or not.

3. If you have so many widgets, advertisements, images, etc that are randomly scattered all over your blog, I will likely leave without dropping my card. Too many widgets and ads reduce the effectiveness of the ads anyway. It's mind boggling to me why a blogger would want to clutter their pages up so much that it's hard to find anything. I won't stay and read your posts if I am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of distractions.

4. Make sure your scripts all work and that your blog actually loads. I've clicked on many a blog link only to find that script errors are making it impossible to load. Please make sure you check to see if your blog is actually loading.

Now, with the criticisms, I would like to add a few positive things.

I love blogs which.....

1. Are pleasing to the eye. Pretty images, organized pages, subtle but interesting graphics - these all make me want to stay and read your content.

2. Have interesting and engaging content. Posts on how to make money online are so prolific that I often just leave. But posts which contain information that draws me in and makes me think will often get my bookmark. I realize this is a personal thing, though. Just, you know, blog about something you think might interest the masses.

3. Are updated more than once every few months. I struggle with this too, but I promise to work on it if you will!

4. Have contests - I love entering contests - just make sure the rules are clear!

5. Have a graphic Entrecard and not a text Entrecard. No real explanation for that one - it's just my preference.

That's pretty much it! And if you have never heard of Entrecard and you have a blog, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't have the time to drop your card, etc., you can buy the credits to advertise. There are a lot of art/hobby/fashion related blogs there, which really is attractive to me as an artist who likes to keep up on art-related discussion. And the color inspiration on some of these blogs is astounding. :)