I Need Help From My Blogging Friends...
Tonight another blogger left a comment on my blog and led me to her site. She had created materials exactly like mine and was giving them away as freebies. This would be no problem except that she did not even bother to link this back to me. Okay , then I looked at her download and she was selling my freebies and copied many of my ideas exactly. Wow, that is not okay with me at all. When did some of us turn into this? Aren't we suppose to support each other. I feel so disillusioned by behavior like this. It feels so bad to me that someone would make a profit off of another individual's creations. Am I being unfair? Has this happened to you? I need help with this. I am really struggling with this and need your feedback. In my world this is totally unacceptable. Since it's the internet we can do as we please?What do you think?
122 comments:
That is awful... especially the selling part. That is so not okay, and no, I don't think you're being unfair. I actually very much appreciate the fact that you offer most of your things for free and I hope that one person doesn't discourage you from continuing to do so! Not sure what exactly you can do about it, besides contacting the person? Sorry it happened to you. :(
You are not being unfair at all. I would definitely contact the person and ask them about the items. I know that completely -uhhhh- feeling you get when you see someone else taking or getting credit for something that you came up with. It is not right.
Jena
1st Grade with Miss Snowden
Fran,
I am so sorry this is happening to you! I have loved the things YOU have created and it is not fair that someone else is copying your stuff. I was afraid that this might start happening once people found out they could make money on TPT and Teacher Notebook. I noticed on Proteacher that people are making and sharing lots of things that have clipart that I am not sure they can share even though the may have purchased the cipart. I am so afraid that places like TPT, Teacher Notebook, and ProTeacher will get shut down because of copyright issues. Hope you get this resolved. You deserve better.
I really want to be one of those people who shares with her friends so we can learn from each other. The stuff she is selling is part of my sight word packet. Oh well. I need to get over this.
I think number one you have taken a stand by posting this to so many people and I admire you for that. It is hard to believe that someone would take an idea and sell it in this type of community because I would think it would be a HUGE fear that this would come out and the person would be known for this type of activity. Who would jeapordize being able to take part in all of the wonderful blogs??? Did you read the last newsletter from TpT because it did address this and you can report copyright issues! What is strange is that the person basically asked you to come and look at it on the other blog!
I worry too about all of the clipart because I sure see a lot of DJ Inkers and I know for a fact that classroom use is it... I asked about three times and that is what I am told.
Not cool, Fran! That makes me angry for you. You are so creative and so generous is sharing your ideas and giving us so many freebies. That is just not right. I have read a couple other bloggers who have posted about the same problems. I'm so sorry this happened. And I agree with the previous poster, I hope this doesn't discourage you. Awwww...hugs to you.
Coloring Outside The Lines
This is very disappointing to hear. I would be ashamed to be discovered doing something like that! I guess like your previous comment mentioned, there is not much you can do, but I know this would eat away at me unless I confronted the person. Maybe if you haven't already let her know where you stand and how you feel. Of course, easier said than done, but even if she doesn't change her ways you will hopefully feel a bit more at peace.
Fran,
I am so sorry this is happening to you. You have been so great in sharing your creations. I hope this one bad apple doesn't discourage you. Please contact the person..and try to get it resolved. This is not right!
Oh Fran, so not cool. The odacity to steal from you, a hard working professional and then make money besides. Please address this head-on...I agree, you deserve better!!
PS:that was very kind and fair of you not to post this person's blog name on your site.
Hugs to you!!!
You should not get over it!! Put your name on EVERY corner of your work so no one can claim it as their own! POOP on that person!
Fran, read this.
http://buzz.blogger.com/2011/07/new-tools-for-handling-copyright-on.html
There are rules to protect your intellectual property. Your site explains that to readers.
AW Man! That is awful and actually I think I may have come across a blog that had some worksheets that looked a lot like yours. Very unprofessional! I hope that you will be able to talk with her and explain your concerns and feelings. I think it is one thing to create similar worksheets for your own classroom, but definitely not for sale. We love you Fran and hope this gets worked out!
I love you guys so much. If we don't speak out (and this is hard for me) people will continue to do this. I think people need to be called on their behavior because most of us are amazing, generous educators who want to help our kids. I hope this blogger sees this post.
That is very sad, I am so grateful that you have been so willing to share all your ideas. As for DJ Inkers, I read that you can share documents with their clipart, you just can't sell them. :(
☼Libby
Dual Kinder Teacher
Fran- This broke my heart. It is totally unfair in someone using and selling your ideas. TpT upsets me a little because we are all in the field together so why not help each other out. We don't make a lot so it's nice to come to your blog for ideas and help. Being a first year teacher your site has helped me more then you know. I love getting new and different ideas from someone else. I appreciate all that you do! Hugs!
Wow! I had to read your post to my husband! She really has nerve to a)copy your work and say it's hers b)sell it c)send you a link to her blog. You are so generous with the stuff you create. So much of it is free on your blog anyway. I don't blame you at all for speaking out. However, you're going to have to let it go. Otherwise it will just eat you up and make you bitter. I hope she sees your post too and feels really guilty about what she's done.
Just Add Clipart
There's not much else for me to add. Except that I am ready to LEAD THE BOYCOTT!! You tell me when, you tell me how, you tell me who . . . well, you get the picture. AND I agree with Hadar. POOP on this person! Keep us posted and hang in there.
Kristin
PS seriously, I think there is enough of us to start a small army. I am fired up and ready to DO THIS!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
Fran,
I am so sorry that this happened to you. It is not okay and it is not fair. You spend a lot of time and hard work creating your materials. You have graciously shared so many wonderful, creative ideas-many of them for free. Please don't let this discourage you.
I hope you don't mind that I am commenting. I don't have my own blog yet, but I love following your blog. You are an inspiration.
If you are comfortable doing it, you should contact the person. You have the info posted on your blog that the site is copyright protected. The person did not get your permission. Tell the person how it makes you feel. Maybe the person doesn't realize what he/she is doing is wrong (though I find it hard to believe.) The internet can be confusing. Give the person the opportunity to rectify the situation.
I don't know much about blogging, but I saw something on the Blogger Dashboard under the Blogger Buzz that talked about copyright. After you have contacted the person, if the person doesn't stop, maybe you should report it to Blogger to see if they can remove the posts from that person's blog. If the person is selling your stuff on TPT, can you report it to them?
I pray that God will give you peace in this matter so it doesn't rob you of your joy. Find comfort in knowing that a lot of teachers are inspired by you. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. We are saddened by the fact that someone would hurt you this way.
Fran, We all love you and support you! I have read about this happening to several bloggers now. I am so very sorry!
Camille
An Open Door
Dear Fran,
I have so loved the fact that you are a willing mentor to so many of us. I do not have a blog and love follwoing yours and many others. I guess I am called a stalker. What I prefer to think, is that you and others are helping me be a better teacher and my students are benefiting. It is a shame that this person is gaining monetarily from your hard work. Please don't let one person ruin your uplifting blogging and support of others. I wish you were my real live "teacher next door", not just me cyber one. My mother who taught for 38 years used to say. " the best teachers are made my the teachers next door". Thank you for all you do.
Fran,
This has personally happened to me multiple times in the past month! I'm not quite sure what to do! We should stick up for each other for sure!
FYI:
As for DJ Inkers:
She has been contacted personally and has allowed us to share our documents using her fonts/clipart as long as we are not selling it, it's an educational blog, we give her credit on our blog, and we don't just give away her clipart unchanged.
Good luck Fran! I'll be on the lookout for your stuff and definitely drop your name on a post if I see anything that looks like yours. We should all do that for eachother!
Rachelle,
You are spot on. If I see someone copying another person I will quietly notify them immediately.We do need to take care of each other. We work way too hard. Thanks for reminding me to protect my friends too! This is still a wonderful community of people.
Fran this is happening to us on some yahoo groups such as abcfilefolders, and the awesome groups. The work is also being shared on gigatribe, 4 share and many other places and then changed and sold.
We (groups) also got into trouble several years ago about using graphics in games to share freely on these groups and other places. There are several artist that DO NOT want us to create and share freely using their graphics in games, and materials for the classroom. I have noticed several items being made using graphics that cannot be shared. Like so many others this could cause all of us trouble. You can check out their facebook page :
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ARTIST/275165089037.
A perfect example is ScrappinDoodle. On that web site if you make items using scrappindoodle graphics only then you are okay but on that same site if you use Cheryl Seslar or Alice Smith those are big NO NO's!
DJ inkers did change their terms and they do allow sharing as long as you document correctly and I agree with the others to put your name on every piece along with designed by: Fran. I would also start putting a TOU sheet on each of your games.
Another problem that is happening is people taking the work of others and putting them into notebook software to use for smartboard use. If this was for your own personal use I don't see a problem with it but when you do that and then sell it ..it is just wrong!
It is ashame that this is happening to you and others. I would contact them privately first and if I got no response then I would tell who is doing this so we can boycott their blog and materials. Good Luck to you!
Dear Fran,
I' m not sure which site which site this "awful" person is using to sell on your products but if it is TPT, please read their FAQ section as they clearly explain how to protect your property.
I hope this helps.
Carol :)
That's really crummy someone would do that. I love all your ideas and am so excited to try some of them out in my class. I've been wondering about the ethics of taking things I've seen and recreating them for use in my class. I have been torn about whether it is ethical to take a worksheet seen on a blog and then base my own after it. I know that's not the same but I certainly know it's unethical to sell others' ideas. I hate that for you. Love all you do and am so appreciative.
http://mskerriandherkrazykindergarten.blogspot.com/
Not cool at all! I have spent over 50.00 on scrappin doodles this summer, and know first hand how many hours of work are involved in these creations! Downloading and actually selling as your own is piracy! It's like trying to sell a knock-off as Prada and reaping the benefits. Thanks for standing your ground, Fran. It took me three days to think about and create my standards cards. Hang in there!
In the world of the internet, some people seem to think rules don't apply to them...they are lacking integrity and strong morals. I agree with everyone's posts above. Although I have not jumped in to blog due to "technological difficulties"...I am saddened to know that those I admire in our profession are being disrespected. I'm so sorry. I am one of those that appreciate you and others in the teaching world that are so generous in sharing. A freebie is a freebie: Our students benefit from your gifts- not our pocketbooks!
Wishing you joy today!
Fran,
I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to you. You are an inspiration and a motivation for me to continuously step up my teaching. I am so grateful that you have shared your materials with us.
I agree with the prior comment that you should put your name on all of your materials and definitely call her out on what she did.
Teachers need to support each other. Replicating an idea is one thing, but to try and make money off it is something completely different.
I hope that this doesn't discourage you from sharing all of your ideas. I truly appreciate the way you take the kids developmental stages into account. I also love seeing how you use the Open Court units (we still use Open Court) with Thinking Maps.
Thank you again for all of your hard work and for sharing.
BJ Thorn
I am very sorry that this is being done. We all know that prices on retail merchandise is very high because of the shoplifters, etc. and the price of security. I am sure you feel violated. I hope that this does not stop you from sharing your ideas. I love them so and my students benefit from your creativity and expertise. I would place a comment on her blog asking her to stop and also take action by following steps from the sites that sell. Again I am sorry that you are having to experience the ugly side of our profession.
Fran..how very sad to hear what happened. I would be equally upset if this had happened to me. I am so thankful for you and other bloggers who take the time to post ideas, etc. on their blog to share with others and would never see it as an opportunity to profit from it myself. It is very disheartening to see that in a profession where we often turn to our colleagues when we may need a bit of creative inspiration that there are some, hopefully a small percentage, that would do something so negative. Thank you for ALL of your HARD WORK...you are very much appreciated in our blogging community and sisterhood!!
Oh no! I can't believe someone would do this. Not only stealing your material, but then posting a link to their blog on your blog! Crazy! I would DEFINITELY contact this person.
❀Jodi
Fun In First
It is sad! I just posted a bunch of stuff and went back and put a little disclaimer at the bottom. I don't think I should have to, but I did. I also think it's a very good idea to understand terms of use for everything as stated above.
Mrs. Daniels is correct. Cheryl's stuff is off limits unless you purchase her commercial license for 80+ dollars. Which I have of course. You really have to watch what you are buying on Scrappin' Doodles and Digiweb Studios. I've spent hundreds of dollars to do things correctly and I hope people do their research and do the same. Documents with DJ inkers are definitely allowed to be shared but not sold.
Hopefully this won't happen to you anymore. Your stuff is awesome. :)
Fran,
I so sorry this is happening to you and others. There are so many of you who have been willing to share with other teachers your creative ideas. Please don't let this discourage you. I love your blog and appreciate all your hard work.
Rose
The Wonderful World of Kindergarten
Sorry that someone would do that to you Fran. I can't imagine taking someone's freebie and changing it and posting as my own. I tweak the things I get but use them only as my personal use. I have not signed up for TPT but did Teachers Notebook. I haven't posted anything because I'm afraid of something like that happening. I would definitely contact her and just remember- we aren't all like that! I hope you choose to continue to share your ideas-they are wonderful!
Hi Fran!
I truly am sorry to hear this happening. You have been so giving to all of us and I always appreciate your stuff whether it is a "freebie" or to purchase. Many of us support you and will continue to fight for you. You are so professional as to not list the "other blogger"! If it were me, I would be screaming!!! Iw ill do anything to support you! Again, thank you for your hard work and dedication to kinderarten teachers!
Hold you head high!
Maryann
brennemm@carlisleschools.org
THANK YOU FRAN for sharing ALL your amazing ideas with us. I know we are ALL better teachers because of it. I hope that blogger read your post and feels sick to her stomache. If I re-post an idea that I liked to use with my students, I ALWAYS try to give credit to the teacher who I got the idea from. It makes me sad to think that if this keeps happening teachers like you will not share your stuff anymore. We are here for you!
Hi Fran
I am so sorry to hear that. You know, fortunately in Argentina we have a law for authors, 11.723 which protects all your work. First time I went to copyright my brand a lawyer was assigned to me and she is now in charge of looking after my resources. It was 6 years ago and we found many sites and teachers who shared or re-created my resources without caring my TOU.
Fortunately she takes care of that and solve the problem.
Isnt there a place where you can copyright your products? Or look for information?
Ana
www.ingles360.blogspot.com
Fran,
Thank you for sharing about this. I'm so sorry...I know it must be really discouraging to have this happen to you. I agree with everyone else that you should not just "get over it" and that you have every right to take action. I love learning from you and being a part of your community. The comments above are a testament to how many people you reach every day! Hugs to you!
Angela Just Love Teaching!
That is terrible! You work so hard on all your activities and you are so creative. It is very unfair that this person would do this. From the time we're in elementary school, we learn that taking credit for other people's ideas is wrong. I am baffled that a professional person would do such a thing.
I'm sorry this is happening to you. If they are indeed selling your exact things on a site then whatever site it is should have a contact button or a "report copyright infringement" button to report them. If it's not your exact document but very similar then I don't know what you can do really. I'm beginning to see people make some items very similar to some of mine. I make a lot of classroom newsletters and now suddenly some people are making their own and selling them. I don't own newsletters. I can't stop people from making their own newsletters and selling them but it's funny how they are very similar to some of mine even if they are using different clipart. Imitation is a form of flattery I guess. But if this person is selling your files as is then that's just not cool! Good luck with getting it sorted out!
www.firstgradebrain.com
Hi Fran, I think you should us know who this person is so we can tell her how we feel about this terrible situation. I love your creative free creations. Thanks so much.
This is very bothersome. It is ashamed that people would do this, but not surprising. This was something I was concerned about as a new blogger. I have shared something recently as a freebie that was not my original idea, but could not remember where I got it. I decided to note on my post that I couldn't remember where I got it, but please let me know if anyone recognized it so I could give credit. I would love to think this is what happened to the blogger you are refering to, but I doubt it. I am very much an outspoken person. I would not hesitate in in asking the blogger about your work. I guess we really do need to add out name to all work we do.
I think thats awful! I'm so sorry to hear that Fran.. I wish there was something we could do :(
megan
internteachertales.blogspot.com
Fran,
I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I think some people have this sense that the internet is so BIG no one will know if I take something that isn't mine and "pretend" that it is. I think all the wonderful teachers have left you great comments. Personally, if this happened to me, I would contact the person and ask them to take down your property. I know certain sites where teachers sell their goodies have a "report item" button, if the person is on that site, I'd suggest reporting that item. I'm becoming more angry about this situation as I type. That sort of blatant misuse just destroys a generous spirit such as yours. UGH! If there is anything I can do to help out--PLEASE let me know.
☺ Tanya
First Grade is Fantabulous!
Fran-
I had the EXACT same thing happen to me! I made something, and someone else used the idea to sell on TPT. I felt like it was a violation, as well. The person sent me a free copy of what she had made since she said the idea origianted with me, but it was still hurtful. I would love to know how you're handling this situation because I didn't know how to handle mine. I'll be praying for you! I know how hurt you must feel.
Alexandra
www.thefirstgradesweetlife.blogspot.com
I too am sorry for what happened. That is the world we live in, those who follow the rules often are taken advantage of. I am not a teacher in the professional sense of the word. I homeschooled my kids and helping my daughter homeschool hers. I absolutely love your products both free and for a price. I hope you continue of course with some adjustment to copyrights and so forth. Just know that if I saw your stuff on another blog...I would definitely say something to you and to them.
That is AWFUL!!!!!!!! Your generous gifts to teachers like me has been so wonderful and appreciated. I don't understand how someone can take something that you give out that way and use it to better themselves....what is wrong with people???
I am so sorry Fran. Thank you for everything you have graciously given!
Fran, I am so sorry to hear this. Aren't your materials copyrighted? I hope you approached this blogger. I wouldn't blame you if you did all TPT from this point forward. But I still appreciate what you have offered for free up to this point. Rebecca
I agree with you. We should be supporting one another, not stealing from each other. I am so sorry to hear this.
Fran-
I am so sorry to read this post. You are an excellent teacher and a blogger many of us admire. To have something like this happen to you (and possibly others) is just wrong. Blogging has provided many of us with a sense of community where we can share ideas with other passionate teachers. It's disheartening to hear that someone in this community would do this. Keep your head up and know that your posts and positive attitude brighten all of our days!
Nicole :)
I am so sad that this has happened to you. I SO appreciate all that you create and hope that this person will learn a lesson from this. It is NOT okay to steal.
Thank you for all you do!
Wow... I feel the same as Leigh--as I started my new blog, I was so worried about sharing anything that might be a 'repeat' of an idea on another blog---it is a big concern to me. So, when I read your blog I just felt sick. How are you going to handle this? Have you contacted the person? If its being sold on TPT, could you contact them?
I'm so sorry that your generous heart gave this person an excuse to do something I know he/she knows is not right. The rest of us are hurting for you on your behalf (though I know that doesn't really help...)
Liesl
http://wildworldofkindergarten.blogspot.com/
Fran! You are a blogging mentor of mine and I can't imagine someone doing this to you! You are so sweet to always write back to your blogging buddies and the items you create are AMAZING!!! I hope that you're able to find a way to resolve this issue!! I'm a HUGE fan of yours and if there is anything I can do please let me know! - Kelly @allinafirstgradeday.blogspot.com
Hi Fran.
I know you recently attended a Kindergarten conference where you met Kim Adsit. Do you think she would have any advice? Or have you contacted anyone from the TPT website?
Also, when inquiring on another teacher's blog if I might be able to purchase some of her packets, she mentioned that her clip art was from DJ Inkers and they do not permit the selling of anything with their clip art or fonts on it.
I am sure there are lots of teachers out there who support you that may be able to put you in touch with a lawyer or you could draw up a cease and desit letter on your own.
Please keep us posted. This is unacceptable!
I'm so sorry this is happening to you, but I'm not surprised. I don't know if this is appropriate or not, but as your blog seems to have quite a few followers, perhaps you could name the blog and we could all go leave comments about what we think of her actions. Maybe we could shame her into stopping. What she's doing is stealing! Intellectual property is still not given the respect or protection it deserves. We love you Fran!
you'd think since the person is most likely a teacher, she would feel horrible about what she has done. Are your items copywritten? Maybe that's the way to go to protect what you've created? I really don't know. I do feel for you though.
terrible, aweful, horrible...it is one reason why I am glad i do nto have my own teacher blog...I do have a classroom blog and I just post when I get a cute idea from one of the many talented folks you all are...
I am so sorry to hear ...
That is SO not right. It's the same as stealing in my opinion. You've been so generous and there are hundreds of us who really appreciate your efforts.
This is horrible! I'm sorry this is happening to you. Have you tried emailing her?
This blogger sees nothing wrong with her behavior and I am flabbergasted.
Her sight word packet looks exactly like parts of mine. Strange timing hummmm. Okay, just so you know- I have 2 daughters who are well established attorneys... just sayin'
Thanks for the love and support from my wonderful friends. We need to look out for each other. If I see someone copying your work- look for my email.
Fran
I am so sorry that this happened to you. You are so generous with all that you share. I would definitely contact the person and hopefully they will give credit where credit is due. Everyone who shares, and blogs is so generous with all of us who get great ideas from your postings. I can't believe someone would not give credit to the person who created all the cute ideas. I am so sorry!
Sorry to hear this Fran. I hope that you get this person!!! I also hope you continue being awesome and sharing your great ideas and resources!
I just checked my own blog to make sure I wasn't violating copyrights or forgetting to give credit where credit's due. I actually mention you in a stamping post. Thanks for all you do!
Fran,
I am soooooooo sorry that this has happened. I recently discovered your blog and have checked it every day since because I LOVE your ideas!!!! I can not tell you how excited I have been to have the opportunity to learn from you!! It is behavior like this that breaks us down and discourages us, but I hope that you can keep your focus on all of us who LOVE you. Please think of all the teachers who genuinely appreciate your ideas and feel indebted to you for sharing with us! Think of all of the students who are benefiting from your awesome ideas. I know that there are times when it is hard to take behavior like this AND it is USUALLY that type of person who doesn't see anything wrong with it... SAD!!!!!! What goes around, comes around! It just doesn't seem to happen fast enough for most of us. Hang in there!!!
WOW! I am shocked! We are educators, we should practice what we preach. I have not even read anyone elses comments yet, but I am appalled! (where's my spell check)
I LOVE your blog and have told other teachers about it and love it for ideas and yes I plan on using some of your stuff. But...I would NEVER sell it as mine. It's yours and you created it.
Wow...I hope you have confronted this person.
Sorry this happened!
It hurts my heart to know that someone would actually steal from someone else - and then do it openly! I pray for you and for them.
Thank you for all you do to help us Kindergarten teachers be a better teacher. You have helped me and others so much and I thank you!!!! Please continue to do what you do! You are an amzing person! Thanks again! :)
I am soooooooo very sorry. I agree with so many of the others!! Its NOT right! I think you hit it on the head ppl think the internet has no walls, no rules and no outcomes for acting poorly.
I think you need to ban together and call her out! Make a sort of black list -- you are sharing your work bc you LOVE what you do and you LOVE sharing with others!! I just joined the world of blogging and I LOVE reading and learning about all you are creating and share with others!
I am so sorry -- My feelings would be soo hurt too!
Hugs!
Sarah Hetrick
www.mrshetrick.com
Fran,
I am sorry this has happened to you. I enjoy your ideas, TPT packets and your 'freebies'. We all lose when people do things that are dishonorable. I guess, worst of all, my kiddos will lose out if you discontinue posting freebies or your ideas. Shame on that individual for stealing.
Intellectual property is the biggest law right now! When I ran LoveTwoTeach, many people were stealing my ideas and setting up shop on TPT about 8 years ago. It hurt, but I just went with the flow. I gave up the business and decided that I would create to share with great minds. I also believe in Karma, and it will come back to bite the blogger. I do think you should tell who it is and we can all stop being followers. Just Sayin! I would rather NOT follow someone who has no values. I know it is not nice, but sometimes you just have to publicly put people in their place for them to learn their lesson. I know they would get it if we stopped following their blog and banished their sales on TPT. Sorry, I am an evil little genius. :)
You need to tell us who she is so we can all attack!
Fran, I am so sorry this has happened. You are such a wonderful inspiration. I see things you create and it inspires me o be creative as well.
Please keep us informed about the situation
Tiffani
No definitely not ok....I think it is terrible that she is passing it off as her own. …especially since you have been so generous…I’m sorry to hear that!!
Fran, I hate this for you! It is not cool at all. I would be so embarrassed to pass off someone else's creativity and creations as my own. How pathetic! I really appreciate all the hard work you do in creating FREEBIES for ALL to use on your site. I have printed out several things in past years and when I use them in my classroom and if the idea or materials used happen to be in a blog post I always credit the blog/person/idea. I use a lot of DJ inkers stuff but I don't sell. You have been so generous to make and post things for us. I think the person who stole your hard work is shameless.
http://huffkinderblog.blogspot.com/
Just a thought- you could post her page so we don't accidentally purchase from her.
I have just started my teaching blog..I only have one post and I have yet to post any of my activities because this was a big fear of mine. I read your blog daily and I see all the hardwork and TIME that you put into what you are doing. It makes me sad that people are out there doing this. Making and creating activities to share takes a lot of time and passion...and its unfair that someone is taking credit.
Hang in there....your activities truly show how passionate you are about your job. I agree, we should all look out for each other.
Dear Fran,
You do need to take action - if not for yourself then in the name of all the other hard working bloggers out there! Maybe it is time to set a precedent.... You definately have support! Just like in kindergarten, if you see poor behavior and don't correct it you are sending an implied message that the behavior is OK to the offender and to others. I know you are a nice person - but it this isn't a matter of being "nice", it's a matter of being fair. What's right isn't always nice and what's nice isn't always right.
Good luck. Let everyone know how it goes!
Oh, sweet Fran. This makes me SO sad for you. And you're NOT being unfair AT ALL!! I agree with Rachelle...we ALL need to look out for each other! If I ever saw anyone doing that with my things, I'd be SO upset!! Don't let this get you down!! I know it's discouraging, but remember, 'what goes around, comes around'. Karma can be mean and nasty :) I wish you the best!! You're AMAZING!!!
Cara :)
The First Grade Parade
I see by the multitude of comments that you are feeling the love of your peers. I too think it was terrible. I am very interested in the process of creating these materials but totally understand that you and others OWN your work. Go directly to the person, point out their infraction, give them links that address the ownership and watch the person pull their materials off the net. If that is not done in a timely manner, contact her principal if there is one.
That is terrible. I am SO appreciative of the people like you who post their wonderful ideas and share so many things. Since I am uncreative, this is greatly helpful to me. I hate that this has happened to you.
Sorry that you have to experience this! It is wonderful to read all the support from your followers and a shame that the person is not being honest with you and herself.
Please don't let this one person interfer with what you have been enjoying.
You are a great person and you share wonderful things for the benenfit of our students, and that is what is most important. I would like to know who that blogger is so I do not go to her site. I searched your comments to see if I could figure it out and I think I have an idea but not sure. Somehow it would be nice to find out.
Please take care and I hope you feel better from all these wonderful comments.
So sorry to hear this happened to you! I hope you continue to be the positive force that you have become but I also hope you do something to make a statement to all who try to falsely take credit! "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" (Edmund Burke). I think at least it would be good to let TPT know what is going on. Maybe they can ban her from selling! Just know that whatever you choose to do, your bloggers are behind you...like the Verizon commercial!!!
Fran,
I read your blog daily. I love and appreciate all your creations and posts. You inspire me to be a better teacher. :) I use many of your ideas in my classroom...and I always say, "My friend in CA shared these with us!" The kiddos get such a kick out of that. I think you should directly address the person (even though you shouldn't have to) and give them a chance to remove your work from their blog and TpT store. You have every right to be upset. Hope all works out for you! Just know that your work is appreciated by many. Have a blessed day!
Fran, I am soooo sorryyyyy that this happened to you. You are awesome and a blessing to many teachers, including myself. Because of you, I am able to be a better teacher by using your wonderful creations.:) Please, do not be discouraged. I appreciate all or your hard work and for being so generous!
Ke'Andra
Fran,
You have been SO sweet and generous to share all of your things for free. You are SO appreciated. As for this poopy stealing person, you should contact her and threaten to let everyone know what she has done if she does not take the items down immediately, or if she does it again. Also, I agree with Cara. Karma will take care of her!
Mary
Adventures in Kindergarten
WOW ... that really sucks! I'm still pretty new to the blogging world but I would ask permission of the author if something i created was inspired by them and I wanted to sell it or even give it away for that matter. I get paranoid about stuff like that I wouldn't want to offend any of the great talented bloggers that have inspired me. I am so sorry that some people have no shame.
I am so sad for you. I have recently found your blog, have ordered Pete the Cat books & stuffed animal & got all of your Pete the Cat creations. I can't wait to use everything with my students. Thank you so much for sharing your freebies and for pricing your other items affordably.
What a state of affairs. Too sad.
My heart goes out to you. I'm so glad that your fanclub has come forward with cheering & support.
I think being assertive about your material is called for.
Encouraging you to do all you can to safeguard your material for the new year ahead.
Fran,
Just remember how amazing you and your blog truly are. We all LOVE you! I can't wait for your sight word packet, and it will be the only one that I purchase. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
Beth
I open your blog so often and my mouth ALWAYS drops at the wonderfulness you offer all of us. I hate that my mouth dropped at the awfulness of a fellow educator today. We're all in this together. It's great to see how many teachers are lifting you up during the this time. I hope you're feeling the LOVE!! ~Tracy
I am so saddened by this! To think that someone would intentionally resell something that you have created is so disappointing. Especially seeming lack of understanding that this is not okay.
I agree with several posters who mentioned that, being new to blogging, the line can be very difficult to judge. I am sure we have all heard before that nothing is really new in education. Researchers reexamine the same ideas all of the time and I think it can be the same with things that we create. All of the things out there based on Daily 5 and Debbie Miller Debbie Diller's work tow that line. Is it violating their intellectual property or is it inspired by their work (D5 actually contains quite a few ideas that align with Miller).
I try to credit others as often as I possibly can. And I always work hard to follow the rules. It is one thing to create something that is inspired by another person's work or to unknowingly create something similar, but this sounds like a blatant copy. Plus, this person is profiting from it!
I have been so nervous about selling anything I create because I know that I create based on what I have learned or seen and it worries me that I would be infringing on someone's rights. I know that I have purchased some things on TPT that contain activities that have been around forever and sometimes wonder about it. Then I think how often do you open up a published resource book and think "Hey, I saw that somewhere else."?
This is a tough thing to navigate, especially as the lines blur with technological advancements and digital sharing. I just hope that we can find a middle ground without paralyzing ourselves from creating or infringing on the rights of those who create such wonderful things.
Thank you Fran and all of the other wonderful blogger out their who share their genius! I hope to continue to be inspired by your wonderful thinking!
Fran,
I was so sad to read that someone has taken advantage of your enormous generosity and creativity! Your site is the first one I check in the morning to see what fun activities I can use to inspire learning for my kinder kiddos. I'm sorry that someone who is lacking a moral compass has stolen from you. Please know that you are deeply admired and respected!
You have one of the best sites out there so she probably wanted to be like you. I would email her or post a comment on her blog. It could have been done out of ignorance. What about Creative Commons? Please don't be discouraged. Many of us newbies to blog world look up to you and what you do. Keep it up.
Hi Fran!
I'm so sorry this is happening to you:( I've had the EXACT same thing happen to me twice:( I called one person out on it...in a nice way;) The other one happened very soon after I started blogging and posting things. One of my first items that I put on TPT was a freebie. This Very well-known blogger took the idea and sold it in her store:( I never said anything...but, you're right! It was VERY hurtful! Just know that we all love you and are VERY appreciative of everything you do!;)
Little Warriors
SO sorry this person has done this to you! I just discovered "you" last weekend and have spending hours on your freebies seeing how I can use them! I purchased Pete the Cat from you too! I guess they are very envious of your amazing creativity! Hope you can get it stopped!
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all the great things you post. I follow you by email and by my blog reader. You inspire me! I cannot take credit for many things I make because often they are because someone has given me that burst of inspiration to make a game or do something in my class like them. When it really boils down to it that is what teachers should do is inspire one another to be the best! Thank you again for all you contribute to us through your blog.
I think that is awful. You have so many great ideas, its a disgrace that someone would steep this low. I don't know if someone else has already said this or not, but if it were me I would take this to a lawyer and see what you can get done about it. It sounds to me like it could be a copyright lawsuit.
I'm new to teacher blogs but I am LOVING all the love you generous teachers are showing the rest of the teaching world! I am so sad to hear about your misfortune.
Seems to me that most bloggers pride themselves on how many followers they have. I think you should post her name so we can take ourselves off of her followers list. This might get her to realize the seriousness of what she has done! Hang in there!
Meenal
Oh no?!?! So sorry. I took a web 2.0 class & we briefly talked about creative commons. Maybe check it out. Not sure it will help you at all. Thanks for all your hard work. I don't know how you blogging gals can do it. I have a hard time just finding time to "follow" you!!
Well...no matter what is copied from this site...to be given away free...the ten $$$$ I spent on your Pete unit is still the best money I've spent lately...and I think I'd have to get ALOT of FREE to equal that!
g
Fran,
Thanks for the update. I am shocked she doesn't see anything wrong with her behavior. Readlly?! I wonder if she would care if her principal were informed? My principal would DIE if she found out any of her staff would do anything unprofessionally inside or outside of school. (Not to mention the school district I teach in would call me on it).
I'm sure you are receiving some good advice. Keep finding JOY in today! Thanks for all you do!
Could not believe someone would do such a thing. I love your stuff and I appreciate what you share. I too love the Pete the Cat items I purchased from you. Can you talk with her direct?
Fran - I am so sorry that this happened to you. It is not fair to you and your creativity. As has been said many times already, you are a great resource and THANK YOU for all that you have shared with us!! Love!!
YOU are not being unfair-she is!! WOW I can't believe someone would do that with your stuff. I appreciate everything you share and love buying your TPT stuff!! Thank you!
Look at all these people who love you and what you do! I probably don't have much to add. I think if it were me... I would privately email this person to let them know my concerns. I would ask them to immediately remove their items from their store. Again.. if it were me... I would anticipate an apology and immediate compliance. Anything less than that... Watch out!
We may teach kindergarten, but I think we can be pretty fierce...LOL!
I'm pretty bummed for you! I personally know how what a thoughtful teacher you are. Hopefully this blogger is just oblivious and not meaning to be hurtful and deceitful.
I got your back GIRL!
Mrs. Wills Kindergarten
Fran,
you are an incredibly classy lady. It would have been very easy to have named this person and create a mad mob against this blogger but you didn't. Besides, we're all kindergarten teachers and it was easy enough to figure it out.
I think you handled it perfectly with your commit to her. If she doesn't get the point, she's dense. Now let's just hope that she is able to do the right thing, apologize and stop doing it.
I think we all want to having a forgiving nature, but that doesn't mean we have to be a doormat either.
Regardless of what happens, it's pretty apparent that we all think you rock our world. You've earned special teacher jewels for your crown in heaven because of all the good deeds you've done for teachers everywhere. Don't let this dampen your creative juices. We love all you do!
So sorry to hear that this is happening to you. We are all teachers, and I feel that the nature of our job holds us to higher standards than other jobs. In order to lead, we have to set an example. Follow your own classroom rules, for goodness sake! She's broken many of mine. Also, this reminds me of the generosity of the other teachers at my school. When I first started, they were there to support me. Their kindness and giving spirits really guided me to be a better teacher. When I was finally ready, I came to school one day with something small to help us all in our classrooms. They were amazed that I would consider giving back to them! I'm sorry to say that others took advantage of their kindness before I came around. That's so sad. I think most of us chose this gig to do what's best for kids. Fran, you help us do that EVERY DAY!! Thanks for making us all better teachers. You won the Really Good Stuff's blog contest for a reason!!!
Wow! This news is very disheartening. As a fairly new teacher, I understand the significance of borrowing and using materials created by other fellow teachers while building your own collection and resources, however, there is no excuse for taking the work of someone else and calling it your own AND making a profit! That is just plain stealing and I am so sorry to hear it has happened to so many of you. I think you have every right to be upset and want to take action. As teachers we all know and follow the "code" of sharing materials and resources but this blogger goes against everything the "code" stands for. I am so grateful to the many of you who willingly and faithfully share your ideas--they have certainly added to the dynamic of my classroom and have encouraged me to try and develop some of my own. Thank you so much and I hope we can rally together to make sure this does not continue to happen.
Fran,
Look at all the love out there for you! You should be so proud of your work and all you do for us. I am so sorry to hear that someone would tarnish the wonderful world of blogging by doing something like this. I agree with everyone else who has said that you should confront this person, it must be done! Sending you peace and good wishes!
Faithful in First
I did confront this blogger and I was clear about what is fair. It is not okay to sell someone else's free downloads. It has to be your work.
Many people are aware of who this blogger is and contacted me quite upset. People are looking out for each other and the support from teachers has been incredible. Many people sent me emails speaking out against this issue. Now it is over and we can learn from this and move on.
I am so sorry to hear that you are having this trouble again. I so love all the ideas you come up with because they are AWESOME and I wouldn't want anyone to make you feel as if you cannot share what you love with us anymore. Since I started downloading things I find at other teacher blogs I was having a hard time trying to figure out who to give my "thanks" to when I posted that I printed it or used it... Then I decided that at the end of each document I would underscore and put the blog name next to it. Because I do want everyone to get credit for each of their creations it is fair and right. Hopefully others will catch on to saving documents that way and make sure the right person gets to correct credit!
Fran..
Thank you so much for writing this post!! I had this happen to me the other day and a month or so ago!!! I created the color-by-number sight words which I sell on my Teachers Notebook shop. I believe in academic ownership of a creation. I also have it copyrighted. However, a few people have tried to recreate them and I have asked them to kindly removed them from their blog. I get so many different responses... some good, some bad. One person even had some very ugly words to say to me and claimed that I don't share! Wow! I am constantly amazed at this too. It makes me sad and I even start to wonder if I am wrong. Thank you again...I feel more justified and better:)
I hate to say this, but I think teachers can be the worse about taking other's things. I have been at a small school for 10 years now and work with several teachers who take other's stuff all the time and copy it and my principal even copies music onto cds for her "Christian groups" and gives them as gifts. This is also copyrighted and I find that offensive because musicians work very hard and buying their product is how they get paid. Most books say this is for one classroom's use, not to share with the entire faculty. We had a handwriting workshop where they made you sign an agreement not to copy their products. We forget how hard people work to create products.
Oh Fran, I'm so sorry you are feeling discouraged. I love your blog and am astounded by your creativity. I, for one, would feel AWFUL if I offended anyone and would appreciate a quick email from the person stating that the particular behavior is a no-no in the blogging world (stated as a helpful tip rather than an angry reaction). The fact that she invited you to her blog to see her work makes me think she really didn't intend to hurt you and that she doesn't know that she was being offensive. I certainly hope I haven't done anything like that to anyone- and I will be more mindful in the future for sure!- so, thank you for posting about this sticky subject. If, it turns out, she doesn't respect your request/tip that her behavior is a faux pas, then that IS yucky! Boo! Hiss! :(
It is in now way okay for someone to take your work, repost it and then SELL it! Sorry to hear this is happening. Many of us really appreciate what you do and hope that you can continue to do so without being ripped off! We are supposed to be role models for our students!!
it is very wrong and I am going through the SAME thing! If I am going to give it away please do not recreat it and sell it.. I understand how upset you are! I haven't read your comments yet to see what others have said or if yo replied but I would love to know how you handled it!
Hi Fran,
Wow! So many people have commented on your post, so I did not read through them all. Therefore, I apologize if what I am about to say is repeating someone else.
First of all, your blog is awesome! Second, I am sorry this happened. You shouldn't have to deal with it. Third, (and this is the part I wanted to say most), maybe the person doesn't know any better? The only reason why I say that is because I am new to the blogging world and I feel like I haven't learned the "unwritten rules" yet. Granted I haven't gone around selling other people's creations (yeah, that's pretty bad), but maybe there's a small chance the person doesn't know any better? Who knows...I don't know the person obviously. If I was doing a "blogging no-no," I would hope someone would clue me in, so maybe that's the answer in your sitatuion, too.
Good luck! :)
I hate this!!! No really this is one of my bigggest issues with teaching! We are here to share, learn and grow from each other. IF a teacher gives you something for free you do NOT have the right to REMAKE in your own template and SELL it! I have had this happen to me in my own county! So sorry that this there are nasty people out there. I would Never go to their site if I knew WHO!!!!!
This is a very widespread problem. It has happened to me SO many times-- I understand how you feel! Very frustrating! At the very least email her and politely ask her to remove the items.
Karen @ PreKinders.com
Dear Fran, I've been creating original learning materials using my own artwork for the past 12 years currently Crayonbox Learning (formerly Kinder Printables). What you have described is not uncommon. When I first started out, there were just a couple people creating materials and most of them were using clipart. Over time, as teacher's started selling what they create there has been a huge explosion of copyright infringement. Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers, etc that don't enforce copyright policy (I have found countless infringed products on their site and nothing has been done about it), it will continue to happen until teachers either stop supporting those sellers, or the sale sites stop allowing the copyright infringed materials. I used to speak up about copyright infringement, and I was the one called out for it. It's one thing to become inspired by another person's idea, but it's theft / infringement to take something that another person made and duplicate it. I am sorry that you have had this negative experience. I was crushed the first time it happened to me. Over the years, it has prompted me to be more vigilante about what I create. I basically shut down my free site, and when I do give something away for free I have it marked. You may register your items through www.myfreecopyright.com after you create something. It gives you a code to add to your materials. Anyone who rips you off then would not have the code. Don't let the disrespectful people ruin what you are doing. They know who they are, and at some point what goes round will come around. I bet if you look around Pinterest or Yahoogroups, unfortunately you'll see a lot more infringement than you would have ever dreamed of. It's sad, and it really makes a person wonder what kind of role model the teacher's are that would steal from their colleagues but they do it every day. My best to you, Danielle
OMG how horrible for this to happen to you..that is really like a theft; and fraud...I know that sounds bad, but i think it is...so sorry that this happened to you...you are so generous...i wouldn't know what to do with this as this is so new...hope you get a resolution..
Amy
Hi Fran, I am sorry that this has happened to you. There's a fine line between ideas being used, and actual product that you've created being infringed. If it's the later, I would advise to contact the ISP and have the website disabled. Since you'd be the copyright owner, you do have the right to request that. Any ISP worth their salt will immediately take the information down. I've been selling my items online since 2000, and have dealt with infringement a lot. It is something that will crop up, and it's best to nip it in the bud swiftly and legally. I would also take extra precautions with your materials that they are clearly marked with your copyrights, and you have an addendum in all of your packets giving specific do's and don'ts. You may already have this, but I thought I would mention it anyway. Good luck to you. I have been there so many times!
Danielle
Crayonbox Learning
I just came across this post :( so sorry this happened to you. Hopefully it was taken care of quickly. You are so very generous with you talents and when someone takes advantage of you it hurts all of us. Hugs to and hats off to you for the person that you are!! We love and appreciate ALL YOU do! Marsha
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