Today I thought I’d share a few things that seemed pretty important to me around the blogosphere, including a few really cool giveaways.
First up, have you heard about what is going on with John T. Unger? He’s an artist who’s got a large manufacturer suing him to overturn his own copyrights so that they can mass manufacture his art! Yes, you heard me right, they are suing him so they can copy and produce John’s copyrighted art. In the big scope of things, if all things were equal, John would almost surely win this case. However, he’s one small man up against a deep pocketed company who will likely try to keep this in court until John runs out of money and will surely win a default judgement, forcing John to give up the copyrights to the work that he originally created. You can, however, make a difference. Learn more about John’s story through his website (including how this ruling could affect you and your art, and how John plans on paying it forward for the help he gets with this case) or through this recent telephone conference at artbizblog, and read how this future ruling could affect your original art if the company was to win. How can you help John and defend art? Easy: post about this story. Post it on your blog, tweet about it with a link to his site, tell your friends on Facebook or other social network sites. You can also help support his defense fund: purchase his art, or just donate any dollar amount. What the artist is asking that we do not do is to contact the company directly on his part, or to badmouth them in posts, as this is an ongoing legal matter.
Next up: An Etsy artist who you might remember donated to the 31 Days of Halloween is going through some tough medical issues and with no insurance. This would make a great debate starter about whether this country needs to have national medical policies, but that’s not what I’m here for today. What I’m here for is to pass on the info that a fellow blogger is in need, and you can make a difference by helping out. Find out more about what’s going on and how you can help at her blog, Tea Towel Creek.
UPDATED TO ADD: Please check out and leave a comment on this video. This is a young man who’s family works with Mr.B. and he’s trying out for a new band that Tommy Lee from Motley Crue is putting together. This is a great kid, who’s worked hard to get where he is. Comments to his video will help get him noticed and believe me, this kid deserves the break. I’d consider comments left a personal favor. No pressure though. No really. ;O)
And lastly, here are a few giveaways that I’ve come across in the last few days. Have some fun, maybe win a prize :O)
- A new blog, Big Girl Bombshell, is having a giveaway three, signed first edition copies of the novel The Skye in June by June McDonald.
- Mrs.Evil from My Pretty Zombie is having an awesome cross-stitch kit giveaway. It’s definitely not your mother’s cross-stitch kit, lol!
- The Centsational Girl blog is giving away a $100 gift card to the Lisa Leonard store!
Stop in around noon, I’ll be posting a new giveaway today as well!
thanks for all the blogosphere info the Unger story is very worrisome.
Thank you Mrs. B with the utmost gratitude!
Thks for sharing this, Kris. I just went to Unger's page, and asap I'll post about it, shame on whomever is suing him…I also visited Kimberly's page, and donated $2. It's almost nothing, but if everyone does the same, it will help her a lot, I'm sure!Kisses from us.
I'll be checking out the two creative souls who are in dire need of help and see what small part I can play in helping out somehow
The Unger story is just plain insane! I'm spreading the word on Facebook. So sad that one man has to go through those lengths to defend what is rightfully his.
Thanks for the info. Sending healing wishes to Kimberley. I worry so muh about my friends over in USA when they get sick and count myself very lucky indeed to live in a country with free/ heavily subsidised healthcare.Good luck to the young lad
Thank you so much Mrs.B for posting about my plight on your blog.I so appreciate it and have received some donations from some beautiful kind hearted women. I have an apt with a urologist and have updates on my blog about what I am going through. When the time comes for me to give back to others financially it will be done. I am so greatful that I am crying at this moment at the kindness of others. After I get through this crisis I want to again donate some handmade items for one of your giveaways. Thank you again!!!! Hugs, Kisses & Bright Blessings!! Kim
Going to Ungers page and check it out. what a shame. I did look at the music video and that guy ROCKS!! So talented. I shared the video on my FB wall to let everyone to check it out and give their support for this talented guy. I left a message!! he has my support!!!!
A good day to help others. I'm definitely spreading the word on these worthy causes!
Is that even legal??
I'm sorry, I just don't see how that is even legal. Isn't that what copyrights are for????That's just disturbing and awful on so many levels. I shall do my part to help.I listened to the drumming video…AWESOME! Left a comment. I used to play percussion too…so I have a bit of a love for the drums.
Thanks for the giveaway notices. Off to check them out!)O(boo
Thanks for posting about my situation!I hope to use this opportunity to educate other artists about copyright, and how they can best protect their own creations from falling prey to a similar situation. I'm deeply encouraged by the way that so many people have rallied to our defense and by the depth of how much they care. I intend to continue advocating for artist's rights when this is all done and I'm excited about developing a not for profit to assist other artists protect their rights as well.