Hobby Hell

Wall Street Journal illustrated yesterday the effects of crafty enthusiasts and their penchant for sewing into trouble.

In the article, Sewing and Suing, crafters are discovering what they thought was embroidery ecstasy in their own homes to hobby hell in the courts. Copyright infringement is becoming unravelled, which I believe, is due to the growing partnerships between the embroidery machine manufacturers and image companies.

When I bought my embroidery machine last Spring, I remember getting into a deep discussion w/the salesguy when he handed me a shrinkwrapped CD of imagery -just to play with. I didn't want it and almost refused it because of the pending lawsuits just waiting to happen. I can't help but think of this seemingly innocuous image CD as entrapment. Suzy Sewer isn't going to take the time to read the tiny print in a book that she'll probably never open; she's more excited to set up the machine and install the software -afterall, she paid for it, right?

Artists work their bums off to make a living and Suzy Seamstress believes she has the right to earn a few bucks, too. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of Annie Artist. The tiny print that talks about 'copyright infringement' should be in bold black letters across the front: "Repurpose these images, go straight to jail and don't pick up $200."

Perhaps, mfg should force Suzy to sign-off on a EULA (End Users License Agreement), making her painfully aware of the ramifications before allowing her to bring home the temerarious tool.

Brand Management is Reputation Management

Part of Starbucks' Tribal Truths, Brand Management is Reputation Management echoes deep within me.

Starbucks believes that reputation management goes a long way toward fostering alignment across all business units inside a company as to what a brand is and, more important, what a strong brand can do.

If you're an emerging business, take great pains to keep your brand close to your heart. While others, particularly friends, may see an opportunity to wear your brand on their sleeve, don't let them. Allowing your 'friends' to 'sing your praises' to a potential client could potentially bench your reputation before you even step foot in the door.

We all have mothers and we know what it feels like to shrink into the nearest crack in the floor when she publicly dotes on us. So, if you're a well intention associate who wants to pitch your friend's fabulous business to another -take a deep breath and resist the temptation of being a surrogate mother. Quietly, take a business card and send it to your fabulous friend with the fabulous business -she will thank you for it.