Respecting Intellectual Property
Bond Collectors' Weekends
Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,902MI6 Agent
I've gotten some angry notes the past few months re: selling items on eBay. May I make some suggestions?
*Send e-mails to eBay buyers advising them of your policies. I don't read at all the invoices I receive with eBay purchases as eBay and PayPal are doing the totals I use for accounting--and since so many eBay "invoices" are really solicitations. Sending an email to say "I made this prop, not someone else," is a sure way to be certain I'll keep it forever or if I can't will give it to a good home with a good collector.
*If I shouldn't resell an item telling me direct or else dropping a note by e-mail on eBay works wonders. I'm a strong Christian who wouldn't steal your work, but I'm also not psychic (besides unwilling to check on every prop replica forum before I move a piece made by I don't-know-who).
*Accept compliments with grace. I sold a prop you made, not knowing it was an AJB'er's creation, and maybe I got lucky and got a higher bid on my sale than you had. So what? People really like your work! I've had my creations on sale many times including things I worked for hours on that are on sale this very week by third parties without my permission--and some of these items were gifts I sent the sellers. I find it flattering. But if something I'm proud of is not meant for resale I'll send an email or else put that fact on the eBay listing directly...
Thank you and I sincerely apologize for anyone I've offended with a sale on eBay or elsewhere. I'm not out to make a fast buck and anyone who thinks there are fast bucks to be made in props creation or fan conventions hasn't done much of either service for fans IMHO.
Again, please don't take my suggestions in any wrong way. I work hard on my own creations, and I've gotten very badly burned in the past telling people in person "This item was specially made for this event and is not to be resold, etc." and then seen the item not only on eBay but on the cover of Bond fan publications! I personally have experienced having someone steal my things and so would never try to hurt you as a prop maker in the same vein.
And seeing the thread today on the Goldfinger homer flap, I'm especially sensitive to the need for all of us to protect one another's property if we can... Thanks and I'm open if anyone has comments for me or some constructive criticism.
*Send e-mails to eBay buyers advising them of your policies. I don't read at all the invoices I receive with eBay purchases as eBay and PayPal are doing the totals I use for accounting--and since so many eBay "invoices" are really solicitations. Sending an email to say "I made this prop, not someone else," is a sure way to be certain I'll keep it forever or if I can't will give it to a good home with a good collector.
*If I shouldn't resell an item telling me direct or else dropping a note by e-mail on eBay works wonders. I'm a strong Christian who wouldn't steal your work, but I'm also not psychic (besides unwilling to check on every prop replica forum before I move a piece made by I don't-know-who).
*Accept compliments with grace. I sold a prop you made, not knowing it was an AJB'er's creation, and maybe I got lucky and got a higher bid on my sale than you had. So what? People really like your work! I've had my creations on sale many times including things I worked for hours on that are on sale this very week by third parties without my permission--and some of these items were gifts I sent the sellers. I find it flattering. But if something I'm proud of is not meant for resale I'll send an email or else put that fact on the eBay listing directly...
Thank you and I sincerely apologize for anyone I've offended with a sale on eBay or elsewhere. I'm not out to make a fast buck and anyone who thinks there are fast bucks to be made in props creation or fan conventions hasn't done much of either service for fans IMHO.
Again, please don't take my suggestions in any wrong way. I work hard on my own creations, and I've gotten very badly burned in the past telling people in person "This item was specially made for this event and is not to be resold, etc." and then seen the item not only on eBay but on the cover of Bond fan publications! I personally have experienced having someone steal my things and so would never try to hurt you as a prop maker in the same vein.
And seeing the thread today on the Goldfinger homer flap, I'm especially sensitive to the need for all of us to protect one another's property if we can... Thanks and I'm open if anyone has comments for me or some constructive criticism.
Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!