Threadless Thursday: Crow No!
Inspired by Aesop’s Fable:
A fox once saw a crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree.
“That’s for me, as I am a fox,” said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree.
“Good-day, Mistress Crow,” he cried. “How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds.”
The crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox.
“That will do,” said he. “That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future:
“Do not trust flatterers.”
Mar 16th, 2008 #
Terrific lookin’, Ray. A whole series of Aesop’s Fables shirts/designs would be a wonderful idea… I hope you can do more.
I’m re-subbing one of my early designs to Threadless (it’s been redesigned a bit) and I’ve uploaded another new design which I’ll post the links to once they’ve passed their snooty sniff test.
Also, liking the new direction your style took for this one. I’m watching the video next.
Mar 16th, 2008 #
Incidentally, I changed my screen name from Dick Bender to GC, to reflect my sig on Threadless… I’m consolidating identities. :)
Mar 17th, 2008 #
Sounds good, GC! I intend to try and make an illustrated book of Aesop’s Fables. :)
Mar 18th, 2008 #
I’d love to pick that up (the book) whenever it’s finished. The new style reminds me of old German woodcuts… so it’s perfect for the storybook format.
Mar 21st, 2008 #
Three new designs and two more comin’ up soon. Won’t you take a second and become a big brother… for a kid like me? (with apologies to Seinfeld).. :)
http://www.threadless.com/submission/155893/Try_to_Relax
http://www.threadless.com/submission/155723/Devil_Lad
http://www.threadless.com/submission/155945/Squishy_Kinda_Luv
Mar 21st, 2008 #
Thanks for your ratings, Ray. Although I’m probably still a long way off getting a (Threadless) shirt printed, I feel like I’m finally starting to understand the mob mentality there… ;)
Mar 21st, 2008 #
Yeah, it takes some doing. I’m giving it a few new shots.
Mar 25th, 2008 #
Ray, I have a question about your squaring Threadless’ copyright registration policy, and how you view this.
In your case, I really can’t see a reason for you to continue to submit designs to Threadless, since you know the market and have great recognition now… You realize that according to their stipulations, you lose all rights to your design if yours is chosen, even though they technically file a “joint copyright” with the US Patents and Trademarks Office?
I have trouble squaring this unethical policy with Threadless. It’s an business practice that’s predatory, and I’ll be canceling my account with them soon. They would be far more attractive, and representing the rights of artists if they would simply demand a limited-term (say, 1 year) licensing agreement for the contest winners. This would enable them to have a monopoly over the printing of the shirt graphics for a definite period of time, which would expire or be negotiable for renewal at the end of the term.
Frankly, you give up far too much of your rights by handing over your work to Threadless.
I’m going to pay for the Premium Shop option at CafePress instead. At least with them, I give up none of my ownership.
What are your thoughts?