Comments on: Threadless Thursday: Crow No!

By: GC

GC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:02:55 +0000

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?

By: Ray Frenden

Ray Frenden — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:07:25 +0000

Yeah, it takes some doing. I’m giving it a few new shots.

By: GC

GC — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:06:42 +0000

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… ;)

By: GC

GC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:11:23 +0000

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

By: GC

GC — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:34:29 +0000

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.

By: Ray Frenden

Ray Frenden — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:39:17 +0000

Sounds good, GC! I intend to try and make an illustrated book of Aesop’s Fables. :)

By: GC

GC — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:54:07 +0000

Incidentally, I changed my screen name from Dick Bender to GC, to reflect my sig on Threadless… I’m consolidating identities. :)

By: Dick Bender

Dick Bender — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:31:04 +0000

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.