A friend just sent me an adobe file that explains copy write rules better than anything I've come across. I'm going to try to attach it to this message. I am working on a couple patterns. One is for the freebie on my web site, the other will be for sale. This is the first time I've ever written directions for a pattern and I was wondering about the copy write so my friends have been on the watch and I went to the government copy write site as well.

Happy Quilting
Sally

Thanks for the info

I still really feel if it isn't your original, I would not print it to share for free or sell it. You never know where it can lead, mostly trouble. I don't even allow my students to copy any of my directions from any of my books. They are allowed to use them in classes but no copying. Most authors allow you to make and sell using their patterns but there are a few that make a restriction that you can't make and sell.
When you design your patterns it is up to you what restrictions you want. Just make them clear and understandable. I say on mine that they can use them for themselves and in classes but if a student wants a personal copy they must purchase it. Nothing will stop them from copying it except honesty. I know I would like the proceeds from my patterns so I feel it is only fair to others not to share their patterns. After all we are the ones that took the time to design them, write them up, and check to be sure everything is correct. Of course this is just one quilters opinion. Happy quilting:-) Bernadette
Aunt Bee's quilts and more

i have to admit, i used to feel a bit differently. but time, experience, and having put myself in the designer/author's shoes have changed my mind.

i think Bernadette has summed it up quite nicely.

p.s. for Sally: as goofy as it sounds, please check the copyright notice in your copyrights article before posting. i'll keep my fingers crossed that sharing it is ok with the author because i'd really like to see it, too. :lol:

You are absolutely correct. I'm still trying to learn how this forum works and I thought I had attached this document to my original posting.
I clicked on attach files and chose the one i wanted then submitted it. Seems that I missed something.

You can find the original document and lots of information on website construction that may be of help to some of you.

http://www.Phoebemoon.com

after you get there go to copyright concerns


Happy stitching

Thats great info Karla, thanks everyone for sharing what you know. I'd hate to be doing the wrong thing when I'm trying to follow the rules. I think you just have to think about the designer and be considerate of the fact that they are making a "living" from doing this.

Thank you for posting that info, Karla! It's great to see that an e-mail to the designer paid off (most don't bite, really :D ) I'd like her website addy; I'll definitely be adding it to my list of sites to purchase from!

Sally, thanks so much for the link! Posting links to info is a great way to share it without stepping on any toes.

Bernadette, thank you for the designer perspective. It's sometimes hard to convey all of the work that goes into designing, and you did that very well. Explaining that designs are in the 'pipeline' for months, and the amount of editing and re-writing that goes into them is one thing; explaining that very deep place they come from is almost impossible!

Most of all, thank you to everyone who has posted to this thread - as a veteran of 'copyright wars' for many years now, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the very civil tone of this thread!

Bernadette Harwood ..........do you have a web site, if so can you post a link :D

I think the trouble starts when you are making multiple copies to profit.

Yes, I teach quilting and sewing at home. I also have an ebay store. Go to stores.ebay.com/auntbeesquiltsandmore
I have several patterns in the making that I have designed but not written up completely. I have one pattern in my store. My students have tested my patterns but like I wrote before, I put on them they are not to be copied but can be used in a classroom situation. I hate it when I buy a pattern and get it home and find I can't use it to make the item to sell, so I say anyone can use my patterns to make the item to sell. I also have helped a friend learn to quilt through the internet. Was a challenge and very fun.
As far as copyright I guess I'm thinking like the designer in me. I want the proceeds from my patterns and be happy to purchase what others have done. I do hope to get a few free guides out in the near future for my ebay store. I really enjoy this websight, everyone is so encouraging and nice. Enjoy, Bernadette

Bernadette,
Is the reason you haven't written up your patterns completely that you are worried about making them clear and not leaving anything out? If so, consider typing the text into word or a similar type program and then print it to Adobe. You will need an Adobe program above Reader to do this or send the document to a friend who has it to convert. Then you can listen to your instructions while Adobe reads it to you. It is very easy to spot mistakes this way. Now you are saying how do I do this. If you have reader, open an adobe file with mostly text. The more headers and pictures the less functional. If you're adding them, add them after you are sure the text is correct. Once your adobe file is open, choose view, then read out loud (it's about 1/2 way down the list) then choose page or document. Sit back and enjoy. By doing this on an existing document you will know better how to set up your page for the best results.
Happy Quilting

Sally