It has come to my attention that some clarification is necessary about what is proper protocol when using a block or a tutorial designed by another quilter.
It is absolutely unacceptable to copy the pattern information from a for purchase only book, pattern, or magazine onto the Stash Bee blog to use as your block for your month as Queen Bee. In the past we had allowed people to use a block from one of these sources if the person had gotten permission from the author and/or publisher to do so, but a few bloggers have brought to our attention that people have not followed this protocol.Thus, to prevent any copyright issues, the rules will be updated to reflect that participants may not choose a block from any pattern, book, or magazine available for purchase only. This may seem like a severe change, but I think it is important that we respect the creative works of others and do not misuse them.
Additionally, it is also poor etiquette to copy exactly a block from a book, magazine, or for-purchase pattern without permission by figuring out the dimensions exactly for yourself. You'd still be making that pattern available for free with out the permission from the author/designer/publisher and infringing on their copyright. This is also wrong and is not acceptable. There have been instances of this in the recent past and these posts will be removed from the Stash Bee Blog.
It is acceptable to use a tutorial from another blog that is available for free. When using a free tutorial adapted from another blog, you MUST link to the original tutorial on the Stash Bee blog. You should not copy the tutorial in its entirety -- your bee mates should primarily use the original tutorial to direct their block making and your post should include any changes you would like made as well as any explanations of parts you think your hive mates may find difficult. You do not need to provide a step by step tutorial since one is already provided at the original tutorial source, but you should do your best to highlight any complicated parts of the block construction.
Traditional quilt blocks are blocks that no one person can truly claim ownership of and do not require any sort of permission for anyone to use. Designing a block yourself is another option, but please make sure that you've thoroughly tested the block and your cutting measurements are accurate.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (littlebunnyquilts @ gmail.com).
3 comments:
Just curious if the same would hold true for a pattern from a magazine if we reference it?
@paper stories -- Yes, the same holds true for a magazine pattern. You do not have the rights to essentially re-publish a pattern from a magazine without their permission.
That is what I figured but since it wasn't for commercial use or being sold, I wasn't sure. I already have my (totally free) patterned plan anyway and am raring to go! So excited!
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