Rant on plagerism

Bill Burke

Bill Burke

Joined
Aug 1, 2008
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So I know there has been several discussions on here about makers who copy someone else's designs or idea and then claims it as their own. No one seems to think it is ethical or even alright. Most makers, when asked will freely give permission for another to use design features or even outright copy their own work. If I see something that someone does that I like and want to use I try to find the originator and ask permission to use this feature on my own work. There are many thing in knife making that have been done or are being done that it is common place. in this case it is accepted that it is ok for anyone to do so and is an accepted practice.

My rant is about others who make Damascus Ie... a specific pattern that someone else developed that was not made a lot or not well known and claim it as a new pattern or a new variation.

this has recently happened to me. now I am not saying that no one can use this pattern or even make it. I don't even care if I am given credit for making it or not It does irritate me that someone else is trying to claim it.

So sound off what does everyone think Am I off my rocker or do I have a right to be a bit irritated by this.
 
There is a right to be irritated. As a personal friend of Bill Burkes I have first hand knowledge of this situation. Many of us spend years developing damascus patterns. Most patterns are variations of things developed years ago. Sometimes there is something new under the sun. In this case it is true.
I feel there should be some respect given.
 
You have ever right....too much of this goes on, IMHO.....some make a living on other folks hard work and dedication.
 
Your frustration is understandable Bill, and im sure you have originated more than one original pattern, but I think it is actually fairly common for two or more makers to come up with the same pattern independently. It has happened to me that I thought I had come up with a new pattern, and then saw it on another's blade. I am certain that the other maker did not copy me, and nor did I copy him. We both simply came up with the same pattern.
It is a different story if you teach somebody something and they claim originality. Naturally, That's very frustrating.
 
I agree Adam. However, if your unique pattern has been out there for a year or two and used pretty much exclusively by you then some recognition is due.
 
I can relate. The form of Jiu Jitsu has developed so much since I was first introduced to it over 20 yr ago and everyone has adapted the new forms and techniques created by others over the years to add to their inventory. While I think you have expressed people using designs or components from others is not the reason you are mad it surely makes sense to be so if someone is trying to claim what you created as "Their own."

I'd have to snuff them out and loud cap them. Best thing to do is let it be known. Nothing wrong with letting the cat out of the bag, if it is true, and forget about who gets offended or mad.... reap what you sew.
 
that's why I shut er down, Roger. Gets awkward talking about this stuff when names start popping up.
 
Bill I'm a little slow. Did you teach this man the process? Know he say's its his pattern?
 
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I'm with you Bill. Credit where credit is do. I don't think much of people who knowingly claim as their own someone else's work.
 
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Is it possible that the other maker independently developed the same pattern and was unaware of your prior development?

Or is it a certainty that he copied what you did? If so . . . I can certainly understand you being upset that he is claiming that pattern as his own development or creation, and definitely do not think you are "off your rocker."


RogerP said:
Sorry I missed some good early discussion in that thread. Not sorry that I missed a shameful attempt to slag the reputation of Ron Newton.
Click to expand...

Wish everyone had missed it.
 
The Virginian said:
Is it possible that the other maker independently developed the same pattern and was unaware of your prior development?

Or is it a certainty that he copied what you did? If so . . . I can certainly understand you being upset that he is claiming that pattern as his own development or creation, and definitely do not think you are "off your rocker."




Wish everyone had missed it.
Click to expand...

I first did the pattern in 2004. and was told by folks the like of Daryl Myer, Don Fogg and Shane Taylor that they had not seen it before. as a matter of fact it was through a conversation that I had with Daryl that I was finally able to figure out what I wanted to do. It was new and different and so I never taught anyone else to make it at that time. Bruce Bump then accidentally stumbled onto the pattern two or three years later and posted a wip here in BF. where he did state " yeh bill but you did it on purpose and I did it by accident. a little credit and I am happy. David Lisch then made the pattern and after he was made aware Of the fact acknowledges that I made the pattern. now ten years later someone else makes it I don't think that could be considered as mutual development or a new pattern.
 
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