Ebay Copyright Violators

I think that there are flaws with the current copyright law. I do believe that those who create, deserve to get credit and compensation for their work. A common problem within the counted cross stitch industry is the proliferation of people who use the artwork of others for profit without proper accredidation. Fair use allows for non-commercial personal use but not for resale. Ebay, IOffer, and other auction sites have this problem. So let me share my most recent experience.

I found this seller on Ebay, selling charts based on artwork by Carrie Hall. What struck me immediately, was that the titles of the pieces were changed and that there was no artist recognition. I smelled something rotten. I sent an email to Carrie asking if this person had the right to sell the charts. While waiting for a response from Carrie, I decided to contact the seller as well. The following is the exchanges of email verbatim, including my poor typing. (warning: unprofessional language follows)

Dark Lilac: who is the artist for sea witch, winter watch and Sian?
Seller: cross-stitch-charts: why?
Dark Lilac: No problem. I found them. They will contacting you shortly.
cross-stitch-charts:good for you
cross-stitch-charts:whats your problem.
cross-stitch-charts: DID YOU JOIN JUST TO BE AN ASS?
OR HAVE YOU AL;WAYS BEEN THIS WAY?

I think the defensive attiture of the seller is indicative of guilt and ignorance. I feel particularly sorry for the buyers of this material who have been duped. Normally this would have set me off. But I was in a good mood after chatting with other stitchers on the HAED BB who cheered me up. I sent Ebay an email complaint about the seller.

Carrie did get back to me and said that this person did not have the right to sell her stuff and she would be contacting them. I'm waiting to see what Ebay does. At this time, the autions are still live with bids.