I’m chuckling as I read the title of this blog entry – three seemingly unrelated topics, but believe me, there is a connection. I’m starting with gratitude, and many of you will not be surprised with this since it is Thanksgiving this week in the United States. Each year, I look back and am amazed by the unwavering support of friends and customers of Gem’s Cottage, and because of this, Gem’s Cottage has grown steadily from its humble beginnings in 2003. This blog started slowly last 2008 (I have always been a slow starter, LOL), but this year, I’ve put in more content and correspondingly, a lot of you have come, checked out what-on-earth-has-Gem-been-up-to and some of you even left encouraging comments. I’d like you to know that every comment you left on my blog put a smile on my face and made my day. Some of you were even more active in your support, by posting the Gem’s Cottage site and blog on message boards and also in your very own blogs, participating in the contests, and getting involved in the Cards for Cause: The Inmates Project. To all of you, please know that I am grateful.
One particular show of support came from some people I do not know. Last week, I noticed that my blog was getting a lot of hits from a certain message board, and so I became curious and went to see what was posted. The discussion was centered on the “patchwork” template that I had offered last August 19 (you can check out that specific blog entry if you click on August 2009 on the right). It seemed that someone else was giving the impression that she had made the template herself, and because of this, one lady came forward and pointed out where the template can be found. This lady was new to that particular message board and since she was pretty blunt with her pronouncements, she was treated unfavorably by other members who were there longer. This lady stood strong though, and I was glad to see that there were also other members who supported her. I tried to register and become a member so as to clarify issues that were raised, but unfortunately, I did not get any response from the message board’s administrator(s). So, I edited my blog entry on that date to answer the questions that they had and hoped that the lady who originally posted where the template came from would see it and point it out to the others. She did. I have never met this lady (she’s from another country) nor corresponded with her (some automatically assumed that she is my friend), but her steadfast support was astounding. To that lady, I hope you are reading this; I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done.
***Part 2 of this blog series entry will be posted tomorrow, Nov. 26, 2009 (I’ll be explaining how “The Last Castle” is related)***
Gem, it is good to “meet” you at long last! Greetings from the UK. I am sorry that your blog became the subject of such notoriety but I was unable to contain my anger that the template, which was quite obviously yours, was being offered by someone else and, by their silence when thanked, presumed to be theirs. My actual wish in posting a link to your blog was to broadcast to the world that it was here and had been HERE since AUGUST!!! Sadly, the person concerned claimed she had seen the template made up by a friend and had then created her own version in Photoshop… but if you look at the two side by side they are IDENTICAL. I believe all she had done is created a png of your original jpeg which she had obtained from some source or other. Even if she didn’t know where it came from she should have just said it wasn’t her idea, but she chose not to, even when challenged. Sadly, she has made a mockery of the loyalty and support of all those who call her their friend, and who were so quick to round on me, and that isn’t fair to them at all. Perhaps they will take a moment to have a look at the template in detail, as I did, and will realise that I was correct in what I said. She really deserves their pity rather than their loyalty. I bear them no ill will as they have been deceived. Thank you for your wonderful site, and I am so glad you stand above this and won’t let it spoil your generous attitude.
My best wishes to you
Lucie.
I have been able to compare the properties of both jpeg templates and they are identical. My comment on the 19th August post explains more. Like Lucie – I’m glad that you’ve been able to rise above it all. Thank you for your other gifts so generously shared for those that would want them and also the link to Creating Christmas. There is some beautiful work there and yet more inspiration.
Gem thanks so much for the beautiful creating Christmas freebies. All of your work is amazing,and I thank you so much for sharing with us all. I can see why someone would want to copy, but thats wrong and she knows it I am sure. I always give credit where credit is due, because i am certainly not talented in these fields, but I sure do love to use them. If it wasn’t for artists such as your self I couldn’t do anything but look at other peoples crafting. You inspire us all.. thanks again
thank you gem for the template and other freebies your very talented also i dont think it was right of lucie to post the comments the way she did as peejay said im glad you have been able to rise above it but at no time did the other lady claim it as her own work