Scraplifting layouts or flattering?

Just curious about what you guys think. I visited another scrapbooking website today and there seemed to be some heated discussion about whether or not it was "Scraplifting" or flattering when someone copies one of your layouts. I always thought that that was why people published or posted their layouts so that they could share their ideas with others. Am I wrong? I taught preschool for many years and presented at many conferences where we shared ideas, I didn't expect everytime someone used one of my ideas or taught a fingerplay I wrote that they would give me credit. I don't know.

Laura

Thanks for your input. I'm with you guys on this one.

Laura

I would be VERY flattered if someone wanted to scraplift my pages!

If I was afraid of copying my pages, I wouldn't be posting them on the internet. I will say, though, that if I saw one of my layouts published in a magazine, but it wasn't my name next to it and they weren't my pictures on it, I'd be pretty upset.

I totally agree, it is FLATTERY. Besides, I think we have to be honest with ourselves. How many ideas out there are really totally original. I think that many of the great things that are coming out are inspired by another great idea, which was inspired by another great idea, and on, and on. I don't think anyone can really "claim" an idea. I have seen many people come up with a great idea, only to find that someone else already thought of it. Besides, I think it is snotty to get bent out of shape just cause someone else wants to duplicate your layout! I would be completely FLATTERED. What difference does it really make anyway. Why major in the minors?!

Nikki

We had a discussion here about that a few months ago and we came to the conclusion that scraplifting IS flattery. If noone ever scraplifted, you are right, there wouldn't be all of those idea books. There are also different levels. There are times when you copy everything identically to what is on the page, and then when everything is the same except the colors you use, and then when you take the elements and ideas but change them all around and make them yours. I think "SCRAPLIFT" is a dirty word to somepeople, but I for one would be honored if I found that someone was copying my work. We are not in the third grade taking a spelling test anymore. Imitation is the SINCEREST form of flattery. Period!

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~*~Sara!~*~

"I say embrace the total geek in yourself and just enjoy it. Life is too short to be cool." -Shirley Manson

Oh goodness! I LOVE it when people use an idea of mine. I think it is very flattering! I agree completely that the idea books, as well as layouts published in magazines, are there for the purpose of inspiring (or copying verbatim, if need be). I'm fairly certain that most everyone here feels this way, because everyone is always so willing to share ideas and offer advice. I've always thought "scraplifting" was a cute term ... but never once thought of it as a bad thing. How sad if that's the case ....

Leslie

I agree. Scraplifting is flattery. I am thrilled when somebody likes my idea.

I totally agree with you NIkki! Why sweat the small stuff? I had someone leave a very rude post about one of my lo's last night in the gallery...At first I was rather upset...still don't think it was necessary but then decided, well, I crop for me and mine...I display my work because it gives ME pride and our differences are what makes the world go round...also, I think if you are gonna point a finger at what's wrong, you should be able to show me what's right and this comment was left by a newbie who hasn't even posted a lo! Having said all that I feel better! And I have NO problem with those of you out here who might want to lift a page idea or 2! Have a great day!
Bunny

Bunny:

I cannot BELIEVE someone posted that underneath your beautiful wedding layout. That was just uncalled for.

Bunny:

What a completely tacky thing to do to you. I love your ideas. I'm so glad you got my name for that get to know you swap. You did adorable things for me. You are one of the sweetest ladies I know. Don't worry about what she said. We love you!!!!!

Kim C.

Thanks you guys! I can honestly tell you that I was shocked by the comments! It's the last thing I would expect here in this neighborhood. It takes alot of courage to post our layouts, they are a part of us. Anyone who knows anything about me knows those wedding layouts are done with a tremenous amount of love and thought...alot of the journaling will be done when my DD comes home for Christmas. I would never expect that everyone would like everything I do but I have come to expect a certain amount of respect for the work that I put into my lo's! I think what shocked me most is that someone new to the board would start out with such an impression! Thanks for all your support! Bunny

Bunny:

I think people take advantage of the element of anonymity we have on the BB. It makes me sad to see people treating other people, especially WOMEN treating other WOMEN, without respect and concern.

I used to post on another BB, but came over here when the women there got too "catty". It's pretty bad when every other subject line ends with "Please don't flame me".

We have a great forum here and it's awesome that we feel we can express ourselves freely, but no one should do it at someone else's expense. I think sometimes people post to a "name" on a screen and forget that there's a real person on the other side.

I've changed my signature line to resemble how I feel about this subject.

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Jennifer

If you can't say anything nice...

Oh, remember that whole thread a while ago about scraplifting??? Too funny.

But everyone here has got it right....PLEASE SCRAPLIFT!!! If nobody scraplifted my pages (that I sell at a store! lol) I'd be out of a job!!!!!

Also, Bunny, go take a look at your messages under your wedding layout. I've got your back, girlfriend!

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~*~Angelina~*~

Bunny, I am sorry that something so silly and callous put a damper on your day. I think your layouts are terrific! We all have such distinct and beautiful scrapping styles - that match our distinct and beautiful families and personalities! I love seeing what the many extrememly talented ladies here are doing in their books. It's a real treat that everyone here is so willing to share what's close to our hearts! You are all extremely awesome ladies! I look forward to seeing what our new outspoken neighbor will be posting to the gallery. I hope she will learn to appreciate kind words.

Have an excellent day, all!
Gimi

Thank-you all so much! I knew I could depend on you guys to cheer me up! Don't put me too high up there on that 'Lady' pedestal though...I had to edit about 4 times before I could actually post it... I really try hard to not stoop that low...hurts my back and besides my mom taught me better...lol... glad I'm part of this group...I look forward to chatting with you all everyday and love to see all the variety of layouts presented here to lift or not! Thanks!
Bunny

Bunny - IGNORE those nasty emails to you...if someone doesn't have anything nice to say...DON'T SAY IT.....the world is already cruel enough without some miserable bent CAT adding their little evil comments...you are totally one of my fave's on this board...you are always so nice to everyone and thinking of everybody but yourself....and your layouts are great...if you were lucky to get a great idea from someone else's idea...then good for you!!!

And Sara - your recent layouts in the gallery have inspired me...they have been just beautiful and I thank you...you have no idea how many ideas you have given me - and if you got your ideas from someone else or something else...RIGHT ON...that's what it's there for....can't we all just get along???

I have to say - this is why I like this website the most...I have been visiting some others lately...and the stuff people say to each other...unbelievably hurtful..there is just no need for that...sorry this is so long...but I had to get that off my chest!

I am infamous for my finely tuned computer skills--but I found an amazing little button that I can click with my mouse! The scrapping community is raging with viruses, and I am so afraid of loosing my computer. When I get something that doesn't look right--either way to big to be something from a friend, or with a questionable topic, or no topic--I hit "Block Sender" I never see them again. I would go back to that nasty email and Block them. I don't know or understand what makes people think they can hurt other's feelings with mean stuff like this all the time. I'm sorry its happened to you. Nancy