Blog

OMFG Trademarked? The abuse of our system...

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:46:00 -0400

If you are planning on creating a design featuring the netspeak acronym "OMFG", you might want to know about this. A lawyer by the name of James Lindon has trademarked a common, everyday phrase and is apparently making the rounds through POD markets like Zazzle and Skreened demanding that products containing the acronym "OMFG" be removed.

Stop me if I'm wrong, but doesn't trademark only apply to brand names? Can you really trademark a common, every day phrase like OMFG (or in another, similar situation, "caution") and then prohibit anyone else from using that word in any way if they profit from it? If that's the case, then I shall immediately begin trademarking common, everyday words so that I can prohibit anyone else from using them in any way because they belong to me and onlly me!

On second thought, maybe I'll just trademark "James Lindon"...

The mere fact that an individual can get a trademark on something as generic as a commonly-used word or phrase (OMFG, caution, stealth, etc) is an abuse of the trademark system. Trademarks are meant to protect a business's reputation and name, not give an unscrupulous individual the power to stomp on small business owners and designers.

Nevermind the fact that many of the products that were removed were around long before James Lindon obtained his trademark. What is to stop unscrupulous individuals from stealing ideas, trademarking them, then going after the original creators of those concepts?

There are so many things wrong with what is going on now, and only a small part of it is the reluctance of the POD's to stand up for their shopkeepers.

So if you're reading this, James Lindon... Back off. You and the guy who trademarked "Caution" can go hang out together somewhere and leave the little guys alone.

Back in the swing of things

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:47:00 -0400

At long last, my internet was repaired, but the company in question has not earned any warm-fuzzy words of praise from me. Even without the problems we've had with the internet itself, I'd be sour-tempered towards this company simply because they can't seem to show up when they say they're going to. Four times now, I've wasted a morning waiting for someone who never shows up, and I'm done with it. When our contract expires with them, we'll go with somebody else.

On a more cheery note, there's lots of new products in Customizables for you to enjoy! Among the new designs:

A Japanese Crane and a Cherry Tree

A Fly-Fishing Frog

A Purple Whale

Cute Fawns, in Pink and Natural

A Cute Girly Smiley

Delicious Hot Dogs

Sweet Ice Cream Cake, in Chocolate and Tropical Flavors!

Bottle-nosed Dolphins, in Natural and "Sunset" Colors

A Cute Giraffe

I'm still way behind--I'm going to have to put in overtime if I hope to reach my goal of 6,000 products by the end of the year. At present, I have 3,286--only 2,714 left to go! Even though I'm behind, however, I'm happy to say July was my best month ever in sales, outdoing even the Christmas rush in November and December! I had one bulk sale of 200 buttons, and several other decent sales that added up to a very nice check for July! Let's keep it coming!

I was interviewed by the Angry Squirell!

You can read the interview here.

Lots of people had super-nice things to say, which made me feel warm and fuzzy all over.

On a final note

I have a freebie for you all this time! A Color-Me Giraffe! Remember, this image is free for any use, including commercial, but if you choose to use it, please include a link to my Customizables shop.

Color-Me Giraffe!

Until next time!

Struggles

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:29:00 -0400

I haven't been able to post many updates lately or add much to Zazzle because of my sporadic internet connection. What was supposed to be top-of-the-line internet leaves me with only occassional access at best, and I still can't do anything like watch movies or video online or upload my graphics to Zazzle. What I have been able to do, I had to go to my parents' house and borrow their internet for, and it hasn't been fun. At any rate, hopefully we'll have the net fixed soon and I'll be able to bug you with frequent new product announcements as usual. :3

Whew!

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:11:00 -0400

It's been quite a month for me, folks, so I apologize if it took me a while to post an update.

I've posted several new products in Customizables, including a flipflop design, ladybugs, and some really cute critters. I'm also starting up a few new shops. Work is still ongoing on the Event Shoppe, and I have registered two new stores as well: Shopping for Baby and Pet threads. I will add to them as my schedule allows.

Until next time!

Flowered Flipflops Mousepad by Customizables
Buy a cheap mouse pad at www.Zazzle.com

NEW FREEBIES!

Thu, 14 May 2009 09:37:00 -0400

Have you ever wanted your very own Goth Lolita to love and take care of? Well, now's your chance! The goth lolita image available now in my freebies section is available in three colors, and is free for any use--including commercial! Head to the FREEBIES section to check it out!

Remember! Link back to my site if you use one of my images. :3

Working on a new shop, unexpected setbacks

Sun, 10 May 2009 19:15:00 -0400

Somehow I've managed to fry my RAM in such a way that I can play Sims2 just fine, but trying to use the preset shapes tool in my art program causes the entire thing to lock up. Apparently, 3-D universes with intricatly detailed environments and characters is no problem, but drawing an octagon is quite simply out of the question. I ordered a RAM upgrade from Toshiba, setting me back about $30. Let's hope it works.

Another setback--we're moving again. I don't have much time for art in between work, packing, and just trying to keep up with things. At least we finally found someplace to move -to- and I no longer have to worry that we'll end up at my parents' house again.

I'm working on a new shop: The Event Shoppe. There you will find greeting cards, invitations, announcements, gifts and more. Updates as they become available.

Zazzle has begun offering pet clothes! So far, there are three designs available in my shop.

Until Next Time!

New Designs--Cherry Blossoms, Unicorn

Wed, 06 May 2009 11:39:00 -0400

Announcing the arrival of a handful of new products, including an embroidered unicorn and a beautiful cherry blossom design.

You may recognize this little unicorn from the Unicorn & Princess freebie I posted yesterday. I drew the image with vectors, so it was simple enough to remove the princess and submit the unicorn as an embroidered design. (And thanks to the coupon I got when I reached Pro-Seller status, the embroidery conversion was free! Wee!)

Also new, my cherry blossom design. This one is kind of a big deal to me because it took me so long to finish. I think it was well worth the effort. :3

'Til next time!

The Very First Entry & First Freebie

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:46:00 -0400

Welcome to my very first blog entry! In time, I hope to provide updates on my merchandise and designs as well as freebies and special offers. At this point in its development, my site is still very simple, and as you can probably tell, I'm relying pretty heavilly on the easy-to-use templates provided by Webs to get my work done. As I get braver, I'll adjust the site to better represent what I do, but for now I will leave that in the capable hands of the templates. Unfortunately, I am not as good at designing websites as I am at desiging greeting cards...

For now, enjoy your very first freebie--a Color Me Princess and Unicorn. You will be able to find all freebie images in the freebies section as I add to them. Please note: This image is free for any use, including commercial, but I ask that you credit me for it and link back to this site if you chose to use it. Thanks!

And here is the featured product for today:

Red Shoes Button by Customizables
Create a Pinback button On www.zazzle.com

Browse other Shoes Buttons