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I am answering many posts here so I know it may be a bit confusing. I am sorry. I will try to put in a post number.
I am of two minds on this whole topic. Like many of you, I agree that copies should not be produced or sold. But like I said, I can't say don't do it or I would be a hypocrite. What many of you here might not know is that I usually purchase 2 copies of each (if I am not given them-which does happen more often than you think-but this will probably stop now that I have posted this here) One is sent on to the original designer so they can take whatever action they wish. (especially when someone has seen them for sale on eBay. They often ask me to purchase one for them-I have easier access, and they don't pay crazy shipping prices) The other sits on my shelf. Most of the time, I am not paid anything for those copies I purchase. I can't even begin to count how many copies I've sent on.
@#88, and #98: I agree that items should be priced according to the local market. That's why I go to Shenzhen to buy my chewing gum. It's half the cost of Hong Kong. If a product like this is copied for the domestic market, and the domestic market alone, I would almost go so far as to say make it. But DON'T ship it internationally. But then that raises the problem of not having puzzles from other countries. I was alive during the initial cube phase and it took me around 4 or 5 years to get a genuine Rubik's cube. My first-well, they were copies because that was all that was available. I realize that not everyone can afford Meffert's prices-I have a hard time keeping up with all he is producing. But as I've said on TP, puzzles are not necessities. We don't NEED them. We WANT them. There is a difference. For me, as long as the copy companies keep producing patented puzzles, the less designers are going to want to make puzzles. None of us want to go through the 'drought' of the '90's again.
@#92: SmaZ, I totally understand your point. I agree with it as well. I've argued it until I have turned 'blue in the face' (I don't know if that will translate-maybe with 'wasted breath') He believes what he is doing helps in some way. If Meffert's was the only company selling them, then he might be able to stop it. As it stands, he's not, and all he is doing is giving a small bit to the original designers. 'Giving a bit back' if you will. (I can't argue something I don't believe in. Can't even play devil's advocate very well)
@#96: Is Meffert being arrogant by challenging the companies that are copying his patented designs? I think not. It is what any of you would do. (providing you have the money) You will notice he (via the words of calvin_cube on this forum) is not 'fighting' the copy of the skewb or pyraminx or any of the puzzles he produced in the '80's and early '90's. He is only 'fighting' the new patents that he has produced. He is trying to protect his investment. Something any business man would do.
And yes, my collection of toys is huge. But I work hard to make it so. I search auction sites all over the world to get those toys that I want. I have learned to 'read' auctions for Rubik's cubes in about 20 languages now so i can see if it is something I want. Sometimes I make an impulse buy and get a treasure. Other times I end up getting scammed by the seller and end up with a copy I could have purchased here for half the cost. But you must also remember, I have been collecting these toys since the early '80's. Not all of them are recent purchases. I have many custom puzzles, and many many more old puzzles.
For the record, in response to #82, I post here as myself. Not an affiliate of twisty puzzles. My views may not be the same as the other moderators or the forum owner. On that forum we have simply banned any links to the purchase of copy puzzles. Please do not think I post for Twisty Puzzles! I DO NOT!
I will also add that I have never said "don't buy copies because I wouldn't" If people ask me, I tell them the truth. I don't hide my replies either. It's better to be up front about it.
@#89: BOY is blue orange yellow-yes. Sorry, I assumed all called it the same pattern. According to copyright laws that means any black body cube with the BOY pattern is illegal. Yes, I know you are all going to scream now. I am only answering what I learned from a law professor in HK. I asked this question after a big discussion on TP around a year ago. But is Ideal toys (who owns that copyright) going to take all companies to court over it? I doubt it. (my opinion only)
I am upset that many companies can produce really cool puzzles-the puffy heart, the potato (yes witeden, I know you call it an egg, but it looks more like a potato to me), the star I just got, that really neat new electronic cube-but they still copy patented puzzles. There are just soooooo many out of patent puzzles that could be made: Rubik's maze, the clock (done!), the cheese (UFO mechanism, so still a copy), the dino star, the trik haus, the combo, rubik's missing link, just to name a few. Why not just go get an old patent that has expired and make those???
@#99: I don't know what Q is. I am sorry.
At the end of the day, there is no answer for this problem. It is up to us to do what we believe to be right. I sleep at night when I buy a copy knowing that I've sent one on to the guy who made it in the first place. Even when I keep a copy for myself . I'm a collector. that's what collectors do. We get everything we can get our hands on.
again, sorry for the English. @#91, what is tutu? A translation program? can I have a link. I feel very bad posting in English here. If I can get a good translation program, I will post in Chinese. |
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