Hi group,
 
It's been a long time since I posted here, but I've been keeping up
as best I can.  I had an interesting afternoon today, caused by Kat's
posting of the ferret auction.
 
Some of you may remember a long while back I posted a link to some ferret
artwork I did here:
http://www.geocities.com/lothruin/art.html
 
I've gotten many requests to use the artwork for fundraisers and have
always said yes.  But imagine my surprise when I saw my "Peeking" ferret
on that beautiful jacket in the SOS raffle!  After contacting both Kat
and Lee Julian, and proclaiming my love for the jacket and happiness to
see my artwork being used for such a great purpose, I have also
discovered that an unknown person STOLE my artwork, transformed it into
machine embroidery patterns and SOLD it on her website (now defunct)
with no credit given and no compensation made.
 
So I'm asking all you fellow crafty ferrety people out there... If you
bought a package of machine embroidery patterns and recognize any of
the images on the above website, please understand that they are not
copyright free.  They are my hard work, AND they are images of MY
ferrets, Cael, Booboo and Mira, all at the bridge.  As I said, with
a simple request and credit given I will grant permission to use even
these ill-gotten patterns for fundraising opportunities for shelters
and organizations.
 
I also respectfully request that if you've seen these designs ON anything
for sale, and happen to remember where, you let me know.  I have reason
to believe the embroidery patterns weren't the only way in which this
person used my artwork and I live in an area FAR away from most of the
major shows and other opportunities to see vendor-wares for myself.
 
I also want to say that I HATE if my posting this effects the raffle in
any way.  I have now given Lee full permission to use the designs for
fundraising and I absolutely LOVE what she's done with them.  If I can
get my butt in gear I may be contributing some matching items myself for
that very raffle lot.  (Otherwise, I'm planning something new and special
for the Christmas raffle!) I just don't want this to detract in any way
from Lee's beautiful work, but really felt that with so many on this list
I might be able to protect myself and others from unintentional copyright
infringement.
 
So, thanks for listening.
 
Melissa Rotert
Samurai and Mina the Puppy.
[Posted in FML issue 4961]