I wanted to quickly mention something that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately. We're all looking for the big break, and with the advent of reality TV and the internet, we really can almost all actually have our 15 minutes of fame. The networks love it because they get the talent for cheap, and the audiences love it because we've become a nation of voyeurs. The flip side is that everyone is trying to make a buck and many of them are trying to make it from you. There are sites dedicated to posting links back to craft blogs or hosting your video content or sharing your photos and some of them are taking full ownership of your content. Did you know that? Always read the entire terms of use agreement before you check the box my friends. I spent a good day or two pondering auditioning for a huge contest/reality competition a new network is having to find the next TV Talk Show Host. I ALWAYS read the fine print. This contest has an agreement that says you're giving them ownership of every single thing you do creatively forever and ever in perpetuity from the moment you sign on the dotted line. Plays, scripts, videos, music, product lines...
Really? Are you kidding me?
Even though it's my goal to host my own TV show, I can't sell my soul for it. Sorry, Rumplestiltskin, but I'm not giving you my first born child for a chance to be on TV. Though I was sorely tempted.
Always, always, always read the fine print. When you enter a contest, when you sign up for a website, when you agree to allow people to post your blogs or videos or projects...it's important to understand what you're giving them. You should try to always retain rights to your intellectual content unless you're getting paid handsomely. It's enough that they're getting traffic and making money, they don't need to own your ideas or profiteer off of them without giving you a piece of the pie. I'm happy to share, but I'm not giving my good ideas away.
My gal pal Brini Maxwell is renovating her new apartment, so she asked me to guest blog. I shared my Donny vs. Bobby purse!
Here's this week's hearty helping of TastyLinks:
About Family Crafts
I know at this time of year many people are trying to think of ideas for graduation gifts, but how about making a special end-of-the-year gift for a special teacher?
Aileen's Musings
Aileen's offering some fabulous fractal freebie backgrounds for you to download and use!
Beading Arts
Rubber glass? Rubber glass?!? What the heck is rubber glass?
Cathie Filian
Seed packets are the inspiration for sprucing up your garden. Pop by Cathie's to see how.
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a chance to win a free copy of The Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art, and we are off to Maker Faire with our new roving reporter Stan. Stan is an Amineko (crocheted cat), see how to make his Steampunk business card holder made Sweater Surgery style, learn how to make a 4-ply braid, and to relax try this honey cucumber skin toner recipe.
Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shares some crafted items she purchased during a recent trip to the Bahamas.
Cross Stitch at About.com
Got a great source for free Cross Stitch patterns? Check out Connie's list and then share your own.
Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
And it's one, two, three strikes you're out... check out Linda's baseball quilt.
Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Turn a vintage tie into a stylish tampon case with Madge in this week's Teen Craft project for ILoveToCreate!
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Enter to win a copy of Sweater Surgery!
The Artful Crafter
Make a travel art journal for when you want to jot or sketch ideas on the go.
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