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[jtaylor]

Hi everyone!

I am starting a new website that I want to be able to put on some free designs, but I am worried about copyright problems. What do I need to look for so as to not get into problems with copyright?

Also, I am focusing this site for beginners topics on [url http://www.smartelephantdesigns.com]machine embroidery designs[/url] and was wondering what things would be best to write about to help the most people? I know I had lots of questions, but what would you like to see from your own experiences as beginners?

Thanks!

[marji]

Hi, congrats on your new website. I'm sure Cutiepie, the moderator here, will have in-depth comments about copyright, because she is very very knowledgeable and it is a super-sensitive issue. Basically, if it is not your own design, your own artwork (purchased or drawn), you can't sell it or give it. And "your own" means that you are the digitizer, not that you bought the design on a site, that doesn't make it yours to do anything with but sew out. As I said, Cutiepie will give you all the particulars on this subject far better than I can.

As for what I would have loved to know as a new embroiderer: how important the proper stabilizer is!!! Can't put enough exclamation points on that one. Had so many designs that didn't register right because I was not using the right stabilizer. And lots of designs that didn't work right because I was using too dense a stitch count on too light a fabric. I found that my machine knows what it's doing just fine, as long as I do , which at first was not very often, tee hee.

Best of luck to you, this is such a great hobby, people need all the best advice to make it enjoyable.

Marji

[Cutiepie]

Marji hit all the basics with the copyright issue: Don't offer any design that you didn't digitize yourself or *purchase FOR RESALE.*

For your digitizing, use only art that you have specifically purchased a users license that allows you to digitize it or royalty-free art, or things you drew yourself. If you don't know for sure, ASK. There are artists that won't allow people to digitize their artwork and will take you to task if you do.

Basically, stay away from the "well known" designs/characters (Disney, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, etc). They will get you into trouble almost EVERY time.

As for the "beginners" issues, a good discussion on stabilizers (what the types are, when each should be used and how much) is a very good topic. Many "newbies" have no experience in this arena, and need to know how to sew out a good design. Other ideas might include:
"What design format(s) can your machine use?"
"How to spot a poor/good design."
"How to organize your designs."
"You don't need to collect EVERY Freebie on the 'Net! Honestly!"
and "Hooping hints."

Good luck with your new website, and I hope you are around for a long while.