Whoa ... calm down Gordon!
I apologize for the length of this reply, but I hope those who visit will actually read it through.
Things have got awfully personal all of a sudden!
Yes, Richard has rejoined the Guild after being out of the country for a while - I encouraged him to do so. I suppose Richard might reply, but I am replying on my own behalf, because I feel offended and disappointed on a personal level.
"Using the Guild"? OK, I'll put my hand up to that accusation too, as should we all if we're honest - that was the whole point of joining wasn't it, i.e. to learn from others? There is nothing dishonest or unethical about that, surely?
All those members who have written so many fabulous books on knotting - did they "use" the Guild and get criticised publicly for doing so? I never thought they should be criticised, and I never will.
Should we pillory those IGKT members (and non members too I suppose) whose links are on the IGKT site, advertising their work over the internet? Should we demand from them an explanation as to where they acquired the knowledge to be able to produce their work to sell, and condemn them if they admit to learning from others?
I thought the point of the IGKT was to promote knot tying? The way we do that is by sharing information and knowledge, and normally we do that
very willingly. Sure, I've learned plenty myself, thanks to my friends (and I have made some GREAT friends) in the IGKT, but I'd like to think I've also shared my knowledge and experience with others too. Some folks do make a profit from imparting knowledge, whether that be through books, videos, demonstrations, talks or whatever, but when one considers the time we spend "teaching" or talking to others it often doesn't amount to much more than a few pence per hour.
If I am able to impart sufficient knowledge to anyone who subsequently manages to sell work based on my teaching then I'd personally be
delighted. At least it would mean the profile of knotting is increased.
I held a workshop on decorative knotting for a local scout group only two nights ago - I did NOT charge for my time, I gave away several pounds worth of cord, and made a big effort to promote the Guild. YES, I did publicise the DVD too, but I didn't sell a single one (although I hope I might in weeks to come, and I am NOT ashamed of that). That has not stopped me accepting an invitation to hold another workshop, or accept an invitation from one of the scout's mothers who was present to hold a similar workshop for her church's youth section. Today, I spent a couple of hours visiting one of those scouts (mother present, incidentally) to further encourage him - I lent him several books, my favourite being Stuart Grainger's "Knotcraft" (which is brilliant in my opinion) - perhaps I should have interrogated Stuart first to make sure he hadn't learned anything from a fellow Guild member, as he did make money out of his book (he certainly deserved to)?
Personally, I am proud to have "used" the IGKT, if that's your perception, to better myself, and will continue to promote and encourage knot tying, whether it's for profit or not.
If you read from the beginning of this topic (yes, I know there are currently 5 pages worth - sorry), you'll see the rapport and banter that like minded people engaged in when I was trying to put together the streaming video for my web site - this, for me, epitomizes the nature of free-giving, helpful, fellow Guild members. It was good fun, and although I was the one who initially asked for help you'll see that others were pleased to learn too.
Don't I recall that the original VHS version of "Knots Made Easy" used to be advertised in "Knotting Matters"? Will we reach the stage where the committee starts profiling and interrogating members to establish whether they "fit in" with acceptable commercial parameters? Will there be an "elite" established who are allowed to plagiarize the work of others?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't I also recall a conversation where you told me that you actually bought a copy of the original VHS video of "Knots Made Easy"? Presumably, you're happy to play that?
The implication in your post suggests that people like me are only in the Guild to profit from the expertise of others. I am offended by that implication, and would hope that those who know me would defend me - I AM easy going, love to learn from others, and moreover I enjoy passing on what little knowledge I have to others.
I am very disappointed that my explanation about the copyright issue has resulted in a character assassination.
I now wonder if I'm perceived as a villain in the eyes of the IGKT? I think it is extremely unfair to be condemned as such, and I sincerely hope others will contribute to this thread so that I know whether I've suddenly lost a whole bunch of friends. If I am to be condemned, then there is a whole bunch of people behind me who will suffer the same fate.
Phil Cook