Would You Be Offended??

Decorating By nefgaby Updated 9 May 2007 , 2:46am by wonderwoman

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nefgaby Posted 5 May 2007 , 11:40am
post #1 of 40

If somebody copies a cake of yours, your total creation, and not even recognize the source of inspiration when they post it? I know, it is a little dumb... icon_redface.gificon_redface.gificon_redface.gif And I love love love when people like one of my cakes and would like to copy it, really, I do, but also, I would appreciate something being said. God, just like my 4 year old boy would say "silly Mommy"!!!!! Thanks for listening thumbs_up.gif

39 replies
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lapazlady Posted 5 May 2007 , 11:49am
post #2 of 40

I think a "Thank You" for the idea, the inspiration, or "I love your design and had to try it", are really the way to go, but not everyone is going to be sensitive to how I feel about my cake design....So, enjoy the thought your design was appreciated enough to be copied and PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK, and move on. And, which cake was copied, I want to go in and take a look! icon_lol.gificon_rolleyes.gif

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jamiet Posted 5 May 2007 , 11:55am
post #3 of 40

I am honored when someone copies a cake of mine. Consider it a compliment. Some people aren't very detail oriented and the thought of looking up were they found a specific cake design never crosses their mind. Just enjoy knowing that people enjoy your work and want to copy it.

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ladysonja Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:00pm
post #4 of 40

Like you, I would have mixed emotions too.

IMHO: If the cake was an original idea/design, not seen any where else IE: cake book, CC, Web, etc... then all means - YES, give credit where credit is due! Especially if the design came from this website!

On this site, I have seen several cakes where an idea was borrowed from another cake designer. Normally, the new cake picture will have a blurb as to who helped with questions or it will say borrowed from another cake designer from the CC website.

I think it would be wise for all of us to recognize a borrowed idea and say as much. This is such a great place to view other designers work for inspiration.

I've seen your photos and I doubt that I would ever be able to reproduce one of your designs, but there is hope and maybe with practice I will one day, but not without giving credit where credit is due!

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mgdqueen Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:11pm
post #5 of 40

does anyone else get paranoid and check pictures just to make sure they aren't the one in question??!! LOL I always try to give credit for the inspiration, especially if it's not a "common" one. I think some people might look at so many variations, they forget sometimes where that exact cake came from. I have also had THAT problem...I try to copy to my favorites so I don't forget, but I have been known to search for the original designer before I post mine.

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nefgaby Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:12pm
post #6 of 40

Thank You so much ladies!!! I really appreciate it... and I must add, I have used somebody elses ideas as well but as you all said, I always give credit to the original poster or book. And as you also said, I should take it as a compliment... Thanks again!

Forgot to add... I have my own cake police, my sweet sister is the one that noticed the cake and e-mailed me, she even added a comment to the poster, something like "nefgaby's idea", she is so over-protective icon_rolleyes.gif

It is the cake in my avatar, I know SB is not MY idea but sure was my take on it. icon_wink.gif

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Doug Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:22pm
post #7 of 40

said it many times here before:

THANK YOU for ....

is ALWAYS appropriate ...

and EXPECTED ---

after all, it's simple GOOD MANNERS

(and don't get me started on the death of good manners in our society!)

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kimmy37 Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:28pm
post #8 of 40

Haha! mgdqueen... I checked the pics too!! icon_lol.gif
Nefgaby.... your cakes are great!! I might be next!
I always try to give credit for the more "original" cakes I've done....... If I can remember where I saw the pic. If I've seen many similar ones, and/or have seen them in books, I don't usually give credit. I've got a couple of photos that I haven't posted yet because I know I need to go back and get the name of the cc'er I got the idea from. thumbs_up.gif
I also feel like it is a compliment when someone likes a cake I've done and they feel inspired to try it too. .... and it really makes me feel good when they give credit. It's enough for me to have someone comment on a photo and say that they love it so much they are going to try it too. I usually don't know if they've really tried it, or if they've given credit because I usually forget to go back and look in their photos. icon_smile.gif

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Kitagrl Posted 5 May 2007 , 12:44pm
post #9 of 40

I usually try to credit where I get my ideas from when I can...

I know what you are saying...I think its cool if someone likes my cake enough to try to copy it...but I've had at least one instance where a cake design was copied down to the nitty gritty details and not one word was said about where the person got the design or advice. I guess the only bad part about that is then the person gets a ton of comments on how cool the idea is and stuff and you are thinking "Hey that was MY idea!" haha.

But hey its an imperfect world....

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emmascakes Posted 5 May 2007 , 5:01pm
post #10 of 40

I get an evil little kick when I see someone has copied one of my cakes but done it shoddily. I always think if they'd contacted me I could have helped them, but they chose to go ahead without mentioning it to me and HA HA it looks bad. But, I'm a pretty rotten person icon_wink.gif

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kjgjam22 Posted 5 May 2007 , 5:45pm
post #11 of 40

also remember that there are so many cakes on here that unless the cake and the name are written down it may be hard to remember whos cake it was to thank them. but look at it as a compliment though.

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nefgaby Posted 7 May 2007 , 2:29am
post #12 of 40

Thanks everybody and YOU ARE ALL RIGHT! I guess it IS a compliment but can´t help to listen the little devil sitting on my shoulder... icon_lol.gif

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doescakestoo Posted 7 May 2007 , 2:53am
post #13 of 40

Silly mommy is better than "Dork Nana". Just take it as a compliment that someone took your designs. They have the bad manners in not giving you credit. I will say "Thank You for the inspiration" cause they may not ever realize that it hurt your feeling.

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tcturtleshell Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:50am
post #14 of 40

Everytime I want to "re-create" someone's cake I usually PM them. Not for permission but for help. I don't call it copying, I call it "re-creating", copying to me is using someone's cake pic & calling it their own. I think if your putting your cakes on CC then you should be flattered when someone re-creates your cakes. thumbs_up.gif I don't get mad about not getting credit but I do like to get it & I try to give others credit when I re-create one of their cakes. Inspiration usually comes from several cakes turned into one thumbs_up.gif Something I get aggravated about is when I help someone out & they never thank me. That's not nice thumbsdown.gif I don't need a thank you in the discription of the cake but a simple PM or email would do~ icon_rolleyes.gif I think the best compliment you could give is a thank you when someone helps you out. thumbs_up.gif

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Dustbunny Posted 7 May 2007 , 11:09am
post #15 of 40

I love it if someone liked my cakes that much lol, maybe one day. Emma you crack me up, I'll be sure to ask how if I ever attempt one of your cakes (which my favorites folder is full of btw).
I have never copied a cake completely, my ideas usually come from amny many cakes but I still give props where their due and everyone else should too.

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fmcmulle Posted 7 May 2007 , 11:25am
post #16 of 40

I'm with tcturtleshell, I always pm the person who made the cake to ask permission before I attempt to do a cake like someone else. I have pm'd a couple to get permission and then the customer changed their minds at the last minute so I hope those people didn't get upset with me.
I think it is an awesome compliment that someone would want to copy any of my cakes, you are very good so be happy! thumbs_up.gif

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springlakecake Posted 7 May 2007 , 11:39am
post #17 of 40

I think it is always nice to give the source of your creation, especially if it is a complete replication. Though sometimes a cake is replicated so often it is hard to tell the original source of the cake, but still I like to comment on the ones I used as inpiration. If credit is not given...then you just move on I guess!

I saw the pic of the cake you are referring to nefgaby! I immediately thought of your cake, if that makes you feel any better!

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debster Posted 7 May 2007 , 11:41am
post #18 of 40

I have to say I'm a copycake, hehehehehe I try to say I got the idea from CC because I never remember peoples names. icon_redface.gif But I do believe like Doug and always say please and thank you!!!!! It's becoming a long lost art now a days, but I do appreciate ALL of you and your help. thumbs_up.gif

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ribbitfroggie Posted 7 May 2007 , 11:45am
post #19 of 40

Okay, I had to go read through the comments on my Spongebob cake, because I used the same basic concept as you, but I did mine in royal icing rather than fondant...but I still remember looking at yours and thinking how incredibly perfect it was! My problem comes when I am "recreating" a cake that several have already done, I 'm not sure who to thank, I guess I should just thank everyone at that point, because I would hate to hurt any feelings or step on any toes, lol! If it makes you feel better, today I saw a cake that I was certain that I had helped with the vision...I even checked my PM's, but nope!

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springlakecake Posted 7 May 2007 , 12:16pm
post #20 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by ribbitfroggie

Okay, I had to go read through the comments on my Spongebob cake, because I used the same basic concept as you, but I did mine in royal icing rather than fondant...but I still remember looking at yours and thinking how incredibly perfect it was! My problem comes when I am "recreating" a cake that several have already done, I 'm not sure who to thank, I guess I should just thank everyone at that point, because I would hate to hurt any feelings or step on any toes, lol! If it makes you feel better, today I saw a cake that I was certain that I had helped with the vision...I even checked my PM's, but nope!




I am thinking it wasnt your cake.

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Antylucifer Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:40pm
post #21 of 40

I've always wondered what the correct cake etiquette is in this situation so maybe this thread can clear it up. As a beginner, I spend hours looking in the gallery-not always by choice but because all of the problems. I try to comment on each cake I look at and add to my favorites in hopes one day I can do them myself. Mostly, I take concepts from several cakes and make one conglomeration because I don't know how to do all the different techniques.

I've wondered if pm'ing to ask permission would be the right thing to do, but I honestly thought you must get hundreds of requests and that would be bothersome to all you cake decorating masters. (compliment intended) I haven't posted any pictures yet, but when I do, what is the right thing to do? Do I mention I got the idea from several people? You guys really don't mind if I pm to ask for help, suggestions or if I can print a picture of your cake for guidance? I'm really not trying to be dense-being new and clueless is awkward and intimidating, so any pointers or suggestions about this or anything else would really help, and maybe avoid a situation in the future. Thanks much.

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springlakecake Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:47pm
post #22 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by Antylucifer

I've always wondered what the correct cake etiquette is in this situation so maybe this thread can clear it up. As a beginner, I spend hours looking in the gallery-not always by choice but because all of the problems. I try to comment on each cake I look at and add to my favorites in hopes one day I can do them myself. Mostly, I take concepts from several cakes and make one conglomeration because I don't know how to do all the different techniques.

I've wondered if pm'ing to ask permission would be the right thing to do, but I honestly thought you must get hundreds of requests and that would be bothersome to all you cake decorating masters. (compliment intended) I haven't posted any pictures yet, but when I do, what is the right thing to do? Do I mention I got the idea from several people? You guys really don't mind if I pm to ask for help, suggestions or if I can print a picture of your cake for guidance? I'm really not trying to be dense-being new and clueless is awkward and intimidating, so any pointers or suggestions about this or anything else would really help, and maybe avoid a situation in the future. Thanks much.




I personally dont think you need to ask permission to replicate a person's cake, but that is just my opinion. You are still making the cake. But I do think it is nice to at least give your inspiration some credit, especially if it is very much like another person's cake. I think though in general people like to receive pm's and are willing to help a fellow ccer out! so dont be intimadated!

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angelas2babies Posted 7 May 2007 , 4:21pm
post #23 of 40

To the original poster-your cakes are all wonderful, and you're very talented!!!!

It is a compliment, but I have to agree with you, that sometimes you want to post a comment saying, "HEY, THAT LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE MY CAKE!!!!!!!!!) I know it's silly, but it does stink when someone doesn't recognize where they got the cake idea from, but I try and get over it.

I try very diligently to give credit where credit is due. I don't feel that I need to ask permission to re-create a cake, but I do feel the need to give credit to the original decorator that inspired my cake. That's just me, though.

Be flattered. Your cake is flawless!
Angie

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tcturtleshell Posted 8 May 2007 , 10:52am
post #24 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by fmcmulle

I'm with tcturtleshell, I always pm the person who made the cake to ask permission before I attempt to do a cake like someone else. I have pm'd a couple to get permission and then the customer changed their minds at the last minute so I hope those people didn't get upset with me.
I think it is an awesome compliment that someone would want to copy any of my cakes, you are very good so be happy! thumbs_up.gif




fmcmulle~ I didn't say I ask permission icon_wink.gif I said I PM the person who did the cake & ask questions on how to do it. I think you just misunderstood me. Just wanted to clear that up ok. thumbs_up.gif (I hope you don't see any attitude in this, believe me there is none. I just wanted to let you know I didn't say that icon_smile.gif )

Antylucifer, Like I said above I don't think permission is needed. If you need help on the certain cake then yes PM the decorator. I am always thrilled when someone asks me for help & wants to do one of my cakes
icon_smile.gif I think most of us on CC are here to help each other~ I think a thank you is always polite. If the cake is inspired by a certain decorator then yes they need to be noticed. If I have a cake that was inspired by several decorators.. heck no I don't thank them all. That's where it's getting too complicated~ OH & post some pics!! thumbs_up.gif

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fmcmulle Posted 8 May 2007 , 11:08am
post #25 of 40

Sorry TCTurtleshell- I misread you post. Please accept my apologies. icon_lol.gif

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adven68 Posted 8 May 2007 , 11:31am
post #26 of 40

I wouldn't be offended. People pm me ALL the time for directions, so I guess that means they will copy the cake at one point or another...
Many have given me credit...but not always.
The way I see it is this...I'm sure a good percentage of ideas comes from somewhere else...it's a round world. You copy something (Spongebob) and then you get copied. Should credit be given? Probably...but be flattered!!!

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tcturtleshell Posted 8 May 2007 , 5:49pm
post #27 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by fmcmulle

Sorry TCTurtleshell- I misread you post. Please accept my apologies. icon_lol.gif



No, apology necessary! icon_wink.gif

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tcturtleshell Posted 8 May 2007 , 5:58pm
post #28 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by adven68

I wouldn't be offended. People pm me ALL the time for directions, so I guess that means they will copy the cake at one point or another...
Many have given me credit...but not always.
The way I see it is this...I'm sure a good percentage of ideas comes from somewhere else...it's a round world. You copy something (Spongebob) and then you get copied. Should credit be given? Probably...but be flattered!!!





Yeah.... I bother you all the time!! icon_lol.gif If it wasn't for you, jscakes, susanmm23, mac, CarolAnn, misseyek & all of CC I wouldn't get through a lot of cakes! thumbs_up.gif Thanks, thanks & more thanks!! Ok... do I ever have to thank anyone again? LOL icon_wink.gificon_rolleyes.gificon_razz.gificon_lol.gif

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bethola Posted 8 May 2007 , 6:11pm
post #29 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by nefgaby

Thank You so much ladies!!! I really appreciate it... and I must add, I have used somebody elses ideas as well but as you all said, I always give credit to the original poster or book. And as you also said, I should take it as a compliment... Thanks again!

Forgot to add... I have my own cake police, my sweet sister is the one that noticed the cake and e-mailed me, she even added a comment to the poster, something like "nefgaby's idea", she is so over-protective icon_rolleyes.gif

It is the cake in my avatar, I know SB is not MY idea but sure was my take on it. icon_wink.gif




I just want to qualify this to all CC'ers! I THANKED nefgaby for SB idea!!! LOL IT WASN'T ME!!

Beth in KY

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gateaux Posted 8 May 2007 , 6:14pm
post #30 of 40

I have been inspired by so many of you also. I think if the cake idea is really original you should definetely thank the person that inspired you or at least mention that they were from CC.
If it's a commun cake, then a general thank you is needed because it's less specific. (ex: lightning mcqueen 3d car. There are a lots of variations but mostly the same.)

I am always flattered, when people ask me a question about a cake and then do their own design from there.

I must say, I have copied 2 cakes not from this site but from a Bakery a 1000 miles from here. I gave several web sites to my friends and they decided on a specific cake. That makes it hard too. I mean should I send them royalties for a cake I gave to their kids for their 1st communion?

We all get inspired from somewhere. When you can acknowlegde the inspiration otherwise, give a general thanks and if it's your very own design, then mark it as such!

Good Luck

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