Mertailor At It Again! (WARNING: Drama Ahead)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

1713

I may just throw up. I found this on the mertailor's page. GAH! He STOLE my design! And then he had the GALL to call it his own freaking idea! Think I'm lying? Take a look at my tailmaking thread and then take a look at the date at which he posted this NEW idea of his. THIS MAKES ME SICK!!

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1178-Lorelei-s-First-Silicone-Tail-Attempt!/page3

Tell me that isn't my tail design that I worked very hard to make VERY DIFFERENT from any flukes out there!

I'm so angry right now I'm shaking! I could punch something right now...

He didn't even take the time to change it from the first drawing on the first page of my tailmaking journey!! RAAAAAAHHHH!!!!


...........

Sure, maybe I'm a little upset, but you know what, I think I have a God given right to be freaking out right now.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

http://www.facebook.com/mertailor#!/photo.php?fbid=372625316088390&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater

Here's the link to the page itself.

[Mermaid Jewel]

Yes, you do have the right to be mad! It looks EXACTLY the same, no changes whatsoever. That's just ridiculous. Shame on you, Mertailor. You better have a good PR.

[Mermaid Star]

Wow! That is uncanny! That sure is your design! My god! I am so sorry my dear... unfortunately, this is part of putting our things on line. Perhaps he is now going to try and steal everyone's designs and claim them as his own. That is ok, we will just do them better and make them with love. The love they deserve. He is afraid that we will take his business. A last stitch effort. But this is no big change for him. I have yet to see an original thing come out of his studio. All of it has been a copy of others work and anything novel, came from those helping him. Again, I am so sorry!!!! I don't want to set off a drama bomb, I just want to let you know that I feel for you... I am SO Sorry!!! I am angry for you.

[Mermaid Sirena]

I thought it looked familiar but I didn't realize just how familiar until you posted. Darling that is wrong and no matter what is said or claimed I am certain that I will not be the only one of this community to stand behind you and support your endeavor. You have every right to feel upset and to post about this development. We are here for you and YOUR tail design.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Thank you guys.

[Mermaid Star]

No problem Girly! We are here for you!

[Mermaid Sirena]

Make sure you get a screen shot of the post incase he takes it down.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Just did that actually.

[-Annwyn-]

Why am I not surprised.....

Lorelei, I'm so sorry you've discovered this. Sirena is right though, once you post ideas online they can be seen by others trolling the net for ideas of their own. And I've discovered that when people try and get ahead, they often play dirty and will try and use your ideas that took you time and creative energy to make.

This is what really annoys me - people that have no integrity whatsoever. >:(

[Mermaid Star]

Someone linked this post to his picture, but he deleted the link from the photo...

[Sirenade]

Someone linked this post to his picture, but he deleted the link from the photo...

Yeah, the link to this thread is gone, but the link that I put up to Lorelei's original drawing is still up (for now).

[OrcaMatt]

Shame on you, Mertailor. You better have a good PR.He has terrible PR. What he does have is a fan base that has no idea we, this site or for the most part the mer-community, exist, and a very, very fast hand on the 'delete' key for posts he doesn't like. His fans will never know.

[merpirate]

I wish we could somehow get in touch with his fan base and let them see what he does and how he acts. I know a few people who have "Worked for him" in the past and really wish he would get his act together. I try and stay out of most of the stuff he does becaus eI have not nor will I eve be a customer of his, but outright theft of some one else idea burns me bad. I am sorry love. If I could I would steal his damn fluke and bring it to you

[merpirate]

Side note this is from a link on facebook Star posted, a guy responded and had something good to say I thought you might want to read this comment


actually, I would think that the design is indeed within the realm of copyright, and if you can prove when it was created, and it is earlier than he can show, and you can show that he had a reasonable expectation of having seen your design, you might prevail. But it is expensive and dicey, if you did not bother to register the copyright of your design.

[Mermaid Sirena]

Idea maybe get a screen shot with a link to the original thread pointing out the similarity / "inspiration" to prove that he was dully informed of it.

You can copyright it after the fact as well and it will still stand up in court. As an artist you hold full copyright and the courts are very often on your side. You can copy right ALL of the material you have created for a flat rated of $45.

[michellerobison]

I know how you feel,I had a design stolen. 1- A mold maker was supposed to make working production molds for me and he secretly made a mold of my ring and sold it to a Chinese manufacturer. I found out a year later when I went to a trade show and saw it there!

2- Before that,I had a customer buy one of my sculptures,take it apart and make molds and saw her at a trade show under cutting me to my own art dealers with knock offs of my molded designs...

. 3- Just this year I had a jewelry design firm that I applied for a job to, steal a couple of my jewellery designs and sell them on a shopping channel...

I've had it happen othe rtimes,but those were the worst incidents... It sucks and unfortunately the litigation is so expensive that it's not worth fighting for one of a kind designs,but if I did production of the same design ,it would have been worth it.

I was planning to buy a tail from him until I started reading more about him,now I wouldn't take one if it was free.

[Neria]

Ugh! I am disgusted with him! I can't believe he had the nerve to steal your design.

[Mermaid Miel]

Sorry, but I couldn't help but laugh. This is the same guy who went around threatening lawsuits for non-existant copyright violations to anyone selling tails that were only Slightly similar in method... I say Sue Him! Get enough money to Fund your tail twice over!

[Nate Walis]

I have no words and only contempt for people who throw accusations of plagarism at others and then openly steal ideas in the same way.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Be very careful with posting your designs now!!! This is uncanny and uncalled for! Jut because he isn't creative enough to come up with his own design DOES NOT mean he can steal an innocent mers tail design! I'm so sorry Lorelei :(

[LindseyLu]

WTF!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me?????? Come on Mertailor, you had a big old hissy fit about people copying your designs, and this what you do??? I can't believe you would come on this forum and steal ideas! Shame on you!!! I'm so sorry Lorelie. I hope you still make your tail. Obviously just don't post progress pics though, since you are so creative and others who must not be feel they need to steal from you!

[LindseyLu]

Also, I noticed he's been posting about all these great new ideas and designs he's coming out with soon. I really hope he's not stealing other ideas from the forum and claiming them as his own... I guess we will have to wait and see... :( very disappointing.

[inactive account]

I noticed this and thought I was wrong untill you posted this thread!, ok now this.... Is just ridiculous Its actually not even sad to me. This makes me laugh sooo much (at the mertailor), makes him look stupid, unoriginal and a 'COPYCAT' seriousely Why do I get the slight impression he did this 'ON PURPOSE' this is an 'EXACT' replica of your design its so pathetic I think im gonna fall over. Atleast he could have changed the design slightly, seems to me like this tail maker is |running out of ideas|, There goes me copying one of his fluke shapes. I have been constructing a silicone tail and Im scared to post pics incase I give Mertailor an idea of the design. So sorry about this little boys behavour.(but despite my really harsh comment there is a chance he saw the picture and re-thought the design a few months later on thinking he made it up when he dident?)

[Alveric]

Shiver me timbers! 'Tis enough to give pirates a bad name!

One positive you can take from this, Your designs are fine enough to make them worth stealing.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Alveric

[merpirate]

I doubt eric did this with out knowing the time between her post and his is less than a week

[-Annwyn-]

I have been constructing a silicone tail and Im scared to post pics incase I give Mertailor an idea of the design.

There should be a simple quote chanted on this forum: "If you don't want your ideas stolen, don't upload them"

I stress this once, I stress this a 1000 bloody times: PROTECT YOUR WORK! Even a watermark can act as at least a visual deterrent to those who intend to steal your work.

Again, Lorelei, it's a shame this has happened to you :(

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Thank you guys. My family and I are working on where to go from here. I'm still going to make my tail and I'm still going to use my fluke design. Just because it was stolen from me doesn't mean it isn't mine to use anymore.

[Taz]

That really sucks. Really. Thats a risk you take when you upload original work on the internet. In many cases, art theft of this nature is more of an irritation and a case of harmless (but still ignorant) copycating. But in this case, and increasingly more and more, there is profit to be had from the theft. That is really maddening. Especially since he is being so brazen. Like, he didn't even TRY to make it look different. Dick move for sure.

[Mermaid Photine]

This is so shocking. Yes, the community has issues, but this fluke could have been laid overtop the original and traced. I expect things like this to happen in children's art websites (Neopets), but a professional tailmaker taking a design from a mer? Unbelievable. Even if this was somehow something he happened to think up at the same time, one would think that he follows this site closely enough to try and make his design different to avoid just this situation. Ugh.

[merpirate]

note, currently there are several posts up about the fact he took this idea on the photo he posted, and people have even liked them

[Mermaid Photine]

I think that if you are going to be making money off the idea, you need the original person's permission to use their design.

Otherwise, you really ought to provide a link to your inspiration, and probably ask for permission, anyways.

[SweeteSiren]

Ordinarily I would agree that litigation is too expensive and time-consuming to proceed with, but it seems like running rough-shod over people is getting to be a habit. If he's a repeat offender, then taking him to court is the equivalent of standing up to the schoolyard bully, and it may be necessary. I'm so sorry sweetie! I'm glad you're forging ahead with your tail.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I'm perfectly willing to forgive him if he takes down the photo and keeps from using the fluke. I'll take the flattery, but I would prefer it if he didn't try to turn a profit on my work.

[AniaR]

ugh, epic face palm. im really sorry this happened to you babe, unfortunately I dont think there's much that can be done about it :( what a low thing to do. If it makes you feel any better, I woke up to mermaid melissa having a tail nearly identical to mine- the one I've been describing and talking about on here since July... :p but I wanted a "splash" tail, I have to accept the fact that it's a popular design. Jesse and Marla had the style before me. Great thing about my tail is there's still another special thing about it that no one knows yet :) and I see she doesnt have it, so I'll still be lovely and unique in the end!

People know he did this, it's very obviously yours, I thought yours one was one the smartest designs because the fluke had a webbed look. Im sorry this happened to you, I always worry about posting this stuff on the forum. This was the very reason Raven took her tutorial for alex tail making down. People started using it to sell tails when she made it so people could make their own. Then people had the audacity to claim they never saw her tutorial, only figured it all out by themselves down to the last Raven detail. You know, all like 100 of them at the exact same time...

*hugs*

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Thanks Raina. I'm actually not angry at this point. I was at first, sure, but I'm mostly just sad now. I feel bad for the guy. I can make a new tail design whenever I would like. I feel bad for the mertailor when I think that he has to steal a design in order to 'come up' with something new.

I'll let you all know what happens as time goes along.

[michellerobison]

Sadly you can figure the second you hit the "post" button,it's going to be stolen... You can pretty much lay odds on it...

Disney and Tiffany's all the big companies have stolen from little people and then used the profit from those designs against the original creators to litigate them into oblivion. Sadly,if you're small,you can't afford to protect your designs from big greedy corporations or people. I've had it happen to me enough times to know I have two choices,1-put it out there hope I sell a few before they rip it off and move on to the next idea...2- don't put it out there and live in fear and drown in your own stiffeled world...(not much of a choice either way...)


Only once did I have a piece I did get stolen and they didn't make anything off of it since it was too expensive and labour intensive for them to produce.. so they scrapped it.

One maunufacturer sold a badly done knock off of my work to a shopping channel and I found out they didn't order the rest of the 1500,only took the original 500 and didn't reorder...it didn't sell well. He's stuck with the remaining 1000 now. I told him if he'd hired me to help in production of the original instead of "nicking" mine and doing a cheezy souless knock off he would have probably sold more.

Lesson learned on my part, never email the portfolio ahead of the job,take it with you when you arrive and when you leave...and leave no copies behind!

[Winged Mermaid]

How LOW can you go? That is so messed up! I'm just hoping this gets scrapped. If it goes into production I have a feeling there is going to be a community wide outrage, and everyone will know where the design REALLY came from. I hope he realizes it's not worth it to hurt his reputation further.

[AniaR]

I hope he realizes it's not worth it to hurt his reputation further.

I just keep wondering when enough is going to be enough you know? Like every month there is something and he's not even a member in the forum. Then we're all here running damage control, trying to make sure drama doesnt happen again but man. I am constantly letting my jaw hit the floor wondering how much further a person can sink. What's worse-the mentality is catching.

I feel like EVERY TIME I get to a point where I let my guard down and don't see him as a threat something happens. He'd emailed me such nice exchanges after the last drama and I had hoped things would finnnaaally start going in the right direction. Guess not. Ugh

[Lotus]

Eric Ducharme, You are a DOUCHE BAG. It makes me sick too. He clearly cannot think or even speak for himself. Colossal asshole.

[Sea Pearl]

That's really bad and not right! I'm so sorry that happened to you. Be careful about posting future project pictures everyone.

[Mermaid Julia]

LOOOOOOL my monofin design looks pretty much the same.... But stealing ideas isn´t nice at all....

[Gem Stone]

I'm so sorry he stole your idea! I can't believe he did that but from what some are saying, they half expected it. I really do hope you can do something, even if it's just to make you feel better.

[Odette]

i thought i posted on here already.
im sorry this happened
i was neutral about eric, but now i really dont know. so much bad reviews and crab cakes from him so we really need to figure out what we can do. can we do a thing?i would like to try something.help him? show our concern? i don't know but i dont like it. this is unfair.i wanna hear what he has to say.

[merboy78xy]

I have been experimenting with some ideas and sculpting, etc. for my first tail, but I was always hesitant to post any serious musings online for this very reason. I am not trying to accuse anyone or lay blame-- but I will say, that these threads make me very glad that I keep some ideas to myself. At least for now... maybe when I get something unusual I'll try to put a copyright on it, and then share. But for now, I only share stuff with merfolk who have gotten close enough for me to call them friend. I wish the world wasn't so harsh and hard. I feel horrible for anyone going through serious plagiarism issues.
As an artist, even though it's not completely uncommon for "like minds to think alike" and for other people to come up with the exact same ideas I have (heck, I've certainly seen it happen on here A LOT where I'm like... "oh, I see I'm not the only one thinking that"), I still try to be protective of my art. What a world. sigh

[Aradia]

I'm joining the sea of voices saying that the Mertailor is an idiot. Its quite sad that he has captured a large portion of the market and is using this to his advantage. It seems most professional mers now day own a Mertailor tail.... just makes me want Raven to make more of her tails sooner :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Well, I was wondering when he would get around to taking off my comments and the other comments mentioning that the fluke design was stolen. Check it out. They're gone. Only the 'happy, we love mertailor' posts are left up.

[AniaR]

yeah I was wondering when he'd get around to this to. I knew he would eventually. :(

[AniaR]

did anyone screencap?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I screencapped, but unfortunately that was before the comments were put on originally.

[Sephina]

Have you sent an email to him or anything? I'd be curious to know what he would have to say about it himself. Likely more excuses or lies this is why whenever people ask about my tail I tell them I got it from him, but I also tell them all the trouble that is going on and to find another tail maker. Even though his Latex tails are the cheapest realistic I can find I still say that people should save up the extra. In the end it will be worth it.

[AniaR]

I have a mermaid friend who got her silicone and it's so see through you can see her bathing suit. He cast it waaay too thin and barley painted it. But apparently that's "artistic imperfections" :( I feel so bad for her. I hope she write a review. She's not the first person ive heard of who's had a bad experience with the silicone but people are TERRIFIED to post about it. Not to hijack your thread, I just feel it all goes along the same lines :(

Ugh, Im thinking some people just need to be written off

[Mermaid Star]

Agreed! I hope she gets on and writes a review. I check every day to see if she posted one, but she is dealing with a move back home, So I am sure she is having a hard time finding the time. I was so upset to see all of the bubbles in the tail and aweful smears . There was no care taken in making that tail. He is going down hill for sure. Just another thing added to the list

[MermaidSaku]

: / this a horrible.. I have to admit copying is what worried me about putting out my own tail design

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Don't worry, this is sort of a catch-all thread anyways.

I noticed his new 'imperfections' albums. Someone commented on there asking why those imperfections made the tails cost more and it was promptly deleted.

I really hope your friend posts her review. Shoddy work is worse then copying in my book.

[Odette]

i have a solution but i need to make sure only the intended crowd (you who have posted) can see it.not on mernetwork forums. how do i do this? i think i have a great idea.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

You could personally pm everyone... I think that would work.

[Sea Pearl]

You could personally pm everyone... I think that would work.

Good idea! It is a shame to be afraid when you just want to post pictures of your tails to share with people.

[neonmermaid]

Ughhhh he's such a scam. This is so infuriating and it wasn't even my design. Count me in on the secret project.

[koiboi]

i think what really gets me goin isnt just the fact that the design was stolen but also that we all now feel like we can't put our designs and share our ideas up on these threads as we ought to be able to. This forum needs to be a safe place to air out ideas and get feedback without worrying if someones going to come along and A.) Steal our ideas or B.) Try and make a profit it from it. I mean at least have the decency to mention the person or idk IMPROVE the design in your own way(not that your original design wasnt flawless Lorelei)

[AniaR]

we can make Mernetwork only visible to members, but then new members wont find it as easy, and let's be honest, he'll register with a new account or have someone else do it anyway

[Mermaid Sirena]

Also it's not just Mertailor who copies/steals, he's just the most well known. It will happen regardless, if it's online it will be stolen. End of story. Also if this wasn't a public forums back on yuku I never would of ended up joining as I myself do not like joining things I can not see.

[SireniaSolaris]

Ugh. I don't understand this guy. He reminds me of this bellydancer I know - talented, capable of so much - but she makes her living by stealing other people's ideas and choreos.

I see the work he does for his own PR. The work he does for famous, high end clients. And it's amazing stuff. Then I read the "normal people"'s encounters and the products they receive.... it's such a shame and a waste! I was happy when it seemed he was starting to turn around. But now this. How disappointing. I would say for sure, put a big fat watermark across anything you design and share from now on. This kind of action is so disrespectful it's unbelievable, and I can't believe how often stuff like this happens. I'm suppose to be meeting him in a few weeks (maybe) precisely to discuss the varying quality found in his tail. There should be many new mermaids popping up across the US, so it is important to have a tail maker available who can handle several orders in a timely manner, however, I would not want them to use someone who would end up sending them a piece of garbage that would ultimatley be unusable. I think if I still meet with him, I shall take a picture of your fluke on your original thread with me and see what he has to say about it. This is just disgusting.

[Sirenade]

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=30601007#!/photo.php?fbid=391674954183426&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=30601007#%21/photo.php?fbid=391674954183426&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater)

Le Sad.

He is now molding them. :(

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/420448_391674954183426_130816216935969_1779057_950 491891_n.jpg

[AniaR]

oh look. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=391674954183426&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater Im messaging you, I have an idea.

[Sirenade]

oh look. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=391674954183426&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater Im messaging you, I have an idea.


Hahaha, we posted it at the same time.

[Mermaid Star]

I couldn't believe that he is bringing it back up and putting it into production... I added a link again but I am sure it will be taken down immediately. He will think it odd that I am posting on his page since we haven't gotten along mush since he threatened me and screwed over several friends of mine. Gah!

[AniaR]

he must been watching the forums and his FB it was deleted instantly lol

[Mermaid Star]

Like I said... Called it!
He makes me SO Mad!

[Blondie]

Didn't he just have a whole copyright thing come out? That no one can steal his ideas and sell them?

What a hypocrite. This doesn't surprise me in a way... From the stories I've read and heard with him, he sounds like plays dirty and doesn't give two flips for what issues and problems other people have. Honestly if he's copied you. You've made him jealous. Your idea is that GREAT that he had to take it. In a way it's "flattering" but it's wrong.

I would say you should send him an email, but knowing him, he'd just probably delete it.

Gah... Imagine a world where people like him didn't exist. Oh wait. We already have that world. It's the Mernetwork <3

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I don't even have words for people like him.

[AniaR]

I think he has a personality disorder. :/ im pretty sure about that one.

[neonmermaid]

This is so depressing. :'(

[Sephina]

Is it a bad thing that I want to message every single person who liked it and posted on there that it isn't even his design and he stole it from Lorelei?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

No. That's not bad at all. :3

[Amey Farrell]

I'm not even in this community and this makes my blood boil.
Yeah, my friend linked this on her page and I took a look. His current status makes me want to punch him in the face.
My gawd, I don't even know what I'm doing, I'm just super angry for you, as someone who loves art.
Yeah okay... I just joined the forums to say that even strangers care... Bye bye.

[merpirate]

I think every person on here who cares and has a facebook, should copy the link and get it posted everywhere they can until it gets to be so much that all of his fans see it and he has to either address it or pull anything about it on his page down

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Merpirate, you are a wonderful soul. -hugs-

[merpirate]

HEY!!! don't let that wonderful soul thing out, I have a great reputation for being a evil bastard

[AniaR]

I think every person on here who cares and has a facebook, should copy the link and get it posted everywhere they can until it gets to be so much that all of his fans see it and he has to either address it or pull anything about it on his page down

you have to like his page to do that :/

[merpirate]

Not really, we copy this link here and then we could just post it on our walls, and any any mermaid pages anywhere else. You know his fans will see it and so will he, and he won't be able to remove them from anyplace else, and I think posting it on his page from time to time until he addresses it is not a bad idea either.

[Mermaid Star]

I think he means to post it in your own feed for all of your facebook friends to see. If your friends share it and their friends share it and so on.. . Word spreads like wild fire.

[Mermaid Star]

I wouldn't personally place it on professional pages for professional reasons. But word of mouth got him where he is today...

[Mermaid Lorelei]

How's this? I'm not going to ask anyone to post this link and address the issue on facebook. I'm also not going to say that they can't.

:>

And I'll keep it hush-hush merpirate. X3

[AniaR]

I think he means to post it in your own feed for all of your facebook friends to see. If your friends share it and their friends share it and so on.. . Word spreads like wild fire. ohhhh I see. Well all the mers I have as friends already know. I sort of did it indirectly when Lorelei had it posted on HER page. I shared her page with a note she had something interesting that people should read on my professional page.

I do support you Lorelei, I just try really hard to keep community drama off my prof page. Im also a teacher and I get held to a higher standard :( But not many people are in my situation and are able to share! :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I understand completely Raina. -hugs- I'm actually about to follow a lead or two on the issue. However, I may have a much larger proposition for the community. I have to do some more research first.

[Mermaid Star]

Completely understandable, Raina. We wil have out ways. I just get so upset when I see this blatent stealing. I mean, yeah we are all influenced by what we see and experience but there is no eady that something that exact could have come out of two people at the same time that are not associated. I couldn't have gotten it closer to the drawing even it I made exact measurements and made it to scale. Gah! I am sorry it just infuriates me.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Haha, now he has gone and pulled something else. As if this explains his reasoning for stealing.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420238_392340420783546_130816216935969_1781381_224 619265_n.jpghttp://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420238_392340420783546_130816216935969_1781381_224 619265_n.jpg

[AniaR]

GET ON HIS PAGE RIGHT NOW WHILE PEOPLE CAN STILL SEE. I have no idea how Im suddenly able to comment, but I did!

http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad266/thefineart/eric2.jpg

http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad266/thefineart/eric1.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=392340420783546&set=a.132774660073458.23984.130816216935969&type=1&theater

[AniaR]

he deleted the comment but someone else said: "You are such a thief and a liar. I was going to order from you, but not now after you stole someone's idea and now trying to cover it up."

[lasserine]

^ That was me.

[merpirate]

wow, less than five minutes to pull it down, yeah he is trying REALLY hard to hide it. I think he is online currently trying to makje sure nothing gets seen, after he left the old posts up for so long I am sure he is upset he got caught

[lasserine]

He removed mine right away.

[Mermaid Photine]

This seems like it's going to be exceptionally difficult to cover up.

Is it too soon to sense a change in the tides? Will we perhaps see progress this time?

[merpirate]

yep he is online watching it took less than a minute for my post to be pulled

[Prince Calypso]

i feel this way if you gonna take someone ones work just say so own up to it. hey i found this really cool mermaid fluke design on mernetwork and thought i'd use if for my next tail to change things up a bit. all credit to so in so and whoever. its' that fucking simple dude.
its not like it would make him any less of a tail maker to say he got his inspiration from someplace else but no he has to lie and then cover up his fucking track.
at one point i wanted a mertailor tail cause i wanted a purple and gold version of the thirteenth year tail but fuck
i'll just save up the money and go to mike instead cause the mertailor is quickly loosing my respect

lorelie just you wait, he's gonna get his and soon. he's a liar, a thief, a shitty craftsmen and a jerk

[AniaR]

I think you should all keep posting on it. He's blocked me from it- but keep posting comments. He cant delete them all right away if you just keep trying every day. Eventually some people will see!

[Alveric]

If he spends so much time policing his FB page, where does he find time for actually making tails?

Alveric

[AniaR]

If he spends so much time policing his FB page, where does he find time for actually making tails? that's the question!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Thank you all so much for helping out with this. Some days, it really does help to know that when there are jerks out there who just won't drop it, there are ten times as many lovely individuals who just want to help and be sweeter than I ever could have imagined. You guys really are like a huge, weird, fishy family and I love you for it.

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ *Mermaid Hugz*

[Odette]

im skeptical to post this but every business has to deal with this stuff and maybe he will take it like a business man.
i want all people that have purchased tails and had a bad experience as well as good to write a review of his tails. must be tail related. lorelei, you count.
if you like his business, then i would say it was "satisfactory"
KUDZU.COM- he would have to sign his business in here unless someone would pose for his website but that would be wrong!
RATEITALL.COM- this website is well known. first person to post on here will have to put him in.(its real easy. ) only problem is that i dont know if it can be taken down
RIPOFFREPORT.COM- these cannot be taken down ever!they are strict to never take anything down no matter what you or anyone else says.mertailor can't touch these reviews.(CDA 47 U.S.C. 230)
YELP.COM- this atuomatically connects to your facebook so click no thanks at the top so it wont be seen. his business needs to be added here too.i dont know if this can be taken down either.
RATINGZ.NET- has very topic- specific sites where you can anonymously post a review.

with all these websites to see reviews, there is no way he can do a thing about the truth, but remeber to post only what happened and not to sugar coat it or make it sound worse. please post a non- biased review.i expect the best from all of you. i expect us to all be honest
simply post why you bought the tail. what did you like about them? how long did it take and when was it due? what about the tail did you not like? too wide at the hips?paint is wrong? stuff like that. review the product.
lorelei, you can post your experience too if you wish or even a link to this post. if you feel it will help your situation. your evidence is good and will tell the story well.
. we just want to share our experience not start a war,k? awesome =)
dont try to ruin his business. its already going down hill. if he would just apologize for the mistakes on the tails and ask to fix them then he is doing his job. if you never contacted him about your complaint, then get to it.see what his reaction is.maybe he will surprise us? i have no idea. his tails have such potential. if only he could use it properly and make amazing tails.

im sorry i posted this when im not truly involved but i thought it would be useful as you all mean alot to me. i already feel i might regret this.lol

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I really hope he knows who he's messing with. Pulling crap like this isn't going to get him far in life. I don't even feel like updating the crap he's written this time, mostly because I don't care. I know what I drew, I know what I designed, and as long as I know that, then I could really care less what he thinks of me, or what his puppy dogs think or say about me.

[AniaR]

1885

Facebook removed the photo because they recognized that it was infringing on your copyright.

[AniaR]

perhaps a photo comparison of exactly how it copies your work is in order? I mean, if he's so right, it's funny he deletes every single post, every bad review, everyone who gives him a bad review is a hater? no, an upset customer.

[Mermaid Star]

P.S. I messaged the girl asking for proof and pointed her in the direction of this and your original post Lorelei. Ugh! This is just annoying. Sorry girl. He can keep putting it up and you can keep reporting it. Eventually, as he continually disregards facebook and their policies, they will shut down his profile.

[AniaR]

I messaged her too, you know, Lorelei's post was from January http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1178-Lorelei-s-First-Silicone-Tail-Attempt!&p=11537&viewfull=1#post11537

[AniaR]

Jennifer made an EXCELLENT comment and it was respectful, deleted within 5 minutes. You know he's sitting there, scowering FB and the forum. Why is it people never believe he deletes all this stuff? That he deletes negative reviews? That everyone who has had a bad experience is suddenly a hater? People are HEART BROKEN when they get one of his tails and it's low quality and not what they see on the computer! It's not about hating, or trying to ruin someone. This is a company- that needs to be held to the standards and expectations of a company. One that gives proper customer service, respect to it's fan base, works to resolve issues, puts out a quality product the first time, and doesnt NEED to censor.

Sephina waited months for her tail which was repainted wrong 3 times? 4? And it doesnt even fit! It's just mind blowing to me that people can CHOOSE to ignore the truth- though so many email me telling me they're afraid of upsetting him because they dont want a bad tail.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

1886

I posted and within f min it was already gone. I was not mean, rude, or untruthful.. im kinda tired of allthis crap from him.. I do NOT abide by art theft which is waht he has done. He even admits he posted his design well after she did! January 3, 2012 vs. February 24th.

So now I am removed from his fanpage.. I re-liked it but cannot post/comment.
I included a screen cap of my posting.

Mertailor.. if you read this.. I had seriously thought about buying your product but now with this behaviour.. Im sorry but your business ethics are down right wrong. I cannot and will not do business with a person who points out flaws in your "facts" or questions you.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

ps.. Im posting the screen cap on my fb page... heres your proof for all his fans to see he deletes everything

[Mermaid Star]

I had posted something very simple... "Your fans want roof, let them see it" with a link... and... posting rights are revoked... Wow! I totally saw it coming. He really likes to silence everyone, doesn't he? THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!!! LOL (Sorry I am a little sleep deprived)

[AniaR]

he blocks us all. :/ deletes comments and blocks. didn't you know? we're all a bunch of haters!!!

[NerineArcticMermaid]

Raina I need to pm you... please check when you have a moment

[AniaR]

OH LOOK PROOF

1887

All done miss nice fish.

As you can see, the foot pocket area is identical, the webbing style and even the number of webs identical, same long ends on the fin, same overall shape

LORELEI POSTED THIS FIRST YOU STOLE HER IDEA ADMIT IT. Not even trying to be original. Guess who has a splash inspired tail! ME. Sorry, this knock off of another artist's work has nothing to do with splash. :/

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Mind if I put this on my page Raina?

[merpirate]

I am sending the person who asked for proof the link to here and suggesting to them to read this

[NerineArcticMermaid]

So originally I was going to keep this private but his subsequent messages have pissed me off royally. I do not like condesending people who cant see the truth if it smacked them in the face!

So heres the messages sent including my replies.. Happy reading.. and Eric.. if you read this.. You crossed the wrong mermaid..
46 minutes ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)


Jennifer,

You are the second person whom I have contacted. Only because I feel that your post was by far the most settle of them all.

Do you realize the difference in the two designs? Have you stepped away from the dramatic new feeds and looked at the differences side by side? If you did, like everyone else should, you would see the differences. If you clearly look at the photo that I have posted, you will see that my inspirations come from the 13th year and splash fluke. That is when this was created. The only reason why I even know there is another similar design is because people post about it. I worked very hard to sculpt this design and I am not changing it. And like I said. There are major differences. Differences that make each fluke design unique and completely different.

There was no art theft. No I copied them. Nothing like that.

Do you know that this fluke design started construction at the beginning on January. Right around the New Year. Before the other persons design appeared.

Like I said to this woman who thinks that I copied her purposely, I had no intentions of copying anyone's work. I do not even know this person. Nor do I "stalk" the mermaid forums. I find them extremely dramatic and ridiculous. You don't see any professional mermaids or tailors using the forums, do you? Again. The first time I saw this design was when people started to post about it on my fan page.

I do not expect a response from you. Actually, I expect you to discuss me writing to you to every other mermaid out there. That is fine by me. Honestly do as you wish.

I wish you and the rest the best of luck with your mermaid journeys.

- Eric




http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/211421_100000375395754_2222232_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375395754) 39 minutes ago
Jennifer OBremski (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375395754)


I do NOt see a difference in the images. I have stared at the designs for many hours trying to see if maybe something was over looked. But no I see the same design..

THe fact that you delete post questioning that fact rather that confront it shows me you are trying to hide something.

I have stayed out of the "drama" since the begining. No I do not go and run to the mermaids and discuss private matters between 2 people. I ought to since you have put it in such a condesending manner. I expected you to act like a mature adult.. but bannin someone especially someone who has never said ill will against you and even wanted to purchase one of yor tails even after all the drama.. Im sorry but thats just Bad business.

Im afraid the way you handle yourself on a social network only goes to show your true nature. I cannot and will not do business with you.
But since I am a mature adult... this conversation remains private.

I am however going to provide proof of your need to police free speech. Expect that...







http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/371027_100002449390831_1794349921_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme) 26 minutes ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)


Damn right. I do not want anything negative on my data basis. Nor would you. You and everyone else would do the same thing. I can tell you that many other professionals do the same thing on a daily basis. Just because I live by my work or comments, I only promote positive. I try to at least.I delete negative comments all the way around if I catch them. I may not be able to police forever, but I will do what I need to do to get rid of the MerNetwork from my fan page.

It may not be about "Mermaid Tails", but how they work with their environments or their previous jobs, etc. It is everywhere and deleted. If I had enough monies, I would hire someone to do it for me. Unfortunately, I do not.

I ban all MerNetwork peoples because I do not care about their drama. I do not want to be apart of their drama. I do not want them to be a part of me or my company. The MerNetwork is nothing but negative drama. You know. They know it. Everyone Knows it.

The only drama is with MerNetwork and the people involved with it. Do you not see it?

I could give you a list of at least 100 happy clients who have purchased from me. No complaints. Just happy stories.

You have to remember. I mass produce tails. Not everyone does that. Because of this, I have people whom get upset. That is normally 1 out of every 40 tails. Those 1 persons normally go or come from MerNetwork.

Have you seen how the members on the MerNetwork act? it is seriously like a HUGE bipolar web forum for mermaids and mermen. Always changing tides. One moment from the next.

I am not hiding anything. I am keeping drama away from myself, my fans, and my company. I do not have any problem standing up to my work. I can tell you for sure that I did not copy this persons work. My inspirations were truly the 13th year tail and the splash tail.

What really ticks me the wrong way is it is ok to have or copy a tail that has been made. Used in the movies. Looks like some ones elses. But this time I am getting chewed out for something that looks similar. It was an honest mistake. I had no intentions of copying her work.

I make excellent products and have many happy customers. If I did not. I would be a bum on the side of the road. Guess what. To be frank. I work my ass off. I work my ass off everyday.







http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/211421_100000375395754_2222232_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375395754) 10 minutes ago
Jennifer OBremski (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375395754)


What exactly did i say that was negative? As a member of an art coallition who finds and corrects art theft it is my duty to call you out on a blatent theft.

If you had not intentions than why dont you SAY that!! Being able to honestly say opps sorry I had a similar idea.. is being mature and a good business person..

I may be part of Mernetwork but I have NEVER posted on any of this drama before. Ive stayed out of it. THe only reason I got involved is the art theft issue.

NO.. I would not delete negative comments about a business I would run. Making mistakes is part of being human. Runnin a business is also part of that. What helps is the fact that you do something POSITIVE to correct the mistakes... NOt covering them up.

So what do you do for those poor people who spend thoussand of hard earned Dollars on one of your tails and get a piece of crap they cant use? "oh sorry but it happens?" No.. you need to FIX it.. no where have I seen an appology..sincere appology and an active intentions of makeing reparations to that customer.. Major business would go uner if they basically said "oh well" to flawed products when a customer demands proper working products. You are digging a very deep hole young man.

Frankly I dont give one rats ass about being banned. I thought I would give you a chance to prove everyone wrong. But here you are proving then right.


I paint custom art works.. When a customer is unhappy.. I repaint the work free. I make then happy. That is how it should work.
Maybe you should take a break.. If mass producing your tails produce crap once in a while them maybe you ought to limit yourself. But if you really want to go down in flames..by all means do so.. Ill be watching from the side lines with marshmellows to toast over the ashes of what is left.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

honestly cant we ban him from the page or at least make the threads of people showing off thier ideas unviewable by anyone who is nto a member?

[Mermaid Star]

Holy Jesus Nerine! ... WOW! My jaw is on the floor. Whoa!!! That is all I can say... and yes... there are professional mermaids on this forum. Gah! I could answer a lot of these claims... but my mind is still wrapping around this whole thing and it would just turn into a jumbled mess of rambling.

And Merpirate... you really need to read darling. <3 Raina and I already posted that we sent a message to her. I hope shs doesn't get pissed that we all flooded her inbox unintentionally

SORRY!!! if you made it here and we flooded you!!!!

[NerineArcticMermaid]

@star... i was plain fed up with his crap.. so I told him so!

[merpirate]

Sorry from me too, I didn't get the messages, I left my computer up and didn't refresh when I posted that. I hope everyone understands. as for banning the mertailor, honestly no we can't ban him. We would need his IP number at the least to do so (As far as I can tell from forums like this at least) even then though I would say we shouldn't ban him, but only because it seems when a customer has a issue with his work and posts it hear, her responds faster than anywhere else, I do think that is we could we should make the threads of people showing off their ideas unenviable by anyone who is not a member if possible here. Just to be safe

[NerineArcticMermaid]

can we revoke his membership status .. if he still has one? I definetly think making threads regaurding tail ideas and design unviewable to non members

[MermanMatty]

Messages (http://www.facebook.com/messages/)Actions (http://www.facebook.com/messages/?action=read&tid=id.224415994273490#)




Jennifer OBremski



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/371027_100002449390831_1794349921_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)about an hour ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)

Jennifer,

You are the second person whom I have contacted. Only because I feel that your post was by far the most settle of them all.

Do you realize the difference in the two designs? Have you stepped away from the dramatic new feeds and looked at the differences side by side? If you did, like everyone else should, you would see the differences. If you clearly look at the photo that I have posted, you will see that my inspirations come from the 13th year and splash fluke. That is when this was created. The only reason why I even know there is another similar design is because people post about it. I worked very hard to sculpt this design and I am not changing it. And like I said. There are major differences. Differences that make each fluke design unique and completely different.

There was no art theft. No I copied them. Nothing like that.

Do you know that this fluke design started construction at the beginning on January. Right around the New Year. Before the other persons design appeared.

Like I said to this woman who thinks that I copied her purposely, I had no intentions of copying anyone's work. I do not even know this person. Nor do I "stalk" the mermaid forums. I find them extremely dramatic and ridiculous. You don't see any professional mermaids or tailors using the forums, do you? Again. The first time I saw this design was when people started to post about it on my fan page.

I do not expect a response from you. Actually, I expect you to discuss me writing to you to every other mermaid out there. That is fine by me. Honestly do as you wish.

I wish you and the rest the best of luck with your mermaid journeys.

- Eric



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/static-ak/rsrc.php/v1/y9/r/IB7NOFmPw2a.gifabout an hour ago
Jennifer OBremski

I do NOt see a difference in the images. I have stared at the designs for many hours trying to see if maybe something was over looked. But no I see the same design..

THe fact that you delete post questioning that fact rather that confront it shows me you are trying to hide something.

I have stayed out of the "drama" since the begining. No I do not go and run to the mermaids and discuss private matters between 2 people. I ought to since you have put it in such a condesending manner. I expected you to act like a mature adult.. but bannin someone especially someone who has never said ill will against you and even wanted to purchase one of yor tails even after all the drama.. Im sorry but thats just Bad business.

Im afraid the way you handle yourself on a social network only goes to show your true nature. I cannot and will not do business with you.
But since I am a mature adult... this conversation remains private.

I am however going to provide proof of your need to police free speech. Expect that...



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/371027_100002449390831_1794349921_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)about an hour ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)

Damn right. I do not want anything negative on my data basis. Nor would you. You and everyone else would do the same thing. I can tell you that many other professionals do the same thing on a daily basis. Just because I live by my work or comments, I only promote positive. I try to at least.I delete negative comments all the way around if I catch them. I may not be able to police forever, but I will do what I need to do to get rid of the MerNetwork from my fan page.

It may not be about "Mermaid Tails", but how they work with their environments or their previous jobs, etc. It is everywhere and deleted. If I had enough monies, I would hire someone to do it for me. Unfortunately, I do not.

I ban all MerNetwork peoples because I do not care about their drama. I do not want to be apart of their drama. I do not want them to be a part of me or my company. The MerNetwork is nothing but negative drama. You know. They know it. Everyone Knows it.

The only drama is with MerNetwork and the people involved with it. Do you not see it?

I could give you a list of at least 100 happy clients who have purchased from me. No complaints. Just happy stories.

You have to remember. I mass produce tails. Not everyone does that. Because of this, I have people whom get upset. That is normally 1 out of every 40 tails. Those 1 persons normally go or come from MerNetwork.

Have you seen how the members on the MerNetwork act? it is seriously like a HUGE bipolar web forum for mermaids and mermen. Always changing tides. One moment from the next.

I am not hiding anything. I am keeping drama away from myself, my fans, and my company. I do not have any problem standing up to my work. I can tell you for sure that I did not copy this persons work. My inspirations were truly the 13th year tail and the splash tail.

What really ticks me the wrong way is it is ok to have or copy a tail that has been made. Used in the movies. Looks like some ones elses. But this time I am getting chewed out for something that looks similar. It was an honest mistake. I had no intentions of copying her work.

I make excellent products and have many happy customers. If I did not. I would be a bum on the side of the road. Guess what. To be frank. I work my ass off. I work my ass off everyday.



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/static-ak/rsrc.php/v1/y9/r/IB7NOFmPw2a.gifabout an hour ago
Jennifer OBremski

What exactly did i say that was negative? As a member of an art coallition who finds and corrects art theft it is my duty to call you out on a blatent theft.

If you had not intentions than why dont you SAY that!! Being able to honestly say opps sorry I had a similar idea.. is being mature and a good business person..

I may be part of Mernetwork but I have NEVER posted on any of this drama before. Ive stayed out of it. THe only reason I got involved is the art theft issue.

NO.. I would not delete negative comments about a business I would run. Making mistakes is part of being human. Runnin a business is also part of that. What helps is the fact that you do something POSITIVE to correct the mistakes... NOt covering them up.

So what do you do for those poor people who spend thoussand of hard earned Dollars on one of your tails and get a piece of crap they cant use? "oh sorry but it happens?" No.. you need to FIX it.. no where have I seen an appology..sincere appology and an active intentions of makeing reparations to that customer.. Major business would go uner if they basically said "oh well" to flawed products when a customer demands proper working products. You are digging a very deep hole young man.

Frankly I dont give one rats ass about being banned. I thought I would give you a chance to prove everyone wrong. But here you are proving then right.


I paint custom art works.. When a customer is unhappy.. I repaint the work free. I make then happy. That is how it should work.
Maybe you should take a break.. If mass producing your tails produce crap once in a while them maybe you ought to limit yourself. But if you really want to go down in flames..by all means do so.. Ill be watching from the side lines with marshmellows to toast over the ashes of what is left.



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/371027_100002449390831_1794349921_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)44 minutes ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)

Jennifer,

I am not saying you are part of the drama. I am stating MerNetwork as a whole. Most of it is all drama. It is pretty obvious.

Believe it or not. I wrote Lorelei a message through a email address that I found on her facebook fan page. I explained just that. That I did not intend to copy her. She did not respond and the drama continued. I have proof I sent the email. I save all of my emails.

I will tell you this again. I did not steal this design from anyone but myself. It was truly inspired by two tails which I love.

I actually do stand by my work. For example. Just recently. Some paint came off one of my latex tails. I offered to repaint and heat set it properly. The client denied my services. They rather do it themselves.

I have a client purchase a latex tails 3 months ago. She wrote the measurements down incorrectly. I worked with her and her daughter over the phone to remeasure for the tail. The measurements were still wrong. She sent it back and I fixed the tail. It finally fits perfect as of last week and she is thrilled.

I had a client purchase a silicone tail 4 months ago. There was a rip at the waist from the wrong movement. I took it back and fixed the tear and sent it back. 3 months later they are purchasing another one.

I had a client purchase a fabric tail 4 months ago. The little girl hopped into the pool and the tail ripped on the side of the pool. They contacted me the next day. I paid for shipping back to me. Made her a new tail in 3 days and sent it back to them. They were thrilled with the final result.

When someone measures incorrectly and they admit to measuring incorrectly. I do not fix it for free. I will take it back and alter the measurements. Half of the time. The customers DO NOT contact me regarding improper fitting. How am I suppose to even consider fixing something that I have not been contacted about? Instead, they make a negative review.

There was a client of mine. Purchased a tail. I am sure you heard this one. It was green. A few inches to short. I sent her a whole new tail for free. It was an even exchange.

Last summer. A mermaid from the network purchased a green latex tail. There was a needle in the latex. Do not know how the hell that happened. Never has before in all the years I have been making them. I offered to fix it. They decided to fix themselves. They were happy after that.

I just sold a silicone tail. NEVER had I a negative issue with one of these yet. I am meeting the client in person this week to pick up the tail and fix it to make it perfect.

In the past years there have been some mistakes I made. I will not deny that. A few clients who I did not take care of. Later on in years, they returned and enjoyed their experience with my company.

Like Stephanie Ann "Raina". I messed up on her tail. Last year I told her I would make her a new one. It took me a while to make her one. She decided she did not want it. So I said ok. Sorry it was taking too long.

I do reach out to many of my clients to fix the issues. they just do not get attention on the MerNetwork.

I am not a bad guy. I am truly not. I do not need to prove myself to anyone but myself. I do know that I am doing right.

I do fix my problems.



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/371027_100002449390831_1794349921_q.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)12 minutes ago
Eric Jonathan Ducharme (http://www.facebook.com/ericjducharme)

Any response to this?



http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/static-ak/rsrc.php/v1/y9/r/IB7NOFmPw2a.gif11 minutes ago
Jennifer OBremski

Nope Im done with you. Thanks for playing but you and the weakest link.. good bye..

You are now banned..






Just thought I might put the entire conversation since a certain someone doesn't like to be 100% upfront with all information. :)

[MermanMatty]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/mattquijano2010/tailcomp.jpg

[NerineArcticMermaid]

Well excuse me.. sooo sorry Im not patrolling ym fb messages 24/7 Its fricken 1246am! I was away getting ready to go to bed. I unlike some people have a life. So excuse me if I did not post the last messages.. I have better things to do.

Youve apparently got nothing better to do.. so go ahead knock yourself out.. I really dont give a fly flip..

As for all the info check you time stamps.. I posted the current conversation. The last one came in later..
Never accuse me again.. I know who you are..

[NerineArcticMermaid]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/mattquijano2010/tailcomp.jpg

according to the art theft/intelectual property.. changeing someone elses work by a percentage is still theft. the original concept is still being copied. Ask ANY artist who has had thier work stolen and changed.. the work still belongs to the original Artist! Rationalize it all you want it is still a COPY! We see why cant you!

[Mermaid Star]

Too bad he forgets to add things like the person with the silicone tail to message him multiple times and insist all of those times in order to get a meeting with him.

Hi Matty! You haven't been on in a while. ... I guess eric does in fact get on mernetwork since this is from his email... didn't he just say it was only for drama and he wants to keep himi self away from it?

[MermanMatty]

You don't know who I am lol you know of me but you don't know me, but I am just posting the information that you neglected to finish when you started it. I am just helping out supply the information everyone is DYING to know.

[Mermaid Star]

And why turn it upside down? To try and make it look different? Why not post it as it was originally? Look too similar?

[MermanMatty]

"Too bad he forgets to add things like the person with the silicone tail to message him multiple times and insist all of those times in order to get a meeting with him."

Rephrase that in English please :)

"Hi Matty! You haven't been on in a while. ... I guess eric does in fact get on mernetwork since this is from his email... didn't he just say it was only for drama and he wants to keep himi self away from it?"

I guess it is a WONDERFUL thing that I am not Eric Ducharme then isn't it :) And yeah it's been a while I just can't help but keep talking to my family :)))

[MermanMatty]

It was turned upside down to show more detail for a comparison, any good artist knows that :)

[Mermaid Star]

Oh and PS. I just made a fluke mold for the very first time... Complete with texture. It took, time wise, a grand total of a few hours. Seriously! How is it that it took a professional who has mad dozens of these things several weeks? And BTW The fluke shape looks wider because it was shot from the bottom up. I have used this trick in the past. Makes things look more grand. A drawing does not occupy actual space so you really can't tell if it is "Wider" or not.

[MermanMatty]

If a sculpture takes you just hours to do, I will NOT be recommending you for a tail to anyone! That is ridiculous because you're supposed to take time to make it perfect and well detailed.

And I've seen your fluke and I can most definitely tell it took you hours.

Your tail has no structure and no depth, it looks like you detailed it with a fork... and the tail isn't smooth, the spines aren't rounded, and you just don't have the touch with sculpting... you might with pottery but not with aquatic replicas. Better luck next time fellow artist.

[Mermaid Star]

"Too bad he forgets to add things like the person with the silicone tail to message him multiple times and insist all of those times in order to get a meeting with him."

Rephrase that in English please :)

You are smart... I am sure you can figure it out. If not, ask your boyfriend and he can explain it to you. I am sure you are with him since you were on his facebook


"Hi Matty! You haven't been on in a while. ... I guess eric does in fact get on mernetwork since this is from his email... didn't he just say it was only for drama and he wants to keep himself away from it?"

I guess it is a WONDERFUL thing that I am not Eric Ducharme then isn't it :) And yeah it's been a while I just can't help but keep talking to my family :)))




You may have been talking to family or perhaps there was nothing that Eric wanted to say that he needed you to post for him.

Sure you aren't him but just because you are the one typing doesn't mean that he isn't standing over your shoulder or asking you to post the rest of the convo. Sorry but Eric was banned for a reason... if you are going to not write anything on this community except his excuses. You should simply be treated as an extension of him.

[Mermaid Star]

If a sculpture takes you just hours to do, I will NOT be recommending you for a tail to anyone! That is ridiculous because you're supposed to take time to make it perfect and well detailed.

And I've seen your fluke and I can most definitely tell it took you hours.

Your tail has no structure and no depth, it looks like you detailed it with a fork... and the tail isn't smooth, the spines aren't rounded, and you just don't have the touch with sculpting... you might with pottery but not with aquatic replicas. Better luck next time fellow artist.

Matty Seriously... You need to stop right now. It can take you only hours if you know what needs to be done. You just need to be dedicated. And before you post, you should check to see how your boyfriend the mertailor used to make his fluke designs... you guessed it... a fork!

As for the spines not being rounded, put your glasses on and take another look. BTW it is my very first fluke design. I along with several others think it looks great! Judge not lest ye be judged, where is your latest fluke mold matty?

[MermanMatty]

And the issue between Eric and his customer pertaining to the silicone tail has been taken care of, and just for your information, he was continuously emailing the customer and they were not responding, he has done nothing but try to resolve the issue. uh thank you very much! :)

[NerineArcticMermaid]

If your not eric than butt the Frick out. Those messages were sent via fb inbox which means only the persons who sent and received them has access.. so.. you can tell eric.. to fight his own battles..

[merpirate]

Ah, so you are adding information form some ones private facebook, which was/is not your own, from a conversation of a person who has sworn that he doesn't want anything to do with this site. Now when nerinerethemermaid posted this it was from her account and her choice to do so. The time she posted it and the times you posted it do seem to be more to the point here, you are trying to act like what she posted was not the full conversation when she posted it, since the time seems to argue that your use of some one elses facebook is in fast quite some time later.

Care to try and explain that? Or how you got Eric's facebook info and posted it here, and yet he tries to claim he has nothing to do with this site in any way shape of form?

You have stated more than once that you are in fact dating Eric. I find that either A) you stole his facebook login or got on his personal computer when he didn't know and he should be informed of this so as to make sure it can't happen again. or B) like many claim You are Eric's voice on here and he has once again been caught in a lie about his connection to here

[MermanMatty]

"Matty Seriously... You need to stop right now. It can take you only hours if you know what needs to be done. You just need to be dedicated. And before you post, you should check to see how your boyfriend the mertailor used to make his fluke designs... you guessed it... a fork!"

I know you've been in his studio I've seen video (haha not gonna go there LOL those are too hard to express in words) but he uses actual sculpting tools that cost like $10-$15 a piece, and it doesn't matter if you're dedicated or not, a quality piece of art takes time and a steady hand, and he may have used a fork to make things in the past (that I HIGHLY doubt) but he came to his senses and now uses tools that a professional use because he is a professional.

And I myself am a sculptor so I know what is needed, dedication is important but you also need to take your time because if you rush your product will come out looking like... well... to say it plainly, a disappointment. My pointer to you is take your time and your true talents will emerge.

[MermanMatty]

Actually it was an irritating conversation for him and since I am his boyfriend he shared it with me, I am working on my things in a separate part of our house so he forwarded it to me, he talks to me about everything. And just in case people who are not educated on the situation (yourself), would have the full conversation to understand the whole predicament.

Did I explain that well enough for you? :)

[MermanMatty]

@Nerine he tried to but you blocked him remember? :) And you even stated that those messages were going to be private between you and him but you posted them so that agreement went out the window :)))

[Mermaid Star]

"Matty Seriously... You need to stop right now. It can take you only hours if you know what needs to be done. You just need to be dedicated. And before you post, you should check to see how your boyfriend the mertailor used to make his fluke designs... you guessed it... a fork!"

I know you've been in his studio I've seen video (haha not gonna go there LOL those are too hard to express in words) but he uses actual sculpting tools that cost like $10-$15 a piece, and it doesn't matter if you're dedicated or not, a quality piece of art takes time and a steady hand, and he may have used a fork to make things in the past (that I HIGHLY doubt) but he came to his senses and now uses tools that a professional use because he is a professional.

And I myself am a sculptor so I know what is needed, dedication is important but you also need to take your time because if you rush your product will come out looking like... well... to say it plainly, a disappointment. My pointer to you is take your time and your true talents will emerge.

Still haven't seen your fluke hun... And yeah.. he used a fork for his first molded flukes... since I am friends with the person that helped him do it, I would know. But at least I didn't use my fingernails... which is what he used or is still using for his "latex" imprint tails. Again, I have my sources for this.

P.S. Eric is getting ripped if he is paying 10-15 a piece for his tools. You can get a whole 14 piece kit for $15.

Who is the more talented? One who requires professional tools to make a professional product, or the person who can make it look like they had professional tools, but didn't?

[merpirate]

Yes very well. the answer I got from that was B) that since Eric can't get on this site directly he goes here through you and you post things for him about and more than likely, you have forwarded him things form the site, have then got a reply from him and perhaps changed a phrase or word and basically posted things for him. Now I have also been to the Studio as well, the video you mention of Star being there I was there, I like the fact you try and mock some one for laying there while Eric attempted to make a cheap leg and hip cast which was destroyed almost completely when it was removed, now before you post remember I was there so I know what was used to do this and how much it cost.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

Im thinking we need to re-analize membership status'
people who are not wwlcome are still finding ways into our forums..
Ive had enough of this..

I am going to bed.. I do not need this crap ruining my vacation..

[Mermaid Star]

I hear you on that Nerine

[NerineArcticMermaid]

@Nerine he tried to but you blocked him remember? :) And you even stated that those messages were going to be private between you and him but you posted them so that agreement went out the window :)))

yeah it went out the window.. because he is a condesending jerk. One who cannot see the truth in front of his face. He blocked me from his page. HOWS IT FEEL! not so good huh?

I dont give a crap it was posted what pisses me off it that he had to run to his boy toy to get at me here. Dont want to fight yourself eric? Un bann me from your page we'll talk... in public.. no more of this private crap that you can hide behind... no way.. I want everyone too see you for who you really are...

[Winged Mermaid]

I'm shutting this thread down for the night. You guys need to cool down and come in with a different perspective and more respect if you want to continue to discuss this matter.

Matty I gave you your full access back becuase you wanted to be your own merman, not just "Eric's boyfriend". I understand and agree that both sides need to be heard, but I also agree with what merpirate said. There's only so far you can go before you become a stand in for Eric, which will not be allowed considering his past with this forum. Posting something like that you are more an extension of him than you are yourself. In the favor or having both sides heard, I will allow it but next time if you want to post something like that either get it from a public source or pharaphrase it. In YOUR words, not his.

I think a break will be good for both sides to try and see what the other side has to say. At this point neither side is being completely fair to the other.

[Mermaid Momo]

just so everyone knows,i'm not siding or anything but the picture is warped. that's why it looks different from the original. and i know this because i am an artist and any artist no matter how good can tell when an image is warped to make it look different. and you said to show more detail it was flipped but he could've just took a picture of the mold and zoomed in or had it in a good light source. as for the part about taking longer than a few hours to create a fluke and it not being good enough for you to recommend it, that's really immature. i'm still a teenager and even i wouldn't say something as rude and immature as that. who are you to say that because someone doesn't take weeks to create something it isn't as beautiful or good quality as someone who does? now please stop trying to be a smart ass (excuse my language) and state the facts in a mature way. no trying to out do other people or have some snidy come-back for everything someone says. it just makes you look like a brat.(and that goes for everyone so no-one can say i'm targeting them.)

[AniaR]

I dont understand why he has this pinned to his page :p all it shows is how bad he looks, and how bad his boyfriend acts in his name! Just beware readers, regardless of what he says he reads this forum constantly, so beware of what you post ;)

[merpirate]

Where is it pinned? I don't see it?

[AniaR]

it's the first thing on the right hand side when you view his FB page. Maybe you don't see it if you have him "liked" but it's the first thing I see everytime.

[lasserine]

Have a link?

[melbel1023]

Guys, Matt obviously suffers from being a Troll. As frustrating as it is, you guys gotta ignore him! DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS, that is the law of the internet!

Trolls, like Matt, delight in nothing more than getting a rise out of others - if you ignore him, he will either leave you alone or he will look like even more of an idiot by trying to start fights.
I'm not saying what his posts are about are justified, just ignore them!

[AniaR]

thats why I put him on my ignore list :D that way you dont have to see all their posts. True story.

[Sea Pearl]

Wow! I'm really sorry to see all this commotion and the way he is acting towards you all for only expressing your truthful opinions which have in no way been rude. I'm also sorry to hear of people who have had bad experiences with their tails too. Unfortunately I would be very very reluctant to buy a tail from him now.

[shimmygoddess]

I cannot believe he is being such an ass. I am so sorry you have to deal w/ this crap. All I can say, Is Karma is a bitch and I hope it gets him 10 fold!

[-Annwyn-]

I cannot believe he is being such an ass. I am so sorry you have to deal w/ this crap. All I can say, Is Karma is a bitch and I hope it gets him 10 fold!

That's actually quite nasty of you to say that Shimmygoddess. It's easy to ignore someone who you don't like, but you're no better then they are when you resort to name calling and ill-wishing. I would hate it for someone to want bad stuff to happen to me, really I would. I am sure you would too.

When will you all learn?? D:

[-Annwyn-]

it's the first thing on the right hand side when you view his FB page. Maybe you don't see it if you have him "liked" but it's the first thing I see everytime.

Raina, all these posts about Matt are getting to the point where you're sounding obsessed with him. I don't go to his FB page to check what pages he's watching. I couldn't care less. And yet when Iona re-opens the thread after closing it due to being sick of the Matt/Eric-bashing, you're back to your old ways. I think it's also a little sick to watch other members, especially new members, gleefully joining into the bashing.

Now, you're a teacher, right? If you had students in your class tormenting another classmate, would you continue to let it happen, or would you pull them aside and talk to them and try to patch things up between them? Or....would you sit back and watch them bicker, occasionally piping in to add fuel to their fire?

I don't want to have a go at you, but I think that you are unable to let this go, try and reconcile your differences and move on. I would love for you to prove me wrong on this.

[Theta]

@Aela: Dude, Raina and Matty and Eric and everyone else are adults. They can go at it if they want to. Better that they blow off steam on some internet forum where it doesn't really matter than track each other down in RL and beat the snot out of everyone.

Please stop trying to police people.

[SireniaSolaris]

My goodness. Another "boom".

I'm just going to put my 2 cents in on a couple of things I read:

1 Was Nerine's comment to Eric regarding addressing negative comments, rather than hiding or deleting them. I agree with this 100%. I feel that if he addressed anything negative, that would show people that he had valid answers to everything. As Nerine stated, deleting things does in fact, make one look suspicious. Heck, in another thread, I had people saying things about a company I worked with that was very untrue. I addressed every comment and stated facts. Doesn't mean it's going to be everyone's favorite, but at least its credibility is backed up.

2 Was the comment about mernetwork being nothing but drama. If that was the case, I would not be here. I have had enough drama to last me the rest of my life, and the next 7. There is no doubt that threads like this happen from time to time. But that is a TINY percent of everything else here. This network is about sharing our mermaid/merman journeys, helping and supporting each other, asking and answering questions, sharing opportunities, new news, and so much more. I am proud every day to be a part of this community and THAT statement putting us and this network down was very insulting to me.

Aela, believe me - I wish everyone in every field (mermaids, dancers, businesses, politics - everything!) could just agree on disagreeing about things, put aside their differences, and move forward as friends. Myself and my friends can do that - sometimes we get mad at each other, but then we make up and move on positively. But, much of the world is not that way. Many adults are not that way. I just do my best to remove myself from the equation and stay as free as possible from drama that is not my own.

[Prince Calypso]

@Aela: Dude, Raina and Matty and Eric and everyone else are adults. They can go at it if they want to. Better that they blow off steam on some internet forum where it doesn't really matter than track each other down in RL and beat the snot out of everyone.

Please stop trying to police people.

agreed, as tiresome as all this is becoming, what is going between Raina, Matty, and Eric is a situation involving three adults. policing them when they are just working out their frustrations is kinda a crappy move.

honestly i think everyone just need to ignore Matty and move on. as for Lorelei's tail problems, its fucking shitty luck and i think Eric should fess up and apologize but he isn't going to do that and we are just adding fuel to the fire.

[Kanti]

Wow that's low.
Honestly, I don't know how much you could fight that, since technically it wasn't really copyrighted by you, but obviously your design was posted first.. Way before this.
That's really scummy of him.. It's one thing to design it off a creature, but that's an obvious replication of your fluke.. I would honestly consider calling some sort of
lawyer referal service or something, that would get me steamed up. I AM steamed up.. That's so.. As an artist himself doesn't he find any of that shameful???

How come everyone's so concerned with internet piracy when it comes to million dollar companies and the movie industry.. Who gives a shit if a movie is posted on youtube
Why aren't there laws being created to prevent this sort of thing. Original content on the internet that is OBVIOUSLY being stolen, or using clips and art without crediting them..

Either way, it is a risk to post things on the internet. It's just a mass of free-floating content.

[Kanti]

I flagged the photos as spam xD
I know that won't do anything but eh.. it's all I could really do I guess lmao

[AniaR]

@ Aela, I havent mentioned matty or posted about him once since he threatened to stalk me- which guess what? He and mertailor both tried to do! I think the community needs to know how dangerous they can be. Say something critical, and he'll stalk you. I've been here, on my trip, enjoying it, barley posting in the forum only in my own trip thread. This thread is clearly labelled drama. if you dont want to read about drama, then dont. The way you're posting, I am thinking Matty must be messaging you some sob story. You need to realize too that there's a whole lot more to this than what you know or read.

I commented on the fact it was odd he has this pinned to his FB page for all to see, especially given the fact he deletes negative things and censors frequently. How exactly is that anything other than an observation? You keep telling people to message privately if they have an issue, so why don't you do that too instead of replying to every thread you dont agree with how disappointed you are?

After my experience here in Florida, I have realized, Matty and Mertailor are NOT part of the community. There's this whole fake mask being worn for the sake of trying to keep business, and avoid some previous bad things that happened to mertailor as a result from the last big drama explosion about a year ago. There is so much more than people in the forum know, and here's a person who spent a week of their time, intent on stalking me- and wasted it. I had a wonderful, happy, amazing, life changing trip, despite the CONSTANT internet threats I got to "ruin" my trip. I've realized, this whole community is so much bigger than those two, and my life is so much better, less stressful, and less sad. There's a real mentality going on with them of being on bottom in high school and now desperately needing to stay on top regardless of the cost. They're ADDICTED to drama and the attention. It's a cycle.

So you know what I decided after my trip? Before I even read your post? I dont need to waste another second of my happy life on two so sad people. I already have matty on my ignore list, and I've already started messaging people who are having mertailor issues privately with suggestions (that they've asked for) for solutions to issues instead of posting on the forum. I wont be writing about or responding to anything involving them unless it directly affects me.

This is a forum, you're not going to like everything you read, and thankfully, you have a CHOICE not to read it. People are going to talk about tail makers. Good and bad. They're the people who supply tails, a pretty crucial part of the recreational and professional mermaid world. You're just going to have to deal with it. If you believe mernetwork is nothing but drama, then all you're reading are dramatic threads. Since mertailor seems hell bent on community drama, I'm afraid to tell you you're likely to see many a dramatic thread.

Im a teacher. You know what I teach my kids? You stand up to a bully, you don't just be a bystander. Someone who stalks you, threatens you online, calls you horrible names and insults you (which he's done to me many a time and yet I've never done back, only posted facts) tries to intimidate the community so they wont post truthful experiences, steals someone else's hard work and flaunts it in their face- that's a person you stand up to.

The thread is labelled drama. If you dont want to read drama, don't read it.

[AniaR]

honestly i think everyone just need to ignore Matty and move on

After spending my time in Florida, this is what I was going to suggest. They live on the drama, big time. I've learned a lot. So 100% ignore. Don't respond to any flaunt they throw the communities ways, the jabs, the fake legal threats, anything. You can even add people to your ignore list on mernetwork so you don't have to see them. You can also not like (or unlike) his page, and not follow what's on it. I dont usually seek his stuff out, but in this case, a mutual friend was the one who created the link so I see it in my newsfeed through them whenever someone comments.

And also, be CAREFUL with your "ideas" on the forum. Not just art designs as obvious as this one. Even some of your tool ideas, methods for dealing with issues. it's to the point, where it's really better to PM if your concerned with your design or technique being stolen. Because you can 100% count on it being at least read by him. So make your decisions carefully.

[Kanti]

Well even if you don't share them here, in the end, people can still copy your ideas once they're already made.
The same thing might've happened if she posted a video or photo of her new tail.
But I guess it's like salt in a cut when they copy it before you can even start the tail ):

I dunno I kinda stopped getting mad. I'm kinda just sad now. That's so mean ):

[taom]

Hey guys, this is important.

My boyfriend knows a lot about copyrights and things like that. Here is what he told me when I told him about all this:

You have no rights to your designs, artwork, etc. unless you explicitly claim them under creative commons. This means typing "Protected under creative commons" in the description box of your pieces. Unless you do that, anyone has the legal right to use your stuff however they want. This is not excusing any reuse of a person's ideas. I am only saying this so that you all can protect your work henceforth.

[Kanti]

Is that sorta like writing "this design is (c) by me" or something along those lines?
I mean, wouldn't that be obvious?

[Mermaid Jewel]

This is random, but why was my picture the icon for the mernetwork link? O.e haha

I commented a few times on the original picture but I'm sure it's deleted by now. It's amazing the lengths he's going to in order to cover this up...

And <3 <3 <3 Lorelei :)

[taom]

@Kanti

Yeah, it should be obvious and people shouldn't take others ideas out or humanistic principle and consideration but not all people are nice and good and considerate. Therefore, one must be obvious and blatant about these things. It's like how Coke and companies like that put the tm for trademarked on their goods. No one is going to steal their labeling or copy their design because it is to intrinsically linked to that specific company and yet they still do it because it gives them the legal ability to be mad and prosecute if some crazy person decides to try and rip them off. What's good is that creative commons is a free type of copyright and it isn't difficult to do at all. It's much easier to just write a note stating your ownership of something than it is to try and prove you own it later.

[-Annwyn-]

The way you're posting, I am thinking Matty must be messaging you some sob story.


Nope, haven't spoken a word to him. Fair dinkum. Keep assuming. And whether I have or not regardless, what difference is that going to make to you? Here I am telling you to kiss and make up and move on. I see you as both members of the mer-scene and I would like you both to get along. I know you as much as I know him. I am speaking as a member of the mer-scene who has had enough of this.

I have a choice NOT to read it, but it's hard to avoid reading it when it's brought up so often here on the MerNetwork. It's a bullying tactic (and it IS the actions of a bully) to coerce others into thinking the same way you do when you're trying to put another person down, even if they don't know the reason why. You've heard of the 'wet monkey theory', yeah?

I am only speaking for myself when I say I think you've been playing the "I hate Eric/Matty, poor poor pitiful me...." card for too long. While I understand and empathise with your frustration, I don't think bagging him out on a public forum is a good solution. After all, what do you want to gain from it? For Eric to go out of business? To spread rumours to new mers entering into the hobby so they avoid him, what? How are you not trying to intimidate him back with your own retaliations? Yes, people are going to talk about tail makers, but they don't rave on for 2 years about it. THAT'S obsession.

Personally, I hope you have had a lovely time on your holiday, and I cannot wait till you get back home so I won't have to read the same topic of how bad you think the Mertailor is. You have a new tail now, you gave your old tail away, you no longer have anything to do with him. Move on.

[Prince Calypso]

*groans and swishes tail in annoyance* ok!
we all have agreed that Eric is a jerk right? RIGHT!
we all have agreed the best way to deal with him and Matty as a group and community is to ignore them right? RIGHT!
so lets move on from all this bull to more productive and mermaid friendly topics.

[Nate Walis]

If people are so tired of all this, then why are they still responding to each other's posts?

Perhaps it's time this one was locked.

[SireniaSolaris]

If people are so tired of all this, then why are they still responding to each other's posts?

Perhaps it's time this one was locked.

In a way, I half agree, though I think more than anything the people tired of it need to just not read the thread. See, I believe frustration is one of those things that never really goes away, especially if it affects you directly. Having bottled up things in the past, I can say that never helped it disappear. There are things that can still get me to near explode 4 years later (stuff from '08), so in a way, I do think it is good that any people affected by something (the point of this thread is for Lorelei) have a place that they can come to and vent. And perhaps that triggers a sore spot with some other people, and then they are able to vent, too. The important thing is that it is done in a humane, respectful manner. I think an "I can't believe what has happened!" is perfectly acceptable. It is when name calling comes into play, and death wishes, as what was suggested by a speculator, and other such things appear that we have crossed the line of respectful venting.

That being said, I think the heating we are seeing here is from people who have nothing to do with this. This is something that directly affected Lorelei. If she has concluded her feelings, then perhaps it is time for the rest of us to settle down, too. We can still refer to this, and see if progress is made at all in recovering a stolen piece of beautiful art, but let's do it with a level head. If we are going to continue to be heated, then perhaps Nate is right.

Lorelei decided she wishes to move on with a new design. While I am sad to see her abandon her own creation, since I do think it is one of the nicest fluke designs I've seen yet, I will respect her wish, and simply hope that a just end will come to this situation. In the meantime, people who have given advice on copyright subjects and the like are adding value to this thread. If we can replace it more in that direction, then this can continue to be beneficial, IMO.

That's my view on this.

[AniaR]

I will NEVER kiss and make up with an abusive person, and I hope you never do either. I think my reply to your other thread throwing me under the bus is a little more appropriate than anything else I can post here. Dont really appreciate the "poor me" comments either, talking about how a tail maker's boyfriend is threatening to stalk me- and then how he and the tail maker actually do???? I'd say that's an awful important fact for the community to know. Goes a little beyond "I had a bad tail"... why again did I get threats? Oh right, we dont know! my last personal exchanges with either of them was all happy go lucky just like you'd like! So unprovoked threats followed by stalking? Yup... going to talk about that one. (and Im the one who apparently cant let it go...)

So how about you message me with YOUR personal issues with ME from now on. :/

I just thought it was weird he has all this drama pinned to his FB page, don't you? You know, as someone upset by progressive drama? Kinda seems like a weird thing to do for someone who doesn't want anymore drama over the issue.

*ends input in mertailor threads*

[Mermaid Star]

Aela. Please stop and step back. You are doing exactly what you are accusing others of doing. Just Stop!

[Prince Calypso]

I will NEVER kiss and make up with an abusive person, and I hope you never do either. I think my reply to your other thread throwing me under the bus is a little more appropriate than anything else I can post here. Dont really appreciate the "poor me" comments either, talking about how a tail maker's boyfriend is threatening to stalk me- and then how he and the tail maker actually do???? I'd say that's an awful important fact for the community to know. Goes a little beyond "I had a bad tail"... why again did I get threats? Oh right, we dont know! my last personal exchanges with either of them was all happy go lucky just like you'd like! So unprovoked threats followed by stalking? Yup... going to talk about that one. (and Im the one who apparently cant let it go...)

So how about you message me with YOUR personal issues with ME from now on. :/

I just thought it was weird he has all this drama pinned to his FB page, don't you? You know, as someone upset by progressive drama? Kinda seems like a weird thing to do for someone who doesn't want anymore drama over the issue.

*ends input in mertailor threads*
Raina darling, i am in no way shape or form suggesting you make up with him. hell if i was you i would have beat the fool over the head with my monofin.
nor am i suggesting you kiss his ass or anything of the life
iif they do your wrong then rant, let us all know

but when the most active thread on the forum are the ones about Eric?Matty drama
its kinda discouraging.
Eric is a thief, a lier and he does shabby work and doesn't really have the greatest comtumer service
and his mistakes as a business man should be called into question and brought to light
but him as a person is another matter completely

i agree with everyones view of the situation and lorelie was right in posting what was done to her

[green52]

please lock this thread.

[Mermaid Star]

And... Scene (for all you actors out there) :)

[-Annwyn-]

2082

[Mermaid Lorelei]

This is originally my thread. All of you, stop. I don't care what feelings you have against each other, but pm each other and be decent about it. That's all I'm going to say.

Please, lock this thread. I'm tired of seeing it pop up in the forum and checking on it only to find that you guys are at each other's throats. This was (and somewhat still is) a difficult subject for me. So please, if you have to talk about this, don't use my thread. It just hurts.

[Mermaid Sirena]

Well said lorelei.

[Prince Calypso]

I am Sorry Lorelei.

[AniaR]

Im sorry too, I didnt stop to even think that seeing this issue come up again and again would remind you and make you feel crappy :( Injustice really bothers me, I think that's why this guy gets on my nerves so much. If I could make it all better for you I would :( but I know your new tail will be even better and more amazing.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

It's okay you guys. And thank you.

[Prince Calypso]

Im sorry too, I didnt stop to even think that seeing this issue come up again and again would remind you and make you feel crappy :( Injustice really bothers me, I think that's why this guy gets on my nerves so much. If I could make it all better for you I would :( but I know your new tail will be even better and more amazing.

agreed in all respects.
we were so caught up in the Mertailor drama that we completely forgot why this thread was started.
we are a community and family and we haven't really acted as such.
we are all sorry for the tension and issue this has caused you

[Psychic Tideborn]

Ok ok... so...... I understand that there has been a lot of Mertailor rants lately... and with all the reason in the world. I try to be quiet about it but this time I can't help myself. I was pretty pissed about the fact that Eric had the nerve to "steal" Mermaid Lorelei's fluke design. It would have been one this if he would have just stated that he got his inspiration for the fluke design from her drawing and he used his own resources and talent to create it himself. He could have at least given her some kind of credit instead of coming up with some ridiculous picture evolution of how he was inspired to create it. Since Lorelei's design hasn't taken physical form it is a little harder to fight that, but today is a different story. He posted this picture of his "new" top that he "has had in the back of his mind since this past winter"......................... 2153 As soon as I saw this I was like... HOLD THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've seen this somewhere before... RAVEN!!!!!!!!!!! I quickly scanned through Mermaid Raven and Merbella's facebooks and found this picture from Raven wearing her own octo-top from spring of 2011. Raina had posted something about it on facebook already as well.2154 These look so similar it's crazy. And yet still no credit to anyone but himself. It's disappointing that I used to look up to him once upon a time and now I can't even look at his work without wondering wondering where he's getting his ideas. Granted there is a big difference between inspiration and straight up copying... but for him to take full credit for either his "new" fluke design or his "new" octo-top....... it's just ludacris. I feel a little bad for stirring the pot, but this needs to be addressed.

[lasserine]

What scum.

[merpirate]

wow, I wonder how long until he tries to say he got the idea from somewhere else and it has nothing to do with raven

[AniaR]

I had promised not to get involved with mertailor stuff unless it involved me. I just want to point out one fact and I'll leave. No opinion, just fact. Eric originally stated that he came up with his idea in decmeber 2011. This image of Ravens was published september 2011, and she made the tops april 2011. After he saw my post he edited his to say "winter 2011." no opinion just a fact. Just like the 20 comments I saw from other people pointing this out that he deleted. There. I'm all done.

[Nate Walis]

Seems it's pathological with this guy, he just can't stop himself, can he?

[Sephina]

Ugh, people need to start secretly copyrighting their original ideas so that when he steals them they can stop it. Its horrible, at least admit that you got the idea from another mermaid if you don't want to credit who it was.

[ShyMer]

I just wanted to say that copied or not, I think Raven's looks better. If I was going to buy an octopus top, I'd be getting it from her, not him.

[neonmermaid]

He's a thief, plain and simple. He's stealing an idea and marketing it. It'd be one thing if he copied the design for himself, but I'm sure he'll be selling them.

So wrong!!! :(

[MermanMatty]

Funny story, Raven and Eric talked about this last night and they're both still friends :) They've talked it over and they're still going to be exclusive items that way not everyone can have them, Raven and Eric talked and they're both being mature and professional. She knows where she got the idea, and she made it come to life, she's an amazing artist, but as they did talk they did agree that he did give her the idea in her studio in the Winter of 2010, I know this for a fact because Raven has never been to our house in the past year. So he probably just made a typo, he is prone to those.

They can be mature about it and they are still friends and talking, she expressed that she was hurt by him recreating the top but he expressed that he was in return by her using his idea and bringing it to life. So they were both in the wrong but technically it originated from Eric but it doesn't matter who it originated from, the fact of the matter is that there are two people in this community (Raven and Eric) who can still be adults and talk things out and not run to a forum.

Happy days, and have fun swimming!

[MermanMatty]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/mattquijano2010/whodiditfirstscaletop.jpg

Just stating factual points not opinions as Raina said.

(Early 2011 just so you know, like june of 2011)

[MermanMatty]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/mattquijano2010/Who_Made_It_First_Game_31.jpg

[MermanMatty]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/mattquijano2010/whodiditfirsttails.jpg

[Kanti]

Oh well that blows I guess, but unless you start copyrighting everything you make
you can't really stop him from ripping it off.
Bahaha I just find it funny how all of Raven's items look better than the Mertailors xD

[OrcaMatt]

Well, since they're Splash tails, the answer is C) Thom Shouse. Besides, it was by request. Should Raven not do what a customer asks? Sure Eric would do the same, should a customer request it.

Ever do a side-by-side of Thom and Eric's fin shapes?

[MermanMatty]

Thom did not make the Splash tail, for the 100th time, he was apart of a TEAM, that one of my personal friends happened to be on, and to be completely honest, he didn't do that much... and for people who are supposed to be 100% involved you need to do more research.

And as to whose product looks better depends on the person, and your opinions are biased because you hate Eric because of what others say not from personal experience.

[MermanMatty]

2165

[malinghi]

People seem to dislike all this drama. Typically I take a hands off approach with this forum, but I'm going to try being more assertive. I'm locking this thread. Feel free to give feedback on this new approach of trying to make the board more civil by restricting free speech in the group therapy thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1288-Group-Therapy-Let-s-Talk-About-Drama), or by PMing me.

Also, I made a separate thread to calmly discuss our respective opinions on the fascinating topic of intellectual property:
A mature, drama-free discussion on intellectual property
(http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1667-A-Mature-Drama-free-Discussion-on-Intellectual-Property)

[AniaR]

*probably is not going to be able to keep THIS one drama free.... so read on at own risk ;) *

he did the same thing to Thom Shouse too, which Thom will be happy to tell you about.

I think the issue with Eric, is he does this specifically to insight drama. Everyone knows MVDs tail was inspired and modelled after a specific tail, he told people! But Eric will it there straight faced, oh no, I never saw Ravens, even though I originally wrote december and her work was published in September. My tail is inspired by splash, and it's got a lot of similar stuff with Maralas. Why in the hell would I pretend that's not true and not just do that but wave it in people's FB how so untrue it isnt?! Unless I'm looking to start drama. (which btw, you can clearly see in all my other photos just how different it is. But then again, I gave credit where credit was due. Said right away- inspired by splash tail with a mix of my old one. Of course you'll see mertailor stuff in there since Marla's was splash inspired and made by him, and my old one was made by him)

Seriously, people need to just realize that he sincerely does things with malicious intent. Asserting his dominance. Stop giving all the leg room and just accept his actions for what they are. Raven was on even ground with him. She didnt use the forum mostly because of the backlash it caused with him. This caught her totally unaware. It doesnt help that Chris is in there feeding the drama too. (he's jumped ship now if you didnt know) leaving the nasty comments all over the place, but then trying to report anyone else's observations of him. (he tried to report my FB but it didn't work) You gotta get 'Mattys' version of events, all the images he's linked as mertailor images can easily be linked back to people before eric too. I mean, Eric tells people I tore my tail and thats why it didnt work. So we trust their quotes about anything?

The unfortunate thing about this sort of work is that clothing and costumes can't be copywritten. Eric's always going to copy. It's just a given. I dont think that's what pisses people off, it's that he's got the gall to claim it as his original, wave it in everyone's face, and then mass produce it. THAT right there, is what starts the drama. I get frustrated that we can't really just call this out for what it is without being called dramatic or picking on him. His own fans all recognized it. People who love him, went "wtf this is Raven's design to the last detail!" it's not a bunch of haters. It's obvious to EVERYONE.

But yes, whether we think it's theft or not, the fact remains you can't copywrite it just like the fact remains it's an exact knock off of Ravens. He just seems to go from one drama to the other. I would normally suggest ignoring him and not giving him this attention he desires so much. The guy was bullied (he claims) and like so many victimized kids he's grown up to be an adult bully. It's so pathological it's insane. He's trying to say to the community, look, I can do what I want, you cant stop me. Just like when he tried to stalk me in Florida. That backfired, now he's gotta try something else. I also think, he's got a chip in his shoulder from ever since Raven first started making tails. Remember when she hadnt even made one, but he cited it as one of the reasons for making her that horrible puffy paint one? He knows people aren't going to listen to his legal threats, so he's going to exploit it as much as he can.

/end dramatic aspect of post

So is it theft under the current copyright law?. In the real world when you make knock offs you legally have to state it's not the original. Eg the kate middleton ring and dress copy. Watch one of those infomercials and listen to all the stuff they have to legally say to make sure you're aware these designs did not originate from them. That's why you see "replica" and "faux" used so frequently.

Here's a list of things not covered by copyright: http://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/unprotected.html

The funny thing is, while everyone is making tails, none of them look like mertailors. They all look better. They all function better too.

And before Matty even goes insane with his nasty posts, I have you on my ignored list sweety, so dont bother.

[malinghi]

*probably is not going to be able to keep THIS one drama free.... so read on at own risk ;) *

Ugh, you're right, that post does totally fail to avoid introducing drama to the thread. Come on, Raina.

You're welcome to your opinion, but that post is mostly unrelated to this discussion. This thread is for exploring the questions of what intellectual property is in a philosophical sense, and how to define theft in the context of stealing an idea, which is an abstraction. You didn't discuss any of that- you just shared your theory that Mr. Ducharme does bad things on purpose because he's evil/crazy.

[AniaR]

Nah, I think I expressed what you're looking for at the bottom. Even gave a helpful link and examples. You used mertailor as your example to discuss theft of ideas, you could have used a variety of examples but you used specific examples from him, so did I. I mean, you picked the very example that has been one of the most hot topic issues here. I've put a disclaimer too. You're welcome to move the thread if you feel you need to.

[MermanMatty]

"Good artists copy. Great artists steal."
-Pablo Picasso (attributed?)

I think what Picasso meant was that it doesn't matter if you steal, copy, or if it's an original, it doesn't matter because either way you're an artist in your own way. If you can copy something and make it just as good, if not better, you still have talent.

Side note information
*Read at your own risk*


Which is why I never said Raven didn't have talent, she does have talent. But as Picasso said, if she keeps copying she will only be a "good" artist.

I just have one question for all of you... you say Eric stole this, Eric stole that, Eric copied this, Eric copied that.

What if he actually was the one who came up with the concept of octopus as jewelry and accessories? (He's been talking about octopus items/accessories since we first started dating, which was May 14th, 2011)

What if he did actually get inspiration from the splash and thirteenth year tail to make his new fluke? (Which he did do, because I was sitting on the couch on our laptop in our living room with Eric while he layed on the floor pausing and playing, pausing and playing, pausing and playing over and over again to get a good look at the thirteenth year tail and Splash tail, which we have both on DVD, which also just happen to be my birthday presents to him.)

You all say if he gave credit where it was due it would be "ok" but when he tried to give credit to where he got his inspiration you all instantly say he's lying, you say one thing and completely do the opposite, and Raina you may not be able to read what I write and that is ok I will not stoop to your level anymore as to attack anyone anymore, but what you do is pathologically insane sorry to say, I am not trying to argue or cause drama but Malinghi, the way they all throw things at Eric it is impossible to have a 100% respectful retort. This is my best attempt at staying civil, as much as I don't want to, but I will.

But from what I see on a daily basis is Raina and her followers passing judgement on a person they have never met, except Star, and there are people that they bring into their "circle" who have never even has an experience with Eric or Mertailor (which are two different people FYI! Eric is my boyfriend, Mertailor is his job)

You all can believe what you want and you may be able to convince more people to drink the kool-aid but the fact of the matter is I've seen Eric lay on the floor sculpting away for days on end just beating himself up to get it perfect! You all don't know what he goes through on a day to day basis and you never will. And I'm sorry for that because you are all surely missing out on a phenomenon!

_Matty_

P.s. Someone please tell Raina that it was not Eric "stalking" her, in fact no one was stalking her, I really didn't put any effort into finding her or anything of the sort. But again, you'll believe what you want to believe.

[Kanti]

I don't like stealing but it happens regardless. I guess I've gotten used to it.
I've had designs and ideas stolen from me but I sort of try to not care. There's not much you can do to prevent it
so all it is is a big headache.

I think Star basically has the right idea. It's not so much THAT the mertailor stole the idea it's the fact that he had
the nerve to try and say he DIDN'T steal it when it was so plain and obvious that he did. I did see similarities with
the 13th year tail and Lorelei's but seriously? When you put them side by side there's no defending it. That idea was
STOLEN. I also find it especially hilarious that he claims it was from the 13th year because, honestly, how long was that
movie out? How long has the fluke been used for inspiration? Isn't it super suspicious that a tail design that's been out
for years was never used until JUST NOW the exact time when Lorelei posts her version of a tail?? Sorry, not buying this
coincidentail "we were watching 13th year that weekend!" story.
The fact the mertailor refuses to admit it and instead post BS pictures of how it's "not really a stolen idea" and
was all his own just shouts to everyone "I STOLE THE IDEA, I NEED TO DEFEND MYSELF NOW."
It's a dick move, anyone can see that. If he seriously just posted a description in his little picture and said "inspired by
Mermaid Lorelei's design" (which isn't even enough credit since it wasn't inspired, it was STOLEN), I think everyone would at
least think differently of the whole thing. At least he TRIED to give credit and showed he wasn't a complete jerk.

The whole dealio with Raven and her octo-top thing.. I don't even know if I care. People can SEE that Raven had the idea
way before the mertailor. They can see in plain sight that it's stolen. Those who deny it are just the mertailor's diehard fans,
the same who denied him copying Lorelei without even investigating for themselves. I think in the description of the photo
he claimed he had the idea for a while, AKA trying to claim it was his original idea and Raven was the one who stole it from
him. Yet again, another low move.

It's just immature...
Not only that, but he thinks sending people on the forum to yell at us and defend him is doing any good. I now know Merman Matty
is apparently very close to him and argues a ton with us on his behalf. Matty can argue with us all he wants, but in the end it's only
making the mertailor seem worse and worse. If the mertailor really cared about us, he would come talk to us with his own account and
be sincere about it. Clearly he has shown that he does, since he sends someone so close to him over here to try and reason with us
that his ideas aren't stolen.

Sorry, super rant. But even with all this nonsense I'm still not MAD at the mertailor. I would still talk to him and still be nice, all this
proves is that I can never be his friend. I can never show him my ideas or talk to him personally because he has shown me that he
will steal people's ideas. I guess even after all that ranting that's how I justify my stance on "not causing drama". I don't hold
grudges and I've seen people stalk the mertailor pretty bad on this forum. While he may be innocent for some things, I don't think
he's at all innocent for this action. To me it is perfectly clear that this was stolen.

[AniaR]

Well said Kanti. One point you may not know, it the community voted to block Eric from posting on the forum due to his exchanges on the last forum and his actions. Matty is also his boyfriend, which explains some of the actions. As most people would defend their partner in most situations.

[Kanti]

If he came on here and talked to us normally I would have no problems with him. I really
don't anyway. Matty thinks I hate him but I don't at all. The mertailor may be a hilarous, fun,
awesome person but he is not a good businessman. He's done things that are cruel, what I have
seen, at least. Especially this incident, which I am 99.999999999% sure is plain copying.

I don't hold grudges. I don't hate anyone. But if I see something I find unjust I'll get pissed and
say what's on my mind. If Eric talked to me today, tomorrow, anytime, I'd be completely civil with
him. If it was my idea he stole, I would probably be more upset with myself than with him.
The internet is such a mass of free ideas ANYONE can steal your stuff and get away with it. It's
crummy that that's true, but it happens. I would be upset at myself for posting it. I would learn
that I can't post my things online and that I can't trust the mertailor because he steals ideas.

It's sort of like being mad at a lion for attacking you. Once you LEARN that the lion tends to attack
you, you should sort of know NOT to get near it. If you continue to get near it, are you really allowed
to get mad at the lion anymore? You know it's motives and it's actions. You should have known better.

[merpirate]

Matty, I have met Eric as well, I was also around when he was doing things that let's just say I know to be less than polite when it came to creation of designs. I only mention this at all because you said it like Somehow I never met Eric, never went out to eat with him and Linda and Star while working on a project he had in mind. I have never been a customer of his but I have met him. My reasons for not liking how he acts come from my views of honor, and from how I saw him in person, both in the studio of his and while in my area.

[AniaR]

I think you can't make a mertailor post with myself and Matty jumping in :p I admit, jumping in the way I did was uncalled for. I have matty on my block list so I dont have to see my posts, you're more than welcome to set it so I can no longer post in mertailor threads unless they involve me (since Ive been doing a terrible job trying to moderate myself), but I thought Matty was suppose to have the rule he couldn't post about mertailor or in those threads as well. So he could just be a member of the community, like he so desperately apparently wanted.

Mal I dont think it's a mistake to start the thread, I think the timing is just confusing. There has been SO MUCH drama revolving around him it's VERY difficult to separate especially if you use it as an example to illustrate your point. I feel like we are giving all these courtesies to a person who never has and never will return the favour.

[MermanMatty]

I'll ignore what Raina says because it's non sense but I would just like to point out that I am actually the only one that answered the question/topic of this thread so I'm not instigating any drama or anything, just saying.

[Merman Chris]

Well, I can understand matty's frustrations. He probably came to this thread expecting a thoughtful discussion on an interesting topic, only to find it hijacked and turned into yet another mertailor hate screed. Jesus, enough already. Does every thread have to devolve into that because of the sick obsessions of some? Some people spend way too much time hating.