Scotweb Tartan Designer now FREE of restrictions

[Nick Fiddes]

Cheers Danwell (and others),

We did consider some such 'half way house' relaxation of the T&C. But after much pondering, we came down to the view that a simple, clear, open position was best for everyone. It means there's no ambiguity, and no administrative overhead for us! Sometimes these things need to be managed contractually. But personally I hate having to deal in legalities, and I believe that in many circumstances what really matters mostly comes down to goodwill and fair play. Our hope, of course, is that without fear of being locked into a closed system, more people end up using the system (and recommending it to others) so that on balance we could make up as much as we lose. So as long as enough people end up making some sort of purchase that it defrays our development costs, we'll be happy.

The tartan you're asking about is this one from House of Edgar: http://www.scotweb.co.uk/sr_swhdr_ta..._show_adv=none

[Danwell]

The way I see it, you and your team have put in a lot of time and effort to get this tartan designer to a point where any dunce (including me!) can use it effectively to design a nice looking tartan. My suggestion was more along the lines of what happens with the Isle of Skye tartan......a surcharge charged on behalf of the designer (or in this situation, Scotweb), so that they receive a "royalty" for any fabric woven. That being said........I can see how it could be a big maze legally, once you've got 2000 different tartans having been finalised and registered. I suppose as a community we want to make sure that companies like Scotweb continue to provide services like this into the future; if there is no financial reward it becomes less likely. Your generosity will certainly be received gratiously though, I'm sure!

On the point of that tartan - it is the one to which I have a direct tie, and I've never been too fond of it. The pictures on your site have changed my tune entirely! It looks fantastic!

[KiltedKnome]

Thank you, Nick -- a very generous action.

[Spc. Scott]

Cheers Danwell (and others),

snip - Our hope, of course, is that without fear of being locked into a closed system, more people end up using the system (and recommending it to others) so that on balance we could make up as much as we lose. - snip

I have to say that with a stance like this I know that if I were to design a tartan (I have played with it a bit) that I would have it woven by you. I'd be willing to bet that it would be the same with many others.

[KFCarter]

I have to say that with a stance like this I know that if I were to design a tartan (I have played with it a bit) that I would have it woven by you. I'd be willing to bet that it would be the same with many others.

I second that. I have designed one and I still plan on having the first run of cloth woven by ScotWeb. At the same time, I appreciate the fact that I don't have to do so, and that I have other options down the road.

[Brian K]

You're a gentleman, Nick, but I think I discovered that a long time ago . In any event, I think that if I ever have one of the designs I've done on your designer woven I wouldn't even think of someone else weave it for me.

[Mike_Oettle]

Three cheers for Dr Nick!
Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
What effect this will have on the tartans I have designed, I am not sure. Out of loyalty to you, I certainly would like you to weave some of them (particularly those I have designed for my own family).
And for quality woollen kilts (“tanks”) I doubt that I will find a weaver in South Africa who would provide anything like an equivalent product.
But some interest in certain of my designs has been expressed by a South African company, and I would like to see some of the generic South African designs woven in this country.
Regards,
Mike

[Morris at Heathfield]

Great news indeed! I haven't used the Scotweb tartan designer for a while. I shall have to give it a spin.