New Advertiser- Bit of a Rant

[Big Mikey]

I just noticed a new advertiser at the bottom of the page and I was curious to see what they had to offer.

Imagine my surprise when I see they are offering their version of "The Original Hose Toppers" as conceived and designed by yours truly. I guess I should be flattered that they felt the product was good enough to be a part of their product line but (rant part coming) it would have been nice if they had let me know that my concept was being used.

As I am just a hobbyist, forum member and kilt wearer, I had no intentions of forming a company, developing a website or becoming a retailer. I put forth a product that people could attempt to make themselves or if they desired, I could make for them.

Is it sour grapes? No. I wish Flamingo Kilts success in the future.

But a "Thank you for the idea." or some recognition as the original developer would have been greatly appreciated.

Thus ends the rant. Thank you for indulging me.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

During my brief light on this plain, I have designed probably thirty products which are now out there in the marketplace. Nowhere does sit say "designed by" or "inspired by" or even "stolen from" on those products. One or two manufactures have paid something, but most have not. Just took it and ran with it. That's just the way biz, is. Cheer up. At least YOU know it was a good idea. And now, so do the rest of us.

[McMurdo]

Mike respectfully the idea is not a unique one, before you started doing them the Scottish Tartan Museum was selling their "Royal Kilt Hose". Was your idea a good one certainly it's just that it's not like you invented the idea, sorry to be so blunt but thats the way I see it.

Think of it this way, how many contemporary kiltmakers are there out there? I would hazard a guess that most of them do not give recognition to anyone.

[Hamish]

Mike, with respect I do not know your hose tops but, believe me, such things are not new. Not that I have ever bought any, but I have seen them listed by several Highland Dress suppliers over many years and especially, I think, by suppliers patronised by Pipe Bands.

I am no expert in matters of the law, but I would imagine that if you do not patent or copyright something you have originated, it is fair game for others to take it up and maybe profit by it.

Just my sixpennyworth.

Take care,
Ham.

[Kilted in Maine]

Big Mikey

I, for one, agree with you...to an extent!

While the concept may not be new, the style and execution was uniquely yours (she did credit you in this post... http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/h...x.html?t=41460).

I understand and agree with others that she "technically" doesn't owe you anything but a private/personal "Thank You" for the idea would have been nice!

[sydnie7]

Big Mikey
I, for one, agree with you...to an extent!
While the concept may not be new, the style and execution was uniquely yours (she did credit you in this post... http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/h...x.html?t=41460).
I understand and agree with others that she "technically" doesn't owe you anything but a private/personal "Thank You" for the idea would have been nice!

I was prepared to stay out of this thread, but this post calls for some clarification.

The "style and execution" of FlamingoKilts.biz Kilt Hose Cuffs is not "uniquely" Big Mikey's. Our use of different materials and stitching techniques allows us to offer alternative colors, patterns, and finished look. "Different strokes" for all the different folks we have in the kilted world, who are free to choose the style they prefer.

In the original "hose topper" thread here, I did thank Big Mikey in advance by making a pledge -- which was fulfilled prior to the launch of FlamingoKilts.biz. That is, I have drafted an addendum to the XKilts Manual explaining how to modify the XKilt into a Reverse Kingussie pleat style. That document is with AlanH and others for review, and will (I hope) become part of the XMTS community pool of shared inspiration.

Kilt Hose Cuffs are not the only product offered at FlamingoKilts.biz. There are other products in place and more to come as my sisters and I have the time (as it says on the site, I can build a kilt faster than I can build a Web site!). I'm sorry that our debut as an XMarks advertiser has come with this small cloud, but we hope to continue as active participants in the community for a long time to come.

Thank you for looking at FlamingoKilts.biz, whatever your response.

[ozone]

I was prepared to stay out of this thread, but this post calls for some clarification.

The "style and execution" of FlamingoKilts.biz Kilt Hose Cuffs is not "uniquely" Big Mikey's. Our use of different materials and stitching techniques allows us to offer alternative colors, patterns, and finished look. "Different strokes" for all the different folks we have in the kilted world, who are free to choose the style they prefer.

In the original "hose topper" thread here, I did thank Big Mikey in advance by making a pledge -- which was fulfilled prior to the launch of FlamingoKilts.biz. That is, I have drafted an addendum to the XKilts Manual explaining how to modify the XKilt into a Reverse Kingussie pleat style. That document is with AlanH and others for review, and will (I hope) become part of the XMTS community pool of shared inspiration.

Kilt Hose Cuffs are not the only product offered at FlamingoKilts.biz. There are other products in place and more to come as my sisters and I have the time (as it says on the site, I can build a kilt faster than I can build a Web site!). I'm sorry that our debut as an XMarks advertiser has come with this small cloud, but we hope to continue as active participants in the community for a long time to come.

Thank you for looking at FlamingoKilts.biz, whatever your response.

Kudos for the acknowledgment and I, for one, hope that we can all get along now. It's this type of discussion that represents the change we need and the change we can all believe in. There are no kilt accessory inventors and kilt accessory sellers; there is just the united kilt community. ...Sorry, I was watching too many speeches last night.

BTW, I think i might just have to check out the new website.....

[Kilted in Maine]

Sydnie7,

I apologize to you if I jumped to some conclusions

I do not know the intimate details of your product nor those made by BigMikey. I merely saw the detailed instructions Mikey shared, the product he made and the photos of those you have up for sale. From my untrained eye, they looked the same. Again I apologize and stand corrected if there are differences.

Almost all the products displayed on this site (including HoseToppers, Sgians, Kilts, Sporrans, Garter ties, etc .) are not new or novel items. What is “new and novel” is the creativity of our members to use new material s and techniques to produce their own versions of these age old products.

Whether justified or not, Mikey felt slighted he was given no credit for “conceiving and designing” this product. You indicate you used “different materials and stitching techniques” to produce what you have up for sale. I take your word for that and again – I apologize!

The DIY section of the forum is amazing. I just hope this doesn’t stifle Mikey or others from sharing any ideas going forward.

[Big Mikey]

Thank you all for your comments. I have been in touch with Sydnie and, I hope, all is well.

Glen, not blunt, just a friend telling it straight. Thank you.

I guess I was just being a bit protective, kind of like a parent and child. Eventually, the child matures and developes, forever changed.

Had I not wanted the kilt world to benefit from my idea, I would not have posted to this forum. In retrospect, I should have followed the sage advice of our moderators and thought just a little longer before hitting the "submit" button.

In closing, no, this will in no way keep me from sharing any idea I feel is worth the members time.

[sydnie7]

Yes, Big Mikey and I have kissed and made up. . . that is. . .err. . . We are back to being one big happy family. I'm very happy to see that, just as with my own family, we can air things out in a civilized way and come away friends.

Now -- buy them from him, or buy them from me, or from Matt or anybody else mentioned above -- but everybody go get cuffed!