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Pirate or PR agent?
by loiswakeman @ 14/05/2008 - 20:18:17

On Saturday, I was reading an article in the Grauniad about how some savvy manufacturers (including Nike) take advantage of fan and derivative products to promote their own brands.

By contrast, the Beeb is harrying someone who has published knitting patterns for Dr Who monsters on her web site.

They have all the stultifying lack of imagination of a monolithic corporation without any of the accountability to "customers". A pretend commercial enterprise funded largely by the taxpayers of the UK.

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menhirmenhir [Member]
14/05/08 @ 20:41

I heard the BBC news feature about the knitter who made and sold articles that were covered by copyright. To become noted, the knitter, who loved knitting (not an excuse) must have fabricated many of these articles. She may have done it without knowing the legal implications Lois, but making an unauthorised business out of someone else's protected intellectual property is unlawful. The BBC could have issued a writ, they did not, the knitter was given a warning.

However, though I am not a supporter of the BBC heavy-handed, presumptuous,arrogant brigade, I have to concede they do have a fair point on this issue. My complaint with the BBC is that they need to make sure they abide by the rules too.

Years ago, my mother made two stuffed toys for her young children, they were very recognisable. She never made more than the two, they were not made for profit, not made for marketing.

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loiswakemanloiswakeman [Member]
http://lois.co.uk
16/05/08 @ 11:58

Yes - you are right of course. Legally the woman has no legs (knitted or otherwise) to stand on. I'm not sure the Beeb actually lost out financially - and they seem to be more concerned about other people selling the items, not the person who originated the designs.

Perhaps I wouldn't mind so much if the marketing arm - which I presume must generate some revenue from all the TV tat it sells - put the money to good use. For example, axing reality TV in favour of high quality documentaries, new drama etc.

Instead, the ads are proudly telling us that the Beeb has correspondents all over the world - sitting on their backsides sipping gin and waiting for the next local difficulty so they can be wheeled out, presumably! Even in this country, they don't use local news bods for a big regional story, instead helicoptering in some London face to front the story. Entirely unnecessary IMO.

[end of rant]

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menhirmenhir [Member]
16/05/08 @ 22:29

"Perhaps I wouldn't mind so much if the marketing arm - which I presume must generate some revenue from all the TV tat it sells - put the money to good use. For example, axing reality TV in favour of high quality documentaries, new drama etc."

110% agreed!

The profligate manner in which some 'corresponding' is managed does leave a lot to desire. I fully understand your rant on that score. I hesitate to call all correspondents gin-swilling - oops, pardon me, gin sipping (?alcholics) sitting on their bums while awaiting the next story. For most, I do not think it works like that, for some, yes. Unfortunately, where there is quality, it is tainted and overshadowed by so much shallow muck.

Presumably, when it comes to local home-grown stories,the beeb thinks that no-one but their very own hi-tech teams can do the job with a mouthpiece in tow. As we know, that is so often not the case.

You know, Lois, I think we are violently agreeing here!!

:)

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