Why Competition is a Good Thing

I love competition. You know why? It forces me to come up with new ideas. Mommafo sent me this photo tonight of new t-shirts at Target. Look familiar?


I happen to think mine are cuter because all three are unique and different...but hey, I hope Target sells a ton...and I'll probably buy one myself. My husband say he is willing to bet that Target didn't use Powerpoint to create their design though....probably not the most efficient use of resources.



This was funny timing though because I came across this great thread on Etsy regarding competition (you can read it here) and I posted the link on Twitter this morning. It pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about the whole "you stole my idea" argument. (Disclaimer: I am not implying that Target stole my idea....although how exciting would THAT be......and it IS possible for 2 people among billions to do something similar. And no, I didn't steal Target's idea, I actually saw some nesting dolls in US Magazine or People Magazine and thought they would be cute as a screenprint).

Anyways, I've seen a very ugly side of blogging and Etsy selling. I'm sure many of you have too. I get the occasional mean comment...but I don't delete them...I let everyone else see that person for what they are. I've know too many people that have been the recipients of vicious attacks because someone thought they stole their idea. But really it was a very basic idea that had been around for a while. And never has the product been a copy! Note to self: do NOT send my friends on a seek-to-destroy mission if someone has a similar idea to one of mine.

One of the comments on the thread mentioned above cracked me up....it was something sarcastic like "how DARE someone else make a crocheted flower." If you are seething about someone else's new project just use that tag line to shift gears: how DARE someone else make a _______.

Here are my thoughts for the day: Don't copy. It is perfectly fine to be inspired by other people's work. Make it your own. You can't own a style or technique....to assume you can is actually pretty arrogant. Everyone's ideas are a derivative of someone else's even if in the tiniest way. Never stop improving your work. Don't try to milk the same idea for years (unless you invented the windshield wiper or something better). Don't drive angry. Be happy for others.

I'm rolling out some new screen print designs tomorrow too! Perfect timing! I just hope no one else comes out with the same thing tomorrow too!