11/23/10

Copycats Are Taking Over

There's probably not much that upsets me more than other people riding on the backs of others hard work for profit. This can come in many forms; using the fruits of their labor, claiming to have been there from the start etc. But lately it seems people just take other people's ideas. You see it in the blogging world quite frequently. Content and pictures from one blogger will be taken by companies, websites and other bloggers and used without credit or being claimed as their own stuff all together. It's why I'm still hesitant about posting pictures - there are mean, weird, agenda driven people that just shouldn't have access to personal information and pictures out there.

I was even more appalled by this copycat mania when I wandered into a Sketchers store several weeks ago with my Mom. There were these shoes BOB'S looking exactly like TOM'S (my loves) and claiming to be just as charitable. It's bothered me ever since. I wasn't going to post about it because let's face it; this is preachy. Not as fun as fashion/design inspiration.

tomsbobs
(adoredaustin.com)
Then the lovely Indiana Adams posted on the topic. And quite well I might add. So I'm referring you to her. Here.

So is a good cause a good cause? Or is ripping off someone else's good efforts wrong in all shapes and forms?

21 Well Wishes:

ilene @ muchloveilly said...

it's true! scary what can happen out there.

this whole TOMS and BOBS def did not make me happy either! if its about the cause, why rip off someone else's design?!

crazy world we live in. ;)

Chelsea Lane said...

the whole bobs thing just made me laugh! like...get your own idea! the idea behind toms is for other businesses to be INSPIRED by their concept, not copy it to a T :)

xoxo

Abbey said...

That is so completely ridiculous.

this free bird said...

that is nothing but a rip-off and it really kind of makes me mad if we're being honest. TOMS has cornered the market - it's THEIR thing. Like make a bag or something, but the exact same shoe?? not.classy.

Daniela said...

...this is down right sleazy.

AbbieBabble said...

Oh dear. That's crazy! Do they not think people will notice?

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

Oh I know what you mean. It kind of ticks me off when I am wearing a name brand/designer item and I see some knock off look alikes. Boohoo.

la petite coquine said...

I found an acquaintance's blog, and was horrified to discover that not only did her blog look nearly identical to mine, she was using nearly all the same content (after I had posted). I know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it still stinks.

Emily said...

what the heck!? that is definitly not right. Toms will always be the more popular though, it was original and the first to be charitable

http://fashionjerseygirl.blogspot.com/

Mimi said...

I know, it is scary...sucks to have ideas taken away from you...I think its happened to all of us on some level at some point in our lives...just goes to show that what happens in kindergarden (copy-cats) is just practice for the future...I like to believe in Karma though, so hopefully it all works out in the end...even if its your own ideas being taken;)

DiamondsandTulle said...

Hmmm.. I wonder if TOMS has anything to do with it? It looks identical to me - and even what the SA told Indiana sounds like there is some affiliation. Well - I think that if Skechers were doing it for "the cause" then they could have designed something that wasn't a complete rip-off. I'm sure if it's cheaper than TOMS they will do well though - regardless of if it's a copycat. It's just the sad truth of the world of manufacturing.

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

Castor Pollux said...

Any copying form is a no-go for me. In my opinion, Bobs' look classier, but it's copying the other brand so... nah. I prefer Toms' soles though.

Cool thing you share over here! ;)

Castor Pollux

Vanessa said...

I saw this a few months ago at the sketchers outlet. I was astonished. I understand they are allowed to do it but they totally shouldn't.

min said...

i love your blog! so pretty. :)

Nicole Marie said...

gosh. really. even the exact same show! sheesh! get your own idea!

Sydney said...

Hmmm yeah those are exactly the same. Looks like a rip-off to me. How unfortunate. Love your blog. A new follower!

Sydney
www.itsallaboutalifestyle.blogspot.com

hiyaluv said...

whoa! yea that's not cool. I hope you had a fab thanksgiving luvly.
Gina

Anna Jane said...

oh man, that is just...bad. eh, not a fan on BOBs or whatever they are.

xx

mariana said...

this is too crazy, but sketchers has always thrived on knock-offs...perhaps i feel like this is so blatant because i love tom's so much! i reposted about this, and gave you due credit, of course! much love!

www.assembled-online.blogspot.com

Glocal Girl said...

This is so bizarre... I'd feel embarrassed if I worked for/were associated with BOBS.

- www.GlocalGirl.com

TheChambrayCountess said...

Wow, I am so concerned about making sure I link the photos,etc I post on my blog back to the original source I thought that was the extent of "stealing" ideas that was out there. BOBS is almost funny in that it is so ridiculous. Shame on Sketchers. Love my Toms, though, I just posted on my fav new colors recently!