Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Imitation is NOT the Most Sincere Form of Flattery {and other things that need to be said}

Good morning friends!  I hope you are all off to a successful start on this Tuesday!

Do you want the good news first, or the bad news?

Bad?

Ok.

I'm really anxious about writing this post.  Like when I decided to do it right before I went to sleep last night, that translated into a night of tossing and turning.  But, after talking with some of my bloggy and TpT friends, I feel like it's really important and needs to be posted.  I am not trying to be the boss of the applesauce here, but some things have been on my mind for a bit and I need to put them out there.  This post is not directed at anyone specific... so don't worry!

Ok.  Here goes.

There has been a HUGE influx of new bloggers and TpT sellers lately... good!  Congrats!  I am a better teacher because of blogging and TpT and I am happy for all of the new people joining us and wish you all the best on your journey!

It seems like there are either bloggers who have been doing it for a while or there are bloggers who haven't... not too many in the middle... and us old folks have been abiding by a code of conduct that we've kind of made up along the way and I'm worried that new bloggers may not be aware of some of the rules that we follow.  This concern comes from experience, unfortunately, so I want to share our rules today in the hopes that, if you didn't realize them, now you do!

*Everyone knows the old saying, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".  Well, when it comes to TpT, this is not true.  It is SO disheartening to see so much copycatting going on.  I know that, with so many of us using the Common Core, there will be some overlap.  And I'm not talking about overlap.  I'm talking about downright copying.  If one of your students cheats on a test, what are you going to do?  You're going to send their butt to the principal and start making some phone calls.  You aren't going to tolerate a student stealing someone's ideas and passing them off as their own.  We are all highly skilled and highly trained as teachers and we are capable of doing new things from new ideas.  I'm going to be honest here and share what sparked this blog post; I saw on someone's blog pictures of one of my products that they had purchased and then pictures of their new product that they are selling which, if you didn't know it wasn't made by me, you would think it was because it's that similar to mine.  First I was annoyed.  But then when I started looking through their things, many have been directly copied from other sellers.  It made me sad for that person and sadder for those who's ideas have been violated.  Phew.  That was uncomfortable!

*Pinterest does not give us ideas.  If you make something because you first saw it in a pin on Pinterest, the idea didn't come from Pinterest.  It came from someone else who would love for you to give them the recognition.  It's great to share the blog the original picture came from.  My thought on that is this:  we all have a definite style.  So, if I see one craft, project, or product that you made and like the style, I want to see more!  I want to know what your blog is so I can see what you've been doing.  Just saying an idea came from Pinterest doesn't allow me to know the person behind the pin!

*Have you read Ron Clark's Essential 55?  It's a wonderful read!  His 9th rule is that if a student does not say "Thank you" within THREE SECONDS of being given something (no matter what it is!), he will take it away.  He says, "There is no excuse for not showing appreciation."  Would you believe that I have a freebie that has been download 8,545 times?  Eight thousand five hundred forty five times.  There are 10 comments on the freebie.  That's a little more than 1% of the folks enjoying it who have taken the time to say thank you. Now, that isn't why I share freebies and it's not why I shared that one.  But who doesn't like to hear positive affirmations about their work?  Especially us because teaching isn't just what we do, it's who we are.  And I like knowing that who I am is making a difference for others.  I'm sure you do too!  If you win a giveaway, please take time to thank the teachers e-mailing you the winnings too!

*And speaking of freebies... they are free.  If you don't like it, don't download it.  I don't want to hear that my freebie isn't what you wanted or what you were looking for.  Many of my bloggy friends have mentioned that they are being asked to "fix" and customize freebies... sometimes we aren't even asked, we are told that a freebie needs a font changed or the spelling of a word or colors/patterns/borders/graphics to match a classroom or theme.  I'm going to be so honest right now... that is why the thing is free.  Because it is what it is.  Now, with that said, if I've customized something for you in the past, don't feel bad or think I'm being mean about your request.  I did it without holding a grudge and because I had time and wanted to help you out.  But there is not always the time and, what do we do at school when we do a project?  If I bring out sliver glitter but Jimmy wants blue, sorry!  We are using silver today.  It is what it is.  (Maybe I'm just a mean teacher and you would go get the blue?)  Sometimes things would just be so perfect for our classrooms if there could be one minor change... but that change is the blue glitter!  :)

*More on the freebies... can you tell this has been a problem lately...?  Flash freebies.  They are exciting!  I love doing them.  It's a fun way to give back to my blog and FB followers.  I hate missing flash freebies that my favorite sellers do.  Let's be honest.  It sucks.  Sometimes people do AMAZING things as flash freebies and I get there two seconds too late and it's a HUGE bummer.  Please don't ask to have a flash freebie that you missed e-mailed to you.  I get it.  It's so sad to miss them!  Like major sad.  But that's the point of a flash freebie!  My friend Rachel (aka- The Tattooed Teacher) has a great post about dowloading flash freebies on your phone to access later.  Check it out!

*We can't send editable versions of our files out.  Not only would sending a WORD (or Publisher, PowerPoint, Pages... whatever you use) document of my file be totally against the licensing agreement I have with the clipart artist, it opens me up to people changing my work and then posting it as their own.  When I first started my class website in 2006 BB (that would be Before Blogging), I shared everything in WORD because I'm not sure PDFs had been invented yet.  I kid, I kid.  But, documents I shared in Word back then are STILL floating around the web today... with one or two words changed and someone else's name and copyright smacked across the bottom!  When you buy teaching resources at the teacher's store or Amazon or where ever you buy them, you can't change those either... so it's no different than that.

*Contests... this one blew my mind when my friend shared it with me last night... recently, one of my bloggy friends did a giveaway.  Yay!  We love giveaways!  Days after it was over, she received an e-mail from someone claiming to have won but had not received the prize via e-mail.  My friend went to check on this and found that, in reality, the person had NOT won and was trying to get a free prize out of the deal.  I could not believe this, and said so.  And another bloggy friend said the same thing happened to her!  I just feel like I have to put that out there, even though we are probably talking about two or three people.  I cannot believe that someone would do that.  Really.  I'm completely flabbergasted about that one.  I just wanted to put that out there along with one word:  Integrity.

*I posted about this one before, but I think lots of people started blogs this summer during their time off, so I just want to put out a gentle reminder.  It takes time to grow your blog and TpT store.  It takes more than a month, more than a summer even.  The way you grow your blog and store is to interact in the blogging community.  Visit other blogs, comment (with genuine comments, not just "Come follow me!"), join an online group of teachers, join some linky parties, HOST some linky parties!  Develop your brand and find a style that is YOU.  This took me a while.  My early products make me cringe now!  I'm working to re-vamp them, but now I have my style which comes through in the things that I make and do.  The point of this is- it isn't "if you blog it, they will come".  It is go forth and mingle.  Interact on blogs.  Don't beg for followers.  If you establish yourself as a place with good information and solid products, you'll get followers... and sales too!

*Last thing... I'm adding this about an hour after originally posting because I just thought of it... if you are a TpT seller, please please please take some time to find out what is legally allowed and what is not.  You can NOT sell anything Daily Five related.  You can give it away for free, but you can't sell it.  Dr. Seuss AND Elf on the Shelf are OFF LIMITS- not for sale and not for free.  There is a forum on TpT all about copyrights and trademarks.  Please take some time to check it out.  It is very upsetting to me and other sellers when we have followed the rules and taken down our Dr. Seuss stuff, but other people are making money selling something they can't.  Please know that Seuss Enterprises takes it really seriously.  They patrol TpT, will contact you, and YOU are financially responsible (not TpT!) if they catch you selling Seuss products!

Now, I don't want this post to be all doom and gloom.  My friend Tamara from Mrs. Russell's Room had a great idea... a list of things that SHOULD be copied and imitated!!!

*a great work ethic- find a blogger/seller you admire and work as hard and honestly as they do!

*learn how to create great products by watching tutorials.  You can Google or search Youtube for literally anything, as I'm sure you know.  You can find out how to make the most of your graphics, special tools in Powerpoint or Publisher, doing great things with fonts... if you want to have great products, take a look at some of the top sellers on TpT.  It will give you an idea of where to start when it comes to design.
  
*Tamara said, "Although free is not bad, most often, paying gets you more and at a higher quality" when it comes to graphics and fonts.  There are some amazing graphic artists out there and, paying a few bucks for quality clip art is totally worth it!  

*Ask some teacher friends to edit your products for you before you post them.  If you're on TpT, someone in the forums would LOVE to look over your work for you, I know it!  I have some amazing go-to editors who always find things that I miss.  Let's face it, after working on a product for hours/days/weeks/months sometimes, I know what it's supposed to say so I miss little things when I proof it myself.  Asking a friend to check it always helps me tighten my work up.  And, oh yeah, if you find an error, just let the seller know. We're human and we will fix it as soon as we can!

So, now that I've shared all of that with you...

It's TWOs-day!  That means TWO people are going to win my new CCSS aligned grammar assessment pack for 2nd & 3rd grade!

And the winners are...

If you didn't win...  I'm sorry!  But... this is $1 off on TpT or get even MORE off by checking out my blog shop and reading about the coupon code!

you can check it out at TpT, TN, or my blog shop (under ELA) if you want more info!

Hopefully we're still friends and my post today gave you some food for thought... pass the word along to someone who needs a reminder!  :)

143 comments:

  1. Girl, you are right on with every single word.

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  2. Great post! Being a newish blogger myself, I always read your advice posts. I think that everything that you said is valid. Sometimes I think that people need to hear this type of thing before it clicks! Thank you!
    Hilary
    Second Grade is Out of This World!

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  3. I totally agree with you! I am newer to blogging than to TPT (just started blogging in January) so I can relate more to those things you mentioned. I have the same aggravation with freebies- I have had thousands of downloads as well on some freebies and have even less than you on the comments for some of those freebies! The same goes for Flash Freebies- I almost think it's WORSE when people don't leave feedback for a Flash Freebie actually. I'll watch the download # rise during the time I have the Flash Freebie open and will only get a very small portion of those leave feedback. Sigh.

    Thank you for posting this for many to see. I hope that others will actually take it to heart! I know I'm guilty of the "found it on Pinterest," so I'm going to do better there. :) You are totally right. Sometimes I just think if I saw it on Pinterest, so did everyone else! :-P

    Jivey
    ideas by jivey
    Follow me on Facebook!

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  4. Totally fabulous and I hope it hits home with the right people!

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  5. Sigh...You are so right on this. There are so many people like this in the world....I try to when giving credit from Pinterest go to the original blog post....but 9 times out of 10 people use dead links....so then I try to search....Keep doing a great job, and fighting the good fight and report them to TPT...

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  6. This is a fabulous post! I get more emails and questions each day asking me to send Word docs of the frames and borders so that they can can edit my Common Core labels. Um, no. First of all, they are free. Second of all, I only made 2nd grade because that's the grade I teach. I was responding to them all, but they got a little out of hand. I appreciate you writing this post and giving such great (a necessary) advice!! I always enjoy reading your blog!

    Ashley
    That's So Second Grade!

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  7. Can I just say how much I appreciate you and all of the other teacher bloggers out there that have given me so many great ideas!!! I am not a blogger myself, but am a blogger stalker and love everything you do!! I am sorry that there are people out there that take advantage of your hard work and kindness! Keep doing what your doing for people like me that really appreciate it!! I am sure there are a lot more like me out there!!

    Katt Fornstrom

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  8. Very well written. Thank you for being the voice of so many TpTers and Teacher Authors who feel the same way!

    Mathematically yours,
    Jamie aka MissMathDork!

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  9. Great post that needed to be said! I started blogging and selling at TPT in October. I knew nothing about the etiquette of it all, but I just sat back and watched what the others were doing. Thankfully I have surrounded myself with an extremely knowledgeable group of people and I think I have done it right so far. I could be better about leaving feedback. I get frustrated when someone doesn't leave it for me, so that will be my goal. Thanks for posting this!
    Stacey
    Teaching Ever After

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  10. Thanks for this! I think that a lot of people have been feeling pretty frustrated with the behavior of others. I wish there was some kind of TpT rule for feedback. I just saw someone leave this as feedback, ":)" WHAT!? That isn't feedback and it was coupled with a rating of a 3.5! That poor seller...how is she supposed to grow from that?
    Anyway, I appreciate you. I think our community needs to have more conversations like this. Perhaps it will stop some of the negative behavior.
    Thanks again,
    Vera
    Thetututeacher@gmail.com

    The Tutu Teacher

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  11. Thank you for taking the time to write this honest and so true post. Keep up the great work!

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  12. I am very appreciative of this post. I am brand new to regularly following blogs and learning all there is to offer from the wonderful teachers out there. I recently read a post about commenting on TPT about anything downloaded and tried to go back and comment on everything I have found.

    What is the best way to comment if you win something but it was not downloaded from TPT? I emailed TPT and asked if I could leave feedback because I was sent a few items through blogs that I won and they responded that if it isn't downloaded from their site, you can't comment there.

    I know for the things I have done (not commenting right away, not giving credit to original poster and instead "pinterest") were innocent misunderstandings. I think it takes courage for your to write this post and believe it will help build a richer community.

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    1. That is a great question, Kelsey! If you win something that is e-mailed to you, you can't leave feedback on TpT but it is so nice just to let that teacher know you appreciate it. I participate in tons of giveaways and cannot tell you how few people thank me for e-mailing them the product they've won. Thank you for bringing that up!

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  14. Way to go Christina! You hit the nail right on the head! Preach on sista! :) Love your bold personality! Everyone will benefit from this post.

    Ashley
    Flying High in First Grade

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  15. great post and oh so true. Thanks for all you do.
    Rose

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  16. What a great post! Thanks for putting all this out there.

    Krazy Town

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  17. Spot on Christina!! I have experienced most of the above as a blogger (except I haven't had anyone claiming to win a giveaway who didn't-that's just low). As a fellow blogger, I urge others to please consider these points that Christina just made. We really do work hours, days, and weeks on our projects and to just plain copy is immoral and unfair.
    Thanks for a great post!,
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something To Treasure

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  18. Wonderful post and something that needed to be said.
    I think a lot of people believe this is a get rich quick idea and it's most definitely not. It does take time and energy to get followers and to build up your TpT store. It doesn't happen over night.

    Thanks!
    Heather
    The Busy Busy Hive

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  19. I find it sad that people feel so entitled these days to have the gall to ask for something on a free item to be changed or ask for a flash freebie to be extended. It seems worse coming from fellow educators, honestly I think teachers should be way above this! I am very new to all of this and have been making sure not to step on anyone's toes or not give credit or thanks when it is due.

    Kristi
    disneymum.wordpress.com

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  20. I could not have said it better myself. I'm new to blogging and selling on TpT and one of my biggest fears is being accused of imitating someone's product. I try to search TpT before posting or making something to avoid being seen as a copy cat. Knowing how much time it takes to make something I would hate to have one of my products copied so I go out of my way to try and make sure I don't do the same.

    I try and leave feedback as frequently as possible because it too drives me nuts when someone can't take the 2 minutes it takes to post their thoughts, especially on a freebie!

    Keep up the good work!
    -Ellie
    http://firstietales.blogspot.com/

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  21. Yes, yes, yes! Thank you for this post. I'm right there with you, girl!

    It reminds me of a father and children that cut in line right behind me at a museum the other day. He was teaching his children how to cut in line and get in front of about 50 people by randomly merging. I couldn't believe it.

    Thanks again for the post, and don't let these things get you down when they happen again. You are amazing!

    Colleen Patton
    Mrs. Patton’s Patch

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  22. As a new blogger, I want to do the right thing. Like Stacey said above, I've been watching others' blogs to learn blogging etiquette. Thanks for this great post, Christina!

    Lisa Lilienthal
    http://itsthelittlethingslisa.blogspot.com/

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  23. Good job for speaking out. I started blogging in 2004 and then quit for awhile. When I started back a few years ago I didn't like all the copy cat behavior of giveaways, ad mania and sponsorships. It becomes quite annoying. I can't even imaging how frustrating it would be to be in your shoes with TPT thrown into the mix. I will say extra THANK YOUs for all the wonderful things you've shared over the years. I remember while teaching in South Carolina I found your blog and that as a long time ago! :)

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  24. I would like to thank you for writing this post. I am surprised that people would copy work and claim it as their own, but then, lots of things surprise me about people's behavior. I guess I am naive in thinking that most people are honest. I know that when I have an idea, if I see someone else has already done something similar, I don't post it.

    I am still fairly new to the world of blogging and TpT, but I am trying to follow the lead of those of you who have been doing so for awhile.
    I try to leave feedback, but I am guilty of not leaving feedback on many of the freebies. It isn't because I don't want to, it is because they are still in my download folder because I haven't gotten to them yet. With blog hops and fan frenzy hops, I downloaded them, but I need to get back to them in order to give the feedback.

    That actually brings up something that I have been frustrated about. When I download a free product, but don't get back to it immediately for giving feedback, sometimes I am unable to do so because there is no name, or website info on it and I can't remember where it came from. I want to give credit, but that makes it difficult. Is it common to just post a page without identifiers?

    I am sure I have committed some errors in etiquette, but they are not done deliberately. It is from not knowing. Sharing your thoughts has helped me to better understand more of the etiquette so that I can follow it and become a better blogger and seller.

    Thanks for having the courage to speak out.

    Charlene/Diamond Mom
    Diamond Mom's Treasury

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  25. Great post! I am not a TPT creator but I buy, buy, buy! I have noticed so many items that are nearly identical. By the same token of being copied, if I buy an item that is just like something I've already purchased I've wasted valuable $$$. Blogging is exciting. Wonderful. So is sharing and being credible.

    And a comment from reading a post is valuable too!

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  26. Thanks for sharing the great advice! I've been blogging for a year now, it DOES take time to grow your blog! Your suggestions are right on the money. I recently opened a TpT store and have been very frustrated with the lack of feedback I have received on my freebies. I have a product that has been downloaded over a hundred times and only 2 people have left feedback. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes to leave feedback, but how it makes the seller feel is well worth the time. After all, they took thetime to create the product, upload it , and share it for free! Great post Christina!

    Karen

    An Apple a Day in First Grade

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  27. Bravo! Well said and well written. Karma will come back to those who aren't honest.

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  28. Thanks for such and excellent truthful post! New bloggers like myself need to be aware of these things. I had to google links parties! :) I've always loved your ideas and your creations!

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  29. Well said. I have been following you since I found your old webpage. Still love and use your Christmas around the world!

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  30. Well said! I am not a blogger but I have enjoyed and learned so much from reading your blog and I feel like I have become a better teacher because of it. Keep up the great work!

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  31. This is such a wonderful and well needed post! I am a relatively new blogger and reading this blog helped me better understand the blogging and TpT world. Kuddos for standing up for all of the bloggers with integrity.

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  32. This is absolute perfection... I want to make sure this gets spread allllllllllllll over blogland... last night I had to contact 3 sellers for copycatting one of my products... AHHHHHHH thank you for standing up and speaking what so many of us want to say!!!! I am going to go spread the word and send my followers your way!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!

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  33. Hi Christina. Blogging is such an interesting thing, isn't it. I have been a follower, and admirer for a long time now I feel as though you are my friend, but I don't even know you. I want you to know that I am inspired not only by your creativity, but also your generous, loving spirit that is reflected in every blog you've done. I am truly sorry that bloggers like you have to deal with people that are not confident or honest enough to do their own thing Please don't let that stop you from inspiring the rest of us. In addition to enjoying the products I have bought from you, I just like knowing their are teachers like you, and the rest of the bloggers, out there! Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
    Fondly, Julie heyjbales@sbcglobal.net

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  34. So flattered that my tips made your post! :) Glad you found them valuable, bloggy friend!! :) I'm guest blogging today, so I can't put a link in today's post, but...I'm going to put this on my Facebook page for sure! I can't believe that someone would think it was okay to pretend to be the winner of a prize--when they weren't! :( I just did a round of flash freebies on my blog for a giveaway and some of what got said about the time they went up...or how long they were up...or the fact that they missed it made me so sad, I finally had to say something about it on my page. :( I HATE having to do it, but I'm convinced that folks will do better when they KNOW better. You are so right. There IS an etiquitte to the bloggy-sphere. It's our job to help people learn what it is...because...the truth of the matter is...eventually...if you don't play nice. No one plays with you. LOL! :) And you can't grow a blog or a TPT store if you're not playing by the rules! ;) I am so happy that you shared this! ;)
    XOXO,
    Tamara

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  35. Well said. I am not a blogger but I follow many blogs and have been guilty of not thanking every one of them for all their generous freebies they so graciously offer. Let me start with you "Thank you " for sharing all your hard work to help make our jobs just a little bit easier.

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  36. Thank you for being the kind of gal who is honest and upfront. I LOVED your original website and was extra excited when I found out you blog as well. I blog but it's for my students' families. I appreciate though the many ideas that I use from other bloggers and always try to mention where I got the ideas from, on my blog (even going so far as to let the original idea owner know that their ideas are being featured in my class). I think that this blogging community has truly made many many teachers sit up and notice that putting your heart into teaching along with creativity is so very rewarding! Even after 32 years of teaching, I feel like blogging has opened up my eyes to many possibilities for my little ones and I am a better teacher for it!
    sherry-mathson@blogspot.com

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  37. Can't spell my own name!
    sherry-matheson@blogspot.com

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  38. Christina, I kind of want to copy this post, put it on my blog, and claim it as my own. JOKING! I agree with every. single. word. Thank you for writing what we are all thinking and hopefully it'll clear up some confusion amongst new bloggers and sellers!

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  39. I don't blog or sell, but I completely agree. I make things from time to time that I share with my fellow teachers and, to be honest, when they want something changed it hurts my feelings. I know it's silly sometimes, and maybe I should be better at taking criticism, but seriously, if I make something for free and give it to you...just take it. I'm also guilty of downloading freebies without always leaving the love. I'm working on it. ;) Thanks for posting!

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  40. Thanks for the post. Lots of people need to hear it... which is sad since a blog is created to share among teachers. The one thing I hate too is that anonymous commenters like to post about ads or things not even related to the post. But I guess we can't stop that from happening. I like how you covered a lot of things other than just stealing your work. Most people who sell on TPT don't know about the copyright stuff until they are asked to take it down.
    Kinders on the Block

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  41. I am neither a blogger or TpT seller, but I follow many blogs and have learned a lot even though I am teaching 27 years. You are so open, honest and vulnerable-it feels like family. When I first started, I didn't know about leaving comments on TpT, but I learned. I just started reading and following blogs last summer, but the whole idea of blogging and dselling has grown exponentially since I started.I think this post was polite, well worded and well thought out. No need to apologize for expressing yourself.
    Debbie
    debjac9@aol.com

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  42. Thank you for sharing. I know I am guilty of not leaving comments on all of the freebies I download. I will definitely try to get better about that.


    Krystyn
    Ms Richards's Musings

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  43. Wow, great post and excellent advice! I have been thinking about starting to sell on tpt and am so glad I read your post. I have gotten ideas from so many bloggers over the years that I do worry about making something someone has already made without intending to. :/ I do try to always say thank you and comment on anything that was inspiring to me.
    -Carol Cobb

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  44. Wow, great post and excellent advice! I have been thinking about starting to sell on tpt and am so glad I read your post. I have gotten ideas from so many bloggers over the years that I do worry about making something someone has already made without intending to. :/ I do try to always say thank you and comment on anything that was inspiring to me.
    -Carol Cobb

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  45. Thanks so much for such a thorough & honest post, Christina! I've only been blogging since February & I've experienced much of what you've mentioned. I just had a winner of a friend's giveaway post on my TpT Q&A the other day that she hadn't received my item. What's strange is that my email is listed on my blog & this was the first I had heard of it! Bothersome that she posted it in such a pubic forum! I had to actually spend time on my trip figuring out if she was the winner. Fortunately, she was.

    One thing that's troubled me is how "the customer is always right" on TpT. I've had spammers on TpT downgrade my rating on a few products with the "It's great" or "thanks" but give 1 star! Fortunately, TpT took it down because it's a known problem. I love your Feedback Linky where we can celebrate the good stuff!

    Thanks for your honesty! I've read posts in the past from "old" bloggers and I've felt preached at! I truly appreciate this great post!

    Molly
    Lucky to Be in First

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  46. Thanks for a great post! I actually had someone contact me recently asking me to change a freebie. I had a colleague ask me to send her my 3rd grade CC Math Vocab in editable form, so she can change it for 4th grade.... um no, I bought the clip art and spent weeks working on my finished product!
    I haven't even replied to her yet! I don't even know what to say! I shared my product with all the 3rd grade teachers in our district and asked them not to share with friends in other dists... it's for sale in my TPT and it took me weeks to complete...sigh.
    I've had a free product downloaded over 2,000 times and not one single feedback. Not even a thanks.
    Enjoy your day!
    "autumn"

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  47. I am not a blogger nor do I sell on tpt, but I believe what you talked about is part of a larger, societal problem that we have to deal with in our classrooms too: entitlement! It slays me what people and children think they should get/do/have. What happened to hard work, thoughtfulness, and good manners?!

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  48. Great work! This post is much needed in the blogging community as it is growing very fast with not a lot of new content. Thanks again. Going to pin this article now.
    Kristy @ 2 Peas and a Dog Teaching Blog

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  49. Christina,
    I do not have a blog, or a TpT store, but I agree 100%. I would never ask someone to customize something that they had given me for free! The nerve! This is my personal take on this, and it was affirmed by Shari Sloane when I met her last week. We were talking about blogging and making items. She said that she had spent a great deal of money on clip art etc. to make things with. I personally, do not want to spend all that money on clip art. However, I am more than happy to pay a little to someone who is willing to make those purchases. Thank you so much for sharing this. Have a great day!

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  50. This is a fantastic post! Great tips and reminders. Wonderfully said! :)

    Lindsey
    Mrs. Johnson's Little Prowlers

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  51. Your post it quite passionate and well stated. You obviously have a great deal of experience that everyone can benefit from. I hate to say it but I think that I have been guilty of downloading freebies without providing feedback.Your post makes me want to go back to every single one and provide feedback. In life I try to have an attitude of gratitude but apparently I have fallen short in the virtual world. Thank you for the wake up call <>

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  52. Thank you for your post. I'm part of the "newer" blogging group (started in February) and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. The lack of comments of freebies drives me crazy too, but I thought it was just me. I really appreciate you putting yourself out there to challenge us, you gave us a lot of good reminders!

    Hunter's Tales from Teaching

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  53. Thank you for the great advice. I am an imitator but I don't sell any ideas. I have blogged but I think I am guilty of giving credit to pinterest instead of the original blogger. Sorry to anyone I may have offended! I am horrible at blogging on a regular basis. I can't seem to find the time because people at school are always asking me to be on this committee or that focus group. I think I'm going to set aside time once a week to blog but then I never do. LOL. From now on, when I do blog I will make sure to give credit where credit is due.

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  54. Very valid points made here. I am a newer teacher blogger and I know personally that I took the time to research before deciding to blog and also developing a TPT store. I am also taking time with building my store because let's just be honest there are a lot of similar products/ideas out there and I want to post original ideas or give credit where it is due. I hope many take heed to this post.

    Denay
    The Gemini Teacher

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  55. I appreciate your advice! I have been following you for quite a few years now and you have been so helpful and inspiring. I do not have my own blog although have thought about it one day. I also do not have a TPT store but I do download a lot of products both free and paid. I think it is common courtesy to give credit and thanks each and every time. Your post is a great reminder to many (myself included, as I can forget) to be appreciative and do your research if you are creating a product based on an idea you've seen floating around pinterest or blogs. Thanks for all your wonderful work!

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  56. As a brand-new teacher blogger, thank you for the tips and advice!
    I often worry when I create something that I am imitating something that someone, somewhere has already made. I do get several ideas from textbooks, other bloggers and stuff I've seen pinned, but I change it to make it my own and hope that nobody else had the same idea!
    I try to always comment if I download a great freebie, but after reading how important it is to leave feedback in exchange for a free product, I will be more vigilant and make SURE to leave feedback.

    Thank you for the eye openers, Mrs Bainbridge!

    Mme Julie's Classroom

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  57. Great post! I'm kind of guilty of not always leaving feedback for the freebies I download. It's a bad habit, and I'm going to work to fix it.

    I've gotten so many good ideas and lots of inspiration from reading your blog. You've helped me change up my teaching in the past few years. So, thanks for that.

    Lori

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  58. Fabulous post! I think it needs to be said - and you said it perfectly! Thanks for this post!

    Rae
    Mindful Rambles

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  59. I agree this is Fantastic post and people need to hear it. I really enjoy all the Blogs and TPT and the Freebies. But your are exactly right about style, once I find someone who I like and makes products I like those are the first places I look when I am looking for something new. Great job!

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  60. Thank you for your post. I don't blog, and I am fairly new to TPT.. I am one of those that never thanks or even leaves comments about a product I have downloaded. I honestly never thought you (and others) had time for that. I was wrong - I apologize and I WILL start thanking and commenting.

    Again, thank you for the eye opener.

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  61. I agree with everything you said. I must say that I am at fault for not thanking you and all the other bloggers who generously offer free offers. I have followed your blog for a long time and you have certainly given me many new ideas. I have taught for 25 years and am still learning. Thank you again for all of your hard work.

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  62. Like a few have said before me, I'm new, as in this will be my first year teaching, new. I really appreciate this info! The last thing I'd want to do is be disrespectful of someones work. I've emailed other bloggers to make sure it would be okay if I mentioned them in a post I was writing. It was through asking questions and being as careful as could be, that I was informed of some tid-bits of blogging etiquette. You're quite the Emily Post, and I truly appreciate it!

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  63. Let me just say, I am so proud of you for standing up for what you believe in and sharing your thoughts out loud with others. It is obvious that you are well respected among your peers. And I couldn't be prouder. Love, Your Favorite Blog Stalker

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  64. A. I have been 'following you for years. I found your original website and am so glad that you kept it. There are a lot of great ideas on there and I go look there sometimes to see if there was anything I miss.
    B. I don't know how you do such amazing work and make it seem so easy. Amazing! You do amazing work and I am SO lucky to have one some flip books last summer- I can't wait to use them again this year!
    C. you inspired me to try to blog. I'm not sure how I'm going to use it. I have a classroom website but use it mostly to post helpful links for kids, important dates and info for parents.
    D. I have not been brave enough to try to post anything from TPT. I don't think things I have put together are as great quality as someone like you. Like you said- it takes progress- maybe I'll work on it.
    E. Keep the great ideas coming. You get me excited about teaching with all your ideas!
    Hope you are breathing!
    Megan
    Skill514@aol.com

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  65. Great post! Thank you for speaking your mind so eloquently. As a newer blogger, I am trying hard to heed the advice of those that came before me and paved the way. Hopefully everyone who reads this will think about what they are doing and how they are perceived within the teacher and blogging communities. Thanks again!

    Blair
    One Lesson at a Time

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  66. Wow! I'm so glad you posted this! I've been blogging and selling things on TPT for almost a year. Bless you for standing up for what you belive in. You are so right on everything. I've learned so much from fellow bloggers and the TPT forums. Thank you for your insight. You have great ideas and I've enjoyed following you over the past few months. Breathe and keep your head up high! You rock!
    Marcy
    Saddle Up For 2nd Grade

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  67. One word to describe those asking for freebies or claiming to have won products would be: "Wow!!!!" or even: "Really????"

    I have just recently started reading all the teaching blogs. I have learned so much from all of the wonderful, educated, talented, and creative teachers. I am ever so thankful to be surrounded by such amazing teachers.

    I am slowly learning the blogging etiquette. Thank you for teaching me & enlightening me. This was a great post to read; well written.
    I hope I have not stepped on anyone's toes in the meantime. If I have, I apologize because it was done unintentionally.
    Najda


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  68. Thank you for this post! I agree that these things simply need to be publicly announced every once in a while :)
    -Mo
    More Than Math by Mo

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  69. This was a very insightful post that all bloggers and non-bloggers should read! I have noticed while purchasing some clip art that someone purchased and commented on a product and then noticed that person had almost duplicated the product, now selling it in their own store! So sad that people actually do that!

    Thanks so much for the sale on your blog store! This morning I purchased your latest Grammar Snapshots as well as your Homework Club packet! Both I can't wait to use in my classroom this year! Thanks so much for your admirable work and fantastic blog posts!

    Jenna
    I've Got It Made in Second Grade

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  70. I think you are spot on with this post. Spot on. "Ideas don't come from Pinterest" really hit home with me. I created 2 anchor charts about a year and a half ago and someone pinned them from my blog to Pinterest. Great! But then I started seeing that they were popping up in many other places with no credit given back. Worse? Someone else copied the poster Word. For. Word. they even copied my decorative flourish and pinned it to Pinterest themselves. I see the "new" version of my poster at least once a week floating around Pinterest and it stings every time. They didn't comb through the standards to pick just the right words, they didn't take the time to craft anchor sentences... and yet who gets the traffic!?

    I am so sorry that this is happening to you with PRODUCTS! I know the incredible amount of time that goes into making each and every product and to have someone rip it off is so disheartening.

    Thank you for this post. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

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  71. Excellent post and as in any business there are honest people and others. I so appreciate everything I buy and have won and I always send an immediate thank you. But I am so guilty for not thanking bloggers for free items. I try to remember to send a thank you right away but then ... So thank you for bringing that to my attention.

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  72. LOVE your post! I love it so much I am going to share it through my FB page because it is a MUST read for any bloggers/TpT sellers out there! In fact, today I just got a new "like" on my FB page and then a private message that asked me to follow them on TpT and like their FB page complete with links for easy access I guess. Ugh! But thank you for saying what so many of us are thinking :)

    Heather
    2 Brainy Apples

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  73. Great post, Christina. Everything you said is so spot-on. I hope it makes it into the TPT newsletter- buyers and sellers who don't read the blogs should read it too!

    -Maria
    Everyone deServes to Learn

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  74. Well said! I hope new bloggers and TpT sellers READ this!! I have been a TpT seller for several years, and rarely do I see blatant copying - but it definitely exists. :-( Thanks for saying what needs to be said!

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  75. Thank you for reminding us of polite behavior. I so appreciate the work that such creative folk do and share. While I don't blog and I don't make items to sell (yes, I make things for myself and my team) I do appreciate the hard work that goes into making those items. So THANK YOU! and I will try to do better in the future.

    As an aside, I am sad that sometime I have missed a freebie because I am not on Facebook. However, that is my choice. Thanks for the offers! :)

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  76. Wow! You sure hit a great topic today! I had to scroll down to kingdom come to to get to the bottom! Nice work friend.
    When I started blogging, if I began following someone, I would always leave a comment and say "I'm your newest follower." I felt it was a way of saying that I had stopped by and so they could get to know me a bit. I don't get those kinds of comments anymore. So if anyone is reading this out there, I would love it if you are a new follower of mine, let me know. Tell me your name, leave me a comment (hopefully a nice one!) and if you have a blog leave me the link or name to your blog. I would love to come and visit you too!
    Patty
    Second In Line

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  77. I am yet another non-blogger/non-TpT seller/blog follower/TpT buyer who is thanking you for all the hard work, time, energy, and creativity that you (and others like you) share! Thank you!!!

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  78. Great post.....I hope you sleep well tonight knowing how many people appreciate all that you do !!! I do not blog or sell but follow and learn a lot. I always say thank you for a freebie, I am in awe of the creativity and generosity of people like you !

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  79. Thank you for all you do. I don't blog and I don't create and/or sell. I am new to following any bloggers so thank you for the education. I like many before me have stated don't leave comments until after I've had a chance to check out a freebie and with the "hops" and other multisite give aways that have a limited time frame I am haveing trouble finding where some things came from and that worries me that they may just be copied items, Again thank you for the lesson. I shall try to be more timely with my thank you's and comments.

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  82. Thank you for such an informative, honest post! I am dumbfounded at some of the things that people think they can get away with. I am currently getting my Masters in Education Technology and copyrighting is a constant discussion within many of my classes. It is definitely something that people need to be informed of. Thank you again for taking the time to write this post and for all of your hard work!

    Jamie
    3 Teacher Chicks

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  83. Wonderful post!
    As someone who is just getting started on my own blog I really appreciate you taking the time to give some great tips and advice to us newbies. :c)
    Take Care,
    ~Amanda
    3rdgradefabulous.blogspot.com

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  84. Applause for you! Thanks for taking the time and effort to lay it all out there. It is much appreciated!

    Lindsay
    For the Love of First Grade

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  85. Another non-blogger/TPT seller. I download a lot. I will be the first to admit that I don't leave feedback most of the time. The problem is I go through phases, I will buy/download a lot of freebies at one time, but not use them in my classroom or get a good look at them until a much later date. By the time I use them in my classroom, I have forgotten all about leaving feedback. So I apologize. I at a huge fan of yours and have used many of your products. I have a very difficult time conceptualizing and being creative. It is thanks to you and many other bloggers that I have a more creative classroom. So THANK YOU!!

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  86. Another non-blogger/TPT seller. I download a lot. I will be the first to admit that I don't leave feedback most of the time. The problem is I go through phases, I will buy/download a lot of freebies at one time, but not use them in my classroom or get a good look at them until a much later date. By the time I use them in my classroom, I have forgotten all about leaving feedback. So I apologize. I at a huge fan of yours and have used many of your products. I have a very difficult time conceptualizing and being creative. It is thanks to you and many other bloggers that I have a more creative classroom. So THANK YOU!!

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  87. Interesting post. It must be quite frustrating to see someone else claiming your work as their own. I don't sell on TpT, but today I downloaded a bunch of freebies. It's hard to leave feedback on freebies - as soon as I download it, nothing shows up on TpT to link back to the author or to leave feedback. So its a lot of effort to leave that feedback. Maybe this is something that TpT needs to improve.
    Sara

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  88. Just started blogging this month after mulling over the idea for 6 years...I have yet to share anything. I'm scared that my ideas will be too similar to someone else's or it won't be cute enough....I really appreciate all of your advice. I will take it to heart!

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  89. It's just sad to hear teachers behaving so poorly. I'm so sorry to hear this. I have yet to sell products on TPT because all of the copyright laws scare the death out of me. One day, I will be brave, until then I'll keep making freebies and studying other bloggers so that I can learn from their ways. This was a great post, no reason to feel nervous over it at all. Way to be brave girl!

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  90. I absolutely love this post! It bugs me so much that some teachers just want to make money and are copying other people's products. I'm afraid we are attracting more people to our blogs and stores and some of those people aren't as creative as the top sellers and think copying will bring them followers. The top sellers are the top sellers for a reason and I think others need to realize that copying is not going to get them there. In most cases, other sellers realize and will not support that teacher.
    I've also had a huge problem with people giving away my stuff for free when it is a paid product on TPT. I found over 20 of my products offered for free today. I can't believe a teacher would do that to another teacher!

    Swimming into Second

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  91. I appreciate all bloggers and sellers and hope this hits home with the copycats. You are offering your God given gifts and talents to us and we appreciate you all!!

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  92. Well said Christina! I have a TpT store with 3 products in it because every time I feel like I need to create something...someone else already did and it's a 1,000 times better, so I am a buyer...and I thank you so much for making such great stuff, so I don't have to after all! ...and I will try to remember to thank all those freebies I download...
    ~Natalie

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  93. What a WONDERFUL post! Thank you so much for your honest, candid opinions. You represented the TpT and blogging community very well!

    Maria
    Kinder-Craze

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  94. Thank you for sharing. Some of the points that you made about copying and finding your own style is what has been keeping me from creating my own products. I get so excited about things that I see and I think "I could do that" but then it seems that I am unable to come up with my own idea. I don't want to just change one or two things because that is not fair to the original seller. I have been blogging for almost a year. I have not been consistent about posting and often seems like I just copy what I see and post similar stuff. Those of us that are newbies do need to know what the proper etiquette is. Unfortunately, as you said, some people don't really care.

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  95. This is such a great post. As a relatively new blogger, it's good to be reminded of blogging etiquette. Regarding leaving feedback on freebies, I've been guilty of not doing so. It certainly isn't intentional and usually only because my mind is scattered in several different directions. It is important though and such common courtesy that I am going to make a point of being much more mindful of it. Thanks again for such a thoughtful and honest post!

    Lori
    Life in Room 24

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  96. Great post! Thanks for the advice on how to make our own products. For some reason I never thought of looking on youtube.

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  97. Thank you for being honest even if it's not popular. It's so discouraging to know that people do take advantage of others' hard work and generosity. I don't know that everyone realizes how much time, energy, and even money has been put into these products.

    Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late
    Follow me on Bloglovin!

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  98. I am a very new blogger and have been rather paranoid about "breaking rules" so I greatly appreciate your advice. I have to say thatt before I started blogging, I never left feedback on free items from TPT because I wasn't reminded to do it like it does with purchases. Honestly, I didn't even know you COULD leave feedback if you didn't "buy" it. Another blogger mentioned this problem a few weeks back and it was a total DUH! moment for me. Since then, I try always to leave feedback and thank bloggers in their comments for all the AMAZING things talented people like you create. Keep up the good work!
    -Jen
    Tropical Teacher

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  99. I am glad to see your post! I am a newbie on TpT and I have been very careful to read all the information/handbooks put out by TpT as far as what is acceptable. I really scrutinize my work before publishing it because I want to make sure it is mine. Like many, I spend a lot of time perusing Pinterest, TpT and other sites for ideas to use in my classroom and I want to make sure I give credit to those due. I have not yet made the leap to blogging. I feel a bit intimidated by it, especially when I read some of the fantastic blogs out there. I was very excited today when I got an e-mail from TpT that I have made my first sale! It is not much but I feel like I won the lottery! I plan on continuing to create and maybe soon take that leap into blogging. In the mean time, keep posting great stuff because we all need these reminders! Thanks!

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  100. I think that this was a great post that all teachers who are in the blogging and/or TPT world should read! It was very well written! I would love it if more people left feedback!

    Primary Classrooms are Oceans of Fun

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  101. I had another seller ask me the other day what background and text I used in a product because she quote, "wanted to make something similar for her students." It really bothered me :(. I'm a new blogger and it's been super helpful to read the forums and blogs to learn the etiquette but it makes me sad that others don't take the time to research and learn what is right. I can honestly say that I always leave feedback when I download a freebie. If I don't have time to open the product right then and leave feedback, I make myself wait and download it when I do. Thanks for sharing.

    Stephanie
    The Learning Chambers

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  102. Well said and I am sure it was necessary. I do not blog or sell; I just share. Thank you for your endless dedication!

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  103. I am sorry to say I have forgotten to say thanks a few times for freebies I have grabbed and will work on that. Your stuff is amazing and your freebies have given me great confidence when purchasing all your other items I know own. You are appreciated. THANK YOU! Also I give you kudos for speaking your mind and doing it so well- You have earned a lot of respect in my book.
    Michelle
    inlikeflynnm@yahoo.com

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  104. Christina,
    A very well-written post indeed. Thanks for the reminder :) Tell your hubby thanks for picking my number! I'm so excited to have the weekly grammar assessments. I'm a first year teacher so any help I can get is tremendous!

    Brenda

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  105. I am guilty of downloading things and not posting a comment. No excuses, just didn't. I apologize and will work on that.

    Thank you so much for speaking your mind and putting it out there. In this day and time a lot people are all about themselves and will stoop to new lows to get whatever they want.

    I admire you, your advice, and your products. I've been following you for several years now and you inspire me to be a better teacher. Thank you for everything you do and ALL the things to provide teachers everywhere!

    On a fun note, I think you are now a household name among teachers. When you say something about Christina Bainbridge, MOST teachers know exactly who you are!

    Thank you again.

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  107. Christina-
    You have had over 100 comments so I'm not sure what more I could add to what everyone hasn't already said. However, I will try. I think your blog is wonderful as well as your TpT store. I even put you on my blog recently as receiving a "Principal Stamp of Approval." I am a principal and constantly looking for great resources for my teachers. Your blog has been shared with my staff several different times. I couldn't begin to duplicate any of your items because it wouldn't be at the level of your talent. Keep up the good work!
    Stephanie from Principal Principles
    http://thenewprincipalprinciples@blogspot.com

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  108. This is such a wonderful and meaningful post. Don't feel guilty about what you said, it is true and needs to be said! I began this blogging journey a little under a year ago, and I have admired and looked up to bloggers like you from day 1. You have your own unique style and flair, and you do what you do best! I have been working towards my own niche and flair, and I think everyone should try and do the same :) Thanks for being YOU and so inspirational. You truly are a model teacher!

    Amelia
    wherethewildthingslearn

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  109. Thank you! I just received a comment today on TpT from someone complaining about how I made something. I was heartbroken all day. I have been blogging for a little over a year and just love it, but get upset when others complain. I rarely receive feedback on my products. Thank you again for a much-needed post!
    Darleen
    Third Grade Love

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  110. I can't believe someone made their TPT products to match others. I have myself posted something and then I have seen something similar later but they weren't copies.

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  111. I love this post for the simple reason that it highlights ALL my experiences as a blogger and a TPT seller.Clones, drones, ingratitude...the works! I also find that many sellers are making freebies that are so huge that buyers don't even take a second look at the priced ones! That's insensitive to me. But then again, some who say that It's a case of sour grapes. What do you think about that?


    Nicole
    A Teacher's Idea

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  112. I know this might make me unpopular, but it works both ways.

    I contacted TPT about a seller who took stuff basically from books and just changed the graphics...the wording was the same. They said there is nothing they can do. It is the honor system. To be honest I feel like a lot of the stuff on TPT is all starting to look the same...that is why I slowed down buying it.

    I also do not like how basically you have to give good feedback. Now if I don't like something I just don't give feedback. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with a product, but it just wasn't that great...LOL

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  113. Along with the many other bloggers and sellers responding to this post, I thank you for taking the time to express your concerns about what's happening on TpT these days. I am a brand new blogger and want to know the rules and etiquette of good blogging and selling. Thanks for your honest take and your advice. It needed to be said and hopefully we will all become more diligent in being more respectful about the things we post, sell, and receive.

    Reading this post sounded like I was hearing it from someone who sincerely wanted to lovingly correct the situation, speaking the truth in love. Thanks for your tough love. I am sure we will all be more mindful of our behavior from now on.

    Lori

    Mrs. Ross's Science Class

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  114. I was wondering when this would be said!
    It is also disheartening for readers/followers to hit a great idea someplace and think "Haven't I seen this before?" I try really hard to only buy/download originals- but that is not always easy.
    Glad you spoke up!

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  115. Thank you so much for doing this post!! We SLP bloggers have had a lot of discussions about this recently, and you articulated it so beautifully! Thank you so much for writing what a lot of us were thinking!

    Carissa
    Home Sweet Speech Room

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  116. I am sure that this will echo the previous hundred+ comments above but I still wanted to leave my thanks. I am just entering my 2nd year of teaching. I recently decided start following blogs and just found yours today :) In my first year of teaching I would frequent blogs and TPT to find great ideas and products. I am guilty of never leaving a single comment on purchased or free products. Honestly, my thought was that you popular bloggers must get so much traffic that my simple comment would just be background noise. However, you post has definitely helped me change that thought around and I THANK YOU for that. I am in the process of going back on all purchased products to leave my feedback and attempting to find freebies that I have downloaded.

    I have toyed with the idea of starting a blog but have always been nervous of copying people's ideas and not giving credit where credit is due. Thank you for having the guts to write this post and help us newbies out there understand proper blogland credit. It truly is a wonderful resource and I thank you for all your creative, original ideas!

    Lindsay

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  117. This is the best post I have read in quite a while. I think every blogger and blog reader should read it! Pinned and shared! Thank you for writing it!

    Jenn
    Crazy Speech World

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  118. An awesome post! You really made me think. In fact, I was drafting a post where I had used the term "Pinterest Idea" and because of you, I took the time to go back and look at the blog the "idea" came from so that I could give credit where credit is truly due. I comment on everything I download on TpT, freebies or not. I also got a chuckle out of your reference to word docs. I will admit that my first TpT products last year were what I would refer to as a "hot mess", in doc form, ppt form, you name it. I can't begin to tell you the amount of stress I felt when someone would email me and tell me that it wasn't formatted correctly on their computer. My gosh, I have learned so much in a year...and I'm happy to say that all of those files have been updated to PDF by now!

    Love your blog!

    Mrs. O
    Mrs O Knows

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  119. Thank you so much for writing this post...even at the cost of tossing and turning, know that it is truly appreciated. Thank you!!! I loved the part about interacting with the blogger-world and it isn't "If you blog it, they will come." That cracked me up. As a newbie-blogger, I just started up this summer (Does that make me a "blog-bie?" LOL!) - I'm always reading and searching for the proper "etiquette" and tips to just keep improving! Thank you again. "Sing"-cerely, Tina

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  120. Thank you for this post. I am just getting ready to 'launch' my stores and I am trying to get all of my 'ducks in a row' including spending time checking on all of the fonts and graphics I have gathered over the last many years and checking on all of their TOUs. I KNOW years ago I downloaded a LOT of stuff from your website. THANK YOU!!! Your website was one of the first I found years ago & I loved all the resources you shared. When you started your blog it felt like a 'celebrity' was joining the blogging world! How exactly do I access the TpT forum...I just glanced around their site and may have overlooked it, but I would LOVE for someone to look over my 'stuff' before I 'launch'. I am trying very hard to do all of this right, and I have been disturbed by some of what I have seen & read of some individuals choosing to do!
    Thanks,
    Nancy
    The Apple Basket Teacher

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  121. I am a long time blog reader and a TPT purchaser. In the earlier part of this year I became a blogger and a seller! I so appreciate the words you have said here today. Even though I haven't been "in" this world for a long time I feel like I know the rules since I have been following it for so long. I am shocked that people would downright steal other people's work. There is no excuse for stealing to me. If someone already did it and did a great job- leave it alone. It's not yours! Thank you for the courage to say what needs to be said!
    Deirdre
    A Burst of First

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  122. Can I just please say THANK YOU! This has been an issue in the speech world too and I am so thankful somebody had the guts to just say it like it is. It's not easy and I find when this issue gets brought up people get all kinds of defensive. Great great great great post!

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  123. Thank you. I'm sorry that you felt unsettled about posting and I hope you feel better about it now. I am not a blogger, but I do read them and take part in freebies on TpT. I didn't realize that the comment was so important. I was sure others were commenting so mine wouldn't be missed. You have made me more aware of this. Thanks so much for helping teachers with your freebies and so much more. I would never ask someone to change something of theirs for me and I am shocked that others would. It is what it is. It's free so they don't have to take it. If they don't like it, they can make their own. Sometimes my thought of the day at school is "Can't we just get along for the next hour, day, week, etc." I guess that applies on the internet too.
    Sara

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  124. Thank you Christina for speaking up. I'm a newer blogger & Tpt seller, but I've already experienced some of the things you've mentioned, especially the lack of a thank you after downloading a product, whether it be free or paid. I always leave a comment, even if it's just a thank you. When I started selling I didn't think anyone liked my stuff because there were no comments on it, until I stumbled across the stats for my products & saw how many times things had been downloaded, then I felt a little hurt. It does take a lot of hard work & time to create that stuff & a simple thank you would be greatly appreciated. So THANK YOU for standing up & saying something.

    Stephanie
    PolkaDotPalace

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  125. I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks for your post! As a new blogger, I have worried about proper blogging etiquette. I do not have a TpT store, but I have always appreciated those of you that so willingly share so many wonderful ideas.

    Thank you for all that you do.
    Tina
    Flamingos and Butterflies

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  126. Thank you, very well, and politely said. All your points are reasons I, myself have had a hard time growing my TpT store. I am terrified of copyright and making sure my product cannot be mistaken for someone elses. Thanks again for saying what needs to be said!

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  127. Great post. I am fairly new to the blogs and postings, but I can see where you are coming from. I haven't started a blog, but have thought of it. Your insight and comments make it that much more encouraging and actually, a bit daunting. I would want to treat other bloggers and sellers as I would want to be treated. So, thank you, again!

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  128. Great post! As a new blogger I think it is a great reminder! I have thought the same thing about citing pintrest. Just the other day I was going to post something that I adapted from a pin, but couldn't find it. I decided not to post it and to keep trying to locate the pin.
    I like that you ended the post with what to do. Both the dos and the don'ts are good lists!
    Pam
    http://mrspspecialties.blogspot.com/

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  129. Thank you for this information. I am just getting started with both blogging and selling on TpT. My blogspot is actually a few years old but I've only recently linked to my TpT store.
    I had created some posters for Whole Brain Teaching and put them up in my store. A week or two later, a friend who is a veteran in the WBT community wrote me a message that it had to be offered as a freebie. I immediately changed them and realized that I should have asked more questions before putting them up. It's all about "live and learn."
    It helps when someone writes an article like yours. Thanks again.
    Debbie
    http://inthelifeofamusicteacher.blogspot.com/

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  130. Super valid points. I know you must feel good to see so much support. A few bad apples sure can spoil the fun, can't they? It is a shame.

    I am new to blogging and have not gone down the road of TpT because, to be honest, it is so nice to throw very little money, comparatively speaking, at a beautifully created product made by another teacher. As I am starting a new year in a new grade, it has made my life so much easier. The creativity on that site blows me away!

    Life is really very simple on all counts. We teach the Golden Rule. It is the background of my classroom. We need to practice what we preach.

    Good for you, girl!

    Lisa

    Fluent in Fourth

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  131. I continue to work on my blog and am trying to get it up to speed. I like to create some materials for personal use and really appreciate all the tutorials out there, they are so helpful! I hope that the people out there not following the rules listen to their conscience and STOP! There are so many amazing teachers sharing their ideas through blogs and TPT!! Remember, you catch more flies with honey :)

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  132. Thank you so much for your post and your freebies. As someone who is trying to go from a paraprofessional to a classroom teacher, I have been surfing blogs, TPT and everything I can find to gather resources of things I might be able to use and things that have worked for someone else in the past. If the freebies weren't available, I wouldn't be able to afford everything I find and it changes every single day as I am learning. I have a massive wishlist on TPT because I can't afford those items yet. But, anyway, THANK YOU!

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  133. Wow! I'm totally new to this whole blogging and TpT thing. Was thinking about developing something to put on TpT but don't have any ideas yet.I would NEVER copy someone else's work. I'm totally discouraged from both

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  134. Thank you Christina! I am new to TpT (started last fall) and blogging (started in April). I will say Mrs. Deedee Wills was an amazing inspiration and help as I had emailed her some questions before starting my blog. I would recommend this tip to anyone who has an inspirational blogger or creator out there. As said above, we are here to build a community and are welcome to help share tips and other ideas to try to make things as easy as possible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this!!

    Christin
    Shifting Teacher K-2

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  135. I have read something similar on another blog and it truly saddens me that this needs to be said to educators. I try my best to say either a thank you on TPT or on teacher's personal blogs, simply because I do appreciate the ideas that are given to me. You should never apologize for saying something that clearly needed to be done.

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  136. Thanks for your wise words. As a newer blogger, I do my best to respect other, more seasoned bloggers. Also, thanks for sharing about the Dr. Seuss/D5 info. I had no idea! Luckily, I was not in violation of those copyright issues, but you better believe I will be checking the forums for more info. Also, on the freebie note, I have not been as good as I should be on saying thank you. Part of the problem for me is that I put the freebies that I find on my wishlist and download them all from there. I suggested to TPT that they put in place a feedback system similar to what they do for paid items. I love being able to go to "My Purchases" and see who I have and have not thanked and that system would work well for free items too. They said they have received similar feedback from other users, and they are working on it. Until there is a change, however, I will be more careful with my freebie feedback. (As a seller, I have had the same issue. My featured freebie has been downloaded almost 1300 times and has TWO pieces of feedback....)

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  137. I'm just a buyer on TPT (and appreciate all the work you sellers do! THANK YOU!!). I posted a request for an item this evening and have had two sellers direct me to their store. They are both new sellers and didn't have what I was looking for, but as I was browsing their stores, I noticed they were selling Daily 5 products!!! I sent them both to your post and the TPT forum! LOL!

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  138. I <3 this post.... every time I read it.... :)

    …andtheyallfalldown...

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  139. So I just want to say a great big THANK YOU! I am one of the new blogs on the block and I really appreciate all you advise. (I loved your 'random husband number generator"!

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