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Saturday, August 20, 2016

ETHICS



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I should have known it was coming.

I began my journey of sharing my art on social media in about June of 2012 after I retired from nursing and was able to go back to doing my art full time.

I LOVED the idea of being able to share with you what I was in my studio learning and experimenting and I have made so many wonderful friends on this journey......


I never dreamed that people actually watch another artists hard work on You Tube, and take their workshops they have prepared long and hard to put together and teach it as their own.
until now...
I'm not stupid....I'm not naive....but I was a little too trusting.

and there were red flags....a gut feeling.... and then it happened.
I can't prove it, but all the signs point to it and a little birdie whispered in my ear.
A student who came into my studio, took my online classes and pretended to be my friend has now gone out and taught what she learned from me as her own ideas.

Lesson learned.
and there probably are more than her.....
She was just pretty obvious.

It makes me want to stop.
It makes me want to withdraw all of my online workshops 
(and I have withdrawn one as a result of this)
It makes me want to stop blogging,
It makes me want to stop You tube videos,
It makes me want to stop sharing on facebook....
It makes me want to stop....
but I can't....it is who I am.
BUT, I will be more cautious....
there probably will be things I will stop and think about before I put it out there for all the world to see.

Am I saying "don't share anything you learn from me" ?
Absolutely not....but remember the ethics of sharing....
Give credit to the person you learned it from.
And don't go out and teach it as your own.

So, aside from the "sting"...this made me think about my beginnings in social media, so I have linked below 
a bunch of my "firsts"
They are kinda fun to look at.
Enjoy and be nice to the people who work hard to instruct you.
Don't be stabbing them in the back.


(I have 103 to date!)

(I tweeted a lot at first then nothing for a long time and more now)

And have no idea the firsts on these social medias but here are links if you would like to check them out.




Thanks for the time,
Suzi




27 comments:

  1. That just stinks!! So sorry that happened :(

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  2. So sad. I too have felt the sting of supposed friends who betray. I actually have never been betrayed by an out and out enemy. It has always been by someone I trusted. So like the enemy of our souls to sneak in like a wolf in the guise of a lamb. May God double your blessings.

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    1. Thanks for your words Christine. Yes...it, unfortunately, is usually someone you trusted. This too shall pass :) God bless you.

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  3. Oh Suzi...I'm so sad for you. I hate that this artist took advantage of your sweet generosity and kindness. I pray that God will heal your heart quickly. Love you! Jackie

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  4. I spent my work life as a librarian and have counseled many people that copying anyone's work without giving credit is a legal issue & could result in legal actions.
    I'm appalled that anyone would copy your techniques without giving credit.

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    1. She's not copying my work per se...I don't "think"...but she is taking what I teach in my workshops and teaching it herself. I don't have a copyright on what I teach...so she can legally do it...it's about the ethics. She obviously has none...Thanks Carol

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    2. You are right of course, Suzi. I am glad that you will continue to give workshops and mini workshops. I have learned so much.

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  5. Just think you are now famous enough that people want to copy you.....I throw my art out into arterspace for others to do what they want.....my friendship that's a different matter.......Her loss. To be able to say Suzi Dennis is my friend...now that would be something. mraz

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    1. Arterspace!! LOL!! I like that Arlene :) Don't know about the famous part...I think it is just a need to feel important. Sad really.

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  6. So sorry this happened to you, Suzi. I have only taught at a local level, and I would be very unhappy if someone else started teaching the same class nearby. It’s one of the reasons I hesitate to teach online. I would like to sell on Etsy at some point. I am a fellow retired nurse (OR). I have met so many nurses, working and retired, making art. I think it is because we have to be creative as nurses sometimes, and we’re used to being busy. When I was a student nurse at Bellevue Hospital (1960’s), we used the corners of the sheets to give bed baths, and prayed the linen arrived that day!

    I hope you will continue what you have been doing! So many of us would be very disappointed if you did.

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    1. Thanks Jan! Yeah, I'm sorry too...in a way...but in a way, it may have helped me to be more cautious. And Yay!! Fellow nurse! You know, you are right...I know lots of retired nurses who do art. I was an artist long before I was a nurse, but had to make a living! LOL!! I don't go back as far as you but did get my nursing in 1979 when you still wore white uniforms (dresses) and the little nursing cap!! Boy..those days are gone forever! Thanks!

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  7. I'm so glad this sad experience has not stopped you from sharing your beautiful work with us through YouTube videos and online classes. I have learned so much from you and consider you one of my treasured inspirations. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks much Rita! It's good to know it has been enjoyed and appreciate by the majority. I appreciate it!

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  8. I truly hope you wont let the ignorance of one put a cloud over how you share your amazing talent, wonderful personality, creativity and kindness. I believe in Karma and trust that it will come back to her soon. I dont know the person who betrayed your trust, but in trying to find some good out of this, maybe she doesnt know what she is doing it so unethical? or not? Keep the faith, there are more kind and loving people out there than not and hopefully this will be the only time something like this happens. Please do not stop sharing your artwork. You are such a wonderful teacher and I love when I see your blog post in my email.

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    1. Oh thanks Suzieq :) I'm still here and will still be sharing....just using more caution. I do appreciate your words and your support!!

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  9. I can't believe this happened. Please don't leave this space. I love it. It makes my day!
    Kisses!

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  10. Hi Suzi - I am so sorry this happened to you.

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  11. I am really sorry this happened to you - some people are so lacking in ethics.. I love your work/technique but due to the abysmal Aussie exchange rate I have to be frugal with classes I take. The dream/pondering 'one day I will take a Suzy Dennis collage class' is now looking rather doubtful. Very sad.

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  12. hugging you and leaving big paint handprints on your back...

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    1. Oh thanks Phyllis! Those are the best hugs!! :))

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  13. Most people who take art or craft classes and a lot of other classes learn first that they can't take it and teach it as their own. They can't copy it and sign their name to it. It is stealing plain and simple. What hurts the most is when a "friend" does this. The loss of trust really stings. Don't let this rob you of your joy and your trust in others. Hang in there Suzi!

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