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POSTED BY: mphillips
UPDATED: Wednesday, February 1, 2006 11:24
VIEWED: 2561
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MPHILLIPS

Saturday, January 28, 2006 12:22 PM

I need some thoughts on something that's been bugging me for a bit..I've gotten a lot of requests from browncoats wanting to buy my originals.. While I'd like making extra money I don't feel right about accepting money for something I didn't create. From an ethical point of view (not to mention a legal one) What are your guys thoughts on this?

mphillips

NUCLEARDAY

Sunday, January 29, 2006 1:26 PM

Ethically, I don't see a problem, so long as both parties agree on what they think is a fair amount. You put time and effort into something, it came out great, go ahead and make some money :P Also, putting a price on something creates value. Think of it as insurance that the buyer will take care of it. Much less likely to get lost, miss-placed or damaged if they know they paid good money to get it, right?

Plus, if you're talking about the sketches you've done from screencaps, it's still your creation, right? It's your interpretation of that scene. You're taking it out of context and inserting your own emotional values to it.

My only question would be legal... Used to do a website for a guy that did airbrushes of Marvel and DC characters. Made enough money from that that he was able to quit his day-job, and never got into any legal problems, but I don't know just where the line is drawn, or if maybe those companies have a different policy.

Anyways, that'd be my 2 cents. You buy the Firefly DVD or something, and you feel good that your money is going to support a worthy cause. I'd assume your fans would feel the same way about buying one of your originals. I'd say your ethics are just fine, just worry about the legal stuff.

JETFLAIR

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 11:24 AM

Not sure if it's fair of me to comment on this, being one of those who wants to buy your originals! But since I want to talk you into it, I'll have my say:)

First off, there are several people on ebay who sell Firefly art prints. Not saying that one fact means it's okay, but it is common practice. Reportedly, Joss Whedon has one of them hanging in his office.

Second, you could always use the money to buy official merchandise, supporting the franchise. I have dealt with this delemma myself, selling Firefly and Serenity jewelry stuff. I feel okay about it for one thing because I keep my prices low...low profit margins mean I'm just trying to get a little back for my time and not exploit the series.

Almost all of the money I have earned has gone right back into purchasing Serenity stuff, the majority of it official.

From a legal point of view, Joss has encouraged fan merchandise.

Also, your art is exceptional. People seeing hanging on a wall, they'll ask questions. Perfect way to talk someone into checking out the series:)

The source material is not yours, but the time and effort and talent you put into your art most certainly is, and I wouldn't be ashamed of getting some benefit out of it. Especially if you keep posting your works here for everyone to enjoy, print or whatever for free and just sell originals or prints to those who ask for them:)

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