This week, something has really been bothering me. I've been fighting the good fight since 1998, trying to curb digital copyright infringement of crochet patterns. Unfortunately, what I'm seeing now is getting more disturbing than I've ever seen.
Each day, I see about a dozen or more "sponsored" ads on Facebook for what is clearly infringement. I'm specifically seeing bundles of crochet patterns, mostly amigurumi, that are at impossible prices. If you see a bundle of "200 patterns for a regular price of $300 but now available for $19.99", you've got to question that. It doesn't even make sense.
What you're seeing is a culmination of stolen crochet patterns from other designers and publications, manipulated by artificial intelligence to make you think you're getting a bargain.
They may hook you with an AI-generated image that's not even
included in the bundle. You'll get no pattern support if you have questions. There's no telling whether the patterns will even work.
I've seen too many people duped by these patterns being sold on Facebook, Pinterest and even Etsy! There are entire shops on Etsy with AI-generated patterns that will not produce the image in the
photo.
The only thing that can be done is to get to know the designers. Read the About pages on the websites to make sure there are real people behind the work. Most designers also have a presence on Ravelry, which is checked regularly by a couple dozen editors to ensure identity.
Stay close to your favorites and sign up for their newsletters. I certainly don't want you to fall prey to these tricksters, especially during this time of year, when every dollar counts.
