Traveling is so much easier when you’ve got talented friends and family that are willing to share some great (sometimes embarrassing stories) as Guest Bloggers. Today’s Guest Blogger is my nephew(-in-law), Tom. Tom and my niece have their hands full with a rambunctious, inquisitive, curious and playful, soon-to-be 2-year-old boy. The Little Guy is definitely all-boy and keeps them on their toes! A short while back (during the NCAA tournament), Tom spent a day at home with The Little Guy and just had to share the special experience.
Without further ado, here’s Tom :
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I love my son. We play together and he adores me to the point my wife is becoming green with envy. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have one day during the work week to just spend time taking care of my boy. That day, however, was a test.
Some background info is needed. I had been trying to occupy as much time as possible that day because I had to fast for a life insurance physical at noon. So, as I was scarfing down my sugar-free chocolate pudding at 8 p.m. the night before, I was trying to think of what I could do to keep my mind off snacking and my butt out of the kitchen. Sleeping would certainly take up 6-8 hours, but I needed more.
I decided to wait until late that night to fill out my NCAA tournament brackets. After my wife and The Little Guy went to bed, I started filling out my sheets. My buddy runs a pool and set it up online for the first time this year. I usually play two sheets in his pool but there was a problem with the site and I could only fill out one bracket. I alerted him via e-mail that night, assuming it was too late to do anything.
I awoke around 9 a.m. and showered and got ready to start my day. I had the baby monitor by me in case The Little Guy woke before 10 a.m. As I was getting dressed, I looked in on him and he was still asleep. The phone rang and it was my buddy telling me the website issue was resolved and I could fill out my second bracket. At the same time, The Little Guy was stirring. I was conflicted. What could I do to buy time, fill out my second bracket and keep him safely occupied? I had planned to give him a bath before I took him downstairs for his breakfast.
I ran the bathwater and got him undressed and prepared for his bath. After washing him, I decided I would let him splash around for a bit with his tub toys. He has foam letters and a miniature basketball net with three colorful balls he “dunks.” Lately, he had started dunking his letters and getting them tangled in the net. A perfect time to submit my final bracket on line.
I could hear an ESPN talk show on TV in the background and I was intrigued by some of what I was hearing. I figured I would grab my laptop and listen at the same time. However, I was afraid if I brought the laptop into the bathroom, my son would splash me and damage the computer. I decided to sit on the steps facing the bathroom, close enough to hear the TV in the bedroom. I could see my boy’s perfectly round head over the wall of the tub and I acknowledged him so he knew I was right there.
I have to admit, I was trying to tune him out so I could hear ESPN but his splashing got louder and louder. I was getting increasingly frustrated and as I looked up to tell him to settle down I saw the impossible… he had pooped in the tub and slam dunked one!!!
Panicked, I snatched him out. He was not smeared but his hands were gooped up. I was worried if he was done and fearing he would “grow another tail” while I went to wrap him up in a towel. Luckily, he was finished. I cleaned him up, dressed him, kissed him and put him down. But that boy has mad skills. He b-lined for the laptop, put a move on me, reversed his footing and ran straight for the tub. I got to him just I time and put him in his crib. Cleaning the tub would be a daunting task, so I called a time out, sat down and filled out my final bracket, just in time.
I recouped and started the daunting clean-up. He was playing with some toys in his crib, so I had time. Sadly, the three “fudge rolls” dissolved into a field of 64. I found myself “panning” for toys like a 49er during the gold rush. As I narrowed the field from the “S__t 16 to the Final Four,” I knew victory was at hand. All that was left was to cut down the poop-filled net.
So, to sum it up, I was able to complete my fasting for, after this, I had no appetite at all, thanks to my dear son. I got my bracket in and, even though The Little Guy gave me a sign from God, I decided not to pick “Duk-e” again.
It was my “One Shining Moment.”
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Okay now, I KNOW all you mom’s are now laughing not AT Tom, but in support of him as we all know, it could have been you with a similar mess!!!
Showing posts with label Guest Bloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guest Bloggers. Show all posts
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Guest Blogger, "The Friend" - 25 Reasons I owe my mother
We’re still on the road but a friend is Guest Blogging for me today. My friend, who wishes to remain anonymous here, will be known only as “The Friend” . “The Friend” home schools and recently reminded me of why Mom is the best teacher for our children. After all, Mom is our first teacher. She begins to shape and mold our lives right from the day of conception. Hopefully, she will have the opportunity to continue educating us for many years. “The Friend” provided these 25 things their Mom taught them while growing up.
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25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.”
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
“Because I said so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me IRONY,
“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
“This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate.”
13. My mother taught me about the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
“Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
“Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on. Don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
“You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you !”
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So, were y’all home schooled, too?
Maybe you should thank your Mom.
---------------
25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.”
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
“Because I said so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me IRONY,
“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
“This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate.”
13. My mother taught me about the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
“Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
“Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on. Don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
“You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you !”
-------------
So, were y’all home schooled, too?
Maybe you should thank your Mom.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Guest Blogger, Rhena - Craft Balance
In a few weeks, my family, replete with parents, husband, multiple siblings, SOs and children will head off for the beach on the Jersey Shore. It will be a lazy week. And we will spend it lounging seaside, eating sweet Chesapeake Bay blue crab, and, when we’ve had too much family together time, walking alone or in pairs in the sand and on the splintery grey boards at the bird sanctuary. 
The stresses of jobs and creating and writing and day-to-day family life will seem a million miles away and so I will inevitably ask my two nephews (8 and 5) and my niece (2) what they want to be for Halloween. October will seem far enough away that I can convince myself that it might just never come at all and so promises for elaborate, handmade costumes will slip easily from my lips and into their ears. We will discuss colors, materials, and details and it will only be months later, when I am sitting under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights in Joanne’s Fabric’s pattern section that I will wonder why I made such promises.
I have debated knitting a time vortex of some sort so that I can have more hours in the day, but if science fiction has taught me nothing else it is that playing with time always leads to trouble. And so I must inject into my life a little reminder of the joy that comes from crafting an item for a friend rather than for a sale. I will hunker down and sew the curtains because I know that every morning, when I go to take a shower, I will be grateful that they are what they are and not a plastic sheet. I will finish my husband’s sweater because when he zips it up and smooths it over his chest and belly, I will know that it was my hands that are keeping him warm this winter. This October when my sister and her husband are embarrassingly thankful for the costumes, I will rely on my husband to remind us that I love to do this. And the kids will smile or, as 8 year old Desi did last Halloween, will look in the mirror, puff out his chest, hold his wooden sword, and exclaim, “I look like a real knight!” I will remember that no sale could ever match that.
The stresses of jobs and creating and writing and day-to-day family life will seem a million miles away and so I will inevitably ask my two nephews (8 and 5) and my niece (2) what they want to be for Halloween. October will seem far enough away that I can convince myself that it might just never come at all and so promises for elaborate, handmade costumes will slip easily from my lips and into their ears. We will discuss colors, materials, and details and it will only be months later, when I am sitting under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights in Joanne’s Fabric’s pattern section that I will wonder why I made such promises.
“Because you love making these costumes every year,” my husband will remind me.
And it’s true, I love making them and I love making baby blankets and purses and embellished onesies and scarves and sweaters for my loved ones. It was making these things after all, that brought me from hobbyist to small business owner.
But, as I’m sure many other crafters have experienced, my “crafting for business” time has taken over my “
crafting for family” time. A sweater I promised for my husband TWO (yes TWO) Christmases ago sits zipperless and unhemmed in a plastic box. In another, a baby play mat that was originally intended for a friend’s child who is now much past needing “tummy time” waits, unquilted. My dad’s Christmas present from last year is a mass of yarn and needles. A plastic sheet covers our new (by which I mean, a year old) bathroom because I haven’t made the time to sew the fabric into curtains. It’s not that I don’t WANT to complete these projects or that I love these people any less, it’s just that crafting for sales has stolen my focus. Besides, there are summertime bonfires and trips to the bakery and walks around the lake to be had. And the tips of my fingers are already raw and bleeding from creations for the shop.
crafting for family” time. A sweater I promised for my husband TWO (yes TWO) Christmases ago sits zipperless and unhemmed in a plastic box. In another, a baby play mat that was originally intended for a friend’s child who is now much past needing “tummy time” waits, unquilted. My dad’s Christmas present from last year is a mass of yarn and needles. A plastic sheet covers our new (by which I mean, a year old) bathroom because I haven’t made the time to sew the fabric into curtains. It’s not that I don’t WANT to complete these projects or that I love these people any less, it’s just that crafting for sales has stolen my focus. Besides, there are summertime bonfires and trips to the bakery and walks around the lake to be had. And the tips of my fingers are already raw and bleeding from creations for the shop.Is this one of those situations of what happens when a “passion” becomes a “job?” Will I ever be able to make the time?
I have debated knitting a time vortex of some sort so that I can have more hours in the day, but if science fiction has taught me nothing else it is that playing with time always leads to trouble. And so I must inject into my life a little reminder of the joy that comes from crafting an item for a friend rather than for a sale. I will hunker down and sew the curtains because I know that every morning, when I go to take a shower, I will be grateful that they are what they are and not a plastic sheet. I will finish my husband’s sweater because when he zips it up and smooths it over his chest and belly, I will know that it was my hands that are keeping him warm this winter. This October when my sister and her husband are embarrassingly thankful for the costumes, I will rely on my husband to remind us that I love to do this. And the kids will smile or, as 8 year old Desi did last Halloween, will look in the mirror, puff out his chest, hold his wooden sword, and exclaim, “I look like a real knight!” I will remember that no sale could ever match that.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Guest Blogger, Dawn (and Nikki) - "Better Than Cake" Cake
Okay, I had to ask everybody for a little assistance in pulling off these blog posts while I’m traveling this week. Today’s Guest Blogger is my niece, Dawn, (who, incidentally, is also the one responsible for getting these posted correctly each day while I’m gone!)
I wanted to run Dawn’s daughter’s really easy, tasty recipe and I wanted Dawn to do the intro. So, take it, Dawn ….
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This is a cake that Nikki makes and everybody likes -- including M. my sister-in-law, who doesn’t like cake! This is how the name came about.
Nikki made this and, since she didn’t want to hurt her feelings, M. tried it. Well, M. liked it so much she ended up eating 3 big pieces of it !!
After Nikki and M. finished their last of many pieces, they both decided to attack my last bite. The two of them, armed with forks, were fighting for MY last bite and they ended up sending the piece flying in the air. You can probably guess who ended up wearing the piece. ME !!!
Of course, they thought it was hysterical. After it landed on me, it bounced off onto the table and the two of them went in for the kill. I had the last laugh though, sort of. Not realizing where the piece landed, I put my elbow down on the table just as the two of them were going after that piece and, YUP, I put my elbow right in it !!!
“Better Than Cake” Cake
1 Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Yellow Cake Mix
1 can Pillsbury Funfetti Vanilla Frosting
10 Oreo cookies
Mix the cake as directed on the box.
Chop about 4 or 5 cookies into small pieces and add to the batter, mix and pour into a 13” x 9” pan.
Bake per instructions on the box.
Once the cake has cooled, frost it and then add the Funfetti sprinkles.
Chop the last of the Oreos and spread on top of the icing.
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Thanks, Dawn and Nikki !!
I wanted to run Dawn’s daughter’s really easy, tasty recipe and I wanted Dawn to do the intro. So, take it, Dawn ….
----------------
This is a cake that Nikki makes and everybody likes -- including M. my sister-in-law, who doesn’t like cake! This is how the name came about.
Nikki made this and, since she didn’t want to hurt her feelings, M. tried it. Well, M. liked it so much she ended up eating 3 big pieces of it !!
After Nikki and M. finished their last of many pieces, they both decided to attack my last bite. The two of them, armed with forks, were fighting for MY last bite and they ended up sending the piece flying in the air. You can probably guess who ended up wearing the piece. ME !!!
Of course, they thought it was hysterical. After it landed on me, it bounced off onto the table and the two of them went in for the kill. I had the last laugh though, sort of. Not realizing where the piece landed, I put my elbow down on the table just as the two of them were going after that piece and, YUP, I put my elbow right in it !!!
“Better Than Cake” Cake
1 Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Yellow Cake Mix
1 can Pillsbury Funfetti Vanilla Frosting
10 Oreo cookies
Mix the cake as directed on the box.
Chop about 4 or 5 cookies into small pieces and add to the batter, mix and pour into a 13” x 9” pan.
Bake per instructions on the box.
Once the cake has cooled, frost it and then add the Funfetti sprinkles.
Chop the last of the Oreos and spread on top of the icing.
---------------
Thanks, Dawn and Nikki !!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Guest Blogger, Woolly Boo - HOW TO PROTECT WHAT IS YOURS
While I am on vacation, there are a number of Guest Bloggers helping me out. Today’s Guest Blogger is Selma from WoollyBoo who is presenting some excellent MUST READ info on protecting your work from others and your personal assets, should someone be injured by one of your creations. PLEASE take time to read this important information. Selma has done a fantastic job of describing various aspects of these issues and presenting the facts in clear, concise language that we can all understand.
***WoollyBoo is a mother/daughter team that makes all natural products for your baby’s healthy and peaceful sleep. They produce mattress covers, comforters and pillows of 100% natural cotton and unprocessed wool. No chemicals are used in their production process. These materials contain naturally occurring deodorant and mildew barriers that prevent the development of germs that cause odor and material breakdown. The fine wool allow air circulation shown to have a calming effect on babies. Please take some time to check out their shop. I’ll tell you more about them once I return from my trip.
---------------
HOW TO PROTECT WHAT IS YOURS
Reading the Community pages on Etsy, I’ve noticed a lot of posts about various copyright, trademark, or patent infringements, especially in the last few months. And the community members have given some really good advice. To make sure the information is available to all Etsians, I’ve consolidated it into this article. I know it looks a little long, but trust me, you want to read this. If not for any other reason than for your general education. For those that decide to take this route, I hope these simple steps help you along.
Protect yourself and your assets
There has been some discussion whether or not it is necessary for Etsy Sellers to incorporate. The short answer is no. But, here area few things you should consider. For example, do you own a home or a car or some stocks? Why am I asking this? Bear with me, since I have one more question for you. What happens when one of your customers develops a serious allergy that lands them in the hospital, and the doctors trace the allergy to some of the ingredients in your product? Then your customer decides to sue you, regardless of how much they like you or your product. Health care bills are very high these days. So, the judge says you now have to pay for the hospital bills. You say: “I can’t afford it. I’ve only sold three pieces this month for a total profit of $25.” Then the judge says: “What else do you have that we can sell?” See where I’m going with this? Protect yourself. It’s only a few minutes and less than $150 to register a company on your own in any of the states. Or you can pay Legal Zoom $650 and click your mouse twice. Whichever. No judgment here.
Here are the links to a few states and their Department of State or Secretary of State offices that have jurisdiction over the new business registrations:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/filing.html
http://www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.htm
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/forms.htm
http://www.corp.delaware.gov/howtoform.shtml
I’ve also included a link for Delaware, since most large companies choose to register there. Why? Delaware has very favorable corporate laws. It’s simple as that. But, sellers beware - should you choose to register in Delaware, most other states require you to file “Foreign Entity” registration, otherwise you can’t operate. That’s another $125.
Note: To maintain the registration, you are required to pay an annual tax. In Delaware, it is $250.
Congratulations, you now have a profound right to collect Sales Tax, which you can fork over immediately to your state government and hope they repair the highways as they have been promising for years.
Now that the State knows I exist, what next?
Now comes the tricky part: if you only registered with your respective state, when you go to open your checking account, the bank is asking for your FEIN. FEIN? What is FEIN?
FEIN is your Federal Employee Identification Number. Technically, you only need it if you have employees. But, if you’ve done this before, you know that everyone and their mother is asking for your FEIN - your bank, your credit card issuer, UPS, FedEx, your local Costco. No kidding. It’s like the Social Security Number for your business. Here is the link where you can apply for one:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0..id=102767.00.html
Protect your name and your logo
This refers to the name of your company (your name could be Sarah Jones, and you incorporated as Sarah Jones, Inc. or Sarah Jones, L.L.C.) as well as the name of your products, which could be one and the same, as in my case (Woolly Boo L.L.C., the owner of Woolly Boo TM). I read a post recently where one of the comments stated that more and more sellers are using a TM sign next to their names and the names of their products. Then, shortly after that, there was another post from a different seller about Taggies TM, and, I am paraphrasing, a comment to the effect of “try making something with tags and see how fast you get slapped with a lawsuit.” So, instead of despairing about yet another highway robbery of your name, why not be on the other end of the equation and be the one slapping people with lawsuits. Granted, we are artists who want to create and not be bothered with all this paperwork. To those I say, I hope you have a really, really good lawyer or nerves of steel and really thick skin.
To protect your name and logo, you have to file a claim with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You can find the instructions and forms here:
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
Note #1: You don’t have to file a Trademark protection in order to use the (“TM”) designation. Why? Because it’s what is called a “common law” - when you start using (“TM”), you’ve put the world on notice that this is your property and nobody else has a right to use it. Very simple.
Note #2: Should you still decide to register your name and your logo, please be aware that it costs $250 per category - $250 for the name and $250 for the logo. If you decide to register colors in the logo, or specific font, that’s another $250 each. So, take it slow. To protect the broadest spectrum of rights, stick to the simplest options. For example: Tribeca Film Festival in New York only registered their name, which gives them a very wide field of operation. It also allows them to change their logo, poster concept, and color combination every year, if they decide to do so.
Note #3: Before you do anything, check the trademark database, TESS. Just in case someone already had a same idea as you.
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4001:cdnt0n.1.1
Note #4: The Service Mark (“SM”) also falls under this category, as I’ve noticed a few Sellers that provide services on Etsy.
Protect your words and images
Copyright infringement seems to be a HUGE issue on Etsy. Sellers are lifting the whole shop and product descriptions. They’ve also taken photos, regardless of how bad the resolution, and used them, if not on Etsy, then on other unrelated sites. First of all, that is very uncool. Period. If you have a writer’s block, well there are a number of people on Etsy that can help you with that. Maybe even people that are selling the same product as you. Just ask.
The copyright law is rather simple as it relates to Etsy Sellers. To quote USPTO: “The copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted, but this would only prevent others from copying the description; it would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine.” See, simple.
If you want to proceed with registration, here is the link:
http://www.copyright.gov/
The fees are actually not that cost prohibitive, if you are filing just a few things.
Note: It used to be required to write “All Rights Reserved” or “Copyright by…” or (c) on your work, but that is no longer the case. Most nations in the world now follow what is known as Berne Copyright convention. What that means is that everything that was created in the U.S. after April 1, 1986 is protected regardless if you can see the notice or not. But, it is also true that if you post a notice, it will make people think twice about copying your work without notice (see the end of this article).
Protect your work
Patent protection is the hardest of all. Did you really make something that nobody else in the world has ever made before? Think long and hard. The patent protection is also governed by the USPTO. Here is the link:
http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm
If you decide to go this route, I strongly suggest you get yourself a good lawyer. This is a long and expensive process, as the government does not grant patents that lightly.
In conclusion, you can do all of these things, or none at all, or any combination - it is truly up to you. You should also note that Etsy is a pretty good source of information. Check out the Copyright FAQ below. It’s more legalese than what I’ve written and you may prefer to read that.
http://www.etsy.com/faq_copyright.php
Happy selling!
Note: The above article is for information purposes only. It does not constitute a legal advice, which you can only get from your legal representative. Woolly Boo L.L.C. does not claim to be an expert in the field of business registration or any other legal form, and should any of this information prove to be incorrect, the article will be amended accordingly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the laws governing the registration of businesses and related subjects, you should consult your legal representative.
(c)2009 by Woolly Boo L.L.C.
***WoollyBoo is a mother/daughter team that makes all natural products for your baby’s healthy and peaceful sleep. They produce mattress covers, comforters and pillows of 100% natural cotton and unprocessed wool. No chemicals are used in their production process. These materials contain naturally occurring deodorant and mildew barriers that prevent the development of germs that cause odor and material breakdown. The fine wool allow air circulation shown to have a calming effect on babies. Please take some time to check out their shop. I’ll tell you more about them once I return from my trip.
---------------
HOW TO PROTECT WHAT IS YOURS
Reading the Community pages on Etsy, I’ve noticed a lot of posts about various copyright, trademark, or patent infringements, especially in the last few months. And the community members have given some really good advice. To make sure the information is available to all Etsians, I’ve consolidated it into this article. I know it looks a little long, but trust me, you want to read this. If not for any other reason than for your general education. For those that decide to take this route, I hope these simple steps help you along.
Protect yourself and your assets
There has been some discussion whether or not it is necessary for Etsy Sellers to incorporate. The short answer is no. But, here area few things you should consider. For example, do you own a home or a car or some stocks? Why am I asking this? Bear with me, since I have one more question for you. What happens when one of your customers develops a serious allergy that lands them in the hospital, and the doctors trace the allergy to some of the ingredients in your product? Then your customer decides to sue you, regardless of how much they like you or your product. Health care bills are very high these days. So, the judge says you now have to pay for the hospital bills. You say: “I can’t afford it. I’ve only sold three pieces this month for a total profit of $25.” Then the judge says: “What else do you have that we can sell?” See where I’m going with this? Protect yourself. It’s only a few minutes and less than $150 to register a company on your own in any of the states. Or you can pay Legal Zoom $650 and click your mouse twice. Whichever. No judgment here.
Here are the links to a few states and their Department of State or Secretary of State offices that have jurisdiction over the new business registrations:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/filing.html
http://www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.htm
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/forms.htm
http://www.corp.delaware.gov/howtoform.shtml
I’ve also included a link for Delaware, since most large companies choose to register there. Why? Delaware has very favorable corporate laws. It’s simple as that. But, sellers beware - should you choose to register in Delaware, most other states require you to file “Foreign Entity” registration, otherwise you can’t operate. That’s another $125.
Note: To maintain the registration, you are required to pay an annual tax. In Delaware, it is $250.
Congratulations, you now have a profound right to collect Sales Tax, which you can fork over immediately to your state government and hope they repair the highways as they have been promising for years.
Now that the State knows I exist, what next?
Now comes the tricky part: if you only registered with your respective state, when you go to open your checking account, the bank is asking for your FEIN. FEIN? What is FEIN?
FEIN is your Federal Employee Identification Number. Technically, you only need it if you have employees. But, if you’ve done this before, you know that everyone and their mother is asking for your FEIN - your bank, your credit card issuer, UPS, FedEx, your local Costco. No kidding. It’s like the Social Security Number for your business. Here is the link where you can apply for one:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0..id=102767.00.html
Protect your name and your logo
This refers to the name of your company (your name could be Sarah Jones, and you incorporated as Sarah Jones, Inc. or Sarah Jones, L.L.C.) as well as the name of your products, which could be one and the same, as in my case (Woolly Boo L.L.C., the owner of Woolly Boo TM). I read a post recently where one of the comments stated that more and more sellers are using a TM sign next to their names and the names of their products. Then, shortly after that, there was another post from a different seller about Taggies TM, and, I am paraphrasing, a comment to the effect of “try making something with tags and see how fast you get slapped with a lawsuit.” So, instead of despairing about yet another highway robbery of your name, why not be on the other end of the equation and be the one slapping people with lawsuits. Granted, we are artists who want to create and not be bothered with all this paperwork. To those I say, I hope you have a really, really good lawyer or nerves of steel and really thick skin.
To protect your name and logo, you have to file a claim with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You can find the instructions and forms here:
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
Note #1: You don’t have to file a Trademark protection in order to use the (“TM”) designation. Why? Because it’s what is called a “common law” - when you start using (“TM”), you’ve put the world on notice that this is your property and nobody else has a right to use it. Very simple.
Note #2: Should you still decide to register your name and your logo, please be aware that it costs $250 per category - $250 for the name and $250 for the logo. If you decide to register colors in the logo, or specific font, that’s another $250 each. So, take it slow. To protect the broadest spectrum of rights, stick to the simplest options. For example: Tribeca Film Festival in New York only registered their name, which gives them a very wide field of operation. It also allows them to change their logo, poster concept, and color combination every year, if they decide to do so.
Note #3: Before you do anything, check the trademark database, TESS. Just in case someone already had a same idea as you.
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4001:cdnt0n.1.1
Note #4: The Service Mark (“SM”) also falls under this category, as I’ve noticed a few Sellers that provide services on Etsy.
Protect your words and images
Copyright infringement seems to be a HUGE issue on Etsy. Sellers are lifting the whole shop and product descriptions. They’ve also taken photos, regardless of how bad the resolution, and used them, if not on Etsy, then on other unrelated sites. First of all, that is very uncool. Period. If you have a writer’s block, well there are a number of people on Etsy that can help you with that. Maybe even people that are selling the same product as you. Just ask.
The copyright law is rather simple as it relates to Etsy Sellers. To quote USPTO: “The copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted, but this would only prevent others from copying the description; it would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine.” See, simple.
If you want to proceed with registration, here is the link:
http://www.copyright.gov/
The fees are actually not that cost prohibitive, if you are filing just a few things.
Note: It used to be required to write “All Rights Reserved” or “Copyright by…” or (c) on your work, but that is no longer the case. Most nations in the world now follow what is known as Berne Copyright convention. What that means is that everything that was created in the U.S. after April 1, 1986 is protected regardless if you can see the notice or not. But, it is also true that if you post a notice, it will make people think twice about copying your work without notice (see the end of this article).
Protect your work
Patent protection is the hardest of all. Did you really make something that nobody else in the world has ever made before? Think long and hard. The patent protection is also governed by the USPTO. Here is the link:
http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm
If you decide to go this route, I strongly suggest you get yourself a good lawyer. This is a long and expensive process, as the government does not grant patents that lightly.
In conclusion, you can do all of these things, or none at all, or any combination - it is truly up to you. You should also note that Etsy is a pretty good source of information. Check out the Copyright FAQ below. It’s more legalese than what I’ve written and you may prefer to read that.
http://www.etsy.com/faq_copyright.php
Happy selling!
Note: The above article is for information purposes only. It does not constitute a legal advice, which you can only get from your legal representative. Woolly Boo L.L.C. does not claim to be an expert in the field of business registration or any other legal form, and should any of this information prove to be incorrect, the article will be amended accordingly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the laws governing the registration of businesses and related subjects, you should consult your legal representative.
(c)2009 by Woolly Boo L.L.C.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Guest Blogger, Fred - Thrifty Finds !
My friend, Fred, is our Guest Blogger today, lending a post while I'm away:
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Everyone is looking for fun stuff to do in a tight economy. If this is the case for you, don’t forget your local thrift store.
I have heard of many a crafter finding a prize at a thrift store. Expect the unexpected when you go. Not only are there great used items there, but you are bound to find brand new items at a great bargain as well.
With the recent interest in going green and recycling, what better place to go? If you like to embellish clothes, you are all set with racks and racks to choose from. Picture frames, art and other home décor items are readily available. Furniture ready to be restored (or made more funky) is waiting to be picked up. Jars, vases, pitchers, glasses, etc ready for that little embellishment that you have to offer.
Besides all the crafty items ready for you to pick up, going to a thrift store is just plain fun. Take your kids or grandkids there for a different shopping experience than they are used to.
For a fun little shopping trip that will be sure to provide a bargain or unexpected inspiration, go check out your thrift store and you’ll be helping out the community while you do it!
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Thanks, Fred !!
Fred is the webmaster at CraftBuddy.com, a social gathering place for crafters of all skill levels in all sorts of crafty endeavors. Those who join and participate in CraftBuddy are truly a circle of friends as evidenced by the friendly banter that fills the various forum threads there on a daily basis. Look for a long in-depth post here about Craft Buddy in August. In the meantime, why not stop over and check them out for yourself. Here's a short-cut to get your there!
---------------
Everyone is looking for fun stuff to do in a tight economy. If this is the case for you, don’t forget your local thrift store.
I have heard of many a crafter finding a prize at a thrift store. Expect the unexpected when you go. Not only are there great used items there, but you are bound to find brand new items at a great bargain as well.
With the recent interest in going green and recycling, what better place to go? If you like to embellish clothes, you are all set with racks and racks to choose from. Picture frames, art and other home décor items are readily available. Furniture ready to be restored (or made more funky) is waiting to be picked up. Jars, vases, pitchers, glasses, etc ready for that little embellishment that you have to offer.
Besides all the crafty items ready for you to pick up, going to a thrift store is just plain fun. Take your kids or grandkids there for a different shopping experience than they are used to.
For a fun little shopping trip that will be sure to provide a bargain or unexpected inspiration, go check out your thrift store and you’ll be helping out the community while you do it!
---------------
Thanks, Fred !!
Fred is the webmaster at CraftBuddy.com, a social gathering place for crafters of all skill levels in all sorts of crafty endeavors. Those who join and participate in CraftBuddy are truly a circle of friends as evidenced by the friendly banter that fills the various forum threads there on a daily basis. Look for a long in-depth post here about Craft Buddy in August. In the meantime, why not stop over and check them out for yourself. Here's a short-cut to get your there!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Guest Blogger, "The Dog" - If a dog was our teacher...
We’re still wandering the Midwest, so here are few more words of wisdom from another Guest Blogger, "The Dog".
The sweet little gal in this picture is a member of our family. She’s my niece-dog, Angel. Isn’t she beautiful ? I took this shot, but if you’d like to see more pics of this darling, please visit my niece’s photography site at Deviant Art and her Etsy shop.
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If a dog was our teacher …
This is great advice !!!
If a dog was our teacher, you would learn stuff like:
*When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
*When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience !
*Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
*Take naps.
*Stretch before rising.
*Run, romp and play daily.
*Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
*On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
*On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
*No matter, how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
*Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
*Be loyal, Never pretend to be something you’re not.
*If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently
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Not bad advice, huh ?
The sweet little gal in this picture is a member of our family. She’s my niece-dog, Angel. Isn’t she beautiful ? I took this shot, but if you’d like to see more pics of this darling, please visit my niece’s photography site at Deviant Art and her Etsy shop.---------------
If a dog was our teacher …
This is great advice !!!
If a dog was our teacher, you would learn stuff like:
*When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
*When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience !
*Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
*Take naps.
*Stretch before rising.
*Run, romp and play daily.
*Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
*On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
*On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
*No matter, how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.*Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
*Be loyal, Never pretend to be something you’re not.
*If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently
---------------
Not bad advice, huh ?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Check out the plans for the next 15 days !
It's been a really busy and hectic day here, getting ready for starting our road trip tomorrow. I started early and I've still got quite a bit to get done. I'd rather stay up late and have just about everything ready to walk out the door before going to bed. That way, all I have to do in the morning before leaving at noon is shower, dress, pack coolers and nibbles into the car and make my final internet contacts before turning the machine off for two weeks! Then off to pick up The Big Guy from work and we're hitting the road.
Since there will still be somebody here at the house, I had to be sure there was some food and such here and I did a fair amount of housecleaning today. I also did some baking to take with us. (Those darned blueberries must be multiplying!!) There are still a few things needed here at home that I hope to finish before resting tonight.
I know I'll be going through withdrawal since I won't have computer access for the whole trip!! My shop is marked, showing I'll be away and any incoming orders won't be processed until 7/30. I haven't forgotten all of my Dear Readers, either. I've gathered a great bunch of Guest Bloggers who are providing some great articles for you and I've prepared some posts in advance just so you won't forget me.
Check out what's showing in this space for the next 2 weeks:
Be sure to look for a fantastic piece by WoollyBoo on Monday telling you how to protect yourself from various business liabilities and how to protect your work from various craft pirates out there who are lurking all around the web just looking to grab up ideas and descriptions and use them as their own. It's a long article but includes some really important information for anyone running an online shop.
Later in the week, Rhena, of Larsandaddie, will discuss balancing your business craft life with your personal creating. Other Guest Bloggers will be talking of thrift store treasures, mother's wisdom and a Dad's adventures in babysitting. There will be some humorous pieces and some thought provoking items. For those that enjoyed Bill Elliott's sculptures last week, there's an interview with Bill.
Some of these Guests have shops, blogs and websites of their own. Please stop in and see them at their own places after meeting them here. I'm sure they'd like the company!
I'm hoping to find a few minutes to post tomorrow but, at the moment, I'm making no guarantees.
So, please go out there an enjoy yourselves for the next two weeks and be creative and inventive while I'm gone. I'll want to hear all about it when I get home.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Blueberry Orange Bread
I’m STILL working my way through the blueberries!!! There’s bread baking now, again!! (It freezes great!!!)
Many of you have asked for the bread recipe, so, here by popular demand is the recipe for
Blueberry Orange Bread
2 T butter
¼ C. boiling water
1 T grated orange rind
½ C orange juice
1 egg
1 c sugar
2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powderCombine the butter with the boiling water. Add 1 T orange rind and ½ C orange juice. Set aside.
Beat the egg and sugar until fluffy.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture alternately with the orange juice mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix well. (Batter will be thick.)
Fold in the blueberries.
Spoon into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350° for 55 minutes (or until toothpick inserted in bread comes out clean).
Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
If desired, you can make a glaze using 1 tsp orange rind, 2 T orange juice and 2 T honey to drizzle over the bread. I usually do not glaze mine. If you are planning to freeze your bread do not glaze before freezing.
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 C fresh blueberries
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Guest Bloggers?
As some of you know, we will be heading West on Friday to visit my Mother-In-Law and other family members. In between gathering the many things needed for the trip, doing laundry, organizing for the packing, and figuring what I need to do here at home for those not traveling, I'm busy putting together some posts to leave for your reading pleasure while I am on vacation. I've lined up some humorous pieces, an in-depth interview or two, a few helpful tips and some guest bloggers. If any of you would like to post as a Guest Blogger, please contact me ASAP. I need to have copy and any photos in my possession by noon on Thursday so I can review the piece and pre-post it. So, if you have something to say, please let me hear from you.
---------------
Well, I've got more berries to do something creative with, laundry to switch and lots more to do so i need to get a move on. Talk with y'all again tomorrow.
Many of you have asked for the bread recipe, so, here by popular demand is the recipe forBlueberry Orange Bread
2 T butter
¼ C. boiling water
1 T grated orange rind
½ C orange juice
1 egg
1 c sugar
2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powderCombine the butter with the boiling water. Add 1 T orange rind and ½ C orange juice. Set aside.
Beat the egg and sugar until fluffy.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture alternately with the orange juice mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix well. (Batter will be thick.)
Fold in the blueberries.
Spoon into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350° for 55 minutes (or until toothpick inserted in bread comes out clean).
Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
If desired, you can make a glaze using 1 tsp orange rind, 2 T orange juice and 2 T honey to drizzle over the bread. I usually do not glaze mine. If you are planning to freeze your bread do not glaze before freezing.¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 C fresh blueberries
---------------
Guest Bloggers?
As some of you know, we will be heading West on Friday to visit my Mother-In-Law and other family members. In between gathering the many things needed for the trip, doing laundry, organizing for the packing, and figuring what I need to do here at home for those not traveling, I'm busy putting together some posts to leave for your reading pleasure while I am on vacation. I've lined up some humorous pieces, an in-depth interview or two, a few helpful tips and some guest bloggers. If any of you would like to post as a Guest Blogger, please contact me ASAP. I need to have copy and any photos in my possession by noon on Thursday so I can review the piece and pre-post it. So, if you have something to say, please let me hear from you.
---------------
Well, I've got more berries to do something creative with, laundry to switch and lots more to do so i need to get a move on. Talk with y'all again tomorrow.
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