Newbie Observations

[shad309]

First and foremost, I am happy that I have joined this forum. I found it to be a pleasant escape from some of the other forums that are abusive, abrasive, bitter, unfriendly, and not helpful.

However, I have found that some of the same "tensions" leak over from time to time.

I'm surprised at how quickly someone can get offended by perceived design copys. I have lurked on hunting & call making forums for a couple years and from my untrained eyes it appears that most calls look very much alike regardless of who makes them. Sure there are subtle differences and sometimes a unique "signature" to a call.

If you need proof, look no further than the NWTF Convention photos. Take a hard look at the calls on the tables. It looks like 3 or 4 callmakers made all of them..... I'm serious. Brick, check, thumbhole, hole patterns, strikers, it is all very similar.

Now I'm not saying that you don't make anything unique! Don't get something in a bunch. I'm just saying that it appears to be very difficult to do something that hasn't been done before. H311, I haven't even finished my first call- which I thought was original...... Well after I started, guess what?!?!?! Someone already makes something like that. Now I have to think of how I'm going to make it different and whether or not to post pictures and risk someone calling me names and what not.

Just a little something for you fellers to chew on for a bit. I know that you were new and just starting out once yourself. The bickering about copying someone kind of turns off a newbie wanting to get started. But then again, maybe that's the idea....

Just my 2 pennies.

[3CB]

How's that saying go, Those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it!  . Like two gobblers, when another gobbler steps in his zone there is going to be some trouble.

Have fun, chase some turkey's and above all PRAISE GOD that we get to hunt em!

[Bulldogmikey]

Good post and glad to have you! Yes it is the best site going!

Mike

[Shadetree Callers]

 Sorry I have to step in here for a second. First let me say that we are ALL following in the footsteps of prior callmakers and there isn't a lot of new stuff going on with calls. That said , I would add that although that is true, there are many callmakers who do have there own style. I personally borrow styling from three different deceased callmakers in the design of my longbox . But I am not blatantly copying anyone. Still, most people familiar with my callers could pick them out from a group of other longboxes.  I also do some things on my Lynch style calls that set mine apart. While they are subtleties, they are things that make my calls unique to me. I can look at all the calls at Nationals and I can tell you who made almost every call just by observing them, especially boxcalls. There are even things that are evident on potcalls and strikers that makes them identifiable to someone familiar with a callmakers works. These are things we do intentionally to make us unique among the many other callmakers.
 What you consider bickering , is actually callmakers standing up for what makes their calls special. Many of us are trying to feed our families with callmaking and we feel it necessary to defend our livelihood. And you will see that when there is an issue with someone "borrowing" a bit too much, then other callmakers are going to step up and call you out. There is a comeradarie between us that causes us to look out for each other and even collectors will notice a call that looks too much like another callmakers work, and they will make notice of it to us. If you want to borrow someone else's style, I would suggest taking from those who have already left the callmaking world. And always pay homage to those who influence your style. Never assume that a call is just a call when it comes to the design. Always pay close attention to other callmakers styles and try not to copy anyone who is currently making calls. This is our bread and butter. It's no different than if someone were to clip one of your fine photos and use it for their personal reasons. Think about how that would make you feel toward the person "borrowing " your picture without paying for it. I like your pictures and I feel like it would be wrong for someone to take them without asking.

 There are scruples involved with anything creative, that require others , to not borrow too heavily , lest you intrude on someones way of life and income! If everyone will do the right thing , then we can all get along fine. 
 That is my two cents worth, thanks for listening.
Bob

[shad309]

Bob,
I understand everything you have said. Trust me, I know all about photos etc... being stolen.

Direct copies are wrong, no bones about it. I agree with paying homage to the originator of a design idea. It's the same with my works. My copyright allows someone to use or manipulate my photo for backgrounds/screensavers as long as it's not for commercial use and they have to credit me for my work through attribution.

I have had a couple of callmakers ask to use my photos in their calls. I am flattered when that happens!!!! I am always willing to work with someone on those things.

Would it be ok with you if I or someone else made a call and mimicked some of your design but called it the Shadetree style? Is it better if we ask first or by giving it a name to suggest where the idea came from enough? Just wondering for my own personal knowledge. Like I stated before, I'm new and wanting to get into this but am very hesitant for good reason. I don't want to step on toes and I do want to make something my own. I see many items by you and other call makers that I think are wonderful and great ideas. I have some ideas (what I think are my own) and then I see it on someone else's calls. It's very difficult.

I appreciate all your help and comments, it helps us all out!

[Shadetree Callers]

 I think it is best to borrow from deceased callmakers unless you know the builder and have their blessings to use their style. Thanks for having the respect to ask and find out what is acceptable. Most living callmakers sre making money selling their calls and would prefer to keep their style as their own !
Keep up the great work on those pictures bud !!

[shad309]

Thanks for the info! I'm sure others will find it to be very useful as well.

See, that's what makes this site better!!!

[GR8CALLS]

 Guys, the only difference between borrowing from someone who has passed away and someone living is...the deceased callmaker can't complain. The designs (cosemtic) can make a call differnt in appearance but the basics are the same...these calls are ment to call turkeys or whatever other game they are intended for. I realize that a great deal of time and money is spent by each callmaker to achive their goals....but copying is going to happen.

 I manufacture furniture, and pay some very high prices to have designs done that are exclusive..."should be"....but, I have a constant problem w/ my designs being copied..both in the US and from off shore. If you want to spend your time in court or in a constant bickering battle, you will never get full justice....nor will you have piece of mind. Sometimes it is better to accept the old addage....."copying is the finest from of flattery". I take pride in knowing that although my product may be copied....it is just that...a copy, and it will never be done w/ the same quality.

Bill

[Gobbleking57]

Guys, the only difference between borrowing from someone who has passed away and someone living is...the deceased callmaker can't complain.

I think Bill makes a most valid point here on this subject.....You can only distinguish yourself from the rest with good sound..sound that kills turkeys in the field....only thing that separates the good from the average....