Hm.... Interesting...

About 2 years ago I presented a really good idea to a manufacturer and
thought we had a deal. To make a long story short, I got ripped off --
they don't think so but I do. Further, their implementation of my idea
was pretty poor. This time I'm going to do it myself. And this time
I've improved the idea some more.

Probably, none of the various items I'm working on right now is
patentable. Further, some of them (one in particular) is so simple to
make that one could make a reasonable likeness on a weekend with some
pretty crude tools. I have no objection to somebody doing that -- more
power to them.

But, I do have an objection to a company stealing the idea and trying to
make a profit.

Now, let's say that some company does steal one of my ideas. I'm hoping
that there are enough knowledgeable turners around that they will
recognize I developed it and buy from me rather than them. This
newsgroup is the perfect spot to let the world know what the product is
and that I developed it -- that is my intention.

So, my asking the question here had two purposes, really. One to get
the needed information and the second to let the turning world know that
I'm cooking up something and will post more information as soon as possible.

I think that we, as a group, should refuse to buy ripoff products --
especially when they are being sold for exactly the same price as the
copied product, as is the case for the Jet-Tormec -- whoops, it is
spelled with a 'k'. BTW, I am not a Tormek user, do not think it has
any place in the turning shop, but that's not the issue here.

Product development requires time and money. The best ideas come from
individuals and mom-and-pops, not giant companies. If individuals feel
that they have no chance to make a few dollars with a product because as
soon as it becomes successful they will be ripped off, they won't bother
trying to commercialize the idea. So, we all lose because lots of good
ideas never see the light of day.

Bill

Arch wrote:
Hi Bill, You are much respected here as a valued contributor and as an
ethical and sucessful businessman. Your request is perfectly
reasonable, but to keep your invention secret why would you ask the
questions on a widespread ng? The internet being what it is, I doubt
that you will rely on the answers anyway (no slam at respondents
intended). I know you don't need a vanity product so it is likely of
enough potential to meet the profit plans of larger manufacturers. If
not it would seem to be another hunting license for quick copying by mom
& pops. I suppose the secrecy could be a legitimate way to generate
interest, but it is obvious that I know very little re this facet of our
craft.

Bill, many of us have ideas for a product related to woodturning with
high hopes for a sucessful whizbang, but most of us are naive and lack
your proven expertise. Without revealing your product and time allowing,
would you consider offering some guidance (or a musing 'G') re the
rewards, pitfalls and necessaries of attempting to develop and/or market
an innovative woodturning product? Others _with experience_ might want
to chip in unless derision masked by comedy drives them away.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


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