Owen Lowe wrote:

Consider
that this phenomenon of wide-spread sharing only goes back 25 years or
so. I have heard and read many times that the turning community appears
to be unique in that successful turners are so willing to give of
themselves so that others may learn. Will imitation to make sales bring
about the demise of the open community?


I believe that the 'give of themselves' to make ends meet - maybe a little
ego massage also. Consider that most painters of the 16th-18th centuries
had loads of pupils (cheap labor) and that many of the pupils went on to
paint in the style of the master. It didn't seem to bring about the demise
of the market, or the system.

When does something become a copy? When does it merely reflect the style of
the master?