Earlier today David Sugalski aka The Polish Ambassador took to Facebook to address an issue that had been on his mind concerning fan-created merchandise. Although he’s pleased with the community that has grown around his music and movement, he called into question people who are profiting from his likeness. He said his first reaction to the community making art was,
“Cool, another way to connect with fans, so I created the TPA community cooperative where you guys create merchandise based on the likeness of Polish, and we split the profits after selling it on the TPA website.”
Although this idea is great, Polish has been seeing things pop up online without his consent or official agreements to where the profits will be portioned. This is where Sugalski really impressed me. Instead of ranting about getting ripped off, he opened a discussion with his fans about what the next course of action he should take concerning fan created merch. He went on to say,
Let me say, it’s all very flattering. I’m honored you guys are feeling connected enough to this project that you would invest your energy and time in creating this rad art.
Here’s where I’m at with it. I’m clothed, have shelter, good food, good community… my needs are met. That said, TPA and Jumpsuit Records are things I pour my entire life into, and there is a question (without a solid answer) if some sort ethics are being compromised here.
Even so, is there even a solution? I mean, I have no interest in tracking down or chastising anyone for this sort of thing.
His reaction above shows Sugalski realizes that trying to shut down everyone creating original works based on his image is unrealistic and probably impossible. He could commit a team of people to scour the internet and shut down the people creating the art that they are selling, but that type of approach would probably do more harm than good. Why would he want to piss off the same fans that allowed him to make a living off his music?
Rather than simply open up a conversation about open-source vs. paid merchandizers, Polish goes on to propose some potential solutions. He says,
Maybe occasionally I’d get a paypal donation with a note that said….
“Hey Polish, I made 30 hats with your likeness, so I wanted to kick you some cash! Here’s $200 clams. Take your crew out to dinner!”
That might be a nice surprise
Or maybe one day, someone would post on my wall….
“Hey Polish, I sold 100 TPA pins I created” and in your honor me and my friends planted 100 trees in our hometown. Here’s a photo, and I’ve tagged all the friends who helped with the project.”
I could get behind that
I’m also very aware that they’re is a lot of “me” and “my” happening in the world right now, and there’s a lot of folks that are out to take the money and run.
I wonder if there’s a way that the TPA community could hold the art creators accountable? Maybe you guys could say to the creator of the art online or in person.
“Hey, that’s a sweet TPA hat. Who did you donate to on behalf of TPA?”If it became common knowledge that in order to create TPA merchandise and sell it without consent, there was this sort of community accountability agreement that half the monies were going to an organization in need, then it would make me feel great, and I would be in support.
These are all awesome solutions while still allowing people to create his likeness without his consent. The mindset isn’t to persecute and punish, but rather to respond and evolve with the situation. He closes saying,
Of course, if this happened then an awesome conversation about this awesome organization ensues. These sorts of things create more story in the world and stories create more beauty and richness in life. I could certainly get behind that.
Like I said, I don’t have a solution here. As you can see, I’m leaning toward opening the flood gates, but I want it to be done in a way that serves something more than “the me.”What do you guys think? Ideas? Thoughts?
Will you join me in this dialogue?
Polish closes with an invitation for his fans to discuss with him further and people are going off in the comments with support and feedback. If his post is any indication I’m sure David will take everyone’s comments into consideration before he makes a decision going forward. I certainly hope he will lean towards the open-source and see what incredible works the community can build around him.
Connect with The Polish Ambassador:
Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Share On
