[TenPercenter]

I have wanted to address this issue publicly for a long time. While I surely do not have the gift of eloquence, I hope that my appeal for this issue can gather support and contribution among all ChipTalkers and a Chippers alike. This is something we can get together on and come up with a solution that fits both of our hobbies.

What I would like to see is a collaborative effort to come up with a set of guidelines... a "code of conduct" of sorts around new chip designs. There has been many instances where ChipTalkers "admire" a design, whether it be a real casino chip or some other original work, and we want a "new version" of that design. Some might go as far as to say, to "copy" that design.

The Chippers collect chips, and the ChipTalkers create new ones. I think that we are doing a disservice not just to other Chippers, but to ourselves on this site when we promote, or even accept, a new design that closely resembles another chip.

Here is my appeal to you.

Let's collectively come up with a "ChipTalk Creativity Canon."

Let's make it brief, to the point, but comprehensive enough to cover not just casino chips, but commercial retail chip lines and personal chip designs as well.


If there is such a code already out there, let's embrace it and adhere to it. But I think we will probably be better by creating our own code so that we can ask ChipTalk Members to "accept" the code in some way. Perhaps give each member that will accept the code some type of a Badge of Honor or membership in a Public Usergroup.

What do you say? Are you with me?

p.s. Yes, even the name "No Copy Cat Chips Code of Conduct" is up for discussion. That's all I could think of right away, and also because logo with "C5" (C to the power of 5) would be cool. Update: I like "ChipTalk Creativity Canon" because it has a more positive ring to it.

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PLACEOLDER FOR THE NEW CODE - WORKING COPY

ChipTalk Creativity Canon
"Encourage Original Poker Chip Designs"

I subscribe to the following guidelines regarding the design of poker chip artwork intended for use on a custom poker chip, plaque or other gaming related items.

Chip design artwork should be original in design, concept and implementation and should not represent usage of preexisting artwork whether personal or commercial in nature.

Presentation and support of chip design artwork should embody promotion of original design whether as a collective effort of others or as a single effort by the designer.

[TenPercenter]

Let me also add a note to avoid a discussion which might hamper progress. Let's all assume, from this point forward, that past transgressions re: copying are merely a part of our growth and learning. Not many of us have copied chip designs, but a LOT of us are guilty of promoting them. When a great looking knockoff comes out, a lot of us want to join that purchase. It might be a remake of an old casino design, or a release of a poker chip used in last year's big televised tournament, or maybe just a reworked great looking logo.

Let's wipe our slates clean so that we can start over with a personal commitment to embrace and promote the NEW policy of NO COPIES.

Here is my personal "transgression." I was commissioned to deliver a new chip design for the ASM production of the "Key West" chip. I was told what the chip should look like. I worked with my close friend and we worked together to deliver a great looking inlay. Of course I knew about the LeCove line. Even if full permission was given (or abandoned) by the original owner, I could comfortably say that I could have turned down that commission and smiled with pride afterwards.

ADD:

• I am not suggesting that ANYONE do policing for enforcement. I'm suggesting a code that we can choose to agree with or not. If it is a good code, and people agree with it, that alone is enough to get folks aware that there is a problem with copies.
• I am not proposing "TEETH" in regard to enforcement of any type. No bans, no thread deletions, nothing official done by ChipTalk. I am looking for a Code that we can be proud to accept.
• This is not meant to propose any legal questions, it's meant to start the discussion about the ethics of copies. One can "get around" a legal issue by making a change or two, that is not what this Code will be about.

[Couga]

I am with you! Although some have been pretty cool, I too think commemorative chips could lead to confusion by others not "in the know".

- Couga

[MadeInDetroit]

Originally Posted by Couga

I am with you! Although some have been pretty cool, I too think commemorative chips could lead to confusion by others not "in the know".

- Couga

Agreed.

[billsrcursed]

I personally LOVE my WSOP replicas, and would hate to see us not be able to replicate certain chips. If all copyright laws are taken into consideration, I don't see an issue, and would actually like to hear what the cons to this would be. The reason for me joining this forum originally was because of this replica set, not to say that I'm not sticking around should this "rule" be put in place, but I think there's a fair amount of people that enjoy the replica sets. Please advise if I missed the point of this post, but I'm assuming the WSOP replicas are an example of what we would be discontinuing.
This is one of the best, if not THE best, websites I've ever frequented, and again I'm going nowhere no matter the decision (I'm currently active in 2 group buys and will be losing my retirement thanks to you guys ), I'm just looking for some clarification as to why this came about. Thanks everyone!

[sn0wstorm]

Although I have done several Replicas and Commems in the past, I wholeheartly agree with Tenpercenter.

I kinda have seen both sides of the medal, and after thinking long about this issue, I won't be doing any replicas in the future. HQ and BW opened my eyes on this issue, and I am thankful for it.

It is a great feeling to create something new, to let an idea grow in your mind and put it to life. Copying something just leaves a stale taste.

I think I copied way too many designs. Venetian, Vineyard, Bellagios... So I guess being one of the more active copycats, I should step up first.

[Lucky Louie]

This is a great topic for discussion and I look forward to the concise thoughts of the many respected members. I foresee some strong opinions.

Although I don't own any, it is tempting to have a set of WSOP replicas because you see them on tv and it feels like you're getting in on a piece of being big time. I don't begrudge people for wanting what they see. (Fake Coach bag or wallet, anyone?) But, after being here a little while, I have seen such awesome designs that it just doesn't seem necassary to copy.

Creatively, we are all inspired by what we have seen. So, I have no problems with "inspired" designs, but I am confident that they can be different enough to be considered new. I think most people will be against straight copies. The question for most will be "how different do you need to be?"

I like the C5 badge idea.

[HanahanStan]

I can dig it

[Jonah 99]

Could you give some examples of chips that you feel should not have been made?

[punk1o1]

Originally Posted by Jonah 99

Could you give some examples of chips that you feel should not have been made?

I agree. Im ok with replicas but dont think their needs to be a replica set of every tournament chip ever made!

Majority should rule. If people want a replica of a certain chip made then great theres enough interest to creat a chip.

But this doesnt mean we need a new replica group buy every couple months.