Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:21:53 -0600 (CST)
From: Charles Taylor <cecetaylor-AT-verizon.net>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: [Puptcrit] sharing info or trade secrets
HTML VERSION:
sharing info or trade secrets
Naomi, Perhaps I didn=E2=80=99t write clearly enough, but I think my point involving technology was that it could help puppetry GUILDS by having websites locate new members or interested future puppeteers find information and join the guild. Both sides would benefit. Granted, not everyone is up to the technology especially older people who may be intimidated or don=E2=80=99t want to justify the expense.
I was one of those codgers that put it off until my wife insisted I either use a computer I inherited some twenty years ago or get rid of it. I managed to not only figure out how to turn it on but took classes and became adept enough that I became the technology expert at the school where I taught. And I still consider my self an inept novice.
But I digressed from my main point:
A problem that one of our local Puppetry Guilds has is constantly having to replenish its ever dwindling members. There has been much effort by only two members in setting up booths with activities to draw in interested parties only to have them join, attend one or two meetings and realize it isn=E2=80=99t for them and drop out.
My feeling is that having a criteria for membership depend solely on quantity is not really a good idea. A web site for a guild could field those truly interested in joining and meeting other puppeteers. Our problem was having enough =E2=80=9Creal=E2=80=9D puppeteers attend or join to hold the interest of new members that were only slightly interested in the field.
My impression was that most were there for a free night of entertainment and crafts. We had a couple of people seriously interested and willing to put forth effort to learn. There were a few that wanted others to give them information for free or build them puppets on the cheap. Those are the ones that I feel abuse =E2=80=9Creal=E2=80=9D puppeteers. They are never satisfied but return wanting more free services. I am sure that I am not the only one that has noticed this phenomenon.
I use the term =E2=80=9Creal=E2=80=9D puppeteers because too many times I have heard people who work for Disney or some mall claim they are =E2=80=9CMaster=E2=80=9D puppeteers. They don=E2=80=99t create, build, develop, invent, design puppets or shows. It seems to me they are more like actors that are hired to work a puppet and have ballyhooed this terminology to impress others as part of their resume.
Again I digressed:
Also, most of the Guild dues are spent on publishing and paying postage for a newsletter that was skimpy at best. But through websites we could cut our expenses way back. One of the problems to overcome was making sure that members without technology could still opt to have a hardback newsletter come through the mail.
But a website means someone must set it up, change it, keep it fresh and check for responses. That takes committed manpower, technological knowledge, talent and lots of time. With the right person, the right chemistry, puppet guilds can be a great resource for those that are serious about puppetry.
Meanwhile, I am fascinated with the seriousness of those that contribute to Puptcrit. Here is a site that can not only bring together camaraderie, sharing of knowledge, intelligent discussions and nearly instant information and responses. This is a fine use of technology for those that have serious interest in puppetry at all levels. I applaud all that participate.
Another topic that intrigues me in this discussion is the contrast and comparison of sharing information versus =E2=80=9Ctheft=E2=80=9D of ideas. It touches a tender spot in my thinking. Personally, I think sharing technical information such as construction of puppets in all aspects is very beneficial to all. There can be a case made for those working in the field where different puppeteers compete for commercials or movies and want to keep their advantage a secret. I understand that.
What I don=E2=80=99t understand is someone that supposedly is of good character and claims success yet knowingly will copy an act, puppet character and it=E2=80=99s exact artistic details and then perform it as if it were their own artistic creation. This, in my way of thinking, is artistic dishonesty. It does occur and can be very damaging to the the person who created the act and the person who stole the act. Then who is able to legitimately claim the creation, the person that performs it first for Puppeteers of America or the person who originally created it, performed it for non puppeteers and didn=E2=80=99t have an opportunity to perform it for his or her peers? Both parties lose but the copier eventually is recognized by peers as a person who is lacking in talent that must copy ideas from others. No amount of success can regain the lost respect. Perhaps that person doesn=E2=80=99t care and puts a different priority on values.
There are certain acts that are so traditional that they are stock characters; the skeleton, the pianist, the clown, the opera singer, the juggler, the tight rope walker etc. But all these are interpreted in different ways by individual puppeteers. Whether it is the sculpting of the facial features, the expression of the hands and feet, the costume, or the way the act is developed, they are highly individualistic or should be. A true artist, which puppeteers are part of that family, has enough pride in his or her endeavors to want to be original and not copy others.