Help Common Craft Reduce Confusion - rPath's Cloud Computing Video UPDATED

I wouldn't worry, you guys. I actually went there to watch the video and couldn't get to the end of it. It tries to be funny and fails, it tries to be "hip" and fails, and it tries to be you guys and FAILS miserably. Also, the animation is done on the computer, which takes away 80% of the fun of watching your videos. Finally, your fans are already busy making sure people who see their video know what it is they're doing.

Keep up the good work, you guys! You rock!!

:)

Do you know whether the owner of a video is able to delete the link of one video as a response to its video? If they weren't able to stop that association, then perhaps some kind but informative response videos should be made.

I'm not surprised that they created what they did...disappointed at their lack of judgement, yes. But Common Craft genius is definately appealing for thievsters. What's really telling is how they cut off all discourse on the topic and have slammed the public relations portcullis. They clearly are not an open company. I wonder how they deal with their customers?

I think it's clear who takes the higher ground here. Just keep going and forging new creative craft ground, you smart and clever common craft folks! Don't let the copycats get you down. You are loved.

OK, we get it: You think we ripped off Common Craft. Now here's the truth: Until recently, I wasn't even aware of you or your firm. In the end, I see the confusion. But we paid good money to have this cartoon produced--and it's the same style and voice of cartoons I've produced in the past. To the letter. If I had been aware of Common Craft, I may well have become a client. What we were aiming for was irreverent, edgy and entertaining in a modern style and voice which has become a fairly common way of communicating a complex topic. Search for "In Plain English" and you'll see examples dating 30 years. That is certainly not an uncommon phrase. Paper cutout animations? Ever see South Park, Charlie and Lola, Blues Clues, anything produced by JibJab? Neither of these concepts are proprietary to Common Craft--and both are widely documented in the public domain. Perhaps Common Craft, through your good work, has contributed to a style of communication that spans beyond your body of work. I've taken a close look at your portfolio and it is certainly impressive--really nice. What is less nice is your attempt to damage our reputation because we happened to share an aesthetic and voice in communicating an idea.

I think you should do a Plagarism in Plain English video :)

Well, it's obviously a bit confusing, and as a company I might be a tad choked too, but legally is it wrong? Unless you have a trademark on that phrase, I don't think there's much you can do.

I've recommended your videos for a long time to our employees looking to really understand online concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms. This ripoff video has none of your trademark clarity or revealing insights. (nor the hilarious humming intros/outros!) Keep up the good work; karma will catch up to these folks in due time.

I think you guys are fishing for a fight. The videos look slightly similar when showed side by side. Outside of that, I doubt anyone would know this style from your company.

I have never heard of either company, so trust me there is no confusion there.

"in plain english" ... are you kidding me ?! That expression has been around forever, its not like you guys invented it or anything. Dollars to donuts says you don't have a trademark to enforce, and even if you did it would be thrown out of court for being too obvious and common.

Sounds like rPath "paid good money" to a producer or production company who may have actually been the ones to copy the Common Craft style with rPath being unaware of any pre-existing videos....which is interesting for an internet company in this day and age considering the content CC has covered in their work to date.

As David points out, the arrogant tone of the rPath response above (assuming it's legit) speaks volumes about their company and reputation. Based on what I've seen here, Lee & Sachi have taken the high road and tried to get things sorted out but rPath threw lawyers at the situation.

While I agree with Duane that it's unlikely CC created the 'in plain english' phrase, they have certainly established the style of these types of videos which bear no resemblance to South Park or JibJab and is what sets them apart from everyone else.

I don't think the video from Rpath was poorly done. I now see that there's a disclaimer on the YouTube page.

There are a few similarities, but really I don't see the CC stuff as the same type of production.

This is also similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqkQrPmsP2w.

As mentioned, it seems like folks are catching onto the cool simplicity of the stuff that CC builds.

I have just viewed their videos. And although I would love to say it was copyright infringement and plagiarism, it is not. For it to be they would have had to take the bulk of one of your videos or the most important part and copy it in its entirety. Or their video would have to hurt your Brand.

What we have here is case of using the same style. It is like two painters working in the Impressionist style painting the same bridge. Yes the subject is the same, they might even use the same title, but the painting will be different. It is up to the buyer to determine which one they like the best.

I took a quick look at the stats on Youtube, and Googled “in plain english” and your videos were the top results and have a much greater viewership. You “own” “in plain english” on those two sites so I don’t think it will hurt your brand. Your challenge will be to make your upcoming video not look like a copy of theirs (should not be a problem for you).

As the “buyer” of this product I choose yours hands down every time.

I've read all these blog posts and have noticed a couple of things. Everybody says it's such a strong similarity to common craft so I ask, people who know common craft probably would have thought it was a common craft video.

Why not make friends and cross link. Common craft isn't about the style it's about the content, it's about spreading the good word or simplisity.

Every day we design a new site or logo or come up with a concept to only find that someone else on the web has had a similar idea. But isn't that why the web is so beautiful - it connects likeminded people

It better be fun to see a Plagiarism in Plain English video as was suggested. Librarians around the world would love you,
too!

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You really should consider filing a legal action against the site. You have make proper settings with them for them to stop their actions but refuse to comply. Just find the necessary case so they will have what they were looking. Plagiarism, man is a serious case.

Mike,
Copy DVD Movies Software