So, I am bringing these things because I believe their existence raises some interesting questions and social commentary. It is certainly something of a niche to know what these are, but I think that the message might be bigger? Of course, the level of artistic merit is debatable across the board. You might consider the differences between an "expertly crafted forgery" and a "desperately cobbled bootleg". The similarities they share regardless of quality are the fact that they are "copies" meant to fool and they were likely produced to make profit.
I have a few links to related materials ranging from video games to action figures. Now, keep in mind these aren't all opinion-free discussion pieces, though I thought they were good examples to present the issue.
Link to a growing database of bootleg video games: http://bootleggames.wikia.com/wiki/BootlegGames_Wiki
Ken Perenyi forges paintings:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-forger-of-art-tells-all-03-03-2013/
Ashens reviews knock-off toys, "fake" action figures, and other things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYRK5lzfb9w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM_7EZKFgOw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6KMGfmI5UA
Joel Plays Bootleg video games:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6DfeyBxH2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2UzROUj0yE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdvcrVuUGfs
So, what do you guys think?
I have also seen bootlegs in terms of animation movies. Of all places, they're even on Netflix. The Reef on Netflix is like Shark Tale, Snow Queen is like Frozen, and Justin and the Knights of Valor is like How to Train Your Dragon. What surprised me is that they are on Netflix, the site is actively promoting these films that are trying to make a profit off of others. I think one reason we might find these type of things acceptable is when it's obvious they are bootlegs. They are of lesser quality than the originals and aren't as good. When they get near the quality of the original I believe that's when people start getting angry and lawsuits happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the creation of products based on official licensed items just to make profits out of their popularity without permission is wrong. I believe they are a bunch of phonies. I think it would be very interesting if you could also include a comparison between those who make phonies for profit and those that are fan-made. Fan-made items have more respect toward the official works that some have created. There are different and unique versions of products made by fans that the originals are not able to do.
ReplyDeleteAs long as I have been alive, bootlegs of different media released products have been seen throughout different countries. While I agree and don't appreciate most knockoffs, I can understand that cheaper available materials to the public allow others to make a meager profit enough to supply lifestyles. The last time I traveled to Europe, for instance, I found myself encountering several salesmen selling knock off tourist knick knacks. Souvenirs or attractive purses can certainly make a profit for the frugal customer. As much as my aunt would love to have an extremely expensive beautiful purse from France, she can just as easily find a not as well done, but stylish purse for much cheaper.
ReplyDeleteDon't mistake my standing to mean that I think stealing ideas from successful companies is fine. In fact, I find that these unfortunate actions of other leads to a standstill in much creative work. Aside from it being disrespectful practice if attempting to feed off hard-earned success from others however, I do understand the practicality of it and why some would resort to bootleg items.