Ed Schempp
02-18-2002, 12:00 AM
Posts: 3 Posted - 14 February 2002 18:36
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Over my years of bladesmithing I have observed a problem reoccuring that hurts the free flow of information. The problem is that occassionally pattern, design or material technology is often credited to the people whom get published first, not necessarily the innovator of that process or technology. I believe this distorts the truth, and makes the innovator reluctant to share new information for fear of being "ripped off". A proactive approach to solving this problem would be to develop an archival system, where with documentation an accurate chronological account of technological advancements within the industry could be recorded for all to view.
This effort might include a committee, group, or board of interested but disinterested people to evaluate and authorize the information to be archived. A web site to support this process might be necessary.
When a maker "discovers" a new process or technology several years might pass before the information is dissemenated to the site, giving that innovator the opportunity to capitalize economically on that information. But as soon as one person posts on that technology the flood gates will open and all parties of interest will post to protect thier contribution to the industry. I feel that this system will help the dissemination of information to the industry while protecting the innovators of that information. I believe that this is a win-win deal. As person get interested and pursues collecting of a type of knife they will be able the research the development of this category with the aid of this site. There will be benefit to both the innovator as well as the collector or user of knives. I'm very interested in any and all comments that would help develop this archival effort. This is a little like the U.S. patent system without the expense, lawsuits, and bad feelings. I believe that it would promote truth and education and overall advancement to the industry. This could apply to commercial as well as the handmade industry.
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Over my years of bladesmithing I have observed a problem reoccuring that hurts the free flow of information. The problem is that occassionally pattern, design or material technology is often credited to the people whom get published first, not necessarily the innovator of that process or technology. I believe this distorts the truth, and makes the innovator reluctant to share new information for fear of being "ripped off". A proactive approach to solving this problem would be to develop an archival system, where with documentation an accurate chronological account of technological advancements within the industry could be recorded for all to view.
This effort might include a committee, group, or board of interested but disinterested people to evaluate and authorize the information to be archived. A web site to support this process might be necessary.
When a maker "discovers" a new process or technology several years might pass before the information is dissemenated to the site, giving that innovator the opportunity to capitalize economically on that information. But as soon as one person posts on that technology the flood gates will open and all parties of interest will post to protect thier contribution to the industry. I feel that this system will help the dissemination of information to the industry while protecting the innovators of that information. I believe that this is a win-win deal. As person get interested and pursues collecting of a type of knife they will be able the research the development of this category with the aid of this site. There will be benefit to both the innovator as well as the collector or user of knives. I'm very interested in any and all comments that would help develop this archival effort. This is a little like the U.S. patent system without the expense, lawsuits, and bad feelings. I believe that it would promote truth and education and overall advancement to the industry. This could apply to commercial as well as the handmade industry.