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A copycat of Pinterest has me feeling crabby

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On a visit to Pinterest this morning, it wasn’t long before I found something to Pin, screenshot of my Pin, shown. Here’s what happened. I Pinned this Leaf Art project onto my DIY Crafts and Sewing board, (visit me on Pinterest here). I then clicked through to read more about it and the link didn’t obey.

Instead, I got this pop up. First thought, it’s spam. But if not, one, I don’t speak this language, and two, I’m not a member so cannot log in to what looks like a login. I looked at the source address of the Pin and it said, pinme.ru. I got the following back from a Google search:

A bit of reading and I see it’s the Russian version of Pinterest, a copycat. Okay, so why is it closed to Pinterest users, meaning you cannot get to the source (or see the source) of the photo without a Pinme.ru account? If there is no way to view or get to the source of the photo, I hope Pinterest will remove anything pinned from Pinme.ru. Just my two cents. Thoughts anyone? I’d love to hear from you.

Images uploaded by Scarlett Burroughs / Quilting Editor

Ed. note 6/4/2012: Janice commented below she closed the X and was able to get to the information. I went back out to my Pin in question, closed the X and here’s what I saw. The Leaf Art Pin shows up now on a Pinme.ru site. That’s as far as you can go though, you don’t go to the source of the photo by clicking through. This Pin took me to the Pinner’s Boards. See below:

Ed. note 6/5/2012: I am closing comments on this post and have deleted the Pin discussed here.

Comments

  1. I hope Pinterest removes it, cause Number one I don’t want to Pin anything that might potentially have a virus and that sounds like it might. If not then they should be part of Pinterest. You may have just gotten lucky and avoided some spam or worse.

  2. International law differs, so I’m not sure even Pinterest can do anything about the copycat, but I, too, hope they will remove anything from that source. However, they do have to be notified when something like this occurs. It’s been my experience they do respond when even those who have no account bring something such as this to their attention..

    I, for one, have been more and more annoyed lately with the increase in scraper blogs (and websites), and they use exactly this kind of medium (pinme as well as pinterest) to bring traffic to their sites, not only to generate ad sales, but also, as you may have encountered, a way of planting bugs via unsuspecting visitors.

  3. Well, I got there fine by just ‘x’ing out of the pop up. It is no different than anyone pinning anything from any other site. If I am on a foreign language site and pin something, and you repin it, then you try to go to the original website, you aren’t going to be able to read it. *shrug* If you repin someone’s repin of someone’s repin and so on — then you really don’t know where the original is from.

    Not to mention, are we sure that pinterest didn’t copy them?

    No matter who had the original idea – I think its great to be able to share images etc across the web even if I have to translate or whatever. The whole world doesn’t speak English 🙂

  4. Janice,
    After reading your comment I put in an Editor’s Note about the ‘X’ing out of the pop up. One thing I wanted to add is that I do often go to foreign blogs and I translate them via my Google browser. I didn’t think to do that with the Pin address once I ‘X’d out of the window. I just did and I was able to trace the Pin to this site: http://vk.com/decorate_it.

    Pinterest copied them? I came to that conclusion from reading American media, so you’ll want to consider my sources.

    I agree with your final sentence. I sure wish we Americans spoke more languages from an early age…it’s so hard to learn when you’re older.

    Thanks again for sharing your thoughts,
    Scarlett

  5. Hi Snowcatcher,
    I did report the Pin, so at least Pinterest will be aware of this and they are normally pretty good about getting information out.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
    Scarlett

  6. Hi Barbara,
    That was definitely what I feared the most is that I got hit by a virus. I’m still not sure until I hear from Pinterest, or other Pinners who can attest to this same event happening to them.

    Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts,
    Scarlett

  9. I saw that on Sunday as I was browsing and was completely taken with your nature’s canvases. When I tried to pin I saw the …ru item and I steer VERY CLEAR of anything with a Russian country code as too often it is riddled with viruses.
    If there’s a petition to sign/add names to on Pinterest to have that link removed then count me in.
    Helen — Firenze Cards

  10. I am very sorry that your idea was ‘pinched’ by another site, really I am.
    It makes me feel very angry that people feel they need to do this and not show the original artist,. But I feel I must ask, why did you say ‘we americans should learn more languages at an early age’.We should all try to do this.
    Do all Americans automatically assume that they are the only users of Pinterest, when i have pinned many Australian, Japanese and European pins since becoming a member? I do apologise if this offends you, but I found your remark quite arrogant.Something I found prevalent within American culture. We should all be vigilant for the scammers, copycats and clones.Once again I am sorry that your wonderful colourful pin was hijacked. Please do not let it stop you from pinning again as i shall be following your boards in the hope of getting ideas from you and other creative people like you. Thanks for your ideas.

  11. Lorraine,
    I am sorry you inferred from my comment that I’m mostly upset about someone copying the Pinterest concept. That is untrue. Microsoft copies Apple all the time – take the HP laptop I’m typing on right now. I chose it 3 years ago because it physically looked like a Mac (white cover) and it included software to make it easier to interact with photos and other media built in camera, etc. (perks Mac had for years in their products).

    My Pin was not hijacked, I simply took a screen shot of a Pin from Pinterest with the source Pinme.ru. If their copycat Pinterest is for Russian speakers and countrymen only, that’s fine, I just do not want my user experience diminished on Pinterest. Getting a pop up that looks like spam was alarming to me and is to most users as you can see in some of the other comments. The arrogance – in my mind – comes straight from the makers of the copycat Pinterest (pinme.ru) in asking a Pinterest user to log in to their system whilst in the very system they copied.

    Let me clarify something else. As an American, I am making no such assumption that we are the only users of Pinterest, of course not. I had no intention of offending international Pinterest users with my commentary, if I did it was unintentional, I promise. The reason I mentioned ‘we Americans should learn more languages at an early age’ was to point out the very thing that prompted you to say, ‘I found your remark quite arrogant’. I’m painfully aware Americans tend to see everything through the American lens. I try not to be one of those Americans. In our defense, if we had countries as close as say California is to Oregon speaking three different languages, then learning a non-English language would be easier for us. Most Americans do not travel internationally whilst growing up, so it’s a structural barrier besides. But I digress.

    Warmly,
    Scarlett

Have you read?

Cat-O-Lantern Quilt Pattern Review: A Cute Halloween Quilt for Cat Lovers

Some Halloween quilt patterns make me want to decorate the whole house. Others make me want to quietly add another project to the sewing pile and pretend it was always part of the plan. The Cat-O-Lantern quilt pattern from Fat Quarter Shop falls very comfortably into that second category.

A kitty hugging a jack-o’-lantern? That is a fairly effective way to get my attention. It brings together two Halloween favourites in a design that feels cheerful and playful, with plenty of appeal for anyone who prefers their seasonal decorating cute rather than creepy.

If you’re looking for a small Halloween quilt pattern for a cat lover, this one is worth a closer look. My review is based on the published design and product details; I haven’t sewn the pattern myself.

What Is the Cat-O-Lantern Quilt Pattern?

Cat-O-Lantern is a downloadable PDF quilt pattern exclusive to Fat Quarter Shop. The finished quilt measures 30½ × 34 inches, and the PDF contains 11 pages.

Fat Quarter Shop lists the difficulty as beginner. Its description calls for four fat quarters plus binding, but check the full pattern requirements before shopping so you can also plan for backing, batting and any additional supplies.

This is a paid digital pattern, so you’re purchasing the instructions rather than a finished quilt or fabric kit.

What I Like About This Halloween Quilt Design

The biggest attraction for me is the combination of a recognisable seasonal theme and a little personality. A pumpkin quilt is lovely, but adding a cat gives the project a playful focal point.

It also offers a nice alternative to Halloween sewing projects covered in elaborate motifs. Sometimes one strong design is all a room needs, especially when the shelves already contain enough pumpkins to suggest you’ve started a small farm.

The finished size is another selling point. I would think of Cat-O-Lantern primarily as a Halloween wall quilt or decorative accent quilt. At 30½ × 34 inches, it is compact enough to plan a display around, although I would measure the intended space before buying.

We’ve previously included it in our collection of lap blanket quilt patterns, but do pay attention to those dimensions if you’re hoping for generous sofa coverage.

Is Cat-O-Lantern Suitable for Beginner Quilters?

The retailer’s beginner rating is encouraging, particularly if you want a seasonal project without committing to a large quilt.

However, I haven’t reviewed the purchased instructions, so I can’t assess the cutting directions, construction steps or how much guidance they provide for a first-time quilter.

My practical advice is to read the entire PDF before cutting. Label your pieces, keep the fabrics organised and take your time with seam allowances. Those habits are helpful on any quilt, and they’re especially useful when the finished design depends on shapes landing where they should.

If you’d like another feline project to compare, our free Halloween cats table runner feature is another place to find seasonal sewing inspiration.

Fabric Choices I Would Consider

For my version, I’d start by thinking about contrast. Choose fabrics that let the cat and pumpkin stand out clearly from their surroundings, rather than selecting every favourite Halloween print and hoping they all get along.

Small prints, solids and subtle tonal fabrics would be my starting point. A busy novelty print can be wonderful, but it may compete with the main design when used in the wrong spot.

Before cutting, lay your proposed fabrics together and take a photograph. Look at it as a small thumbnail. If everything blends into one patch of colour, you may need a lighter or darker fabric to give the design definition.

And if choosing the pumpkin fabric sends you down an autumn sewing rabbit hole, our scrap fabric pumpkin quilt block and table runner feature has another project to add to the list.

Who Would Enjoy This Pattern?

I’d put Cat-O-Lantern on the shortlist for quilters who enjoy cute Halloween décor, cat-themed projects and smaller quilts made for display.

It could also make a thoughtful handmade gift for someone who brings out their Halloween decorations at the first possible opportunity. You know the person. Their pumpkins appear before the supermarket has finished clearing the previous holiday.

The main limitation is the size if you want a substantial throw. For a seasonal wall display, though, that smaller footprint is part of the appeal.

Would I Add It to My Sewing List?

On design appeal, yes. Cat-O-Lantern has a charming theme, a compact finished size and a beginner rating that makes it worth investigating for a manageable Halloween project.

I would still read the full instructions before deciding how quickly it might come together. A cute cover is an invitation to sew, but it isn’t a promise of an afternoon finish.

You can find the Cat-O-Lantern PDF quilt pattern at Fat Quarter Shop. If your Halloween decorating style involves friendly pumpkins, handmade touches and a cat who probably thinks the sewing table belongs to them, this little quilt could fit right in.