Brainstorm Solutions for Similar Ideas Issue
Thank you all for expressing your opinions in the forum thread about Ribbon. We have been listening to and thinking about what you have been saying. We understand that this is a larger issue which has affected many inventors. In general, we see the problem as:
...
- You submit an idea, only to see another similar one get picked down the road; or
- You submit an idea, only to get comments or messages from someone accusing you of stealing their idea
...
First, we are committed to finding a long-term solution to this problem, but we need your help in thinking outside the box to come up with specifics. Please respond to this forum thread with ideas of how we can prevent this in the future. Be creative, lateral-thinking, and visionary.
...
Second, we know that many inventors have been affected by this problem in the past, and we want to hear all about it. If you personally have been affected, please email us at similar@quirky.com with the details of your situation(s). Emailing us may not fix the past, but it will help us understand the depth and scope of your specific situation as we look to fix the future.
...
Finally, in regards to Ribbon, we feel that everything is above the board as far as the Quirky process goes, so we are not going to take any action. The inventor of Ribbon came up with their idea on their own; the Quirky Designer who worked on Ribbon had never seen the past-idea in question (which, we admit, may be its own issue in-and-of itself); and the ideator of the past-idea in question had opportunities to participate in Ribbon through all its regular Quirky phases, just like everyone else.
...
Thank you for your voices in the forums, and thank you for your patience. We would not be here if it were not for you. Now, let's brainstorm long term solutions to this issue so that everyone will be able to feel comfortable submitting their brilliant ideas!
