I said no to ShopNotes

[cgallery]

If some of you will recall, I posted a design for my mortising jig a month or two ago:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=32259&page=1

I did a video and described its function and posted a link in the thread. Someone said I should submit the design to magazine(s) before someone else takes credit. So I used the link on the ShopNotes web page and submitted a link to the video.

About a day later, I discovered the Niki had posted a strikingly similar design about a couple months before mine:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=31228

I never got a response from ShopNotes, so I figured the issue had resolved itself.

Then this morning, I got an E-Mail from ShopNotes, and they were interested in writing a feature about "my" jig.

What to do?

Of course I explained everything to them and they were very understanding about why I was declining.

I suppose if Niki's designs weren't already going to Wood Magazine, I woulda tried contacting him (Niki) and seeing if he wanted to "get in on this." Perhaps we coulda figured something out to split the credit. But of course, Wood Magazine is entitled to an exclusive agreement with Niki, so no real sense in even trying.

So in summary, I take some satisfaction that my design, which I believed at the time to be original, will NOT appear in Shop Notes.

[Mr__Bill]

I don't suppose you want to run for President? We could use someone with integrity.

bill

[cgallery]

I don't suppose you want to run for President? We could use someone with integrity.

bill

It depends. What kinda shop does the White House feature?

[ragswl4]

It depends. What kinda shop does the White House feature?

Once you get there, any kind you want! You are a stand up guy!

[Black wallnut]

Methinks you sold yourself short. There are plenty of differences between what you built and the jig Niki did that you linked to. I've seen it many times in the wood rags that jigs are recycled with just slight modifications. One time in the not too distant past someone got top honors for adding large knobs to the screws on a "C-clamp" just like what Bob and Rick have shown for years on the Router Workshop series on PBS. That was just over the top for me.

IMHO many jigs featured are just as much method driven as design driven. I would not be surprised if Shopnotes does feature something similar in the near future. The only thing that will be missing is credit to you for your great workmanship. I've been using stop blocks with a router fence for years to make some plunge cuts with a table mounted router as I'm sure many others have been. The method is not new. Your execution and stellar workmanship of a jig is well worth publishing IMHO.

[ragswl4]

Methinks you sold yourself short. There are plenty of differences between what you built and the jig Niki did that you linked to. I've seen it many times in the wood rags that jigs are recycled with just slight modifications. One time in the not too distant past someone got top honors for adding large knobs to the screws on a "C-clamp" just like what Bob and Rick have shown for years on the Router Workshop series on PBS. That was just over the top for me.

IMHO many jigs featured are just as much method driven as design driven. I would not be surprised if Shopnotes does feature something similar in the near future. The only thing that will be missing is credit to you for your great workmanship. I've been using stop blocks with a router fence for years to make some plunge cuts with a table mounted router as I'm sure many others have been. The method is not new. Your execution and stellar workmanship of a jig is well worth publishing IMHO.

+100, I couldn't agree more.

[kirkroy]

All I know is that I am making a copy of your jig as the very first jig I make, ever. I started on it last night. Now I just need a router fence to attach it to (lack of router fence is why I started and didn't finish). I appreciate the excellent vid/clear demonstration. Thanks!

[footprintsinconc]

i too agree 100% with what black wallnut has stated. jigs develope over time, and if i can recall, i believe, niki himself said that your jig was different in many ways. so please dont sell yourself short. your jig quality and workmanship is worth the recognition!

best of luck!

[movnup]

I would reconsider as this is different than Niki's in enough design elements e.g. look & feel if not functionality that it's unique and I think credit should go where credit is due !!!

I know it's on my to-do list for for "copying" so great job & thanks !!!

[cgallery]

Thanks for all the kinda words. Beyond concern for my own reputation, I was concerned for ShopNotes', as well. Seeing as Wood Magazine will be publishing Niki's stuff soon, I was concerned that if Shop Notes came out with something so similar shortly thereafter, they may suffer some embarassment. Don't know for sure, but I'd hate to put them in that position.

Lot's of reasons to say no. Not many to say yes.

[mschrank]

If ShopNotes will reconsider your refusal, I think you should go for it. It's not like you are patenting the design, and Niki's comments in your jig write-up indicate that he's OK with it.

Thing is, this is a really slick jig and it would be great to share it with the ShopNotes audience.

Must have been a politician in line ahead of you when integrity was getting handed out, he got skipped and you got overdosed

[cabinetman]

Thanks for all the kinda words. Beyond concern for my own reputation, I was concerned for ShopNotes', as well. Seeing as Wood Magazine will be publishing Niki's stuff soon, I was concerned that if Shop Notes came out with something so similar shortly thereafter, they may suffer some embarassment. Don't know for sure, but I'd hate to put them in that position.

Lot's of reasons to say no. Not many to say yes.

If you run for President, your platform could be wood. I'll vote for ya.

[cgallery]

If you run for President, your platform could be wood. I'll vote for ya.

Wasn't wood Clinton's platform? A rimshot, please!

[jking]

Wasn't wood Clinton's platform? A rimshot, please!

[woodruf]

pause and reflect

cgallery,

pause and reflect, look at the responce. many find this thing, how do you say, , jig, very enlightening. also consider those who have'nt commented, some rather not, just because. i never do, but did. a bit quiet some are, and thats ok. thank you so much.

today i saw 2 cars on the road, but they were not the same.

score - 5 - excellent (thanks for the video)