On that note I also notice a huge lack of friends and peers of Jake saying anything about this. Near everyone is being quiet. Nobody wants to be the next victim of the mob, but it's a real shame. People are fairly spineless here. Simple responses like "I'll wait until the book is out or more info appears to make a judgment" would be nice. Only seen a couple so far from art peers.
31 Aug 2020, 13:46
@NessIllustration This video from Moloch is excellent, and features a straight-forward, level headed analysis of Alphonso's accusations, and ultimately previews (in my opinion) the arguments that Chronicle will make if this matter ever ends up in court. This whole situation has been disheartening and frustrating, not only for the specific issue (an inappropriate and premature accusation of plagiarism), but for these general points as well:
- It seems that most artists and fans don't understand what plagiarism, copyright, and trademark actually are in legal terms (especially when you add in the previous uproar over Jake's trademarking of Inktober).
- The desire to feel righteously angry is more important to a large amount of people than the desire to take the time and study whether your anger is actually right.
- How quickly some will play the race card online.
- And, unfortunately, how so many artists lack a firm understanding of art education, art history, graphic design and book layout, and just business in general.
None of those points are particularly shocking, but, like I said above, that makes them no less frustrating and disheartening.