I'm new here and Cards Mold chips interest me most. After browsing around the forum, I've noticed some strange stuff. Here are my opinions, and based on the reactions and responses in the other thread I created, they're probably controversial. Let's give it a shot anyway.
1) Why does this community allow a member to try to blatantly rip others off? From what I gather,
Cards Molds cost $0.39 each (including artwork fees) + reshipping costs, which I estimate to be $10-$30 for most sets.
Yet someone is listing a Cards Mold set for $0.73 per chip + shipping. Aren't Cards Molds chips a commodity? Am I missing something?
2) From the same Cards Mold Group Buy link above - I don't really get the artwork fees. Are all fees the same for each piece of "art?" Though the Hot Dog Sandwich chips aren't my cup of tea, I'd understand paying an artwork fee for something unique and 100% self-made. But,
a) Am I paying the same artwork fee for the Aria's and Bellagio chips? Is it that tough to clone something that already exists?
b) Are Aria/Bellagio okay with these reproductions? I'd bet the answer is a hard no. Do they get a cut of the artwork fees? Again, I bet no. Then why am I paying the "artist" for these clear violations of copyright law? The most common argument I've seen on this forum is that the clones might be kosher because the chips are not made for resale at a profit. I don't think that's correct since the "artists" are clearly profiting.