Poll: Do You Have a Problem With Distributors?

Ok. This needs to be asked. I am a SL distributor, meaning I buy content from Person A then repackage it and sell it to the general public. Unfortunately, it seems as if a LOT of people have issues with people selling stuff that they did not directly create.

This attitude puzzles me. In effect, I am able to commission SL'ers to develop stuff for my store, pay them a salary, and I take the risk of whether or not the product will sell or not. To me, this seems like a good deal to all involved.

However, there are many who seem to disagree.

What do you think? Is this bad - if so, why?

So you mean you buy items from person "a", break permissions on them, resell them and call yourself a "distributor".

In the real world, "distributors" have agreements with their suppliers, and vice versa.

I suppose there is always the black market, though.

I don't think anyone would actually have a problem with it if you actually did "commission" people to make items for your store.

But you act as if it's a common practice. It isn't. Most "resellers" got their content in a disingenuous manner.

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There are distributors and distributors, and never the twain shall meet.

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Wow, I actually cross-posted with you, as well. It is the operative term here though.

a big diffrence between those who resell stuff they buy and those who resell freebies ~.~

Man 1: "That seems a tad disingenuous."
Man 2: "That reminds me .. have you met my lawyer, Tad Disingenuous?"
Tad: "Hi there, nice to meet you."

Yeah! We should boycott the Junkyard until they drop their prices to L$0!

I'm unclear why this description need be qualified with the seeming amibiguity of "in effect." Either a commision to develop a product for salary is negotiated and agreed upon by both parties, or it is not. Could you clarify?

Allow me to edit out the euphamisms in your post. I 'll put translations in brackets: [ ]

Now, on to answer your question:

Trust. In business, you don't do things with other peoples' products simply because you want to. It violates the trust of the original seller and it violates what's considered "fair use" of a product.

I cannot take software, mod it, and then claim that I invented it, nor can I then turn around and resell it. Take a look at the mod community and you'll see that all modded commercial software is provided free. (such as Counterstrike, or custom levels for a variety of games, etc)

Now, there are people who do like the distributor model - case in point is Timeless Prototype's Multigadget. However:
(a) He chooses to enter this distribution agreement
(b) The products are not modified
(c) Ultimately, Timeless is still given credit for the product

If you are serious about a distribution model of reselling, I'd advise you to study the Multigadget's distribution (current out-of-stock nature aside) and maybe create some sort of boilerplate contract that you can get people to resell. As a legit reseller, not only will you make more money, but you'll make less hard feelings in the community. And then everyone wins.

You resell freebies. You can't sugarcoat it. I have no problem with REAL distributers. You are not one of those.

I think distributors are a great idea! Let me know when one shows up in this thread.

I'm one! I resell Timeless Prototype's MultiGadgets and am an aubreTec affiliate, as well as selling my own products that I actually make and script myself...strange concept to make/script your own stuff huh?

Excellent Jamie! Sam and I expect a royality check for all the FREE trailers you have sold of his creation for 1K linden a piece on SLX. He usually requests 75% of the sale, but we will make it 100% just for you!

We have nothing against distributors.. just the UNAUTHORIZED kind that take free items for noobies and make huge ass profits off of it then expect the original creator to support it.

Have a great day, and we expect to see your linden payment in our accounts soon.

Rose, great idea.

Jamie, can you provide access to a database of all products sold and prices, so that all content creators can thusly request their commission?

Correct. In most cases, the designer rather accept a larger upfront payment. Most people don't want to design on commission, oddly enough.

You have no idea, silly boy.

I took this item out of my shop because of your request some time ago. Obviously, you have no idea what you are talking about.

And I hate to burst your ego bubble but the trailers sold like crap. Nobody wanted them.

No I cannot. That is confidential information to be shared with suppliers only. You are not one of them.

I don't have much to add here. Looks like you all got it quite handily.

Jamie,

Are you a messageboard masochist?

Nothing better than a "distributor" who knows how to build a relationship with his "licensees."