So recently a friend of mine (Amarith) found out that someone was trying to steal her character of the same name. Basically, they were in the middle of a collaboration with an artist. Artist (or someone close to them) was approached by the person that was trying to steal Amarith's tigress for a commission piece, stating that they had gotten permission from Amarith to use her character and rename her (to something completely off the cuff- Bethany or something) and to change her backstory. The artist asked Amarith's art acquaintance (the one she's in the middle of doing a collaboration piece with) about this, and the acquaintance informs Amarith- Who then promptly informs them that, NO, they DO NOT have such permissions, and that it was NOT okay. Amarith shut that shit down. The person notes Amarith, giving, what is in my opinion, the most half-assed apology ever. I got the feeling that it was a sort of "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" type shit that drives me up a wall. Amarith blocked that person after.

Then, after a few days of being blocked (By the way, I've blocked them too so they can't spy on Amarith's stuff through me.) person's 'friend' sends a note to Amarith, asking for a favor. No context. Just 'hey. I need a favor." Asking for clarification, Amarith was informed that said person who tried to steal her character was sorry and didn't want to be blocked and was just trying to make a friend or two.

*deep breath. Deep, deep sigh. EPIC FACE PALM.*

TRYING TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE'S CHARACTER TO TOUT AS YOUR OWN IS NOT HOW YOU MAKE FRIENDS!

Holy crap. SERIOUSLY. That's like being in art class, stealing someone's painting as it's drying and trying to sign your name in the corner, then wondering why they're mad at you! YOU KNOW IT'S FREAKING WRONG! CHARACTER THEFT IS AKIN TO ART THEFT! And ESPECIALLY -THAT- particular character. Amarith is a close friend of mine and the fact that someone tried to steal that PIECE of her and claim it as theirs INFURIATES ME.

I won't stay their name in this journal. But I won't hesitate to name-and-shame in the comments.