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Ravelympics

Perhaps this story wasn't a part of your news this week, but I can tell you every knitting-related blog, website and social media group was talking about it.  So let me give you a quick overview.


Ravelry, an online yarn crafting community that I have referred to with some regularity,  has been around for 5 years.  During that time they have 3 times challenged members to push themselves beyond their normal yarn skills set and try something new or difficult or both in support of Olympians.  However on Wednesday, June 20, the group was asked to cease and desist by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The USOC said that by using the name "Ravelympics" for a competition that involves an afghan marathon, scarf hockey and sweater triathlon, among others, tends to denigrate the true nature of the Olympic Games. In a sense, it is disrespectful to our country's finest athletes and fails to recognize or appreciate their hard work."
  
Ravelympic-gate  Yarn versus the USOC


The USOC found out it was pushing against the wrong group, one with sharp, pointy sticks.  Ravelry members found the implication that somehow individuals who aren't involved in the yarn world would confuse Ravelympics with the Olympics to be ridiculous.  Knitting and yarn crafting social media lit up about this topic and frankly the indignant outrage was, in my humble opinion, about as ridiculous as the USOC initial communication.  Some pointed out Ravelympics raises funds for the Special Olympics, something that is wholesome and useful.  Others attacked the USOC in overextending its reach in order to protect its trademark name.  And then there was the general outrage all crafters seem to have of being misunderstood about  their hobby.  Note to self, beware when attacking crafters, they turn ugly and mean-spirited very, very quickly.


On Thursday, June 21, the day after the cease and desist letter, the USOC sent the following:  
Again this did not fully satisfy many yarn crafters.  The statement was found to be insincere and the invitation to donate handmade items insulting.  I found this controversy totally amusing.  It seems to me the USOC and Ravelry members deserve one another's indignation.   Although, some like myself continue to talk about this controversy, the events of this week seem to be moving into history.  Hopefully now the knitting blogosphere can go back to talking about more important things like stitch types, yarns and which company makes the best needles. 


P.S. Should you wish to read a reasoned and well-research post about this see Yarn Harlot's post.   Stephanie proves again why she is one of the most read knitting blogs around.
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