This took me a smidge longer than it should have but I’m putting my statement out here in the universe now on the matter of the acrylic and pin discourse that has been going on.
First and foremost, as both Jirachi and Fara have said: Please do not keep reading if you need to take a break from this. Take care of yourselves first. Desktop users, taping “J” will nyoom you to the next post on your feed.
So for the meat of this post; I’m not going to go into fine details of the ‘he said and she said.’ There were a lot of things done on BOTH sides of the conflict that could have been handled better. I approached Jirachi assuming ill intent, something they have clarified now, and they reacted in a defensive manner escalating things further. As tensions rose personal matters were pulled into a business disagreement that really shouldn’t have been. There were things highlighted in my own behavior that I acknowledge I need to improve on, and this also has been a learning experience for me for future business and professional interactions. [Note to all, always get the details in writing so all expectations are highlighted, even with friends]
Most primarily, I shouldn’t have green-lit a call out post. It goes against a lot of my morals, both one’s I’ve stated publicly and my own personal code. It’s my first, and only, time having done such a thing and it’s going to stand out to me as a primary regret for this entire fiasco. I had my reasons for why I thought it was necessary, but I know now I was wrong. For the grief that has caused Jirachi, I do sincerely apologize.
I am glad that regardless what was done that we have managed to come to an amicable resolution to things. Despite what might be interpreted from this, I really have no issue with Jirachi creating their own merch for their AU. They have a lovely art style and are weaving a delicate web with their AU that is intriguing to see develop. It’s a sad story, but folks might have realized I already have a preference for those.
Jirachi has agreed to redesign the acrylics; when they are released I highly suggest you all go and support them. There’s a lot of wiggle room to be done with that kind of merchandise and I am curious to see how they’ll utilize it in a different design.
On the topic of the legal repercussions, I’d like to debunk a rumor here for the sake of clarity.
I have been in contact with three different lawyers on this matter, both through the Bar Associations and through my own personal family contacts, and I am so immensely relieved that I will not have to pursue that action.
I was never going to ‘sue Jirachi for everything they had.’ I understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, especially with COVID. My heart truly does go out to them for their own personal troubles that they’re dealing with, I hope they are managing with it as best they can. This was always a matter of business and not personal. I was always approaching it with that mentality. With the disagreements on the nature of our work arrangement I thought it was best to get a legal interpretation of our conversations as to best decide from a neutral party the nature of the legality.
As a final note, it’s come to my attention that some users are going and harassing people involved in this and in prior drama. I’d like to implore you all to not do this. I never want others to become the target of hate or to be told to ‘kill themselves,’ as I have been informed some have received.
Be better than this and leave them be.
If I am informed of such things going on I will promptly block any accounts proven to have perpetuated such toxicity.
TL;DR: We have come to an agreement that alleviates the concerns and miscommunications that have been rampant. There were mistakes made from everyone, personal baggage was mixed in, and it shouldn’t have gone public. Fortunately, if all parties stick to their agreements no further legal repercussions will be pursued and we can all put this behind us.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
