\n\n\n\n
Why Knockoffs Exist?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCopying is not a new phenomenon. Nor is the war against it. The phrase \u201coften imitated, never duplicated\u201d first appeared in 1927 as a slogan in a magazine ad placed by Traub Manufacturing Company to promote their wedding and engagement rings. Of course, referencing that you may be able to knockoff, but it won\u2019t hold the value of the original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, with the influence of online culture and the use of drawings and detailed images by designers, knocking off has become even easier. This coupled with the normalization of counterfeits (think knockoff purses) has made knockoffs even more of a problem. Not only can they easily be produced, but there is consumer demand. There are those who seek a less expensive alternative to an original design they can\u2019t afford. A natural human instinct for ingenuity. Then there are those who are just careless. Either they don\u2019t realize why buying a knockoff is bad for the greater good. Or they are just looking for something that looks nice and they don\u2019t realize it is a copy of someone else\u2019s original design. According to Andreea Dima from AweDeco<\/a>, original design carries value beyond appearance. \u201cWhen designers invest time in developing authentic concepts, copies don\u2019t just affect brands, they dilute creativity across the entire industry,\u201d she explains, noting that clients increasingly seek unique, personalized interiors rather than trend-driven replicas.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOften Imitated, Never Duplicated: Inspiration vs. Copy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLooking to the past for inspiration is part of creating new designs. Pulling inspiration from great design can fuel innovation. But the line between taking inspiration from something and duplication is very thin. Copying is a dangerous path for a company, not only are there legal implications there are also implications to reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/nymph-chandelier-koket.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/italian-concepts-usa-butterfly-chandelier.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/farfalle-large-chandelier-julie-neill-visual-comfort.png\")
<\/figure>\nOriginal KOKET Nymph Chandelier<\/a> design (L) with a copy (center) and an inspired design by Julie Neill<\/a> for Visual Comfort (R)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to an article by Be Original Americas<\/a>, a not-for-profit aimed at educating the design community on the pitfalls of counterfeiting, \u201cThe rule of thumb is that if one part of a design is identical to a part of a past design, you are no longer using the piece as inspiration but rather as a model.\u201d The article also states, \u201cOverall, when looking for inspiration always remember one thing: your design must evolve past what the original was and must not steal from its predecessor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"often](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bend-Goods-Black-Lucy-Chair-embraces-the-Bertoia-Chairs-use-of-wire-but-with-a-contemporary-twist.jpg\")
<\/a>A perfect example of inspired design: Bend Goods<\/a> Black Lucy Chair (R) embraces the iconic Bertoia Chair\u2019s<\/a> (L) use of wire, but with a contemporary twist. (Image Via Be Original Americas)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo be inspired, but please don\u2019t copy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Should You Care?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaybe you already do care and you\u2019re reading this article to learn more about what you can do to help the cause. Or maybe you are still wondering, is it really so bad if I buy the knockoff version or copy someone else\u2019s design? If you fall into the second category, please think carefully about your choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying and producing knockoffs has many impacts on the world. Here are some reasons why you should care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The integrity of design: if knockoffs are acceptable, then the companies that really invest in design can’t afford to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you buy a knockoff the original creator gets no credit or compensation for their efforts and innovation. Innovation is much more complex and expensive than copying. Hours and hours and lots of money go into sourcing, prototyping, etc. The copier just has to copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Months](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Chandra-Chair-Knockoffs.jpg\")
<\/a>Months and $1000s of dollars went into perfecting perfect the prototype and then the final design of KOKET’s iconic Chandra Chair (Left), while the companies producing the two chairs (Middle & Right) simply copied the design and added to their collections.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- We need to take care of our earth and quality costs money. Big brands have money to be eco-conscious and care. Knockoffers don\u2019t. The cheap knockoff will end up in a landfill. While the more expensive original is built to last, maybe even generations. The original might even increase in value over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Don\u2019t forget about safety. Brands who are innovating and creating good design test the quality of their products. Knockoffers don\u2019t!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Not Just About Iconic Design<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to copying and knockoffs most people think about famous designs, big names, and designer brands, but the counterfeit industry goes far beyond this.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"often](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Chloe-Sconce-Knockoff-1.jpg\")
<\/a>An example of copied design: KOKET’s Chloe Sconce<\/a> (R) is seen copied in a cheap knockoff version (L)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIn an interview by Architectural Digest with Jerry Helling<\/a>, the president, and creative director of Bernhardt Design, AD asked, \u201cWhat might people not realize about the counterfeit industry?\u201d To which Jerry replied, \u201cSo much of any conversation you read, it\u2019s about the Eames chair, Corbusier pieces, product that\u2019s been out there a long time and has become iconic. But the truth of the matter is, and the part that I was most interested in, is that it\u2019s not just about iconic product. It\u2019s about newer product, product that\u2019s very usable, that might not be iconic, but that a great deal of investment has been put into. It\u2019s not just about protecting the Eames; it could be designs we did a month ago. So it\u2019s about covering all design. It\u2019s protecting the creators and the producers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Can You Do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhether you are a producer or a consumer there are a number of things you can do to help combat knockoffs and promote and support the value of original design. However, it must be noted that targeting the knockoffers is a crucial side of the battle as it is much harder to target the millions of consumers who have been normalized to counterfeit culture or lack the ability to even know when they are seeing a copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a producer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Educate! Litigation is expensive, so the biggest thing you can do is educate your consumers. Make sure they understand the value of your quality and innovation. Make “often imitated, never duplicated” part of your message at every step of your sales and marketing efforts. Sell your story with your products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Of course, this doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t try to protect yourself legally as well! So, register your copyright and trademark your brand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set up Google Alerts<\/a> so you can get email notifications when new results are found on web pages that match your search terms\u2014i.e., your brand or best-selling product name along with words like \u201creplica\u201d or \u201cknockoff\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enforce the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) which allows owners of copyrighted materials residing on the internet to request their material be removed from any infringing website using a letter like this<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Join Be Original Americas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you are a big brand, collaborate with small designers. Leverage their talent and help them grow instead of knocking them off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out this article on Tips for Protecting Your Brand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As an interior designer or retailer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Educate! Ensure that you, your staff, and your clients understand the importance of protecting original designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Promote authentic design as part of your brand messaging. Both authenticity in your own interior design, and authenticity in the products you specify.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Commit to working with trusted sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Respect the work of your peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As a consumer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Practice Ethical Consumption: Think about where the products you buy originated and in what context they were produced. Think before YOU shop. Consider how your lifestyle affects other people and communities, as well as the environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for cues that a product may be a knockoff. Often vendors will use the words replica or inspired by in their descriptions to try to protect themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inexpensive good design exists\u2014so make the choice! Look for young designers or small companies. They don\u2019t have the same overhead as larger brands. Or try vintage and antiques<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Everyone!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nExpose! If you see a copy or knockoff, expose it, share it on social media, notify the brand being knocked off if you know who they are. The more out in the open the discussion is, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Original](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Kelly-Sofa-Knockoff.jpg\")
<\/a>Original KOKET Kelly Sofa<\/a> (Top), Knockoffed and shown in the exact same finishes by a company from China (Bottom)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo Wrap Things Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the reality is, at the end of the day there will probably always be consumers who think it is ok to buy knockoffs and producers who think it is ok to knockoff, but that doesn\u2019t mean YOU have to be part of the problem! Instead, do your part. Remember the saying, “often imitated, never duplicated”. Stop buying knockoffs and stop knocking off. Educate yourself and others. Do your research and be diligent. You have a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Words by Anna Beck Bimba<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Imitation: Is it a compliment? Is it an insult? When it comes to the world of design, in particular in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":49792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,28],"tags":[7137,1337,7138,3566,7139],"class_list":["post-49766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture-and-design","category-interiors","tag-copies-in-design","tag-craftsmanship","tag-knockoffs","tag-luxury-furniture","tag-original-design"],"yoast_head":"\n
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Often Imitated, Never Duplicated: Inspiration vs. Copy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLooking to the past for inspiration is part of creating new designs. Pulling inspiration from great design can fuel innovation. But the line between taking inspiration from something and duplication is very thin. Copying is a dangerous path for a company, not only are there legal implications there are also implications to reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nOriginal KOKET Nymph Chandelier<\/a> design (L) with a copy (center) and an inspired design by Julie Neill<\/a> for Visual Comfort (R)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to an article by Be Original Americas<\/a>, a not-for-profit aimed at educating the design community on the pitfalls of counterfeiting, \u201cThe rule of thumb is that if one part of a design is identical to a part of a past design, you are no longer using the piece as inspiration but rather as a model.\u201d The article also states, \u201cOverall, when looking for inspiration always remember one thing: your design must evolve past what the original was and must not steal from its predecessor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>A perfect example of inspired design: Bend Goods<\/a> Black Lucy Chair (R) embraces the iconic Bertoia Chair\u2019s<\/a> (L) use of wire, but with a contemporary twist. (Image Via Be Original Americas)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo be inspired, but please don\u2019t copy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Should You Care?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaybe you already do care and you\u2019re reading this article to learn more about what you can do to help the cause. Or maybe you are still wondering, is it really so bad if I buy the knockoff version or copy someone else\u2019s design? If you fall into the second category, please think carefully about your choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying and producing knockoffs has many impacts on the world. Here are some reasons why you should care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The integrity of design: if knockoffs are acceptable, then the companies that really invest in design can’t afford to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you buy a knockoff the original creator gets no credit or compensation for their efforts and innovation. Innovation is much more complex and expensive than copying. Hours and hours and lots of money go into sourcing, prototyping, etc. The copier just has to copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Months and $1000s of dollars went into perfecting perfect the prototype and then the final design of KOKET’s iconic Chandra Chair (Left), while the companies producing the two chairs (Middle & Right) simply copied the design and added to their collections.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- We need to take care of our earth and quality costs money. Big brands have money to be eco-conscious and care. Knockoffers don\u2019t. The cheap knockoff will end up in a landfill. While the more expensive original is built to last, maybe even generations. The original might even increase in value over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Don\u2019t forget about safety. Brands who are innovating and creating good design test the quality of their products. Knockoffers don\u2019t!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Not Just About Iconic Design<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to copying and knockoffs most people think about famous designs, big names, and designer brands, but the counterfeit industry goes far beyond this.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/a>An example of copied design: KOKET’s Chloe Sconce<\/a> (R) is seen copied in a cheap knockoff version (L)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIn an interview by Architectural Digest with Jerry Helling<\/a>, the president, and creative director of Bernhardt Design, AD asked, \u201cWhat might people not realize about the counterfeit industry?\u201d To which Jerry replied, \u201cSo much of any conversation you read, it\u2019s about the Eames chair, Corbusier pieces, product that\u2019s been out there a long time and has become iconic. But the truth of the matter is, and the part that I was most interested in, is that it\u2019s not just about iconic product. It\u2019s about newer product, product that\u2019s very usable, that might not be iconic, but that a great deal of investment has been put into. It\u2019s not just about protecting the Eames; it could be designs we did a month ago. So it\u2019s about covering all design. It\u2019s protecting the creators and the producers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Can You Do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhether you are a producer or a consumer there are a number of things you can do to help combat knockoffs and promote and support the value of original design. However, it must be noted that targeting the knockoffers is a crucial side of the battle as it is much harder to target the millions of consumers who have been normalized to counterfeit culture or lack the ability to even know when they are seeing a copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a producer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Educate! Litigation is expensive, so the biggest thing you can do is educate your consumers. Make sure they understand the value of your quality and innovation. Make “often imitated, never duplicated” part of your message at every step of your sales and marketing efforts. Sell your story with your products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Of course, this doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t try to protect yourself legally as well! So, register your copyright and trademark your brand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set up Google Alerts<\/a> so you can get email notifications when new results are found on web pages that match your search terms\u2014i.e., your brand or best-selling product name along with words like \u201creplica\u201d or \u201cknockoff\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enforce the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) which allows owners of copyrighted materials residing on the internet to request their material be removed from any infringing website using a letter like this<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Join Be Original Americas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you are a big brand, collaborate with small designers. Leverage their talent and help them grow instead of knocking them off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out this article on Tips for Protecting Your Brand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As an interior designer or retailer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Educate! Ensure that you, your staff, and your clients understand the importance of protecting original designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Promote authentic design as part of your brand messaging. Both authenticity in your own interior design, and authenticity in the products you specify.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Commit to working with trusted sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Respect the work of your peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As a consumer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Practice Ethical Consumption: Think about where the products you buy originated and in what context they were produced. Think before YOU shop. Consider how your lifestyle affects other people and communities, as well as the environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for cues that a product may be a knockoff. Often vendors will use the words replica or inspired by in their descriptions to try to protect themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inexpensive good design exists\u2014so make the choice! Look for young designers or small companies. They don\u2019t have the same overhead as larger brands. Or try vintage and antiques<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Everyone!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nExpose! If you see a copy or knockoff, expose it, share it on social media, notify the brand being knocked off if you know who they are. The more out in the open the discussion is, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/a>Original KOKET Kelly Sofa<\/a> (Top), Knockoffed and shown in the exact same finishes by a company from China (Bottom)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo Wrap Things Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the reality is, at the end of the day there will probably always be consumers who think it is ok to buy knockoffs and producers who think it is ok to knockoff, but that doesn\u2019t mean YOU have to be part of the problem! Instead, do your part. Remember the saying, “often imitated, never duplicated”. Stop buying knockoffs and stop knocking off. Educate yourself and others. Do your research and be diligent. You have a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Words by Anna Beck Bimba<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Imitation: Is it a compliment? Is it an insult? When it comes to the world of design, in particular in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":49792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,28],"tags":[7137,1337,7138,3566,7139],"class_list":["post-49766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture-and-design","category-interiors","tag-copies-in-design","tag-craftsmanship","tag-knockoffs","tag-luxury-furniture","tag-original-design"],"yoast_head":"\n
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated: The Value of Original Design - Lh Mag<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Good design is often be imitated, but can never truly be duplicated. And YOU have a choice to value originality and not be part of knockoff culture.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/23\/often-imitated-never-duplicated-the-value-of-original-design\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Often Imitated, Never Duplicated: The Value of Original Design\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Good design is often be imitated, but can never truly be duplicated. 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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nAccording to an article by Be Original Americas<\/a>, a not-for-profit aimed at educating the design community on the pitfalls of counterfeiting, \u201cThe rule of thumb is that if one part of a design is identical to a part of a past design, you are no longer using the piece as inspiration but rather as a model.\u201d The article also states, \u201cOverall, when looking for inspiration always remember one thing: your design must evolve past what the original was and must not steal from its predecessor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n So be inspired, but please don\u2019t copy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you already do care and you\u2019re reading this article to learn more about what you can do to help the cause. Or maybe you are still wondering, is it really so bad if I buy the knockoff version or copy someone else\u2019s design? If you fall into the second category, please think carefully about your choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buying and producing knockoffs has many impacts on the world. Here are some reasons why you should care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to copying and knockoffs most people think about famous designs, big names, and designer brands, but the counterfeit industry goes far beyond this.<\/p>\n\n\n In an interview by Architectural Digest with Jerry Helling<\/a>, the president, and creative director of Bernhardt Design, AD asked, \u201cWhat might people not realize about the counterfeit industry?\u201d To which Jerry replied, \u201cSo much of any conversation you read, it\u2019s about the Eames chair, Corbusier pieces, product that\u2019s been out there a long time and has become iconic. But the truth of the matter is, and the part that I was most interested in, is that it\u2019s not just about iconic product. It\u2019s about newer product, product that\u2019s very usable, that might not be iconic, but that a great deal of investment has been put into. It\u2019s not just about protecting the Eames; it could be designs we did a month ago. So it\u2019s about covering all design. It\u2019s protecting the creators and the producers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are a producer or a consumer there are a number of things you can do to help combat knockoffs and promote and support the value of original design. However, it must be noted that targeting the knockoffers is a crucial side of the battle as it is much harder to target the millions of consumers who have been normalized to counterfeit culture or lack the ability to even know when they are seeing a copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expose! If you see a copy or knockoff, expose it, share it on social media, notify the brand being knocked off if you know who they are. The more out in the open the discussion is, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n Unfortunately, the reality is, at the end of the day there will probably always be consumers who think it is ok to buy knockoffs and producers who think it is ok to knockoff, but that doesn\u2019t mean YOU have to be part of the problem! Instead, do your part. Remember the saying, “often imitated, never duplicated”. Stop buying knockoffs and stop knocking off. Educate yourself and others. Do your research and be diligent. You have a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Words by Anna Beck Bimba<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Imitation: Is it a compliment? Is it an insult? When it comes to the world of design, in particular in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":49792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,28],"tags":[7137,1337,7138,3566,7139],"class_list":["post-49766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture-and-design","category-interiors","tag-copies-in-design","tag-craftsmanship","tag-knockoffs","tag-luxury-furniture","tag-original-design"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>Why Should You Care?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/a>\n
\n
It\u2019s Not Just About Iconic Design<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Can You Do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As a producer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
As an interior designer or retailer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
As a consumer…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Everyone!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>To Wrap Things Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n