Tattletale-y post incoming.

I just received a message from a user who saw that I (years ago) posted a FO using a Closet Core pattern and asked if I would be willing to give them that pattern in exchange for a different one. I told them that I prefer to support indie pattern makers and politely declined.

I now see that this user has posted in other sewing groups inquiring about PDF pattern exchanges, saying they've "got a large library going." They even created a standalone subreddit called for pattern exchange, and posted an offer to exchange patterns on a piracy sub.

To me, this goes against the ethics of sewing these days - pattern makers make a living based on pattern sales, and that requires that customers actually pay for what they use. Specifically, Closet Core is (or at least was) a relatively indie pattern maker, and their patterns are thoughtfully considered and (IMO) well worth the money. The post history demonstrating that this user is trying to amass a collection of patterns for free, and this wasn't just a one-off ask, amplifies my ethical concerns. (I am not a pattern maker at all, btw, just a home sewist, but this really rubbed me the wrong way.)

I considered just messaging the mods about this, or referring to this user without posting their handle, but the depth of their post history made me reconsider protecting their anonymity. I apologize if this goes against the rules.

Am I alone in thinking this behavior is wrong and a bit egregious? I'm certainly open to differing opinions - perhaps this is just seen as a collaborative practice. But my vote would be for this community to discourage this kind of thing where possible.