Quote from Bits_139043 on Feb 6^th, 2010, 12:16pm:

 
Hi Bits,
You should see your cards re-reviewed shortly.  In general our reviewers have a keen eye for any brand/manufacturer names as they are clearly off limits and raise a red flag.
 
Your comment "These images are nothing to do with Harley" is not so accurate.  By using Harley in your keywords you are indicating that the bike in your image is a Harley.  Thus the decline.  At closer look the image does appear to be somewhat generic ie: no manufacturer emblems, signature logos, etc.   Had you used a laundry list of other bikes (harley, ducati, yamaha, etc ...) I believe the reviewers would have assumed you were trying to attract all motorcycle lovers in general and the bike was "generic".  This laundry list of makers/names would not be allowed either.
 
As for other topics in this thread re: off-limits content:
See Artist FAQ #34 here:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/about/answers.asp#34
 
With the example of "Don't Be Cruel" .... if you're putting it on a product for sale and YOU WILL BE EARNING $$ off of it then you are infringing on the originators value, their rights to earn, etc.  Using the words Don't Be Cruel by itself is likely ok (although more extensive song lyrics are a different story).  Where it crosses the line (and it's real value lies) is when it is used along with an Elvis likeness as well as "elvis" keywords, etc.  Now it's clear as a bell that you are trying to financially benefit from this celebrity's value.  
 
GCU takes a more conservative approach, vs other POD sites, in an effort to catch content before legal warnings/notification.
 
Hope that helps clarify a bit.

OK, so now I'm really confused. "Don't Be Cruel" can be used, but the Chihuahua used looks like Elvis too much to be used?

Hi Penny,
The chihuahua is dressed as Elvis. I was the photographer at Dog-O-Ween 2009 and he was one of the contestants...too cute. The funny thing about all this is that GCU approved that same dog on my card Thank you, thank you very much.....so see I'm confused as to why they declined my Don't be Cruel...be my Valentine card. But please Penny, jump on over to my store and take a look at that cute pup....he really is adorable.
Renae

Quote from Renae_139784 on Feb 9^th, 2010, 11:41am:

  
I think what Mindy is saying is that when you use a phrase such as Don't Be Cruel TOGETHER with an image that is obviously meant to portray Elvis, then you have crossed a line.  So, if for example, you had a card with a squirrel on it lets say and on the inside you said Don't Be Cruel Be My Valentine, that would probably have been accepted, assuming the squirrel was not dressed like your dog...hahaha!  The issue lies with the fact that you are intentionally attempting to make money through using the name, phrase and likeness of Elvis Presley, that's what is an issue.
 
The card that is already approved with the dog in an Elvis suit, sunglasses and musical notes says thank and was approved because your likeness to Elvis was 'implied' not blatantly stated.  Does this make any sense?  I'm only trying to help you understand Renae so that you can go on creating your adorable cards without this happening anymore.

Thank you Penny, I appreciate you taking the time to look and for your compliments.
Renae

My pleasure Doreen...I'm learning too! That's why I'm asking all the questions. And from what you said about it being a song....there are other artist's that use that same song name for their song....and if it went by song names, we sure would be out of a lot of sayings with all the billions of songs out there.....
Renae

Being that my husband is a recording artist, I understand a lot of what your article states. However, I do not see anything as to a dog dressed like Elvis....what about all the Elvis impersonators out there?
 
Anyway, would my card get published if I said my Don't Be Cruel words were actually from Otis Blackwell or Bobby Brown's song of the same title and then use my dog.....LOL...I'm just kidding....this subject was just good for a debate.  
 
It's no problem that my card does not get published here, it is published elsewhere and doing very well. I hope I have not aggravated anybody.  
 
Renae