The Fine Art of Poaching

Let's face it people, we have all been there on either side of this court. No, I am not talking about tennis or even eggs. I am referring to the circumstances when you see someone else wearing something new whether it be clothing or jewelry. When someone you know, a close friend or just an acquaintance is sporting a new car, watch, or even an object for their home, kitchen etc. You see it, and you just have to have it.

You are tempted to ask them where they got it. This would be the quickest way to acquire this item. But you are hesitant. You figure you can do a little reconnaissance and figure out where and how to get it. You go about doing so. You may ask a couple of benign questions. You inspect the item with subtle glances in their direction, you may pick up and touch the item if possible. Some items are obvious. This makes it easy. But this is where my friend you begin to go wrong. If you manage to gather the information necessary for the acquisition and actually take it down, you have poached.

Poaching is the act of copying someone else's taste and personal style without giving proper credit and acknowledgement when due. This is not a crime but it is frowned upon. Fortunately it is very easy to avoid this blunder which can actually suck the pleasure out of the ownership of said item.

I have a dear friend with whom I have discussed this topic numerous times. We have come to the conclusion that when anyone is presented with this dilemma the decent thing to do is immediately compliment the item and the owner, ask intelligent questions about it and then admit right then and there your intentions to go out and buy said item.

By doing this you have paid appropriate homage to this person of good taste. You can freely sport or use the item and whenever complimented give credit for the idea to the original owner. You need not do this for the entire useful life of the item, just while it is new.

Just sayin'.