Originally Posted by
justflyingin
Pattern writers, like anyone else doing something, should do something "worthy" before they get paid. If it isn't particularly original, then maybe or maybe not they should get paid for it.
Who judges what is "worthy"? Taking the time to write out even a simple pattern in understandable format, add illustrations, etc. makes it "worthy". There are beginners who do need their hands held and look for patterns for even the simplest of designs. It's work to write out a pattern and include illustrations, and those particular words and format are copyright protected, even if the design is not. Those who need the pattern help will be glad to buy it, and those who don't will just take the idea from the photo and make their own way with executing it. But there definitely is a place and a market for even simple patterns, and those who go to the trouble to write them are "worthy" of their due.