Since 2008, we’ve had thousands of readers discover the ELI website and ELI Forums after they have received a Getty Images (or other stock photo) “extortion letter”. Many have attempted to contact us through phone and email asking for help. Early on, we tried to help but eventually there were too many requests for help and the help being requested overstepped reasonable time boundaries. So, we no longer provide free one-on-one help. However, you do have several help options.
If you get an extortion letter, this is what you need to do:
1. The very first thing you need to do is to CALM DOWN and TAKE A BREATH! Tens of thousands of these extortion letters have gone out over the years. You are far from being alone. Getting an extortion letter from out of the blue is upsetting but not the end of the world. For most people and their situation, the bark is much worse than the bite.
2. This is a no-brainer. Immediately remove all copies of the infringing images from your web server. Even the hidden ones.
3. GET EDUCATED. Do it as soon as possible. Don’t say you don’t have the time. You better make the time. You got the letter so now YOU have a problem to deal with. It is YOUR problem. The problem will not go away. Make the time to GET EDUCATED.
4. Read, browse, and search the ELI Forums. It is FREE! It is an online database with a goldmine of information, advice, commentary, and research. Help yourself to it.
5. Watch the ELI Video Interviews & Updates. It is FREE! There are hours of recorded information to bring yourself up to speed.
6. Sign up to become an ELI Forum user. It is FREE! Post your situation and story BUT be aware no one is going to hold your hand and take you through it step-by-step. You will receive some general guidance and suggestions but it will be up to you to carry out the details. The majority of people get enough information to make a relatively informed decision in how to proceed.
If you still need more help, we have PAID options:
1. Make an ELI Paypal Contribution (Home Page Sidebar) of at least $50.00 and you will be able to schedule a 30-minute telephone consultation with Matthew Chan. Matthew will not provide legal advice. He will provide you an overview and analysis of your personal situation and give a suggested course of action. Due to the volume of help requests, any emails or telephone messages asking for “just a few minutes” or “quick help” will go unanswered.
2. Buy the “Beat the Getty Images Extortion Letter: Special Report”. This option will be available sometime in Spring 2012.
3. Enroll into Attorney Oscar Michelen’s Getty Images Defense Letter Program. Oscar does not offer email or telephone consultations at this time. If you want to know more about Oscar, his style, and credentials, view the ELI Video Interviews & Updates. Due to the volume of help requests, any emails or telephone messages asking for “just a few minutes” or “quick help” will go unanswered.
The ELI website has been the product of countless hours of hard work put in over the years. The information we have diligently researched and reported on is to assist the ever-growing community of Getty & Stock Photo Extortion Letter recipients.