A Message From KeepFighting

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

I have decided to reveal my identity here in the forums and online community.  I am doing this not because I am special in any way, I am not.  I feel that the more we can put a face to our stories and situations the more we can show Getty that we are not afraid to fight their extortionist practices.  I am not out of my three year statute of limitations waiting period before I can breathe easy, in fact it has only been a few months since I received my letter but I am here to say that I am not afraid of Getty and I will be fighting them with every means at my disposal and am prepared to do whatever it takes.  I also had a conversation with Mathew today and let him know that it is my intention to continue to support ELI financially, as it would be a terrible loss if it were no longer here, as well as with my time here in the forums helping out any way I am able until ELI is no longer necessary. 

You may say or think that one person cannot make a difference but I beg to differ, Matthew is making a difference, April is making a difference http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/linda-ellis-lindas-lyrics-dash-poem-letters-forum/, Ian is making a difference http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/getty-images-letter-forum/class-action-suit-filed-against-getty-images-master-delegate-in-israel/  it can be done, the more people that are willing to stand up, be counted and fight for what is right the sooner we will start to see a change.  A perfect example is the April Brown’s situation, she had had enough and fought back, until she brought this issue to light not many people had heard about Linda Ellis and the Dash demand letters, now Linda Ellis and her tactics are getting all kinds of attention. 

I am not advising anyone to do what I am doing, there are risks involved but I feel as with any bully you stand up look them in the eye, pop them in the nose and they will go look for easier prey. 

So in the immortal words of Inigo Montoya I say to Getty:

Hello.
My name is Greg Troy.
You sent me a letter.
Prepare to die.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist  , but my name is really Greg Troy and I run a sole proprietor Remodeling and Handyman service called Yeah, We Do That, I will be here and keep fighting with everything I have and by any means necessary. 

Thanks,

Greg Troy

[Matthew Chan]

Greg,

It takes great courage to come out publicly. I commend you for it. I think it is safe to say you are the 5th person in the ELI community (after me, Robert, Jerry, and April) that has decided to make a stand. We stand by our business reputations and stand by our positions against copyright extortionists.

Because you have revealed your identity, it is safe to say ELI will support you if there is any retribution by Getty. I already have an action plan of who and where to target should that day ever come.  Not everything gets posted to these forums.  I do keep some things in my back-pocket just in case.

I cannot imagine they would do anything stupid against you as you are involved with ELI and you now have a direct phone line to me.

I am hoping I can get Greg to do a video interview with me within the next week or two. It should be fun.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

Well re-welcome Greg! Needless to say I agree completely with your statements, and appreciate your efforts and willingness to "come out".

[Peeved]

Right on Greg!

Everyone needs to fight this battle how ever they seem fit. There are those "anonymous" members who have contributed "financially" as well as with continuous dialog. Some with a little "humor" added to the mix. I respect those members as well!
 

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the support and I would be honored to do a video. 
@Peeved
I agree, we all have our part and do what we can, again, I am not suggesting anyone do this unless they are ready and I am certainly not suggesting that anyone who remains anonymous is not doing their part, they are.  We all support ELI how we can, weather through contributions, participating in the forums or adding new information, we all do our part. I just feel for me I wanted to let Getty know I am going to fight them and let them know who it is that is doing it.

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

For those who do not know me and wanted to find out more here is the thread I started when I joined.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/getty-images-letter-forum/got-my-getty-letter-thank-you-for-this-site/

[SoylentGreen]

An official welcome to Troy!!

S.G.

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

Thank you S.G.! I am glad to be here!

An official welcome to Troy!!

S.G.

[Jerry Witt (mcfilms)]

Good for you Greg. I agree the best way to combat the practice of trolling is to be open and direct. I've done a talk at a couple different user groups in LA and I am surprised at the number of people that just paid up.

I also agree that it's up to each individual to "come out" in their own time and when they are ready. But since the stock footage industry has been at this for a few years now, more and more people will be reaching the end of their three year window. I suspect that we'll start to see an increase in people willing to speak "on the record" about this.

By the way, my real name is Jerry Witt. If any extortion victims are ever out in LA, give me a shout and I'd be happy to grab a beer with you.

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

Thanks Jerry!  I am afraid that the amount of people who just pay has to be high or it would not be profitable for the stock photo companies to continue perusing there current business model.   Look at HAN where Glen Carner stated that half of his income comes from infringement collections.  I do think that the more people we can educate and help get the word out we will see a change in the stock companies business model, not too soon I’m afraid but it has been shown time and again that companies that don’t treat their customer base with respect will have to change or fail.

And thanks for the offer, if you or any of the other victims are in the Cincinnati area I’d be happy to talk to you and have a beer.

Good for you Greg. I agree the best way to combat the practice of trolling is to be open and direct. I've done a talk at a couple different user groups in LA and I am surprised at the number of people that just paid up.

I also agree that it's up to each individual to "come out" in their own time and when they are ready. But since the stock footage industry has been at this for a few years now, more and more people will be reaching the end of their three year window. I suspect that we'll start to see an increase in people willing to speak "on the record" about this.

By the way, my real name is Jerry Witt. If any extortion victims are ever out in LA, give me a shout and I'd be happy to grab a beer with you.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

I just might be headed to LA at some point, and I'll let you (Jerry) buy me a beer, only if you promise to bail me out in the morning, I've never had 1 beer in my life! I'd have to make my rounds to visit some other too.

[April Brown (AuctionApril)]

Greg! First tear I've shed since this started for me last October. I'm uplifted by your revelation. Today is one of those days when I needed to see courage. I'm sickened by secrecy. This is the USA! My compassion has increased for those people who have lived and are living under the iron sickle of censorship and tyranny (Syria, Egypt, Indonesia). They are threatened with real brutality and even death, yet they would rather be free than silenced - even if death comes. We have nothing to fear. Nothing. These Trolls need the bright light of truth blazing down on them every second of every day until this injustice stops! Hug to you.

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

Thank you so much April and very well said.  I concur with everything you said; secrecy, greed and the unethical business practices of the copyright trolls are what keep this alive.  It’s a shame when someone does settle with them; the victims are forced to sign an agreement that says they are not allowed to discuss any part of the settlement.  I do realize that this is a “Standard” clause in most settlements but why have it unless you have something to hide. 
 I am happy that this has brightened your day, you are not alone in this and I know you are under attack right now with DMCA takedown notices and more than what is posted here I’m sure.  You are not alone in your fight; there is a strong community here to draw upon.  Hang in there and let us know what we can do to help.
Big hug back at ya 

Greg! First tear I've shed since this started for me last October. I'm uplifted by your revelation. Today is one of those days when I needed to see courage. I'm sickened by secrecy. This is the USA! My compassion has increased for those people who have lived and are living under the iron sickle of censorship and tyranny (Syria, Egypt, Indonesia). They are threatened with real brutality and even death, yet they would rather be free than silenced - even if death comes. We have nothing to fear. Nothing. These Trolls need the bright light of truth blazing down on them every second of every day until this injustice stops! Hug to you.

[Moe Hacken]

Right on, Greg and April. I'm with you. I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees.

[Oscar Michelen]

Greg:  It's great to meet you and thanks for revealing your identity. I do want to say that whether you choose to give your name or remain anonymous those folks who post frequently and thoughtfully have made this forum so valuable and content-laden that it is second to none on this topic. So while I agree that its "the more the merrier" as far as giving out your name, but the most important thing is to contribute your story and your thoughts about battling copyright trolling.