ExtortionLetterInfo Forums
ELI Forums => Getty Images Letter Forum => Topic started by: Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi) on September 08, 2012, 01:09:58 PM
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I like to keep tabs on our list of copyright troll attorenys, just to see what they've been up to. I know that Matthew doesn't really like when I throw ass-hats under the bus without first being provoked, but when I see some of this crazy stuff posted..well.. I feel provoked.. With that being said I'm taking this opportunity to throw Attorney and copyright troll Leslie Burns under the bus. In case you don't remember Leslie Burns ESQ works for the firm of Carolyn Wright also known as "the photo attorney".
I just read a post she made on her blog ( link down below) and once again leslie goes to great lengths to prove to us that most lawyers are narrow minded and can't seem to look beyond legal books, that is when their heads aren't up their asses. Anywhoozle this post is in regards to the Oatmeal / Funnyjunk saga that played out awhile back..
"Pursue infringements through proper legal means; and Don’t react publicly, especially not like he did."
Yes, keep quiet, don't say a word to anybody, lest word get out about the trolls that are running rampant.
"Inman chose not to seek the legal protections he had available when his work was originally infringed (he is not a strong-copyright supporter, so this isn’t too surprising). Instead he published a very public (and arguably funny) rant about being ripped-off. This was like throwing gas on the fire and wasn’t necessary."
Leslie apparently forgot to mention all of the takedown requests that went totally ignored...and yes don't throw gas on the fire, this cause visabilty.
"If you find your work is infringed, do not try to do what Inman did."
Doing what Inman did makes no money for the trolls and puts them in a bad light..so heavens no don't do that!
"That also means you shouldn’t discuss your case on social media, at all."
Again keep quiet, social media is your enemy in matters such as this.
"Overall, it’s just not worth trying to out the badguys like that, even with humor. Instead, keep registering your work and call your attorney when you find it’s being infringed."
Hurry call your nearest copyright troll!!
Lets take a look at where Leslie Burns appears to have some flawed thinking, although it might be hard to think properly with your sphincter squeezing your head..
Matt Inman reacted publicly, he threw a little gas on the fire, his rant quickly made the rounds thru social media circles and became viral and the outcome was what??
- His material mysteriously vanished for the site in question.
- He exposed the copyright troll for what he is
- He raised a boatload of cash for 2 worthy charities
- HE WON THE BATTLE!
You see Matt Inman fought the war on HIS terms, no some narrow minded attorneys direction...Sorry trolls no 30% "commission" for you this time. He used the tools at his disposal to his advantage, which he will be able to continue to use in the years to follow.
Need I also remind attorney Leslie Burns of our recent episode with Jennifer Sherrouse, the Atlanta area real estate agent that reared her ugly head?? You'd think that Leslie Burns would be aware of this being as the demand letter was sent from Evan Anderson another lawyer in the same firm as her..We pretty did the same thing, went public and called them out, Jennifer Sherrouse didn't like the fact that we mentioned her little run in with the law in regards to fair housing..Shortly after our reporting Evan Anderson and Jennifer Sherrouse went running back to their little holes.
One thing in her post I do agree with:
" Words published in haste can come back to bite you in the ass"
I think I may have just bitten Leslie Burns in the ass!
Link to complete article: http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2012/06/22/what-not-to-do/
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Actually, I don't have a problem with providing ongoing commentary, reporting, and follow-ups of what has previously been reported.
Regarding Matthew Inman's handling of the case, it was brilliant and sheer genius. He created so much PR for himself. He "lost" due to infringements but "won" in so many other ways that propelled him even further up.
Matthew absolutely did the right thing speaking up as far as I am concerned. We have persistently helping our people by speaking out loudly, not cowering down in silence. Anyone want to discuss Evan Andersen and the Jennifer Sherrouse case? Leslie's extortionist partner, Evan and their client conceded to the person we helped out.
Regarding the whole defamation thing, truth is an absolute defense. Sharing your honest opinion is also not defamation. Leslie shows her ignorance as far as I am concerned.
If you want to exclusively fight through the court system giving thousands of dollars to attorneys, fine. Follow her idiotic advice. I prefer NOT to go through the court system and fight on MY TERMS without spending thousands of dollars in legal fees.
There can be no greater opposite opinion between Leslie's advice and ELI's advice to handling problems. Robert picked a good one because it provoked a reaction out of me too.
Matthew Inman became an Internet celebrity as a result of the stupidity of FunnyJunk and Charles Carreon. Inman laughed all the way to the bank and got kudos for the immense donations to the 2 charities.
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I agree with you Matthew, what Matthew Inman did is a perfect example of how to use the media and the Internet to fight for your rights. I also remember even the EFF joined the fight on his side, and like you said it ended up being a win win win for him. Troll Carreon went away with his tail tucked between his legs, well over $200,000 was raised for the Cancer Society and the Wildlife Fund, he did not need to hire lawyers to fight his battles and the end piece of perfectly and politically got to thank everyone who supported him and rub Carreon's nose in it with the following post.
http://theoatmeal.com/blog/charity_money
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Good commentary as always...
I laughed a bit over the "don't react publicly" and "you shouldn’t discuss your case on social media" thing.
Because, the exact opposite happens every single time, and the battles are won primarily on social media.
I guess that Inman really "russled some jimmies" in the copyright troll world.
(http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3310/copyrighttrolltraining.jpg)
As Oscar would say "there endeth the lesson" lol.
S.G.
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LOL! That is great SG! Thanks!
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Nice work again, S.G.! Not only are the trolls getting hosed on the social media — they're also getting their ass kicked in the search engine result pages. Most of them get their best rankings from the negative exposure on ELI and the other troll-fighting websites.