Messages

16

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Future Getty Tactic?

« on: April 16, 2011, 11:50:51 PM »

Who's to say that Getty (or similar) didn't "photo-shop" and make it appear that they've captured images from a given web site for possible infringement litigation - if one has long since removed the photos in question? Normally one assumes good faith, but I think they blow that with their initial demand letters. This is something I've actually wondered about. In this day and age practically anyone can make any page appear any way that they want, print it out as a screen capture, and then claim you infringed upon them.

17

Getty Images Letter Forum / Something to think about - Online Photo Editing

« on: April 15, 2011, 12:48:58 PM »

Quite a while ago, one of my daughters told me she was using a really good online (free) photo-editing service called
"Picnik" and suggested I move away from image editor programs on my computer.  (URL: http://www.picnik.com) .  

I don't know if it's a coincidence or by design but obviously the name is kind of close to "PicScout". I have used it on occasion and it has occurred to me that this web site obviously retains a copy of each and every image one edits online - and that image information could be directly forwarded to PicScount, Getty,  Masterfile,  etc.etc. and other web image capturing bot companies.

Something to be mindful of in terms of using their inviting and enticing "free service" - especially if you're using a site like this to edit images for your own web site usage or if you design web sites for others. Prudence dictates that it would be safest to ensure you're editing your own images or those you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that have no copyright, licensing or any other potential infringement issues.

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Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: We cannot condone this type of response but....

« on: April 13, 2011, 10:41:02 PM »

Love it - especially the offering of the "image of himself" as equal value and payment.  

19

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Feedback Request: Should We Launch a Facebook Page for ELI?

« on: April 06, 2011, 01:58:38 PM »

I think you have everything covered here Matthew - and your time is already taxed in maintaining this site.
Further you have this site indexed very well in all the major search engines. Having a face book page, seems totally redundant, un-necessary, and, you'd just be making more work for yourself. My $0.02 only.

20

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Is PicScout Legal? - Cyber Trespass

« on: April 05, 2011, 03:05:08 PM »

Ever since I got nailed last fall (ie...receiving the Getty letter)  for several postage size images, that were allegedly royalty and license free (and not only removing these, but every other single image on my company's web site that I could not be 100% certain were "free and clear" to use) I've been taking all of my own photos with my camera.

I have a web designer I'm currently working with who's redesigning and updating our company's site, and at my insistence (and cost) she is creating all graphics to be used from scratch along where necessary, with images/pictures I'm providing that I know I took myself. She thinks I'm being kind of extreme, but for me, this is the only way I can be guaranteed never to have those leeches/extortionists come at me again. I no longer trust anything posted online on any web site anywhere to be completely free and clear. Perhaps if I'd been this vigilant from the beginning, I never would have received the letter, or discovered this site - but I'm certainly glad this forum exists and externally grateful for the resources and help provided by Matthew and Oscar.

21

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Thread Separation: Rebuttal to Oscar not responsive

« on: March 23, 2011, 10:12:35 AM »

I also want to chime in and express my profound appreciation for this site.

I received the letter last fall and it came less than a week after my Mom passed away after a long, protracted battle with cancer. As if I wasn't stressed out enough .. it was the last thing I needed and an initial call to Getty in Seattle with a compassion plea fell on completely deaf ears.

Finding this site, and in retaining Oscars help, was a god-send.
Thank you Matthew and Oscar.

22

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: I just got my letter on Tuesday looking for help

« on: March 19, 2011, 10:46:56 AM »

His contact info can be found in this thread:

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/read.php?2,1702

23

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: I just got my letter on Tuesday looking for help

« on: March 18, 2011, 01:18:28 PM »

Respectfully, and because he has helped so many on this site, your best bet is to contact Oscar.

24

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Notification of Case Escalation

« on: March 09, 2011, 10:48:32 PM »

I would instead hire Oscar and give HIM the $150 to represent you (good for up to 2 letters) and then they won't bother you directly again. Just my $0.02.  (Personally I wouldn't give those Getty pr--ks a dime.)

25

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Help, got the Getty letter today

« on: March 03, 2011, 08:15:20 PM »

Given how despicable these intimidating, extortionist shysters are, on principle alone - not to mention the great help and assistance provided here on this forum by both the administrator and Oscar -  I would rather give Oscar $150 to represent me and write them a letter or 2 on my behalf than begrudge them a dime. Just my $0.02

26

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Letter from Getty Images

« on: January 25, 2011, 02:17:31 PM »

Give yourself some piece of mind and retain Oscar, have him send "the letter" to them, relax and move on with your life.

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Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: $4,050 for 5 pics on Site that went months ago...

« on: November 22, 2010, 09:11:08 PM »

A fellow Canuck here.
Got "the letter" back in September 2010.
Hire Oscar.  (tu)