Messages

1711

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Domains v subdomains getty letter

« on: January 27, 2012, 11:52:13 AM »

Actually, my hosting provider was very nice about it.  They actually didn't remove the content.  They informed me that I needed to remove it.  I obviously complied quickly because I didn't want the entire ELI website taken down. Additionally, they didn't have administrative rights to the ELI Forums.  Had they stepped in themselves, it is likely they would have ended up shutting the entire ELI Forums until I got the counter-notification letter in.

If I had been on Godaddy, ELI would have been hurt far worse by then DMCA complaint than it did.

Using ELI as an example when Matt's hosting provider got the notice, they took it down, notified Matt, and Matt fired back the counter-claim/notice, after 10-14 days if no suit is filed, the ISP puts the content back online.

1712

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Carolyn Wright - Photo Attorney

« on: January 27, 2012, 11:44:39 AM »

As far as I am concerned, only dumb people who don't know anybody use Godaddy. I find the way they do business very distasteful and deceiving.  I have been forced to deal with them because of other people I helped.  In nearly all cases, it was an unpleasant experience.

1713

Legal Controversies Forum / MOVED: Carolyn Wright - Photo Attorney

« on: January 27, 2012, 05:35:33 AM »

This topic has been moved to Getty Images Letter Forum.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/index.php?topic=2525.0

1714

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: I got hit 2 separate letters 2 images - HawaiiArt.com or Hawaii Art Network LLC

« on: January 26, 2012, 04:14:22 PM »

My statement isn't going to win me any popularity contests but if some of these people decided to roll over easily then maybe they might decide to grow a spine to use and a brain to get educated with. I don't have a lot of sympathy for those who simply bitch about it but don't take a stand. Asking for help is ok, but expecting a problem to totally go away without expending time, energy, OR money is delusional.

Unfortunately far too many people just choose to roll over and cut a check.

1715

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Will soon receive letter from Getty

« on: January 26, 2012, 04:09:51 PM »

For the record, I have not thought this entirely through but unless a website is totally devoid of personal or corporate identifying information, I don't see domain privacy protecting much except from the spammers.

With any of my many websites, I could have domain privacy but then what?  I have phone numbers, email addresses, and some entity named in the website.

I think this might work only with people who go to great lengths to sanitize identifying information.  For me, I made a decision years to turn my "persona" into an asset.  For example, I may be engaged in totally different businesses and interests but you can be sure my core personality and the way I do business is largely the same.

I have seen other web entrepreneurs carry out a similar style.  They are in different businesses but there is a theme or mantra they follow in how they project and carry out business.

In the end, I think there are a lot of factors to consider on using some the edgier suggestions in this thread. Nevertheless, ELI is all about "out of the box" thinking and creativity.  So keep the "crazy" suggestions coming!   

Good point made here by Buddhapi.
Now's a good time for OP to get domain privacy.

S.G.

1716

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Will soon receive letter from Getty

« on: January 26, 2012, 04:02:57 PM »

If he were looking to buy time, SG's suggestion is fine for a couple rounds but ultimately I think it would still end up in his hands.  I have been served before and sent Certified Letters before. I know other people try to dodge them but I see that as a delaying tactic than a resolution.  It is sort of like trying to ignore the letters.  It might work but it might now.  And people aren't too sympathetic to those who simply ignore problems vs. trying to get help and deal with it.  It tends to make you stick out even more through the aggravation factor and making people extra motivated to come after you.

I like the way you think SG MOST of the times, but doing this could also cause the OP to lose his domain, if it is reported for invalid whois, which just creates another problem, unless of the OP is behind a private registration.

1717

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Will soon receive letter from Getty

« on: January 26, 2012, 01:11:09 PM »

Start reading the various threads here and watch the free ELI videos. There is a learning curve that everyone goes through to defend yourself before anything else can happen.

1718

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Another Aldrich Law Firm Letter

« on: January 25, 2012, 12:19:34 AM »

Unfortunately, you can only help those that are willing to help and fight for themselves....

For some, parting with their money is much easier than learning how to fight back.

And you're willing to pay $500.00 for an image they may not even own, may not be registered, or may be available elsewhere for free???

Paying them gives them another win, and just adds fuel to the fire for them to keep sending more letters...

Have you read any of the threads here?
Are you aware that you have options??

1719

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Lawsuit filed against Getty images for Copyright infringement.

« on: January 24, 2012, 02:00:19 PM »

Ron Raffaelli vs. Getty Images Complaint has been posted to the ELI Document Library on Scribd.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/79247032/Ron-Raffaelli-vs-Getty-Images-Complaint

1720

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: ELI Public Service Videos

« on: January 23, 2012, 11:33:45 PM »

Buddhapi produced this video:

1721

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Another Aldrich Law Firm Letter

« on: January 22, 2012, 02:52:36 AM »

Is the letter you received similar to this one?

http://www.scribd.com/doc/78961979/Aldrich-Law-Firm-Settlement-Demand-Law-Letter

1722

Getty Images Letter Forum / Get Expert Help With Your Extortion Letter!

« on: January 22, 2012, 02:44:13 AM »

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 can no longer provide free personal, 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 one is a no-brainer. You should immediately remove all copies of the allegedly infringing images from your web server. Even the "hidden" ones. If it is anywhere on your web server, you are at risk.

3. GET EDUCATED. Do it as soon as possible! Don’t say you don’t have the time. You better make the time. It is you or your company at risk here. You received the letter so now YOU have a problem to deal with. It is YOUR problem. The problem will not go away by itself.  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.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/eli-interviews-updates/



If you need more personalized and customized help, we have PAID options:

1. Enroll into the 30-minute ELI Phone Support Call with Matthew Chan. This is an intense, no-nonsense, information-packed phone conversation customized to your situation. No two phone support calls are ever the same!

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/eli-phone-support-call-with-matthew-chan/

2. Enroll into Attorney Oscar Michelen’s Copyright Legal Defense & Representation Program.

https://www.extortionletterinfo.com/oscar-michelens-copyright-legal-defense-representation-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 or Google his name. Due to the volume of help requests, any emails or telephone messages asking for “just a few minutes” or “quick help” will go unanswered.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/eli-interviews-updates/

1723

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Re: Advice needed on dealing with HAN: Just got letter from Aldrich Law Firm

« on: January 22, 2012, 01:12:04 AM »

Is Attorney Russell Aldrich a plagiarist? I hate to even bring this word up but what other word do you use for what Buddhapi has found?

His letter includes a FAQ that is nearly identical in wording to the FAQ provided by Getty Images. Take a look for yourself and compare it to his FAQ.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/78989846/Getty-Images-Settlement-Demand-Letter-FAQ

Is this a coincidence?  Or have we caught a lawyer red-handed plagiarizing the FAQ letter from Getty Images? Does Getty Images know about this?

In looking at Russell’s LinkedIn profile:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/russell-aldrich/12/86a/873

And his own website bio and profile:

http://www.aldrichlawfirm.com/attorney-profile

Russell has been a lawyer only since November 2011 (less than 3 months!) And he moonlights as an Executive Officer for the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion, Charlie Company.

He looks to be a very young, inexperienced lawyer. Hawaiian Art Network continues their "excellent" record of using young, inexperienced lawyers to do their collection work. We wonder how long this one will last.

1724

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Re: Advice needed on dealing with HAN: Just got letter from Aldrich Law Firm

« on: January 21, 2012, 04:46:55 PM »

How long has Aldrich been licensed?  Any cases he has tried?  Could be another young newbie lawyer.

Matthew

Just to show , just how in-experienced Mr. Aldrich is in copyright law, have a look at the FAQ from a Getty Images letter:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/74355849/Getty-Images-Settlement-Demand-Letter-2008-to-Matthew-Chan?in_collection=3367532

and compare it to Aldrich Law Firms FAQ..... they seem eerily identical, so my question is whom copied whom, is this not copyright infringement, changing company names and just a few words here and there would probably not fall under fair use..

1725

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Re: Advice needed on dealing with HAN: Just got letter from Aldrich Law Firm

« on: January 21, 2012, 02:57:11 PM »

Thanks to the swift actions of FlameArtist, the Aldrich Law Firm Settlement Demand Letter by Attorney Russell Aldrich is now available for public commentary and analysis.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/78961979/Aldrich-Law-Firm-Settlement-Demand-Law-Letter