Messages

2206

Riddick/Imageline Letter Forum / Re: Riddick and Imageline sued in Federal Court

« on: August 07, 2010, 12:53:49 AM »

I just received another email from my friendly contributor source containing 4 more court documents from the Pacer system relating to the Riddick, Imageline lawsuit initiated by Bernina of America.

Because I now have 5 separate documents (with more to likely come in this case), I have posted an editorial/article (bright yellow box) with links to each court document on the main Riddick/Imageline Information page.

If that link doesn't work, this is the direct URL:  http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/imageline.htm.

Good reading all.

2207

Getty Images Letter Forum / AP has other issues

« on: August 06, 2010, 11:32:47 PM »

The AP has other issues.  Believe it or not, they do NOT want Google exposure.  They get the very traffic and exposure people spend a fortune on.  Instead of finding a way to monetize their name and content, they have threatened and requested Google to NOT index their content.

In the same spirit, you are telling us they are going to charge people who quote them?  I do believe that proper attribution should occur vs. wholesaling lifting of article.  As a publisher and subject matter expert in my own fields, few things would make me happier than if other people quoted my work worldwide and have Google index my content.

There is a major paradigm shifting on the Internet.  Like it or not, it is about sharing and opening up, not closing up, and constantly suing people.

This website is living proof of it.  Oscar and I never asked to get into the stock photo defense business I can promise you that. At the risk of being overbearing, I knew the way to fight Getty Images was NOT to keep the fight to myself or to stay hidden.  It was opposite.  It was to make this fight very public, wide open in full view.  It was also not keeping my information to myself, it was about opening up the information.  It was about teaming up with others.

Fortunately, Oscar came a long when he did and shared a similar philosophy providing even more "free" information.  AP is going to commit brand suicide at the rate they are going.  Why keep going to and share AP for news when there are so many news sites nowadays and news blogs?

Same with Getty Images, why give them any good PR or business when they are busy being going after onesies-twosies?

MatthewC

2208

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Thanks to Oscar and Matthew

« on: August 06, 2010, 07:05:52 PM »

Hello Hollowpoint,

Thanks, glad to be of service.  As you know, it is much better to "armed" with information than to simply listen to self-serving propaganda and party-line that Getty Images spews.  

MatthewC

2209

Riddick/Imageline Letter Forum / Re: Riddick and Imageline sued in Federal Court

« on: August 05, 2010, 08:45:08 PM »

Riddick never "got it" how his letter-writing tactics are so outrageous, they make Getty Images look respectable.  Riddick basically engages in outright lying and impersonation.  Getty Images may bully and bluff but Riddick goes way beyond.  Hence, he has generated so much bad karma that someone has decided to something about it and turn things against him.

For anyone that is interested in reading the full complaint as it has been submitted, click the link below.  It is pretty serious.

http://extortionletterinfo.com/imageline-suit-080410.pdf

Good reading. Thanks to my friendly anonymous contributor for providing me this Pacer file.  You know who you are.  We all appreciate your contribution.

MatthewC

2210

Getty Images Letter Forum / Great Masterfile reference for Canadian letter recipients

« on: July 01, 2010, 02:00:43 AM »

SoylentGreen,

I must say that I am impressed with the information you have contributed here on behalf of our Canadian readers. It is nice to be able to reference and learn from past Masterfile cases in Canada.

Thank you on behalf of our community.

2211

Riddick/Imageline Letter Forum / Riddick's Recent Impersonation of Attorney & Law Firm

« on: July 01, 2010, 01:50:13 AM »

Most recently, George Riddick of Imageline appears to have been caught impersonating an attorney and law firm by his emailing out forged letters. I was provided copies of correspondence and communications that appear to substantiate this.

To read more about this from the person who investigated and discovered this impersonation, please read this post:

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/read.php?3,1033

It is quite surprising but not necessarily out of character from what I know of Mr. Riddick's prior letters that were also forwarded to me by other letter recipients.

2212

Riddick/Imageline Letter Forum / Attorney & Law Firm Impersonation

« on: July 01, 2010, 01:43:06 AM »

While I was not directly involved with this particular investigation, SteveP has graciously provided me ongoing and specific updates, files, and communication of this investigation into Riddick's and Imageline's recent letters. Because of that, I know the names of the impersonated attorney and law firm. And because of the transparency of Florida's Corporation reporting system, SteveP's conclusion can easily be substantiated.

Even I was surprised that Riddick would take the measure of IMPERSONATING an attorney and law firm. I do not know if it is technically illegal to do so but I think most people will agree that this is questionable and disreputable behavior from someone who allegedly follows rules and the law.

If anyone receives any emailed letters allegedly from Riddick's/Imageline's attorneys or law firm, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are interested in tracking such "unusual" actions.

2213

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Recent Masterfile Federal Case Vindicates Our Position! A MUST READ

« on: June 30, 2010, 11:00:36 PM »

Oscar,

Quite frankly, very few people including U.S. attorneys understand the situation. Or if they do, they are not inclined to assist or challenge the issue. They are tied in to the hourly rate thing and limited written interpretation. They do not have your progressive attitude and do not know how to create leverage and efficiencies as you have for the defense process.

Fortunately, most of our community members are grateful and thankful for the fact you have made your presence known and your ongoing contributions here.

Having traveled outside the U.S., many find the American attitude of standing up and "fighting the system" a distasteful and scary proposition.  Authority is to be followed, not challenged and certainly not in an open and public manner as we do.

Anyhow, that is why after 2 years of helping defend people, you continue to be the "lone legal champion and warrior" on behalf of this community.

I salute you.

2214

UK Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Need Help in the UK.

« on: February 24, 2010, 05:18:56 PM »

I did a Google search on "UK innocent infringement" and there are many relevant articles to read.

As an added comment, this forum is open to anyone in the world to post and discuss their issues. However, you should know that Oscar and I are mostly focused on U.S. issues because that is obviously where we live and do business. You can ask questions but there is no guarantee you will get a good answer.  Oscar will be more knowledgeable than I am in non U.S. copyright legal matters but I think he will agree he cannot take an "official legal" position for non U.S. matters because he is "only" a licensed and practicing attorney in the U.S.

MatthewC



MDGetty Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So, where can I read up on Innocent Infringement
> in the UK?

2215

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Anyone offer a "good faith" settlement?

« on: January 24, 2010, 10:16:31 PM »

They are not going to take you seriously. You may be better off standing your ground and making an argument to pay nothing if you feel your circumstances are worth arguing.

MatthewC

2216

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Possible to make generic letter available?

« on: December 18, 2009, 01:33:34 PM »

Rod,

My concern for you is that Getty Images is well aware of this website.  It is highly likely they keep up with the content as we post it.  While I don't really have an issue of you using my letter to defend yourself, I can't help wonder if you are doing yourself a disservice by emulating it so closely.  They might perceive you as "less authentic".

I believe one reason Getty Images backed off from me is that my letter was totally original. And while they may not agree with my arguments, I do believe they sensed I meant business and would hold to my convictions.  The letter worked for me because I meant what I said and it was original.  And while you may share my same convictions, your presentation may be perceived as less reputable.

But if you can live with what I said, then send the letter in.  If it works and helps, report back and make a small donation!  :-) wink, wink.

Good luck.

MatthewC

2217

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: How they find you

« on: December 18, 2009, 01:25:59 PM »

And to add to what Oscar said, using government photos is also a good option.  Having said that, the stock photo industry has been so menacing that even knowledgeable folks like Oscar and I won't use stock photos unless it is under extreme circumstances.  I have since invested in my own nice camera and I use creativity to make shots work.  Or to use a custom-designed graphic in lieu of a photo.

The thing is the stock photo industry probably won't get it until it is way too late.

MatthewC

Oscar Michelen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As always, Lettered, great info.  We have long
> been advocating taking your own photos for your
> sites.  Even hiring a professional photographer to
> take some shots for you (get a release as to the
> ownership) is cheaper than facing these claims or
> having to worry about it.

2218

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Possible to make generic letter available?

« on: December 12, 2009, 11:25:08 AM »

As Oscar can attest, I never let a simple thing like being an amateur or layman necessarily stop me from taking a position,  making an argument, speaking out, or taking decisive action. :-)

As a VERY general rule, it never hurts to speak out.

MatthewC

2219

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Possible to make generic letter available?

« on: December 11, 2009, 01:29:50 PM »

Since I am not a legal professional of any kind, I have nothing to lose by offering a layman's opinion.

I tend to think that in reasonably civilized societies, there is a such a thing as "reasonableness" that enters into the equation. Courts are manned by judges that are human beings.  No one will publicly admit it, but I believe judges can be subtly influenced or swayed by good arguments or even emotionality.  In fact, we have judges for a reason to make sure the law is enforced but also to ensure the right ruling or application of the law happens.

Having said that, "reasonableness" is in the eye of the beholder and there are limits to that argument.

Matthew

Statik Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks for the responses Matthew and Oscar.
>
> Oscar, do you feel that the phrasing I mentioned,
> "did not know, nor could reasonably have known" be
> of use in a Getty Response letter?
> I think that part of the basic case against Getty
> is that people made an effort to get non-copyright
> infringing images, yet failed, were misled, or
> succeeded but no longer have the records to prove
> it. I know that in my brother's case, the images
> had been cropped, colored and blended with other
> elements of the website. There was no reasonable
> way for him to check the copyright information
> independent of the designer. Surely the Canadian
> and American law system must allow some leniency
> for someone who makes a reasonable effort?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Rod

2220

Getty Images Letter Forum / Thanks for the support!

« on: December 11, 2009, 01:22:34 PM »

Hi Rod,

Thanks for taking the time to publicly support us. It is very much appreciated.

MatthewC