Messages

2221

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

« on: December 10, 2009, 06:04:47 PM »

My letter was not a "form letter" of any kind.  If you feel there are elements of my letter that can help you, feel free to adapt it.

MatthewC

2222

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: How long before you get a letter?

« on: November 10, 2009, 08:29:22 PM »

If you had less than 5 images, they probably won't come after you legally aside from the nasty letters.  However, that is a broad generalization and could change if they want to pursue RIAA tactics.  There is no indication of that currently but that can change at any time without notice or warning.

2223

UK Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Getty WINS its case in the UK against JA Coles

« on: November 10, 2009, 08:27:22 PM »

I personally find it interesting that there isn't a single attorney in the U.K. who has chosen to take this case on.  Having said that, there weren't many attorneys in the U.S. that had the sophistication to understand the issues as Oscar has.  The few attorneys I communicated with was simply willing to roll over based on their reading of the law.  However, I am quite happy I persisted on to find Oscar because my "common sense" told me that there was more to this than a simple reading of the law.

I can't speak for Oscar other than say that he can only practice here in the U.S.  But I am sure he would make an excellent legal advisor to a U.K. Attorney willing to be creative, open-minded to represent U.K. clients.

2224

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Recent Intellectual Property Legal Issues

« on: November 02, 2009, 07:12:31 PM »

The only emails that get sent out are the auto-notification emails regarding the discussion forum and the occasional one when people subscribe to our email database.  Thanks for letting me know.

kelvin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> By the way, Matthew, you should know that someone
> / quite a few people flagged emails from your
> (this) domain as spam and it's blacklisted with
> Google Mail accounts (including Google Apps, etc).
> I unflagged it, but any mails from this website
> still somehow goes into there.

2225

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Recent Intellectual Property Legal Issues

« on: November 02, 2009, 02:50:16 PM »

Oscar has been in Belize for several days since last week.  Plus he gets tons of emails. Are you an existing client or new client? When did you send the email to him?

2226

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Getty HAS filed a Complaint

« on: October 31, 2009, 04:41:30 PM »

Roboboogie,

There are never any guarantees in any case when you go to court.  Each side faces uncertainty as to the outcome.  There are no "sure things" only a "good chance" at best.  That is often why it is best to settle when possible. It often comes down to your willingness to fight and/or face the possible consequences if you lose.

Matthew

2227

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Received Getty Letter 10/26/2009

« on: October 27, 2009, 03:20:35 PM »

There is plenty of free information on this website and discussion forums to give you insight how you should proceed. We have provided informational videos and audios for you to listen to to get educated.

Every person has to make their own decision how to proceed. Good luck.

2228

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Settlement copyright letter from Super Stock

« on: October 11, 2009, 03:51:48 AM »

Everyone who is receiving Superstock Settlement Demand Letters, please fax a copy of your letter and invoice to 888-696-3441.  I am happy to keep the information you submit confidential.  I would like to add it our records and compare it to the other letters/invoices we have on file.

Thanks.

2229

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: SuperStock Demand Letter

« on: October 11, 2009, 03:49:27 AM »

Justin,

If you don't mind, can you fax a copy of the letter and invoice to 888-696-3441?  Let me corroborate it and make it official for our website.

Thanks for this information.  We are going to be sharing this information on our new Twitter account also.

2230

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Go Social

« on: October 09, 2009, 11:20:52 PM »

SocialBuzz,

You are full of good ideas!  I think you will like some of our initial posts.  They will show up in the twitter and google searches.

You are actually right about using numbers in you favor.  I do agree with you they will be more reasonable if there is an uprising.  Anytime someone seeks Getty Images or Masterfile on Twitter, there is our twitter account right behind them tagging along.

This website would not have been possible without the support of people like you providing information and feedback.  Everytime Oscar and I decide to wander off, we get pulled back because the Internet community continues to demand it.

Please be patient as it takes time to implement even the best suggestions. We will make the Twitter Account and YouTube account much more visible on the front page..... soon.

Keep the feedback coming. Oscar and I continue to keep a pulse on the situation.

Personally, I wish they would stop so I can shut down this website. Although this website creates some goodwill, I am not sure it actually enhances my professional image.  But that is a moot point now since Getty Images appears to be relentless.

2231

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Go Social

« on: October 09, 2009, 02:37:20 PM »

For the moment, I have reserved a Twitter account for us to use.  It is http://twitter.com/extortionletter.  Pass the word along and let's see how many followers are truly interested in this in the Twitter world.

It will probably be used for announcements or to draw attention to special articles and posts, not for daily postings.

MatthewC

2232

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Go Social

« on: October 09, 2009, 01:43:30 PM »

Thanks for writing to us.

I can honestly say that Oscar and I have not even thought about using Twitter for this issue. However, I may seriously consider this.  Give me a couple days to think about this.  Twitter is such an active platform, I do not know if Oscar or I could devote the time necessary to it.  Yes, we can launch an "official" ELI twitter account.  But who is going to keep updating it and what would we post beyond the material we have on this website?  I am open to suggestions but remember, this is nowhere close to being my line of business and I am reluctant to give anymore time than I already do to support this website and forum.

Regarding Facebook, it was suggested one time but I didn't think it would go far because most people are not willing to reveal their true identities which is required on Facebook.  IN any case, same issue with time.

Regarding Youtube, there is an "official" ELI channel. I just havent done a good job announcing it.  It is  http://youtube.com/extortionletterinfo.  Oscar Michelen also has an official Youtube channel.  It is http://youtube.com/oscarmichelen.


There is also no shortage of people criticizing Getty Images and their ilk for their strategy.  However, what Oscar and I do not want to get into is a name-calling or attack fest.  Stating positions and making a case or points are fine but credibility is diminished when people start behaving inappropriately. Hence, we have this website and discussion forum.

Anyhow, I have laid out my concerns to move into taking this issue into Social networking.  If someone wants to take up the mantle, we are open to it.  Whether we could "officially" endorse it, we would have to see how it looked.  However, if you feel strongly enough, you can just do it without our "endorsement".  But my suggestion is to operate it with credibility in mind, or it will not be taken seriously.

Feel free to chime in.  I want to hear some thoughts on this subject.  Thanks.

MatthewC

2233

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Notifications

« on: September 22, 2009, 06:25:23 AM »

By default, this forum software does not have that feature.  If I have time, I will look to see if there is an add-on.  

However, keep in mind, this whole deal that I do here is for free.  There is no income being generated by the time and energy I put in.  I do what I can to accommodate within reason but there is a practical limit to how much service one provides without compensation.  I cannot allow myself to have this website and this cause take me away from my other business concerns.  If I can do something reasonably easy, I will.  But if it gets too much, I will simply say I can't do it.

In this case, I have no easy solution here.

Not a good answer to assist in the request, but an honest answer.  

Matthew

2234

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Notifications

« on: September 21, 2009, 01:28:16 PM »

Hello Beedee,

Welcome.  To answer your question, the notification is thread-based, not forum-based for non-administrators.  There is a checkbox once you reply to a message.  I think that was the case with the FSB forums also.

However, how you can tell if there is a recent posting is looking at the higher ranked threads and looking at the post date for the last message.  

Matthew

2235

UK Getty Images Letter Forum / FSB Getty Images UK Discussion Thread Shutdown

« on: September 21, 2009, 05:43:16 AM »

Dave Stallon of the FSB discussion forums in the U.K. has understandably shut down the Getty Images UK discussion thread.

However, we invite those who want to participate constructively such as BeeDee and Old Welsh Guy to post here.  You can be assured the nonsense from BOBC and the like will not be tolerated here.  I have a much different position than Dave Stallon is taking.

If photographers want to post here, fine.  But anyone behaving like BOBC will simply be banned.  I won't shut down the entire thread.

MatthewC (aka U.S. Crusader on the FSB Forums)