Messages

1501

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Got My Getty Letter - Thank You For This Site

« on: May 13, 2012, 02:56:07 PM »

Agreed, I don't want to cause anyone else any problems, I do like the idea of a giant turd though.  If I photo shopped an image of the Getty building is that infringement or parody? Just kidding. 

The less that you say, the better from this point on.
The person that you refer to could have licensed the image from Getty.
All these letters that people want to write aren't always such a good idea.
Let's just hope that a giant turd falls from the sky one day and crushes Getty.

S.G.

1502

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Need some advise!!!

« on: May 13, 2012, 02:15:48 PM »

@ concerned_man

I am fighting them on my own; I have gleaned enough information by reading the forums here to feel confident in my fight.  Here is the link to my thread so you can read my story if you are interested.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/getty-images-letter-forum/got-my-getty-letter-thank-you-for-this-site/

I have done my research and know pretty what will happen and in what order.  I have a plan for everything I can think of including the unlikely event that this should end up in court.  Keep reading as there is pretty much everything you will need here in the forums to fight it but it will be a long three year process, if you do not feel like dealing with it I suggest looking into using Oscar’s Defense Letter Program.  From everything I read this looks like a very good program.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/getting-help-with-your-extortion-letter/

The only advice I can give, and that is all it is, just advice is to do your homework and don’t wait for the Getty replies to figure out what you are going to do next.  Make an outline and know ahead of time, if they reply this way I do this.  If it goes to collection I respond this way.  If it goes to court here’s my plan.  That way you will not keep getting worried as the letters continue and the threats escalate.

This might not be the best course of action and if there is a better way then we have the Hero and Senior ELI team members who read most if not all of the posts and correct our newbie errors or point out things we might have missed.  Hope this helps and don’t give in, keep fighting!

Hey Keep Fighting... What are you doing about your claim? I am reading through everything as much as I can..

1503

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Got My Getty Letter - Thank You For This Site

« on: May 13, 2012, 01:12:28 PM »

I agree with you but they did not send a screenshot, they sent a link to the image on their site that I could type into my browser which amounts to the same thing.  This all started because I found the image on another site where this person labeled it with their name and a title for the pic making it appear to be theirs and placed it in a public folder. I thought I was being careful not to use any copyrighted images (which I still don't know that I did as they have not provided proof of ownership/copyright yet).  If it would not bring the person that owns the other site into this merry-go-round I would send Getty the screen shots of this site I have to back my case and tell them, you don't own this picture, this person does, here's the link to the site as proof, it has their name on it you are infringing on them.

I wonder if the Getty rep would be smart enough to figure out my reply if instead of sending them one final letter I just sent them a box with rock salt and a wooden mallet? I can at least dream of doing sending it though.

Just another quick comment here...

Once one of these trolls "lies" to you, you're pretty much off the hook as far as payment goes.
For example, Getty's "proof" of copyright ownership/registration was fraudulent when their "proof" consisted of a screenshot of their website.
That was the the stupidest thing that they could do.  They're "experts" in this field, and that's a solid attempt to defraud someone.
That gives one proper cause NOT to pay.  They totally blew it.

S.G.

1504

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: New Getty Images Law Firm: Lee & Hayes Settlement Demand Letter

« on: May 12, 2012, 09:47:41 PM »

Looking forward to whatever you come up with, love your posts!

It's refreshing when newcomers "Get it" right out of the gate! and thanx for the mental image of the kid pouting with it's arm crossed..might have to work something up.

I realized that when I read it in the letter and got a pretty good chuckle out of it.  When I read this reply to my request for proof why I owe this money, in my minds eye I could see the Getty rep crossing their arms and stamping their foot and saying "Cuz" like a little kid.  Think I might go and take a picture of the Getty building and put it on my website.  Then send them an invoice for rent on the building and say if you require proof that the building is mine and you owe me just checkout this link and you'll see the picture of the building on my site, that's all the proof you need now pay your invoice before we have to escalate this.     

The problem with their response is very simple, just because it's on their site means nothing, nada, zilch!. we've already had one user that contacted the artist, and the artist was no longer doing business with Getty, yet Getty tried to extort money from this hapless victim. They continue to state they will show proof at discovery, which just means they have no proof and they are hoping to just get paid..

1505

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: New Getty Images Law Firm: Lee & Hayes Settlement Demand Letter

« on: May 12, 2012, 09:35:55 PM »

I realized that when I read it in the letter and got a pretty good chuckle out of it.  When I read this reply to my request for proof why I owe this money, in my minds eye I could see the Getty rep crossing their arms and stamping their foot and saying "Cuz" like a little kid.  Think I might go and take a picture of the Getty building and put it on my website.  Then send them an invoice for rent on the building and say if you require proof that the building is mine and you owe me just checkout this link and you'll see the picture of the building on my site, that's all the proof you need now pay your invoice before we have to escalate this.     

The problem with their response is very simple, just because it's on their site means nothing, nada, zilch!. we've already had one user that contacted the artist, and the artist was no longer doing business with Getty, yet Getty tried to extort money from this hapless victim. They continue to state they will show proof at discovery, which just means they have no proof and they are hoping to just get paid..

1506

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: ELI Currently Exists Based On Annual Agreement Between Matthew & Oscar

« on: May 12, 2012, 09:19:07 PM »

I understand completely and I will continue to do all I can, I just wanted to make sure you know what you and the others are doing is greatly appreciated.

As I said, I am not singling anyone out.  People have to choose what they can or cannot do.  Not all contributions have to be financial either. Spread good cheer and recommend ELI. Give us back links. Give us testimonials. Contribute like you do on the ELI Forums.  Like our Facebook page, Retweet us, etc.  Lots of ways to help ELI directly and indirectly.

I might start putting my own services and products in a sponsorship area. People can hire me or buy my non-ELI related products and services.  That indirectly helps ELI too by supporting my other products. But I haven't done my part by introducing or bringing them over. I have been resistant to this for years but because ELI's ongoing existence might be at stake, I will probably have to give into that. Everyone here just knows me as the guy who owns and runs ELI. The reality is I spent a lot more of my professional life, time, and expertise before I started ELI.

My only point is that if it turned out the ENTIRE ELI readership was broke and couldn't pay for Oscar's Defense Letter Program, ELI Support Phone Calls, buy the upcoming special report, or make ELI contributions, etc. then it would be time for Oscar and I to move on and let extortion letter recipients fend for themselves.

Fortunately, not everyone is broke.  There are many people who do find value in Oscar's service which indirectly helps ELI.  Some people have taken advantage of the ELI Support calls which helps. Some people have made ELI Contributions outright which helps.  People will also buy the special report when it comes out. That will help also.

We look at the big picture. Either ELI justifies its own existence or it doesn't annually.  (Breakeven is ok but ongoing losses are not.)  No one person can save ELI.  No one person can tank ELI.  It all comes down to the collective community efforts.  We will simply take it one year at a time is all I can say now. Everything works out as it should.

@Matt and ELI Senior Team Members

Matt, I cannot tell you how much this site has meant to me, while I am not able to do any of the services you have specified needing and I see there have already be some generous offers to help provide some of them I did donate $50.00 my first day here. I have also decided to repeat this once a quarter to support this site and help it continue.  While I feel confident in fighting Getty on my own now thanks to ELI I feel this is such a great resource I want to see it remain here for all the new letter recipients.  While you must make the decisions that are best for you I can’t think how many people like me who would have just paid out of fear if you and ELI were not here.  I will do all I can to support ELI and thank you all again.

1507

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Check out our NEW green button!

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:58:48 PM »

Very nice, now everyone use it and support this site!

1508

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: ELI Currently Exists Based On Annual Agreement Between Matthew & Oscar

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:32:42 PM »

@Matt and ELI Senior Team Members

Matt, I cannot tell you how much this site has meant to me, while I am not able to do any of the services you have specified needing and I see there have already be some generous offers to help provide some of them I did donate $50.00 my first day here. I have also decided to repeat this once a quarter to support this site and help it continue.  While I feel confident in fighting Getty on my own now thanks to ELI I feel this is such a great resource I want to see it remain here for all the new letter recipients.  While you must make the decisions that are best for you I can’t think how many people like me who would have just paid out of fear if you and ELI were not here.  I will do all I can to support ELI and thank you all again.

1509

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: ELI Facebook presence

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:18:35 PM »

Thanks, glad to help support everyone here in anyway I can.  Although I have already made a donation I think this site is so vaulable  I have decided to make quartley donations to help keep it here.  I know when I got my letter I had no idea what to do and was pretty worried.  I did some searching, found ELI and after a few days of reading and research I felt like a weight was lifted off of me.  We all need to support Matt, Oscar and the senior ELI team members for all they do.  I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, THANK YOU ELI!

Welcome aboard ...again!

1510

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Got My Getty Letter - Thank You For This Site

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:04:30 PM »

I offered them 75 bucks and the only reason I even offered that is I read in the forums that if you should end up going to court it looks better if you made an attempt to settle.

That is why I have to laugh when newbies spend so much time trying to figure out what to offer on the settlement.  Whether it's $50 or $200, it gets turned down. Once it's turned down, it's pretty much over.  Just pick a number and go.

This is hilarious.  That's their proof?
Anyway, they've given you an "out".  You don't have to pay anything.
I wouldn't write any more letters... dont waste your time on it.

S.G.

1511

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Got My Getty Letter - Thank You For This Site

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:01:01 PM »

Don't worry I have plenty of fight in me, hopefully by the end of the three years they will be glad they don't have to deal with me anymore

They provided me a link to the image on the Getty website and stated that this should be all the proof I need of their ownership and rights to the image. 

Well isn't that nice, they provided me with a screenshot of MY site with an image they claimed to own, even tho I have in my possesion the license agreement to use said image.. The only this proves is that the image is on their site, nothing more..stand your ground! and KeepFighting!!

1512

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: ELI Facebook presence

« on: May 12, 2012, 07:57:27 PM »

That would be me

1513

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Got My Getty Letter - Thank You For This Site

« on: May 12, 2012, 02:23:53 PM »

I got my replay back from Getty to my request for all the documentation of the image and proof of contract and rights to the image.  The respectfully declined my settlement offer of 75.00, and course they declined to provide anything saying that they will provide that during discovery.  They provided me a link to the image on the Getty website and stated that this should be all the proof I need of their ownership and rights to the image.  They get one more letter from me restating I will not consider paying a penny without all the documentation requested and will not pay the ridiculous amount they are requesting.  I will tell them that they are presenting an invoice with no proof of its validity so nadda on any more discussion until I get my documentation.

1514

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: New Getty Images Law Firm: Lee & Hayes Settlement Demand Letter

« on: May 12, 2012, 01:54:57 PM »

I would bet they are the screen shots of the website and the Getty catalog screenshot, that’s the documentation I got with my letter.  I just received the reply from Getty to my demand for proof of copyright and signed agreement giving Getty rights to the images etc.  Their response was that the documents will be provided in Discovery and look up the image on the Getty website and that is proof they own the image.   They are still not providing any proof to anyone that I am aware of, unless this is a new tactic to try to get people to pay the fees by actually sending along the information, more people might give up and just pay if the letters are accompanied by documentation on the image.  It will be interesting to see what the documentation actually is.

I may have some nuggets to add, I'd like to see the attached "documents & invoice"..I also noticed the date and he has been flying under the radar for some time..

I can understand the shift, they must be tiring of us throwing them under the bus, so I think we need to change accordingly as well.. I will no longer throw these extortion letter collection attorney's ( TROLLS) under the bus...from here on forward they will be tossed onto the train tracks, it will be up to them to escape the approaching train while not touching the dreaded third rail... sanitized letter or not a troll is troll no matter how you slice it..


::EDIT::I'll just add this for now, but there will be more.. admitted in 2009

http://www.mywsba.org/default.aspx?tabid=178&RedirectTabId=177&Usr_ID=41943

1515

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Need some advise!!!

« on: May 12, 2012, 01:33:00 PM »

Concerned_man, just hang in there and spend a few days reading all the information here.  I received my letter around the same time as you; mine was from Getty images though.  I felt a lot better after doing some research.  Remember these letters are designed to scare you and try to get you to settle quickly before you have time to calm down, do your research and think about it.  There are pretty much all the tools you need here in the forums.  Keep reading hang in there, you are not alone.