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I received a phone call from Dave Belanger a few moments ago. He read my post this morning and he said he also read your comments. He said he felt terrible and he wanted to make it right. He offered to put a check in the mail immediately for $2100. I gave him my address.
I’m in a hurry because I have to go milk my cow! (I’m late!) But I wanted to make this update asap.
Thank you to ALL OF YOU. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This happened because YOU told him it was not acceptable. He said he had read up on the Cooks Source scandal, so I would also attribute the quick resolution of this situation to the power of the internet in the Monica Gaudio case. Publishers ARE learning. We done good!
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on November 11, 2010
This recipe is very close to the one I use for my biscuits. The first time I made biscuits for my new family, my youngest step-son asked "what are those?" Starting then I was on a mission to make the best biscuits I possibly could and I think I have finally done that. I bake biscuits at least 3 times a week for us and sometimes more on the week end for an early morning breakfast for neighbors, I love baking biscuits.
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Winner winner……
He should hang his head in shame!
I’m now going to find some software to mark my photo’s!
Sucks we have to do this now, THANKS MR. BUTTHEAD! I need another step in my day!
Tisha
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Wonderful news! His actions have restored my faith in big business and their morals and values!
I’m sure you will put the money to good use – however I’m also sure it will be used on something very practical and necessary for the farm!
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Blessings ~
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I am a PR/Journalism major and reading everything that this company did to you made me sick! I am glad Dave Belanger realized his mistake and took responsibility for it! Congratulations Suzanne! You deserve every penny and more!
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No doubt Suzanne was stolen from and then treated horribly! I would have NEVER used my money to support Countryside publications again if this had not been made right!
Thanks Suzanne for standing up for all artist’s rights! Thank you Countryside Publications for stepping up and doing the right thing and listening to what your readers and Suzanne’s readers have to say! (I would have missed my magazines!) Really, that is all that was wanted. And, I hope Countryside publications never does this again! If they do it will not matter to me if the “make it right” again, I will cease to support them financially.
WoooooHooooo Suzanne! Thanks for being willing to go to the wall on this one!
Love,
Kelly Myers
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http://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/fairy.gif
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Congratulations!
P.S. I was all ready to be on standby to milk your cow if you had to go to court! (lol)
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I know you’re glad to be putting this behind you…and to have some mail to watch for.
Great job,everyone!
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You go, girl!
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I’m glad he finally got a clue and is making it right. One has to admire someone who can (FINALLY) admit mistakes. However, imagine how much more pleasantly this would have gone if from your first phone call he had been sincere, apologetic, and had offered to remedy the problem. He would have saved time, money, and a big bruise to his reputation.
Not cool. He needs to grow up, and maybe get some counseling or anger management if he’s going to run a business.
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I had just called Dave not a half an hour ago.
Glad it all worked out for the best.
Take care.
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So thankful for Suzanne and sooooooooooo love HER website, HER writings and HER photos!
Happy you don’t have to go through the legal battle Suzanne, and so grateful you would have!
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I’m glad you did not back down over your rights.
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Anyway, glad it all worked out. And, if Dave is still reading he might do an article on a very interesting woman for one of his magazines.
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I read your blog everyday, and don’t comment often, but I truly think you are exceptional and a real inspiration. I wish you continued success and happiness in your life choice.
And know that you have a loyal, suupportive following out here in cyberland.
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I hope this gentleman (and I use the term loosely) has learned a few things. #1. You don’t take someone’s work without asking permission and giving credit. #2. When you do mess up, you admit it up front and ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT. and finally #3…NEVER TICK OFF A BUNCH OF WOMEN :-)
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Congrats!
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Im only on the fringes of the dairy goat world. I have 3 nubians. But you wont see me ever subscribing to the Dairy Goat World. There are a lot of good honest small country/homesteading magazines that deserve my support.. Dairy goat world sure doesnt!
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I’ll keep checking back here with you, because it’s not just this situation that has piqued my interest, but also your whole site!
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What you provide to us is invaluable. I sort of live the country life thru you (until I retire and can MOVE)
I still won’t resubscribe to CSSJ!
I twittered The Today Show and Good Morning American and Drudge report about the situation. I hope they call you.
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Maybe you will be able to sell more of your photographs to all the people who tuned in!
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I’m very, very pleased that DB has done the right thing (in this instance). I think watermarking your photos is a brilliant idea
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Have you heard of Dooce? A while ago she had an issue with her washing machine and after publishing her story on her blog it was finally resolved with the washing machine company. The internet = power for the all, I am glad you used it!!!!!
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You might want to ask him to send you the copy of the apology ahead of time to make sure that it appropriately covers all points. Well done!
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It would seem to me that if they had a formal policy — and followed such — this could not have happened. It takes a lot to regain public trust, once violated. It would be nice to see this addressed in a future publication of their magazine.
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As for him feeling terrible… well, maybe, but… After his previous behavior, I don’t think so. He just figured out what it would have cost him if he wound up in court.
I won’t be buying any Countryside Publications now or in the future. The way he treated you initially demonstrates the sort of person (not “man”) that he is. IMO, he’s writing the check to make this go away. I don’t for a minute believe he feels that he did anything wrong besides get caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Do let us know if the check arrives, and when it clears his bank I’ll do the happy dance of joy with you.
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Good job Suzanne, I love your website and I would hate for that magazine to have ruined it for all of us. Carry on with the good work!
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Is he also going to credit you in the next issue, make that apology you asked for? I hope sure hope so because without that the whole money thing is a little hollow.
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Seriously. We should also thank him for accepting responsibility.
That did take a lot to admit he was wrong….And that he is doing what is right.
Im so glad this all turned out. Way to go everyone!
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I’m proud of you for how you handled this.
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Suzanne, you are such a blessing. You have helped so many learn and grow in many ways. I am very thankful for you and your beautiful website.
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I’m glad this is resolved, and I think what got us all so agitated was the bully tactics used by Mr. Belanger. Simply not acceptable.
My email to Dave was simple. I go into his house. I like a picture on his wall. I take it. Theft is theft.
Susanne
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Maybe I’m being a little nostalgic right now but what if everyone (especially those in leadership positions) made decisions and worked as though every decision and act they made was open to everyone around them. I can soundly say that our country would not be in the position that it is in right now.
Thank you Suzanne for standing up for what is right. It’s a tough stance to take, but when one voice joins with many, mighty things can and do happen. Changes can be made.
Blessings to you and yours.
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Today (11th) I received the following, It was sent at 10AM DST:
The business has sent the BBB a message regarding this complaint, and we are passing it on to you. The contents of this message are below or attached. Please review and advise whether you accept or reject the businesses response and provide an explanation of your position within the next 10 days.
If the BBB does not receive a response, your complaint will close as Assumed Satisfied.
Regards,
Susan Martin
Trade Practice Consultant
smartin@wisconsin.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau
MESSAGE FROM BUSINESS:
Dairy Goat Journal did inadvertently publish a photo reported to have been taken by Susan McMinn without her consent or knowledge. This error came to our attention yesterday afternoon, today I contacted her to offer our regrets and an apology for the oversight. At Ms. McMinn’s request we agreed to put her photograph on the Dairy Goat Journal website giving her full credit for the photo and a link to her website, and to publish an apology in the next available issue of Dairy Goat Journal. In addition Ms, McMinn was offered cash compensation equal to 10X the amount that would have been paid if her photo had appeared on the premium front cover position.:
I’m trying to be charitable here, even though DB came across with payment, the text of this message seems to imply he’s still missed the boat. Well, some people are just beyond the pale and there’s no law against that.
PS: Suzanne, sending link and letter to you FYI
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If you were to contact a lawyer with those talking points, he knew he was doomed.
You’re a hero my friend!!!
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Sooo glad to see a good ending to this saga. David vs Goliath yet again.
Congrats Suzanne, and all the blogfolks who spoke up for you. And most of all – BRAVO for standing up for yourself. You rock!!
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Someone told me that today is 52’s birthday. If so, this calls for a party and a double celebration.
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Thank you, Mr. Belanger, for doing the right thing. Next time very careful where you get your photos.
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@Leutopian
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Anic Christmas bonus for you
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I think we need to pay attention to these publications gives credit to where they get their photos and articles from. I am actally amazed that they dont pay closer attention to this. hmm.
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Please note this issue has been resolved satisfactorily by all parties concerned. Thank you for your input.
Cordially,
Anne-marie
GOOD FOR THEM! It makes me happy when places take their PR and online presence seriously.
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We as a community need to do one more thing. For everyone that wrote and threatened or in fact, cancelled, their subscriptions, please write again and give him a pat on the back for doing the right thing. The best way for good behavior to be repeated is by reinforcing that behavior. The absence of punishment (lawsuit and viral bad publicity)is one type of reinforcement. A BETTER reinforcement is using positive reinforcement. Tell him he did the right thing and as a result he’s keeping a customer.
If we just leave it as it is, he will probably try the same thing again in the future, hoping to get away with it. If we follow up, he may actually not repeat the behavior. (I’m a teacher, can you tell?) Catch him being good and reinforce it!!
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Had he done the proper thing when first contacted…(whether it was an oversight of his staff (not) or a pure deceitful theft of material…he could have made a lot of the farming community happy with a sincere apology and offer of compensation AT ONCE. That would have shown more character…
Appears to me that the fatal error was not acting quickley…to restore faith in the company and then reprimanding the editor of The Goat Journal. Sometimes the higher on the ladder the less you see (or don’t want to see) but when there is a slip-up the further you fall!!!
Hope this is settled for you…and your check is in the mail!
Former graphic artist retired: I used to the company I worked for paying high dollar payment permission to the original artists work or to a company to use their logos, photos, etc. All trademarks and registrations and copyrights had to be in there proper place and not forgotten either…
We were always warned and trained….don’t take any short cuts when doing layouts…use clip art if necessary (free most of the time) and if other art is needed be sure to contact the party…Your companies reputation is at at stake as well as thousands of dollars loss if caught. You would be fired if you blantley did so without permission. Oh, and it had to be confirmed on paper from the artist or company thats letting you use said work!
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Suzanne, congratulations on seeing this through to a positive, healthy outcome. You have real stamina I tell you. This is an important gain for all of us. We all win here, including Mr. Bolanger himself.
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Dear Mr. Belanger,
I wanted to write back and thank you for doing the right thing. It speaks well of you and your business that you realized that you made a mistake and are sincere about correcting it. Thanks to you, I’ll continue to enjoy the online articles about goats and may even consider a subscription in my future.
Sincerely,
Laurie
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That so-called standard $100 fee for a cover photo is certainly chickenfeed for the talent behind it ….. but then payment to independent contracts has rarely been fair trade, although the corporates interpret such a scale firmly as Good Business for their bottom line. Nonetheless, this result is certainly a huge uplift for all the independents whose efforts are all too often taken advantage of by cold giants. Say, does anyone have a contact for CNN? … this would be such a lovely David and Goliath story to burn into the end of the week!
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Like others, though, I am disgusted and disappointed that things had to go as far as they did before Dave Belanger owned up to the mistake (or was it actually a mistake?) and finally tried to make it right. That doesn’t even address the issue that so many people – lots of whom absolutely should know better – think stealing intellectual property is not theft. Lots more work to do there, but you struck a blow for all of us.
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However:
Dave Belinger may have written the check and knows Not to mess with you, but really who is his next victim? APPEARS, he know realizes that Yes, you have a large following, but what about the other bloggers who may not. Not that your animal photo’s aren’t important so don’t misunderstand me when I say ” what if photo was a person”…
Sadly, Once a THIEF ~~Always a THIEF!
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I’d love to know just how many emails they received about this. lol.
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Dave, I’m glad there are some people out there willing to step up and take responsibility when they find that someone has been wronged!
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But I AM happy that this chapter of the drama is complete and that there is perhaps some reason to believe that there will not be a repeat of it any time soon. (You will pardon me if I do not hold my breath??)
One other point – I’d still have an attorney look at the check and/or any documents which might accompany it to make sure that you are not agreeing to something stupid like no further consideration of legal action should there be attitude displayed in the future which indicates that they are continuing to steal the work of others.
Just sayin’…
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I’m hoping that a lesson has been learned. Develop a process for insuring that this doesn’t happen again in any of his publications. Make sure your employees all understand that the intellectual property rights of artists be they writers or photographers need to be respected both in spirit and legally.
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Dear [Bonita],
Please note this issue has been resolved satisfactorily by all parties concerned. Thank you for your input.
Cordially,
Anne-marie Ida
Managing Editor
Countryside & Small Stock Journal
145 Industrial Dr.
Medford, WI 54451
1-800-551-5691
http://www.countrysidemag.com
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Please be advised this issue has been resolved by all parties involved. Thank you for your input.
Cordially,
Anne-marie Ida
Managing Editor
Countryside & Small Stock Journal
145 Industrial Dr.
Medford, WI 54451
1-800-551-5691
LOL Looks like we all got the same email! Congratulations Suzanne. I am so glad you will be getting that check and can only hope that dear dave has learned a bit of common decency. I’m thinking the duck n buck pen just found its building dollars!
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Need I say more?
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So glad you stuck to your guns Suzanne!
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http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/11/05/131091599/the-day-the-internet-threw-a-righteous-hissyfit-about-copyright-and-pie?sc=fb&cc=fp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks_Source_infringement_controversy
This is SO condescending –
“But honestly Monica,…..you should be happy we just didn’t ‘lift’ your whole article and put someone else’s name on it!”
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I think ol’Dave contacted his editor and found out how many more photos she has taken from the internet without permission and he rushed to make things right before someone else finds another picture. Ol’ Dave is just covering his butt!!!! Don’t celebrate too much until the check has cleared.
But still a victory!!!!!!
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I got the same “form letter” reply this morning, to my email of Nov.9th, from Anne-marie Ida. I’m glad this was finally resolved without going to court. Would hate to have had Beulah Petunia blow up in your absence! Maybe I’m cynical but IMHO Dave Belanger buckled under the internet & email barrage, got the message that things would only get worse, did what was prudent, and got off cheap without attorneys’ fees. Smart move on his part. But, hey – eventually, he got the message!!!
On another, much more fun subject… HAPPY BIRTHDAY 52!
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Hopefully, since this was costly not only in $ but in bad PR, this publisher will quit doing this- and it wouldn’t hurt for other publishers to get the same hint.
Keep up the good work!
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Please note this issue has been resolved satisfactorily by all parties concerned. Thank you for your input.
Cordially,
Anne-marie Ida
Managing Editor
Countryside & Small Stock Journal
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Feeling a need to hug a goat now.
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And…HAPPY BIRTHDAY 52! I’m sure Suzanne will have a wonderful dinner and cake for you!
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I hope he will be reviewing the laws concerning copyrights with all of his editors and staff. It’s hard to believe they would stoop to stealing pictures if they only pay $100 for them anyway. They had better realize that now there will be people looking a lot more closely for photo credits on the pictures they use. I hope Dave Belanger realizes he got off easy (only because you AREN’T opportunistic). And I hope he realizes that if he had owned up to their “error” and immediately tried to make it right, instead of trying to bully and intimidate you, this wouldn’t have escalated…but so far he hasn’t shown signs of being quick to accept responsibility for his actions.
You should feel proud tonight, Suzanne. You stood up for yourself and demanded respect, and you won. Good for you! Treat yourself to some time with your chickens and goats and sheep and donkeys and dogs and cats, and…
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Mary
I found an order that matches your address below but it is under the first name of C***. I have canceled your order and have put in a request for a refund on the remaining issues. A check will be mailed mid next week to you.
Mr Belanger did apologies to Suzanne and has compensated and credited her for the photo. This was a human error that happened and again the company is very sorry.
Laura Ching
Countryside Publications, Fulfillment
csymag@tds.net
>
>
>
>> From: Mary Kellogg
>> Date: November 11, 2010 12:06:18 AM CST
>> To: csyeditorial@tds.net
>> Subject: Cancellation of subscription
>>
>> – Hide quoted text –
>> Please cancel my subscription to Countryside and Small Stock Journal immediately.
>>
>> I am appalled that your magazine, Dairy Goat Journal, would blatantly commit the theft of intellectual property of Suzanne McMinn. The photograph in question is Ms. McMinn’s property and she should be compensated and credited for the photo. Simply, she deserves an apology from you.
>>
>> Ms. McMinn is one of the most beloved bloggers in the rural blogesphere. She deserves compensation for the use of her work.
>>
>> You can apply any remaining funds from my subscription to a fund to PAY MS. MCMINN for her work.
>>
>> Expect a flood of emails and Facebook/Twitter posts about this.
>>
>> Again, CANCEL my subscription.
>>
>> Mary Kellogg
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Happy Birthday to 52!
Oh, and that Hot Chocolate bread is totally addictive. I’ve made 2 batches already.
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Happy Dance.
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And ya know, I really, really love that photo. Those three bearded gentlemen look so dignified and handsome.
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Way to man up Mr. Belanger. It should not have happened this way, but I for one am glad that you saw the errors of your ways and made it right by our Suzanne.
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I have subscribed to CS in the real recent past and probably won’t resubscribe. I’m sure there are other good farming mags out there somewhere. (Hey, Suzanne, you should start one!)
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I’m glad he’s offered to pay up. I third the idea to watch your back with him. Thankfully, you’ve had experience with publishing before, so you have some idea of the things to look out for as far as being not in your best interest.
Happy birthday, 52! I hope you had a great day.
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~Jenny~
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Well played, all. Justice prevails.
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“Jerri Cook on November 12, 2010 at 3:50 pm
00 Rate This
Just a brief response to some of the hysterical hens. Dave is not the editor. He’s the publisher. He rarely gets involved with content, trusting his staff to do their job correctly.
Dave didn’t steal anything. Such accusations are defamatory and mean-spirited. The phone call in question was handled as professionally as it could be. The caller started making accusations and demands without allowing for further investigation.
Further, Ms. McMinn (I believe this his her name) has profited wildly from this dust up. I’m not sure what harm she can point to, certainly not financial. She and her readers continue to defame Dave. (No, I’m not a lawyer, yet. I am a law student who will be sitting for the exam soon.)
I wonder why the attacks focus only on Dave, and not the editor of DGJ? Could it be because Dave has been identified as the payer? (That’s the first thing they teach you the first day of Torts–identify a payer. Everyone else is inconsequential.) Of course this is the case. Were it not, Ms. McMinn would have demanded a public statement. She didn’t. It’s not about principles. It’s about money, straight up.”
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Also, I wouldn’t be satisfied with the $2100.00…this way his crime goes un-noticed & doesn’t alert the public to most likely more cases such as yours….this needs to be taken as far as you can go to make others aware of both the reprecussions of being caught & of being the unpaid artist who had their work swiped. $2100.00 is nothing to a 5 million dollar company, at that price he bought his ability to steal & to keep right on doing it.
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P.S. By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the Cooks Source magazine incident? http://www.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=14952
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Glad you stuck it out and remained firm!
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It’s not that hard to not hang up on someone when they call with a legitimate complaint.
The check is really only part of the point.
Part of the problem is addressing issues with maturity and grace.
I am still considering whether I will send a letter expressing to Mr. Belanger that his combative, inflammatory, and patronizing attitude are not resolved by a check.
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Congrats! You raised my consciousness of every photo I see online now. You handled yourself well and he got off easy!
Cookies for all!
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