Actually, I'd like to know why some of the posts were removed too.
I was also contacted by this horrid woman (Natalie Van Den Bosch of CJOH) and asked if I'd allow her to interview me. I declined, for the reason that such "exposées" aren't really news -- they're ratings-boosters, marketing tools that help them sell more advertising. They're usually only interested in the titillation factor, and take a "freak show" approach to our industry.
Anyway, in this case, the reporter seemed, initially, to be very respectful and sincere. She said she understood my position, and asked me to recommend other local independents who might be interested.
Imagine my surprise when I saw her piece today, and I learn that they went to my site and swiped a bunch of my (copyrighted!) content for production filler.
I'm sure she knew this was wrong. We were in communication, and she could have very easily asked my permission or -- if she truly felt she didn't require it -- at least mentioned to me that they planned to use it.
The way it was used (as production filler content), too, I'm not so sure they can get around the copyright. That said, I don't think I'm interested in a lawsuit -- it wouldn't sove anything. Fred has suggested that I make a complaint to a media ombudsman. Perhaps.
I'm just thoroughly disgusted with this reporter. And I think I'm disappointed in myself for overestimating her integrity. I'm sure I made it very plain to her how I felt and that I did not wish to be included in her piece -- and she just walked right over me and did it anyway.
News reporting is truly the smarmiest profession!
..c..