Picture Piracy

[Miss Tyler]

To all hobbyists,
As an independent courtesan of this fabulous city (Montreal), it appalls me that my own pictures from my website are fair game to any pirate who wishes to steal them.

Today a gentleman informed me that he saw my picture at another site called www.starblonds.com under the pseudonym of SASHA!!. Normally I would be flattered except for the fact that this is an agency, to which I have no affiliation with. Apparently, this picture has been in circulation under this agency for the last several months! I have spent many a year cultivating a certain clientele who appreciate my INDEPENDENT status. To have it compromised is just shameful.

I contacted this agency this evening and instructed them that I
wanted this picture removed immediately. As of 9:00pm EST this has not been done. I would like some feedback as to how I can get this site to have my pic removed.

I apologize for any confusion over this mishap. I can assure you that I am not, and will never be affiliated with this, or any other agency. I prefer the independence and am not limited to the service that I can provide my clients.

Sincerely,
Miss Tyler

 

[n_v]

I contacted this agency this evening and instructed them that I
wanted this picture removed immediately. As of 9:00pm EST this has not been done. I would like some feedback as to how I can get this site to have my pic removed.

Seeing as you requested the change and posted on this board in the same evening I wouldn't get too bent out of shape if the picture has not been removed yet. Their techy guy does have a life outside of webmastering. If I were you don't expect anything to happen until tomorrow sometime.

 

[Miss Tyler]

It has already been more than 24 hours since I contacted the tech dept. of that site..and still..no response..

Thanks to the help and support of Rubemeister100 over at GTA, I have already sent an email that he composed for me....after my first 'polite' and 'kind' attempt to have my pic removed was unanswered..and unsuccessful..Here it is..

Dear Operators of starblonds.com

I am the person whose photgraph you are passing off as being "Sasha".

Your use of my photograph constitutes copyright infringement under the Copyright Act. Furthermore your use consitutes "passing off" also an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

I hereby formally demand that you immediately cease and desist the use of my image.

As you have not removed my photograph subsequent to my demand by telephone yesterday I have forwarded this e-mail to the President of your web host to advise them of your copyright infringement and passing off.

I will name them along with your own company in a lawsuit if my image is not taken down immediately.

As a result, your web host will likely take down your entire site (and maybe suspend your domain?) and likely not reinstate it.

So, why not just play nice and take my picture of your site?

I'm serious, so govern yourself accordingly.
Miss Tyler

Hopefully this will stir a reaction and have this matter settled immediately..Thanks to all who have written and showed their support..This kind of 'bait and switch' is totally deceptive and utterly digusting, and is an insult to all those seeking a genuine companion.
Luv,
Miss Tyler

 

[papasmerf]

one of the problems with the internet is its international appeal.

even a copyrighted picture is only protected in the country where the copy right is regestered.

And even then if a website originates from another country and you choose to view it
I doubt you are viewing a copyrighted picture.

 

[midLifeCrisis]

even a copyrighted picture is only protected in the country where the copy right is regestered.
...
I doubt you are viewing a copyrighted picture.

papasmerf Copyrights are automatic. You don't need to register anything. Everything is copyrighted unless it has been explicitly stated that copyright is waived. The (c) symbol only exists for the same reason as a "No Trespassing" sign ... it simply alerts would-be transgressors that you intend to enforce your rights.

Miss Tyler If you don't get satisfaction from the website owner, contact the host. I'm not as familiar as I should be with the best ways of determining the host ... but you can get the information free on the 'net.

 

[papasmerf]

papasmerf Copyrights are automatic. You don't need to register anything. Everything is copyrighted unless it has been explicitly stated that copyright is waived. The (c) symbol only exists for the same reason as a "No Trespassing" sign ... it simply alerts would-be transgressors that you intend to enforce your rights.

[

Please provide me with the satute under international law which provides this.

Short of that you need to re-think this

 

[WhaWhaWha]

An obvious bait and switch operation. I mean if someone requests Sasha who is going to show up? It's good to know which agencies are doing this so we can avoid them. Maybe an emailcampaign from loyal terbites each one expressing an mistrust in their credibility - pointing out the loss of reputation tht will result now that its out in the open will persaude them. In the mean time I wouldnt worry too much Miss Tyler. The gentlemen whom you serve know you well enough to recognize you with an alias so its likely you wont have any trouble maintaining your independant status.

 

[Goober Mcfly]

Look at their "Etiquette" diatribe. Obviously cut and pasted from an American source, with no acknowledgement of authorship.

http://www.starblonds.com/id20.htm

Scummy.

Is this posted on https://merb.cc as well?

 

[midLifeCrisis]

Please provide me with the satute under international law which provides this.

Short of that you need to re-think this

Start with International Copyright.

Then do a web search.

Preferrably, before you spout off about matters of fact regarding which you are grossly ignorant.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Looks like a collection of cut and paste all around.
I remember reading that essay a long time ago. I forget the site name.
These people dont know the meaning of the word copyright or plagiarism for that matter. Anyone who visits this site and subscribes to their service deserves what they get.

Cheers
Wha

 

[Miss Tyler]

Yes luv..there are many more comments..and opinions on the said subject..I am thankful for all the input and support I have received thus far.. pls go to the Merb board for more info..

I have sent a very detailed email to the webhost..expressing my anguish and disgust for their fraudulent act..but as of yet have received no comment nor acknowledgment of any responsibility for their actions..nor has the picture of myself been removed...

I am not solely concerned about my 'independant' status..as I am about other gals..including myself who are subject to such false misrepresentation that may very well be misinterpretted as being affiliated with an agency..and therefore subject to scrutiny by hobbyists in seek of an authentic and true GFE or whomever she/he desires!

I hope this wil be a platform to extinguish and abolish those who are falsely representing themselves.

Sincerely,
Miss Tyler

 

[papasmerf]

Start with International Copyright.

Then do a web search.

Preferrably, before you spout off about matters of fact regarding which you are grossly ignorant.

Thank you
Your link verifies my post :

"There is no such thing as an International Copyright that will automatically protect an author's writings throughout the world. Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country basically depends on the national laws of that country. However, most countries offer protection to foreign works under certain conditions which have been greatly simplified by international copyright treaties and conventions. There are two principal international copyright conventions, the Berne Union for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Property (Berne Convention) and the Universal Copyright Convention (UCC)."

Just a post note
this site does not site any Law or section of law.

 

[papasmerf]

Preferrably, before you spout off about matters of fact regarding which you are grossly ignorant. [/B]

Rude and ignorant is neither called for nor accepable behaviour.

Please refreign from such acts.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Btw does anyone have any reviews on Sasha from Starblonds?
If her service integrity is anything like her advertising integrity...
nuff said.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Not the agency just the SP.

 

[Miss Tyler]

Thank you sexshow for your two cents worth....and...helping me out!!

I am happy to report that my pic has been removed from the starblonds site...in fact..the entire profile of "Sasha" has been completely deleted!!

Thanks to everyone who contributed support and help to resolve this matter!

I wish everyone a very happy St. Valentines Day!!

Luv,
Miss Tyler


ps..I did in fact send TWO emails to starblonds...and the hosting company.... the fact they deny ever receiving them..is highly suspect.

 

[Why Not?]

Please provide me with the satute under international law which provides this.

Short of that you need to re-think this

Copywrite is automatic in Canada and in any country which is a signatory to the Bern copywrite convention. See the government of Canada website explaining copywrite below and scroll down to "Automatic protection for Canadian and foreign works". Links to the legislation are available at the site.
http://strategis.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/cp/copy_gd_protect-e.html

While copywrite is automatic in a court case you must prove authorship of the original work. Therefore some people choose to register one making it automatic in any litigation. However, registration is not required for copywrite to exist. See
http://strategis.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/cp/copy_gd_regis-e.html

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Thank you Sexhshow - but what I was really asking for is if anyone out there has seen Sasha from Starblonds. If you have please post your review here or in the appropriate review section. I have a feeling if her service is as valid as her advertising the community should know.

 

[Goober Mcfly]

It's COPYRIGHT, not COPYWRITE, goddammit!

</pet peeve>

 

[Meesh]

It's GODDAMNIT, not GODDAMMIT, goddamnit!

</pet peeve>