Stop Thief!
October 1st, 2007
It’s going to be hard for me to write this post so please bear with me. I’m full of emotion and not really in the right frame of mind to be putting sentences together.
You may have heard that one of my illustrations got stolen and has been used as the masthead for a website that gathers news and helpful hints for mothers. It’s bad enough that they are using my illustration as their main logo and top graphic but they’ve also plastered that same image on every single cafépress item available. My illo that I created from my heart is plastered like baby throw up all over teddy bears and mugs and t-shirts. I am ill. I would never do this. I would never let anyone do this. It is sickening.
About a year ago I sold this image to a company (who is NOT momsbuzz) who holds all rights to it. I am under contract to this company. This company and only this company can use this graphic. So what does this mean? It means that I have all the legal rights in the world to bust the mom site who is using my image. But it also means that I’ve been naive and an idiot to think I could share my work with the world wide internet and not have it get stolen. I have to take everything down and protect it.
I’m going back to ground zero. I’ve taken all my galleries down and protected all of my illustrations that were up on flickr. I’m starting over. I haven’t made up my mind what I’m going to do. I want to have a body of work up on the internet for people to see but I have to do it in such a way that it can’t get ripped off so easily.
I’m not a web designer and I don’t know flash so this is going to be something that takes a long time. It makes me sad but at the same time, starting fresh is always a good thing. I needed a redesign anyway.
MomsBuzz has until midnight tonight to take the image down. After that it’s war. I’ve asked nicely. I could sue for all the profits they’ve made off my image but I don’t want that. I just want my illustration back. I loved that little illo.
Update: A public apology has been made. It’s getting better.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:14 am
SUE them for all they are worth plus some.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:15 am
Noooooooooo !!!!!!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:16 am
SAJ, you already know my thoughts on the whole debacle, so I will just say I am glad you are taking action. Even though it’s painful and will take a long time, sometimes being forced to start from scratch can be a good thing. I’ll be here cheering you on!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:16 am
That’s crazy ridiculous! Why do people think they can get away with such things!?!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:16 am
Good job getting mad SAJ! What they have done is not right. BTW, thanks for the pics of baby bug. She is adorable.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:18 am
I am so sorry that someone stole your stuff. What’s sad is that they haven’t scrambled to make it right.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:19 am
No they haven’t. I’ve emailed several times and they are at this time “researching the matter”.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:19 am
GO SAJ!!! If you need someone to vent at I’m just a phone call away. I hope this is resolved quickly and satisfactorily.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:21 am
It’s all so very wrong. Be strong my friend.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:22 am
That’s really too bad. Good luck with that.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:22 am
This has made me ill since the first moment I saw. I wrote about it the other day, but today went and revised my initial post. Where as before I was speechless, a few days have given me time to formulate my thoughts. Here’s part of what I wrote:
“As for the blatant stealing of SAJ’s illio, I am stunned. How could anyone possibly think it’s ok to use an image that they stole on merchandise they are selling on their website?!? These people plastered her hard work on every possible item that Cafe Press offers, and it’s gross . . . I think her images are stunning and beautifully done. I’ve often thought “Wow, I would love to have a graphic for my site designed by SAJ!” so I’m saving my pennies in the hope that someday when I have the money and she has the time, (ha! on both accounts) I can commission work from her. . . Often times she generously creates images for people to use for their own private use, and I cannot imagine what a slap in the face this recent issue must be for her. . . The whole thing is making me sick, I don’t even want to write about it anymore.”
If there is ANYTHING that you need any of us to do, you have a whole slew of SAJ fans who are here. Just let us know.
SAJ says: Thanks, you. I knew I could count on my readers. I love you guys. You make it all worth it.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:23 am
When do you want us to start bombarding their site with emails declaring how wrong they are? ‘Cause you know we will, just say the word.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:28 am
I am so sick over this. Have you reported them to Cafe Press? Their account should be suspended at the very least. But really, I think the worst part is that their version of the graphic looks crappy. It is low-quality and their additions don’t fit.
SAJ says: I’ve sent cafepress an email via their automated form but they have not responded yet. I sent it on Saturday, I figure I have to give them the weekend.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:30 am
That’s terrible! I’m sorry that you have to deal with this.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:31 am
that’s always been one of my fears as well, putting my work out there for all to see. It’s such a struggle because you can connect with so many people, but you can also be taken advantage of so easily. It’s why my site has been “under construction” for way too long…
I hope everything works out okay and that you continue to have a strong presence on the web. You’re inspiring and I wouldn’t want your spark to fade away…
October 1st, 2007 at 10:38 am
I’m so sorry, SAJ. And so angry for you.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:40 am
SAJ: you’re awesome. they suck. karma will get them in the end!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:41 am
The Huffington Post links to an article about this topic from the New York Times…
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/01/technology/01link.html?_r=1&ref=media&oref=slogin
Meanwhile, the band Radiohead is going to be posting their new album next week and letting people decide what to pay for it, including zero. I bet they do well with it, actually.
So - it’s a different world for copyright right now. I don’t think you should just pull everything down, though, SAJ - this is the new world, you have to roll with it…
October 1st, 2007 at 10:45 am
That is horrible! I can’t believe someone would do that to you. Good for you for getting mad and taking action! Sarah is right … it is all about karma!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:48 am
I daresay you have ALL of us here to back you up.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:50 am
Sadly, there are always going to be some bad apples out there. (Not that they don’t deserve to be strung up by their toes!) but it’s also important to realize that there are whole communities of people out there who support you and your illustrations and would never THINK of doing such a thing. I’m with the first commenter - the only way you’re going to make them understand that what they did was wrong is to take legal action and hit them where it hurts - the bank account. Best of luck!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:52 am
ugh! how awful! i hope they get a clue and stop using your image. it won’t be pretty and it will be stressful for you to deal with. bad things shouldn’t happen to good people like you.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:53 am
U go girl, prayin for you!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:55 am
That sucketh majorly! I’m glad that you’re fighting for your work but I’m sorry that it happened to you. You’re an awesome artist (and now that I’m employed again I can afford your work) but one of the sweetest people I know. GRRRRRRRRR to Mom Buzz! Double GRRRRRR!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:55 am
I know you don’t want to link to them, but you should here… along with the name of whoever runs the company. They deserve some bad publicity. I’m ready to mock them on my site as well. And some of us do know flash to help you.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:56 am
oh. mi. gosh. i am in such shock… as a fellow graphic designer, i feel absolutely ill with anxiety for you… i can’t imagine how angry you must feel…! ugh!!! i don’t understand how people think they can get away with that!?!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:58 am
That’s just horrible! I hope you get it cleared up soon!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:59 am
OMG…i am speechless! i can’t fathom anyone who thinks it’s ok to use someone else’s stuff without asking and THEN have the nerve to sell it!!! wow…
October 1st, 2007 at 11:00 am
I’m writing about this on PD today. I’m so sorry B.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:01 am
It’s just vile! Go get ‘em!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:02 am
Silly me, I thought it was obvious that you don’t use someone’s work without their permission. Art, writing, research… didn’t we all learn that in the 5th grade? I’m interested to hear their explanation!
I feel violated FOR you. And I’m with Comfortably Crazy… consider me armed and ready for a blog assault! I’ll await my orders, cap’n!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:04 am
What does the company who owns the image have to say?
Is there talk of lawyers?
I hate that this happened to you.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:05 am
OMG! I can’t believe someone would do something like this…
I’m so sorry. I hope you work this out.
Good luck.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:10 am
I think they’re mighty bold for continuing to post new content after receiving your request to remove the image from the site. Shouldn’t they be more like “Stop the Presses!”?! I hate this. HATE this.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:13 am
I am outraged for you. That is so blatantly wrong.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:14 am
Just came here from A Peek Inside The Fish Bowl.
That’s really disturbing. You may want to post over at http://youthoughtwewouldntnotice.com/blog3/
Someone may have good advice for you and it would help spread the word.
Good luck.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:19 am
That’s just terrible. Sorry you have to deal w/ such skiving thieves.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:20 am
You already know how steamed I am and that I’ve got your back, just like everyone else…but I’M MAD!
Let us know what we can do to, if anything. Big hugs to you.
Ate there any web-designing readers out there who can help sweet SAJ?
October 1st, 2007 at 11:26 am
By the way, did a little detective work, and discovered their primary domain is at Typepad (http://momsbuzz.typepad.com/moms_buzz/) If you can’t get them to remove the graphic, i suggest you contact Typepad, and see if they will suspend their account.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:30 am
grrrrrrrrrr, how awful! may the karma get ‘em good. as others said, just holler if you want e-mails etc sent!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:30 am
Wow, first things first, I LOVE your October banner. I am speechless at how awesome it is. Ok, now that I have gotten that out….I am so sorry about your artwork being stolen. I don’t really know what to say but I am so mad!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:35 am
How sickening! I admire you for being able to hold back and to not totally fly off the handle and sue them for every penny they have. I know I would have reacted violently, immediately, and emotionally without a second thought. Good for you for giving them an ultimatum and a little bit of time to make things right. But shame on Mom’s Buzz for STEALING!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:40 am
Do you read sweetjuniper.com? “Dutch,” one of the authors of the blog, just recently posted about the same thing. Apparently this website “Babble” has stolen many images from other blogs’ flickr accounts- images of other people’s own children!- and used them as mastheads for blog pieces. He’s an attorney, and he has taken this crime to heart. He may have some good advice to give you!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:41 am
Hello, I’m really, really sorry this has happened please don’t give up your trust and stop illustrating your website as their are loads of us out here that love your seeing work. Your so clever Flash would be a doddle for you to pick up and when you export it as an swf no one can right click it and copy it. I work with Flash every day and teach it too (I don’t mind sending you my hand outs for you to look at - but I think you would pick it up in no time without any help). Also the drawing tools lend themselves to your style and you can use the gradient tool for depth like illustrator. Infact I have heard the latest version of Flash is incorporating illustrators drawing tools, so it might not be that different from what your used to.
I know when someone steals your work it’s like being sucker punched to the stomach. Much love x
October 1st, 2007 at 11:42 am
That just sucks. I am so angry for you that I don’t really know what to say. My hands are actually shaking. How is it that people still exist that think it is ok do steal others work. That is why I hestiate using flickr and stuff, not that I am even remotely as talented as you are, but I wonder if someone is going to use a photo I took.
I don’t even want to go to their site to give them the traffic. But, if you need us to say the word and we will all go there and give them a little piece of our minds.
Hugs to you!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:43 am
Oh, I *so* know you intended that image to be used on a Cafe Press thong! :) Good luck getting the thieving jerks to comply.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:44 am
Oh yes, and what does Toby think? Does he think you should take legal action?
October 1st, 2007 at 11:48 am
Let me know if I can help with anything….
October 1st, 2007 at 11:48 am
Well that is just rude! I wish you the best of luck with all of this. So wrong of them!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:51 am
As owner of a (tiny) communications company, I’m occasionally asked by clients to include a photo or illustration they don’t own in a marketing piece. The reaction I get when I refuse often surprises me; it seems a lot of businesspeople think of this as a victimless, no-big-deal crime. To illustrate the impact, I’ll now reference this situation. It sickens me that these folks are exploting your creative work, espcially given how generous you are with content. (My toddler loves your letters.) I wish you luck in your legal battles, which can be arduous. I know you don’t want to push them for $$, but you might insist that they donate any promotional items they have in stock to a shelter or charity of your choice.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:51 am
I think you should absolutely contact cafepress and typepad and throw everything you can at them. Send certified letters at this point to the registrant for their URL, and so on and so forth. I would not let this one go gently, so to speak. The cafepress store is no different than if they were to break into your house and steal money from your purse in the night.
Unreal.
Tried to keep the faith, it’s easier said than done though.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:51 am
After reading what happened to Sweet Junipers photos on Flickr, I took made photos of my little girl private and copyrighted everything. Now, seeing your issue here, I know I did the right thing. Good luck getting this rotten website to do the right thing. I certainly won’t be giving them any business EVER.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:54 am
This is terrible, what a cheek! I hope you find a way to still show us your work though.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Wow, clearly these people are idiots. I find it very disturbing that the people who are runnign a site providing advice to mothers have stolen your work. Um, I think we should spread the word… they suck.
I hope you get this all sorted out and I am so sorry to hear that it happened. I think what others have said about karma is true. They will get what is coming to them.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I can’t believe they did that!! That is horrible. I hope you get your illo back asap.
A site revamp will be good for your soul. Have fun with it. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. I am sure it will be awesome. :)
October 1st, 2007 at 12:09 pm
I am so very, very sorry that someone did this with your work and I hope that your informal “cease and desist” moves MomsBuzz to pull the logo. It is so trying and stressful to wait for a response and hope that someone who has already pulled a shady trick will do the right thing. Think about contacting your local bar association to ask if there are pro bono legal services for artists in your community. In my town it’s called “volunteer lawyers for the arts.” http://www.dwij.org/matrix/vla_list.html gives a list of such organizations nationally. It’s laughable but sometimes having a strongly worded letter sent on law firm letterhead makes a huge difference. I am just disgusted that MomsBuzz claims to be researching the matter; I seriously doubt that there is a third-party that MomsBuzz could blame for the theft and mis-use of your work.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:17 pm
It looks like they get revenue and site traffic from the Glam Network, and using a third party’s content illegally is clearly a violation of their TOS. I’d report them there too.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:19 pm
That’s insane - they should be falling all over themselves to make this right (let alone not doing something as blatantly illegal as using your graphic in the first place.)
I’m an avid blog reader and it’s saddened me to see all of the recent stories come to light about stolen images (you, sweet juniper, suburban bliss, the kids pics on orkut, etc.) It’s getting out of control and quite frankly scary, particularly with the kids pics.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I’m so sorry that there are such terrible people out there who carelessly break copyright laws. I just went to their site to leave a nasty comment and think that they have removed your images and on their cafe press as well and I hope it stays this way. Please let us know what is happening.
On a happier note I love your new masthead.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I am so wrong. I visited the wrong site and your ilios are still up :( so it’s now time to leave them a rude comment.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:40 pm
This just sucks. I’m sorry they’ve done this to you. I look forward to seeing what you do next. It may not seem like it now, but maybe something good will come from this. I wish you all the best and hope these people get what’s coming to them. Silly to mess with SAJ and all her supporters.
Also, the near banner= AWESOME!
October 1st, 2007 at 12:52 pm
They’ve taken down all the comments, but the logo is still up.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Funny… I just found a website that took something I wrote and attributed it to you. So, I know just how you feel. It sucks and I am sorry for you. Although, your situation is worse because at least the links lead to me, even if your name is at the top.
Sorry you have to go through this. Good luck.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:59 pm
report them to typepad:
http://support.typepad.com/cgi-bin/typepad.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=910
October 1st, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Oh my gosh!!! I was so upset to see YOUR work on their stuff. How dare they? Grrr.
WWDD? What would Disney do? They are pretty picky about who uses their characters but then again, they have a giant legal staff.
In Florida and Colorado, I know we could use the words “cease and desist” when we saw anyone using our artwork (or copying our designs). One woman found someone had used one of her artworks, copying it in paints, then selling it on notecards and as glicee prints.
Can you put something over your work online, a see-through word such as “sample” that would prevent others from taking your work for their own use?
Tap your inner pit bull, your mother bear instincts. This was wrong.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I’m sending them an email. This shouldn’t be happening at all.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I meant to add to the “cease and desist” part of my email that the woman who was copying and selling at an art show had to take it all down, every bit of it, and was sternly warned about being sued.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Why are people assholes? That really sucks. I hope they take it down sooner than later. BTW, love your new masthead!
October 1st, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Hi SAJ,
So sorry to hear this happened. It prompted me to do a quick Google to find the site, and I ran across it AS WELL AS this one: http://www.momsbuzz.blogspot.com/
It looks like a different company/blog by the same name, but she, too, is using your graphic. Did you find this already?
October 1st, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Idiots!
I’m glad you’re pursuing them, and will do everything I can to give them the type of buzz they deserve.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:25 pm
ALSO? I’m offended by their punctuation.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Ya know, sites have made legitimate mistakes in using a copyrighted image on their masthead or in some other way. But splattering it all over CafePress items? Totally, totally lame. And then? Not complying with the artist?! Even more lame.
I hope you get fast results!
October 1st, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Oh SAJ, that is just terrible. I feel so bad for you. I hate that there are people like this in the world that have no qualms with stealing (and profiting!) from other people’s hard work.
What a bad situation. For the record, I’ve always been super fond of that image myself. Hope we’ll still be able to see your work in the future.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:38 pm
One more voice yelling, “This sucks!”
We’re behind ya!
October 1st, 2007 at 1:41 pm
That’s horrible! I hope you get fast results from them. They need to stand up and take attention.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:43 pm
BTW, I swung by the offending (and offensive) site and when you click on their Cafe Press images there is an error message that the item is not available. So it seems you got through to Cafe Press, at least.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I’ve emailed the site, CafePress, and the registered domain owner of MomsBuzz. (I’m surprised that someone who knows correct plural-possessive punctuation could be so ignorant of COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.)
October 1st, 2007 at 1:54 pm
I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said, but I am very sorry someone took advantage of your beautiful work! It sucks that evil people are out there, and it stuns me every day what people are capable of…both dogooders and evildoers. You’re a dogooder, and the evildoer will get their comeuppance! Keep on keepin on, and best of luck!
October 1st, 2007 at 1:56 pm
please read that as do-good-er, not dog-ooder (cuz there is no reference to stinky dogs in that comment!)
October 1st, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Even if you knew FLASH - EVEN THEN … screenshots can be had. Once an illo is on the internet it can be stolen (and I say that for the company who thinks that just because you are showing an illo makes you responsible for it being stolen - it doesn’t work that way).
Either way - I’ve written about it on my blog and if we’d spread the word around for you, momsbuzz would get enough bad buzz that they might want to save their stinkin’ butt and pull it.
I can’t believe they didn’t pull it already.
I’m going to write them and tell them what I think.
We should all write them.
ALL.OF.US.
gah!
October 1st, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Duh, I never even thought of bombarding them with angry emails! Which your readers are clearly ready to do. I still hate that this happened to you, but I love how many people are commenting and supporting you! It’s just making me smile to see how many people are ready to fight for you, and I hope it’s making you feel a little better, too!
October 1st, 2007 at 2:06 pm
It’s always the kind, trusting people that get screwed… but I believe that karma wins out in the end.
I’m with the above comments… let us know, and we’ll send so many emails to their in box they’ll be begging to give you their CafePress profits!
PS - i LOVE the new masthead. Beautiful!
October 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Uhhh - nope, cafe press is still up. And all our comments have been deleted from the site PLUS she’s blocked us from commenting further. I’m no techie, but she must be blocking our ip addresses (i tried a different email address with no luck). so! get your friends to post comments! we can’t shut up about this! it just ain’t right!
October 1st, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Unfortunately there is no way to stop someone from Internet Thievery, unless you don’t put anything up. If someone REALLY REALLY wants a particular graphic, and is a morally unethical human piece of crap, there’s three ways to go about it.
1. Right Click and Save As.
2. Screen Capture (works even in Flash as far as I know.)
3. Save HTML Page with your browser (downloads all corresponding documents and images to folder.)
4. Browse through Temporary Internet File Folder. If you surfed it, you downloaded it.
IMO, the best way to combat it would be to watermark everything. That way if anyone does any of those four things they WILL have your graphic but they’d have a lot of work to get rid of the watermark before they used it. That will deter most people.
I’d really hate to not see your work. You are inspiring to me, SAJ.
And the thing with Moms’ Buzz? She’s probably taking her sweet time to remove it so she can find another image on the Internet to use ;)
Stealing off the Internet sucks. What I’d like to know is how you found out about it in the first place? Did someone recognize your work? Did you just come across the site?
October 1st, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I just posted a comment … i’ll be interested to see how long it stays up there. I also sent an email. I suggest you all send something too:
info@themomsbuzz.com
This is outrageous.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Yes, email the following:
info@themomsbuzz.com
trademark@cafepress.com (CafePress’s copyright infringement lawyer)
adriana@vaccari.biz (MomsBuzz’s domain registrant)
And keep leaving comments if you can!
October 1st, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hey!
so google “mom’s buzz” and see what you get….
I’m hopping mad so i did something about it.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:50 pm
(or google “moms’ buzz” or “moms buzz” too)
October 1st, 2007 at 2:54 pm
WOW… this is awful. i am so sorry. This is a warning to all designers/artists out there who put their work up, including me. How can we stop this thievery???
Your illustrations are so beautiful.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I might be wrong, but I think the site at http://www.momsbuzz.com is a different site than the thieves at http://www.themomsbuzz.com (note the use of the word “the” in the title). SAJ, you might considering mentioning that in this entry so people don’t go burning down the wrong site!
October 1st, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Ahhh!! I’m sooo mad for you! You want me to call Cafepress right NOW?!?!? I’m so tempted to. Call them. Call them right now. They can remove the images from that person’s store so they won’t show up until it’s sorted.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Hi Josephine!
I found you through the comment trail at Sweet Juniper. All I can say is, good lord, how is it that people are so clueless about property rights infringement. I second Annika’s comment about also pursuing things with Cafe Press. I know that when there was inappropriate items put up after 9/11, they were very quick to respond. They have no vested interested in themomsbuzz.com’s use of your images and every interest in keeping their business legal.
Good luck!
October 1st, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Have you contacted the company that holds the rights to the picture? I’d be interested to see what they think about this…
October 1st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
that is so messed up! i’m sorry =(. i hope they get what they deserve…
October 1st, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Ok, if you try to click on the images of things for sale on cafepress,like the mug or tshirt you get an error page. For those of you that missunderstood the comment left earlier.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:34 pm
B, you RULE! I love your illustrious illustrations. Power to you on behalf of artists everywhere! Much love.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:40 pm
The following link:
http://www.themomsbuzz.com/moms_buzz/2007/09/sweet-savings-c.html
has links to several on-line sites for/by mom’s that have partnered with Mom’s Buzz on deals. Perhaps they would like to be politely informed that they’ve been dealing with a site that has stolen someone’s property?
October 1st, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I was doing some work for a company last spring when they received notification that an image on their website had been used without permission. It was a 1″ x 1″ image that had been used on one page. Nobody really knew how the imaged ended up there, and it was something that shouldn’t have happened.
The company had to pay, get ready for this: $12,000!!! They also had to remove the photo or face legal action, and a much larger fine. This was for an accident (somewhere along the line a jr. webmaster must’ve added the image)
That was for a tiny accident! This chick stole your illustration. She would’ve had to take it from your site, knowing full-well that you are a designer. She didn’t just add it to her site once, she wallpapered the internet with it. It’s everywhere, in all of her profiles, and on not 1, but 2 blogs: http://www.momsbuzz.blogspot.com/ and http://www.themomsbuzz.com/ .
She’d better get those images off the web ASAP!
I can’t stop thinking about this. As bloggers, we respect one another, we learn from each other, and we support each other. We’re united on this one. She won’t get away with this.
(btw: if you want more info on that $12,000 fine I’d be happy to share it with you)
October 1st, 2007 at 3:44 pm
themomsbuzz.com will be getting no business from me, the thieves. Grrr! Stand up for yourself! Someone (many someones) needs to learn a lesson!
October 1st, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I also submitted a complaint to the following sites, asking them to remove her site immediately:
http://topsites.blogflux.com/report.php
http://www.topblogarea.com/sitedetails_6345.html
http://www.cleverparents.com/category/multimedia/
http://momfinds.com
grrr
October 1st, 2007 at 4:13 pm
You are not naive. You are not an idiot. You are a good person. Bad people always beat up on good people. Phooey.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I’ve been a lurking for a while and I think your illustrations are great. I’ve often thougth you could make a fortune if they turned them into stickers, papers or rubber stamps for scrapbooking. Good luck with the fight.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
i’ve emailed them… the jerks.
“Behind Moms’ Buzz
We are two moms juggling home chores, parenting, work, marriage and the inevitable pesky hormones. Faced with these challenges on a daily basis is draining. We created Mom’s Buzz to give you different options and to make the time with kids and the whole family more fun and enjoyable!”
i’m not having fun with their blatant stealing of your illos. and their thievery is draining on everyone… how can they represent mothers this way?
(i love your october masthead, too. gorgeous.)
October 1st, 2007 at 4:36 pm
I’m delurking to say that I’m so sorry this is happening to you! Your illustrations are beautiful, fun, and creative and I always come to your site because they make me smile.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I sent an email to a woman listed under Press on the MomBuzz site to let her know what happened. After receiving my email, she sent a message to the site. This is what she just emailed back:
“I agree with you that it is frustrating. I emailed Mom’s Buzz, and apparently the site designer assured everyone she had legitimately purchased the image in question.
If so, then this is bad for both sides…a) because as a writer, I’m always concerned about protection of artist rights and b) that a legit businesswoman online has gotten snookered by someone dishonest and is having the reputation of her site destroyed unfairly.”
October 1st, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Geez!! I’m so sorry to hear this has happened to you! What in the world is going on with people stealing other’s material in the internet world these days!? First Flickr, now this!? It’s just sickening:(
October 1st, 2007 at 4:57 pm
What a mess! I’m so sorry - I can’t imagine how awful it feels to see your hard work misused. But please…it’s time to go to the mattresses. You do NOT have to be nice about this. I know your Internetfriends will help you in whatever way we can. Now, reading Carly’s comment, I don’t want to bombard anyone unless you tell us to. So, I will wait for word.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Artists should be treated like goddesses. I’m sorry.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I haven’t read through all the comments so forgive me if this is repititive. You said you sold this to another company. Are they responsible for defending the copyright, or are you? Either way, they should be notified. They may be the ones who have to do this work, not you.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:08 pm
SAJ- I’m so sorry that you have to go through this. You are so talented, and I love to LOOK at your work. I will miss enjoying it, and just because other people can’t keep their hands to themselves.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:16 pm
BLOGGERS and PEOPLE WHO DON’T HAVE THEIR BLOGS YET (Like me) - UNITE!!!!!!!!!!!
SAJ - You have a TON of supporters behind you on this, and frankly it just makes me ill that these two women would do this. Your art work and designs are precious, one of a kind, and are so special to so many people! It will all work out.
Wish I could do something to help out….like be a copy right infringemant attorney who could practice law in Cali. Talk about a shark attack!!!!!!
Hugs for ya,
Michelle
October 1st, 2007 at 5:23 pm
this is horrible. some people are just thoughtless. your artwork is and always will be an inspiration to me. this does make me think more than twice about posting my images as well.
i think four letters on my site may be all she wrote. or putting a huge watermark on them.
not sure, keep us posted! i left a comment on her site but i doubt it will be posted, they are being “moderated”. lame.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:28 pm
they suck balls
yr sweet
this will work out
October 1st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Delurking to say am behind you, too. Have sent emails professing my disgust to the addresses listed by Leah. Hang in there!
October 1st, 2007 at 5:40 pm
i’m also de-lurking (i don’t think i’ve commented before) to let you know that i think it’s so awful…and as of 8:30pm, nothing’s been done yet — it’s all still your beautiful illustration on their lying webpage.
sorry:-(
October 1st, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Yeah, I worry that this is gonna happen to me someday. Actually… since it never has happened… maybe that’s a diss? Wah! Nobody wants my artwork! Wait a minute! Now I’m just jealous!
October 1st, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Besides, on just this one post, you have 115 comments. They have one. Methinks you will probably outlast them in the long run.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Delurking to say how sorry I am that this happened to you. A couple of years ago some of my photographs were stolen online and I found them plastered over all manner of crap on ebay. I felt sick to my stomach and violated. Afterwards I started watermarking everything I put online. It made me sad though.
I love your illustrations and I hope you find some way to keep putting them up. They always make me smile!!
Hope these people get the smiting they deserve!
October 1st, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Actually, Ellen, they have had more throughout the day - I personally commented on their site about this and made a few choice comments of my own. I should have taken a screen shot of my comment - they have deleted all those comments. You can try this yourself, everyone. Go make a comment, take a screen shot, and see how long it takes them to take down your comment.
SAJ, I am in the process of marking all my public images that I use on my blog with a watermark. I know Adobe can do this, but I bought a new program just for watermarking. If you want help marking your numerous illos, just e-mail me.
Oh, and I sent you some yummy, high fat, organic love today. Let me know when it gets there. It the kind of love that is really good with coffee and it will make you feel better. ;)
October 1st, 2007 at 6:03 pm
One other thought. We probably all shouldn’t be heading over there to check this out. We’re only upping her hits and increasing her ad revenue.
October 1st, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I don’t have anything to add that hasn’t been mentioned, but it seems to me that many people do not think hijacking the work of others is a big deal. I’ve seen it in my own students! They “use” art, etc. off the internet without permission all the time. We have to do everything we can to teach them otherwise and make real consequences for this–not just a slap. I hope this works out in your favor and I’m very sorry that it happened.
October 1st, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Keep us posted. WE can shut down their site AND Cafe Press if it needs to be done.
You sold this image to someone else…. did they sell it without telling you?
October 1st, 2007 at 6:12 pm
SAJ - I have never left a comment on your site, but have absolutely LOVED reading it! I have a 17 month old daughter and enjoy keeping up on your little Baby Bug. You are so talented and amazing at your illustrations - they are a treat to see! I hope everything works out, it is absolutely horrible that someone would take advantage of you in this way! Hoping for the best!
October 1st, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I am so horrified by this. I don’t read your site as I hadn’t heard of it (it is very nice by the way!). Don’t read themomsbuzz either. However, I have sent a couple emails to her advertisers along these lines:
You are advertising site, themomsbuzz.com that is using stolen graphic imagery. Check out secret agent Josephine for the full story.
I will never support a company that advertises on themomsbuzz.com
Meg McGaffin
October 1st, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Delurking to say I’m so sorry that this has happened to you. What a crappy thing to have happen, and to ruin your trust in the interwebs.
Gah! What the hell is wrong with people? Really!
October 1st, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Ironically, if they had hired you to do an image for them, it would be much less costly than what this will be for them.
I’ve emailed all of the suggested places - please let us know what else we can do to help. This stinks!
October 1st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Joy’s right. They’re deleting our comments, so we know they are aware of the situation.
They’re jerks, but each time we visit we’re driving their traffic up (and advertising profits) which is AWFUL.
Also, we don’t want to clog their system with our comments. It’s illegal to do anything that can be construed as a denial of service attack (where their regular use is impeded by outside efforts).
SAJ needs to call the DMCA representatives at Cafe Press, Blogger, and Typepad to get them shut down. As much as the rest of us would like to help, they will only respond to the copyright holder.
If you write about the Moms’ Buzz on your own blogs- DO NOT LINK TO THE SITE. They benefit from the heightened link count. If you’ve already blogged with their url- go back and pull the link.
adrienne
October 1st, 2007 at 6:46 pm
I hope you get your illo back. And also a million dollars for damages! Sorry to hear of the interjerks.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:02 pm
I’m so sorry, how disappointing for you.
Hugs.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:40 pm
It appears to be removed from CafeExpress site.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:41 pm
wow, what a couple of weeks.
we had our similar situation with Babble (+ the fallout), Y at joy unexpected found her kids in an advertisement, the Orkut affair, the virgin mobile australia flickr theft, (I know there was another one), and now this. what the hell is going on?
I know litigation is possible, but I always think the threat of litigation works best combined with a massive trial in the court of public opinion. we’ve got to make sure the message gets out that flickr is not a source of images to be integrated into the graphical elements of your website, or to illustrate advertisements or stories, or to take photos to post elsewhere in any way without permission.
there is such a huge community of wonderful people reading blogs where we share images and stories of our kids. we all just need to keep an eye out for images of our own kids—as well as those of our friends—everywhere we go online. and if we catch anybody else doing this, they should know what’s going to happen and how pretty it won’t be for them.
I’m sorry this happened to you, SAJ. I know just how crappy it feels.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:57 pm
That is crazy and ridiculous. I can’t believe it is still. up.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Oh crap. This is one of the things I hate most about the Internet. I am so sorry.
And let me know if you want help with Flash.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
i’ve had this happen in the past. it still chaps my ass when i see a bus whiz by with my illustration plastered all over it.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:15 pm
i am saddened and angered by this situation. of all the kindhearted, thoughtful, and talented people to steal from–i am just so upset that this is happening to you. shame on them for stealing your image, even more shame on them for not quietly acquiescing but instead deleting the comments of your supporters on their site and claiming they are “researching” the issue. what is there to research? they stole, and they got caught. i wish there was something i could do. i’m sending you all sorts of strong and positive thoughts in support.
xo
October 1st, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Sue them all -
College is expensive. Make them pay for it.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Oh, and you GOTTA love this, at http://www.themomsbuzz.com/, on the left side bar is a header “Useful Documents” - wherein you will find the “Six Pillars of Building Good Character”
Number 1? Trustworthiness - Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal •
Heh.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I left them a nasty little note calling them theives and telling them to pull your illo on their site before they found themselves being reamed across the blogosphere. Like Babble, they evidentally don’t realize the power of bloggers to impede their traffic. Idiots!
Now, two things you need to do:
Get an attorney and have him/her write letters to cease and desist immediately. Send them to the web site and to cafe press. They’ll take them down fast if they know you have legal help. You might want to contact Jim at Sweet Juniper and see if he can give you advice since he’s facing a similar problem and is an attorney.
Watermark all your illustrations. Don’t pull them down, just watermark them in such a way that it will take mad photoshop skillage to fix them. Most people will just move on if they see a huge watermark on a photo or illustration.
I’m mad as hell for you. This totally sucks .
October 1st, 2007 at 9:15 pm
I just checked their site again to see if they had removed it yet. Have they posted something new?!?! They had time to write something new and have been removing comments but haven’t even had the decency to remove your image? What lowlifes.
October 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 am
You are right. They are deleting the comments. You’d think it would be pretty easy to zoom over there to the templete and delete the graphic while they were at it.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:01 am
Like your other eleventy million fans and supporters, it makes me sick and sad that this happened, especially to someone as sweet as we all know that you are. We are behind you 100%. It’s crazy that this is not some disrespectful, arrogant kid who stole your images but two moms running a mommy website. Disgusting. Do whatever you think is right in the meantime for your own peace of mind.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:32 am
Wasn’t it someone on the “Glam” network who stole Dutch’s pictures?
Yeah, they have comments “moderated” now. Thieves.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:33 am
Gah! The image is still there.
Everyone needs to send them an email RIGHT NOW. Let’s show ‘em we mean business:
info@themomsbuzz.com
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:46 am
I left em a comment….did anything change?
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:58 am
I’ve always enjoyed looking at your cute graphics. It’s a shame that someone stole it. Good luck on whatever action you are going to do on dealing with this.
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:00 am
It’s down!!! it’s down!!!!
yahoo!!!
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:41 am
So Sorry you have to restart all your stuff and have to feel so invaded by others. Hope they take it down or you should definitely take action legally against them. Wishing you the best!
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:00 am
Dear SAJ,
I have been a reader of your blog for over a year now - I had done a search online during my pregnancy and somehow came across your blog. You are so creative and REAL in your stories/life experiences that you share. I wanted to thank you for that.
I am truly so sorry to hear that your work has been stolen, pilfered, ripped off… I sincerely hope that the individual(s) who are responsible for this are held accountable and authentic apologies and compensation come quickly to you.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:19 am
Your image still hasn’t been removed from momsbuzz.blogspot.com.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:38 am
haha - they blocked all the links coming from here.
Geee, we’ll never ‘feegure dat un out’.
They oughta be ashamed.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:39 am
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. It’s too bad really, that people can be so lame. Hopefully you will at least get an apology and maybe they’ll learn something from this situation (like for instance how stupid it is do take advantage of people and steal thier work and how they could have been up to their ears in trouble). Assholes.
October 2nd, 2007 at 11:06 am
I’m so glad you got things straightened out. I hope it wasn’t messy. I checked that blog yesterday and today and am glad to see that what was up yesterday is now down today. (Your designs/pics are soooo much better!) Take care.
October 2nd, 2007 at 11:41 am
Kick some butt!! I’m sorry you’re having to go through all of this…it makes me nervous to have all of my photography out there as well…i’m thinking i need to take everything down and watermark it. what a severe bummer. dang. i hope to hear good news about the results soon!
GOOD LUCK!
PS YOU ROCK!
October 2nd, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Oh……..
I, in no way, run a widely read website or anything like that but I do have to say that I routinely “borrow” images from the WWW for internal documents at work and such….
I never claim them as my own or try and plaster them onto cafepress items..
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:36 pm
What assholes. You’re a better person than I am for not suing them for the profits.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
So weird. This afternoon I checked and the image seemed to have been removed (although still showed up as an icon on firefox). I just visited again and it seems to be back on their masthead?!?! What the heck?!
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I am so sad that you feel like you need to remove your artwork. I love your art. :( I am pleased that they took it down though!
WHat a week, everyone is getting stolen from.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I even emailed them after the fact telling them what I thought of their theft.
Thanks for removing Br**** P*****’s illustrations from your site. I find it sickening that you would steal artwork from a site (which was commissioned by a different company) and have the nerve to create Cafe Press items with it. I hope that you will be reimbursing B***** appropriately for the amount of time you used her art and for the money you generated selling items with her image on them.
As well I would like to thank you for making an artist and blogger so scared of future thefts that she is pulling all of her illustrations from her blog.
Your ethics make me sick.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I’m a graphic/web designer and a non-professional photographer. I use flickr because it’s a great easy way to upload and organzie lots of photos at once. There is a setting under “your account” that prevents people from dowloading the images; that’s what I do. I also don’t allow people to view high-res images.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juangrande/
I’m just finishing a website for a photographer. I convinced her that she needed a flash for this very reason. It’s not fool-proof, but does prevent people from dragging and dropping images.
good luck with everything.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
…a flash SITE, is what i meant to say. I’m sure she already has a flash–she’s a photographer, after all.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:35 am
It’s a sad, thieving world out there. As a web designer I’ve had my own work stolen countless times — from CSS to full site templates. I’ve even seen contracted work I’ve done for Squarespace on Wordpress sites. It’s lame.