[alistaircotton]

Copywriting expert and blogger, Ryan Healy has posted about what he feels are extortionary tactics used by a traditional stock agency to claim damages from images used on websites unlawfully.

His blog: http://www.ryanhealy.com/getty-images-extortion-letter/.

As a copywriting professional, Healy paints a compelling picture of how he used a RM stock image unlawfully by mistake, why he feels he has been treated unfairly by the agency and why he further feels the agency is charging too much to settle the matter.

In the comments section of his blog, I tried to play the role of the agency's “advocate” – pointing out why they would and could not share his views on the unlawful use of one of their photographer's images.

My comment was met, perhaps predictably, with a fair amount of disdain from Healy and at least one reader who frequents his blog.

The name of the agency and more info is mentioned in a blog on my Durban Photographer site here: http://www.durbanphotographer.com/blogger-goes-ape-over-getty-extortion-letter/

[semmickphoto]

I left my comment. Its the same story all over. 'I didnt know it was copyrighted'

Bullcr*p

[semmickphoto]

By the way, I think your comments are brilliant

[ruxpriencdiam]

Yeah I left a comment as well he is just another common thief trying to CHA so he doesn't have to pay what he rightfully is responsible for paying. FH and the horse he rode in on!

[objowl]

Don't you think we bring it on ourselves sending out Cease and Desist notices instead of insisting our agents chase the culprits for our money? I've done it myself, but no more!

[ruxpriencdiam]

He is still trying to justify what he has done responding to everyone.

[robhainer]

I always thought you start with the assumption that material is protected by copyright, and only after confirming that it isn't can you proceed to use it freely. That's just the way people have always done things, and a copyright "expert" should know that.

[mattgibson]

Just replied as well, although with a bit more of an open mind.

Barry - a copy writer and a copyrighter are two different things.

[yaromir]

Love it. I wish more agencies would act like this.
I believe $1000 for a rights violation is fairly low amount.

[robhainer]

[ruxpriencdiam]

[mattgibson]

I think there is more to this than meets the eye initially. I do feel he has been a bit stitched up by the person that worked on his website.

It is a bit like hiring someone to pave your drive and six months later you get done because they used stolen paving slabs and they are on your driveway so you're going to get done.

As the guy says, he is a customer of IS so he knows about this stuff, even if only the basics so I do doubt if he would knowingly let this happen.

My wife always says I try to see the best in people so maybe I am wrong, but that is my opinion reading through everything.

[Van Zoeren Designs]

alistair, I commend you for your brilliant response and also by keeping it respectful! Not very many people know how to argue like that anymore

[duneratt]

I have to commend Getty for their efforts. I hope SS is doing the exact same thing! Even if its in their own best interests it protects the contributors too.

[semmickphoto]

The dude is full of it. He has no clue what he is talking about and is trying to talk himself into the victim position. He needs to be dealt with just as much as the 90 year old friendly lady who stole Jeffs images.