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Photos on website


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Posted by Sheila on July 19, 2002 at 01:55:12:

I created a website about my home town 6 years ago. At that time I offered it to the town because they (town council & mayor) didn't have one of their own. Instead of graciously declining my offer, they became very nasty with me because they were going to create a website themselves and I had stolen their idea. (I had no clue that they were thinking of creating a website) For the past 6 years they have treated me like a disease. My site has always presented the town in a favorable light and has been visited by people all over the world. Still I've been threatened with lawsuits over comments in my guest book and any time my site is mentioned to them they make comments like, "we're aware of her site and will have our own site online shortly". They still don't have a site. Now my problem, My site has photographs that I took and are owned by me. A few days ago I saw a banner hanging in front of a Main Street store that
was made with copies of my photographs. Plus a picture in our local newspaper showing our Mayor and council president holding the banner. It was used for a dedication ceremony and then given to a storekeeper to hang up for the enjoyment of the townspeople! I am working with an attorney but he said I could seek monetary damages but I probably wouldn't get much. I should just ask them to publish an apology to me in the local papers. I don't have a lot of money and can't afford to hire another attorney so I guess I'm just asking for a second opinion. I do specifically state on my site that all photos and backgrounds are my property and unauthorized use is strictly forbidden. I also have the Copyright by and date at the bottom of every page. I didn't register the copyright because I was under the impression that stating ownership and copyright would be sufficient. After all the grief they have given me I would like to really stick it to them. I know that sounds awful but I've been treated so bad for doing nothing but good for this town that I think they should pay for their arrogance. I spoke to the woman that actually made the banner and she said she figured if she could print the photos out there would be no problem using them. If they weren't to be used they should have a block programmed into them to prevent anyone from using them. When I asked her about the fact that they were copyrighted she said she didn't really notice the copyright and as long as something can be copied and printed, it's open season, anyone can use it! I responded that you wouldn't take a published book and copy it on a copy machine. But she said, yes that's true but this is different! She didn't realize that I was the owner of the pictures when we were talking and she laughed about the fact the woman that owned the site was upset with her using the photos! Not only is this woman an assistant to our borough secretary, she's also the secretary of a State Representative! In her position I would think that she would know better or at least understand what "strictly forbidden" means! Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.



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