tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971590956405808402024-02-18T23:37:18.426-08:00No PiratesSummaries of the activities by the No Pirates group. As efforts to contain internet pirates evolve, the results of these efforts will be consolidated and reported here.Steve Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01106769507452246948noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-797159095640580840.post-47701649937484441092014-07-16T13:35:00.001-07:002023-03-26T00:13:56.312-07:00CONSOLIDATED POSTS: A week's worth of pirate sinking<div class="separator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.com/Thing" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Person" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This post is an edited consolidation of a week's worth of reporting about the demolition of an online <span itemprop="affiliation">content pirate</span> by a group known as "<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Organization"><span itemprop="brand">No Pirates</span></span>". Each day's post in this effort is indicated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b>FIRST
POST:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemtype="Organization">
Within the
past day it was brought to my attention by a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Facebook
</span>friend that there is a site proudly promoting the fact that they are
freely distributing eBooks without author permission. The administrators of
this group, known as "<span itemprop="brand">The Ultimate Ebook Library (TUEBL)</span>", are
unapologetic regarding their underhanded methods. In fact, on their <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>page (no longer available), the administration
flaunts that they "are NOT an American organization so we are not bound by
your <span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Country"><span itemprop="addressCountry">US</span></span> laws anyway". The general tone of the administrators is one of
mocking arrogance, as they point out that they have been doing this for two
years and nobody has been able to stop them. They effectively dare us to do
something about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemstyle="Book">
Their <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>page has taken on a feel much like any
trolling session, with those who know they are morally corrupt offering much by
the way of straw man arguments and red herrings in order to attempt to justify
their dubious deeds. Including ad hominem, typically troll-ish goading, some of
the justifications by supporters of the site include one reader asking,
"how is this ethically any different than going to the public library
reading a book?" Another considers it to be an issue of too many fingers
in the pie by stating, "I dont[sic] want to pay your publisher for not
publishing anything." Another poster commented, "Outdated systems of
distribution didn't try to prepare themselves for the internet at all."
One misinformed, or completely biased poster claims, "why r the <span itemprop="bookFormat">ebooks</span>
having same costs as physical book ?" Still yet another uninformed poster
states, "its cheaper in Australia to buy <span itemprop="bookFormat">ebooks</span> than <span itemprop="bookFormat">print</span>. Guess those of
you in the <span itemscope="" itemtype="Country"><span itemprop="addressCountry">US</span></span> are spoilt[sic] with your cheap books." One even uses a broad
generalization to explain why this theft of intellectual property is justified
by claiming,"The complaining authors are the ones that are lacking
confidence in their work." The administrator of the page goes so far as to
claim that "copyright infringement is not theft." Oh, I see. So it is
permitted to knowingly and willingly infringe on the hard work of an author, as
long as you don't call it theft. As you can imagine, the authors are crafting
well-worded, sensible objections to these flimsy excuses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Person">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A poster
who apparently is part of the administrative group, <span itemprop="givenName">Travis</span> <span itemprop="familyName">McCrea</span>, claims,
"We are doing a wonderful thing...we are going to keep doing what we are
doing...There is no stopping us, legally, technologically, or otherwise. I can
be hit by a bus tomorrow, and we have a plan in place to keep the sites active
in that senario[sic]." He also states that authors like TUEBL, that the problem
for <span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.com/Person"><span itemprop="affiliation">indie writer</span></span>s is obscurity, not piracy, and that soon TUEBL will have a
system in place to compensate authors. This is problematic, since it is obvious
by the backlash from the authors that many, probably MOST, have issue with
TUEBL. Also, indie authors are not generally represented by big name
publishers, and they have already negotiated some type of meager pay system
with the publisher or distribution company of their choice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
TUEBL also
has a website. On their legal disclaimer page they claim that "While
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Country"><span itemprop="addressCountry">Canada</span> may, in fact, be <span itemprop="addressCountry">America</span>'s hat... we do actually have our own laws,
regulations, and legal system." What they fail to point out is that the
unauthorized use of copyrighted material is a crime. In Canada, as well as in
the <span itemprop="addressCountry">United States</span>, intellectual work is copyrighted upon creation, and no
filing of rights is necessary. The page also includes the thinly veiled threat
of intimidation, as they state, "Also please note that any email that we
receive is public information and will be published in full on our blogs,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Twitter</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>,
and any other social network that we desire." It is clear that they do not
intend to honor the hard work of the authors, and in fact expect to bully these
very same people into limiting contact with this organization.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemstyle="http://www.schema.org/Organization">
A deeper
look at Travis McCrea, the leader of this outlaw group, can be found at his
public <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>page. Through his posts at this
site, and some of his tweets, it is discovered that he prides himself on being
a "pirate". He failed at his attempt to gain a parliament seat by
running on the <span itemprop="brand">Pirate Party</span> platform in Canada. On his personal <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> page, he
claims that the site he runs is a "book sharing website." He neglects
to point out that this site in no way solicits the permission of the authors of
the books he "shares". His<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span itemprop="legalName">LinkedIn</span>
</span>profile claims he is the <span itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="honorificSuffix">CEO</span></span> at "<span itemprop="legalName">Angry Parrot Communications</span>."
He is a fan of <span itemprop="legalName">The Pirate Bay</span>, and seems fixated in general with the notion of
being a pirate. It is time to make him walk the plank.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It is time
for us to gather forces, as we have already begun to do, and stop this
repulsive thieving. If you are an author, or if you know one, or if you realize
that this type of activity is detrimental to authors, please help. Visit the
TUEBL<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>page and protest. Email Travis
McCrea, or message his <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>page (no longer available) to let him
know that this type of activity is not permitted by the global community, no
matter how he tries to justify his actions by propping up his false
interpretation of laws as his shield. Let him and his supporters know that this
type of activity will not be tolerated. We, as a grass roots movement, and
defenders of integrity, can make a difference. Thank you for your help
regarding this matter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Person">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Special
thanks goes out to <span itemprop="givenName">Katherine</span> <span itemprop="additionalName">Christina</span> <span itemprop="familyName">Rochholz</span> for bringing this to my
attention.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" itemscope="" itemtype="http://www.schema.org/Organization">
UPDATE:
Thanks to a concerted effort by many authors, publishers and fans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">, PayPal </span>has frozen the account for this underhanded
group. They are no longer able to collect money for the work of others. In
addition,<span itemprop="brand" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Amazon </span>has pulled the plug on Mr.
McCrea and company, as well. There have been many, many requests for <span itemprop="brand" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to shut down the page. As we speak, there is
a group of dedicated authors and supporters reaching out to other authors who
may not even know they are being exploited. Some of these authors have
responded, and are requesting removal, joining forces, and in general are
working to make sure this guy is done with this outlaw type of conduct. <strike>If you
like, you may join our "event" on <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>by going here:</span></strike></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<strike><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/events/222854591170033/222916914497134</span></strike></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All of
this in about five whole hours! We appreciate your support! </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b>SECOND
POST:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PROGRESS
MADE: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This post
is to provide some information about the activity among the group members, as
we continue to mobilize in order to stamp out the piracy of our work. The group
is now nearing 200 strong, made up of a variety of indie authors, publishers,
illustrators, readers and their supporters. Our effort within 24 hours has
successfully impinged on the flow of information and money within the pirate
group, in that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have both discontinued them from using their
services. We have a dedicated contingent of people who have been diligently
contacting authors and bringing this dastardly group to their attention. There
has been a quick and positive response from these injured artists, many of them
having names you would recognize. Still more of our supporters have been
spreading the word of our efforts like wildfire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">HURDLES
REMAINING:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Since this
unlawful group isn't selling the copyrighted work directly from their
site,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>does not recognize their
activities as violating their TOS. At this point, there doesn't appear to be
much we can do except to continue to report the page. The other catch is that
if we post our defense on the page, it brings up their numbers. Our strategy at
this point is to keep the contact on their<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>page at a minimum.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have
had limited success in keeping their server shaky, as our group bombards their
search engine, looking for authors to contact. The page is available, then it
isn't. The page is available, then it isn't. The misinformation provided by the
pirates is that this is due to the number of books being downloaded.
Considering their lack of integrity to this point, it is apparent that they are
not being honest. We are working to have their rights stripped, and to shut
down their website, but this is not easy to do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
biggest hurdle seems to be the arrogant ring-leader of the outlaws himself, and
the philosophy he espouses: That all artistic content should be free and
readily available to anyone who wishes to obtain it. This is a very idealistic
stance, as the term "starving artist" is not cliche for no good
reason. Also, there is no reason why a person's hard work should go unrewarded.
And, most important, to obtain and distribute the copyrighted work of an author
or artist, without their knowledge or permission, for a financial gain, is
AGAINST THE LAW!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">NEXT
STEPS:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are
continuing to contact authors at a feverish pace. This may be our best weapon
against these criminals, going forward. The track record of these groups is
that after they are dismantled, they will sneak around and set up shop
somewhere else. It seems as if they have no other skill or talent. Much like
any other career criminal, they will pursue their only trade in more and more
ways, making pursuit difficult. One of our missions is to stay abreast of their
criminal movements, and place a giant spotlight on their activities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are
closely monitoring the financial and social activities of the rogue band, in
case they work to garner funds or support from alternate sources. This is their
supply line, and we have the means and knowledge in our group to keep a close
eye on their movements. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am
continually impressed by how quickly our message of justice is being spread. In
addition to contacting well-known authors, our group has managed to think
outside the box, and has been working to secure the efforts of the FBI, RCMP,
JAG, and other enforcement agencies related to this type of criminal activity.
Apparently this style of criminal activity has no place among the hard workers
of our craft, and now is the time to pull out all stops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you
for your help and support. It means a lot to all of us involved. Please feel
free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, concerns or
suggestions.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">UPDATE
FROM A MEMBER OF OUR GROUP:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From a
friend (non-author, just a friend) He contacted the Legal Departments of all of
the "Big 6" -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Penguin </span>has already
responded:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Response
from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Penguin </span>Group:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Thank
you for contacting us, (protecting his name). We are not aware of having
authorized the rights to sell Penguin Group (USA) Inc. books through this
channel and we appreciate that you've taken the time to contact us and share
this information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because of
the volume of mail received, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a
personal response as to the final resolution, however, we will certainly see
that this is sent along to our Legal department for review and follow-up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you
again for allowing us the opportunity to look into this matter." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">------------
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">P.S.- The
group is now over 200 strong, and continues to grow!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-----------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THIRD
POST:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we
enter our third day of battle, the spirit among the group is high. We are
nearing 300 members, and the pace at which this motivated group is
accomplishing their objectives is scary fast! In addition to cutting a majority
of the offending site's funding ability, we have also managed to squeeze them
from social groups. As our yet unnamed group of patriots continued to mount a
charge, they also contacted many high profile authors to inform them of their
work being solicited on the offending website. All of the authors who have
responded so far have been very much against this unlawful and unethical use of
their copyrighted work. Many, some of whom I know you are familiar, have said
that they will have their legal teams become involved with the battle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was
also a concerted effort among the group to tag books with information notifying
people that the books were on the site without author knowledge or permission.
The offending site tried to follow up and erase the information, and eventually
had to give up and disable the ability to post tags. There was also a movement
among an anonymous group in one of their forums in which the misinformation
provided by the TUEBL site was categorically challenged by the group of freedom
fighters involved. The exchange was a resounding success, and was helpful in
answering questions of many misinformed "borrowers" of eBooks. The
now defunct Napster was mentioned as a historical reference for what can happen
to the people who download copyrighted material, even if they are not
knowledgeable of their participation in criminal activity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
involved contacted authorities. Many involved found out so much information
about the "head pirate" that there was rumor that by tomorrow we may
know what color socks he has on. Many banded together, and stood for justice.
Following are a few chosen excerpts of our day:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From
authors and publishers:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Dear
_______, Thank you so much for alerting us. It was very kind of you to take the
time to do so. We shall get in touch with _____'s relevant publishers and try
to put a stop to this. It really is so sad that so many people don't believe in
paying the creators of the stories they want to read."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Thank
you for your email about ________’s titles on tuebl.com. I’ve sent it on to
___________ here in London."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"I'm
with DAW/Penguin and didn't know about this pirate site until this event page
let me know (they have all 5 of my _______ books up there). Based on what he
did with ______, I sent this up to DAW. They're engaging their legal counsel and
will go up to Penguin's counsel if necessary."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"My
assistant has been going after all my books that are pirated, and, shocking as
it seems, the other sites are more ethical than this one. You say "take it
down", they take it down. This guy is a whole new level of thieving
bastard, and my publishers are not amused." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Response
from HarperCollins Canada (via their FB page): </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Thank
you very, very much for this _______! It's so great to know that someone is
looking out for us :)"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The unfortunate response from Facebook when
many of us requested they remove the offending page:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Thanks
for your recent report of a potential violation on Facebook. After reviewing
your report, we were not able to confirm that the specific page you reported
violates Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A copy of
some of the written requirements of the site to remove author material:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
electronic book, ___________ by ________, is being distributed in violation of
copyrights. I am posting below, the copyright page of this book, showing that
__________ has copyrighted the work, _________, an electronic book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Neither
____________ nor ___________ Publishing has authorized the distribution of this
work in ANY format. The download link can be found here: http://www.tuebl.com/browse/...
and http://www.tuebl.com/book/...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I swear,
under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate
and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the
owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed. I have a good faith
belief that use of the copyrighted material described above on the allegedly
infringing web pages is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or
the law."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A copy of
an email sent to the "head pirate's" employer:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
have an employee by the name of Travis McCrea who is a thief and runs an
illegal website that pirates books. I am alerting you to this as I am an author
and have many friends of whom he is stealing from this very moment on his
website. The situation has currently been turned over to to the FBI. He will
bring unwanted attention to your company as this hits the media, just giving
you a heads up."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A reply
from a famous author to a member of the group:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Thanks.
I sent it on my publisher and my lawyer and my agent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll see
what they can find out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Famous
Author)"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As you can
see, the response on the part of the injured has proven to be widespread and
consistent in nature. I am happy to report that the tone of the offenders has
changed a bit, and instead of the arrogant and condescending tone used two days
ago, they are reeling and pleading. Unfortunately for them, we will not stop
until the site is permanently condemned. Now that we have seen the injustice,
there is no way to unsee it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you
for your interest regarding this matter. Stay tuned for further updates. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-----------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FOURTH
POST:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Day three
in the battle against a particular eBook pirate site proved to be fast and
frenzied, as our growing group of eBook authors and supporters continued to
gain ground. In addition to a variety of activities being worked on by very
skilled and determined people, the group was also in the midst of a venue
change, causing some effort and resources to be directed to the venue rerouting
activities. Coordinating an effort among almost <b>400 people</b> is time and resource
consuming! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The day
started with feedback from members of our group, loosely termed at this time as
"No Pirates", indicating responses once again from well known authors
and big six publishers who are pleased with our efforts, and have pledged
support of their resources to help in the battle. <b>Knowing we had strength from
a variety of allies started our day with a degree of refreshed vigor.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
wasn't much surprise in the reports that Facebook was still safely keeping
their distance. A few different approaches to enlisting their help with the
pirates resulted in explanation letters, but no discontinuation of services.
This wasn't discouraging, as we had a variety of successes in other ways, and
as we quickly gain experience, we have come to realize that the issue of
internet piracy is a hot button topic, and some companies simply aren't willing
to commit for any variety of reasons. There will continue to be an ongoing
dedicated portion of our effort and resources toward this cause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was
also a hurdle with an online pay company outside the country, and the server
host for the outlaw site. This is curious, since normally a server host will
not tolerate any violation of their TOS. The main reason for this is liability.
In the event that a company is involved in illegal activities through the host
server site, the site then may be held in some way liable for the unlawful
activities. As a result, most hosts have zero tolerance for TOS violations. <b>The
main violation, in this case, is the re-posting of copyrighted material after
legally being contacted to remove the material.</b> The internationally recognized
instrument for this type of notification is known in the industry as a DMCA
(The Digital Millennium Copyright Act) notification. This generally accepted
form of documentation is used universally as a type of cease-and-desist order
designed around very clear internet laws created about twelve years ago. In our
case, specific authors injured by the actions of the pirate group have
submitted DMCAs, only to see their material removed, then re-posted. Most host
server sites recognize this as not worth the risk of litigation, and are quick
to stop this disgusting action by stripping the offending person or site from
using their services. Curiously, in this situation, the host server has been
reluctant to engage responsibly. <b>The No Pirate group is continuing to submit
DMCAs, both on an individual basis, and in a general sense.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As for the
online pay site, it operates out of Sweden. While the pay site hasn't directly
denied several requests by supporters to discontinue operations with the
pirates, they have not taken the steps to withdraw from the offenders either,
as did PayPal and Amazon. Several members of the No Pirate group shared the
same message from the pay site, indicating they will "look into the
issue". A continued effort to campaign on behalf of harmed authors is
expected to bring about the prudent withdrawal of support from the pay site. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
activities today were concerted and intense. Since Monday, this was the first
day that the pirate group made any movement from their haughty arrogance, and
tried to counter in any meaningful way. Up until now, they have been inundated
with a flood of aggressive and purposeful authors, but they have apparently
misunderstood us to be less effective than we have ultimately proven to be.
They have been complacent up until now, and I believe they have finally
realized that<b> they have a fight on their hands</b>. The way they have been
scrambling all day has been fun and amusing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
instance, I started my day with a troll in the comments of my blog. I have been
expecting this, and I have actually been slightly disappointed the last couple
of days in this regard. Not today! There he was, all shrouded in a rarely used
and disposable ID, ready for action. His typically troll-ish remark lie there
in my comments section like so many childishly constructed words: "Quite a
circle jerk you have here, Stephen." Five minutes later, he was a fading
memory, as the important part of my day began.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As usual,
there was feverish activity at their Facebook site. The usual herd of thugs
were there, ready to take on our front-line forum soldiers. As I occasionally
popped in to offer support, I noticed that the administrators of the page were<b>
quick about removing posts in a typical attempt to sway the tone of the
rhetoric</b>. One of our most dedicated warriors was so effective in her dialog
that she was given her own distinct celebrity status by the thugs. They
referred to her and the rest of us as "The Cassidy Army". This
distinction made the rounds through the group, and has been a source of rousing
mirth and levity ever since.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
exchange led to the opponents creating their own blog. They appointed some
"Twitterette" of theirs to run the blog. It was really nothing
containing any substance. The quote from Bill Shakespeare, "Better a witty
fool than a foolish wit" comes to mind. She wasted blog space with an analysis
of the Facebook activity and nothing more. It was definitely along the lines of
what I expected, given the caliber of our opponent, to date. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One of our
new members tells of actually calling the lead pirate and speaking to him
directly. This was a source of interest for awhile today, as it was unexpected.
This source explains that, once again, the main offender was given a chance to
reconcile his position, and admit his wrong doings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course
he didn't, and this additional opportunity for him to do the right thing and
refusing to do so only strengthened the resolve of the No Pirate group. <b>There
is nothing which will build solidarity of opposition like an unscrupulous
fuhrer unwilling to recognize his own shortcomings!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Among our
findings today was that neither the group nor the head pirate in question are
listed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charities directory. This is
counter to their repeated statements that they are a charitable organization.
As many of the No Pirate participants have stated, saying you are charitable
does not make it true. In fact, in this case, it appears to be blatantly false.
Unless they are significantly buried under monikers or DBA names,<b> they aren't
registered as a charity</b>. No Pirates has made it a point to send this information
to the appropriate authorities, who have been very receptive and responsive to
our efforts in this regard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the
members of our group noticed that President <b>Barack Obama was one of the authors</b>
whose book was in the pirated database. Needless to say, it didn't take long
for us to send that information out to the proper people. We also had a member
contact their senator. She is Canadian, and her senator has a history of
strongly advocating on behalf of infringed copyrights. In this case, we have
the right dog in the fight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
member provided recent information regarding the MegaUpload criminal case. She
pointed out many similarities to our present situation. In addition, it would
appear that there are some very exacting circumstances that are more than just
similar. <b>The very conditions which brought that untouchable organization to its
knees are the same conditions which will also dismantle the current eBook
pirate group</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our group
had great morale today, as we danced with our disappointingly feeble opponents.
One member initiated the feature of Facebook which allows your pages to be seen
in "pirate" language. Others followed suit, and for awhile we had fun
with pirate phrases. The hash tag #PiratesAhoy is what we have come to employ
as our Twitter locale. We are looking forward to bringing this pirate group
down as they continue to ignore laws and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the wishes of the authors, and they continue to present their arrogant
opinion camouflaged in idealism. They think they know our intentions better
than we do. They act as if we should just comply with their dishonest activity,
since they surely know what is best for us, the creators of our craft. To us,
those are the words of oppressors, and <b>the destiny of online publishing is ours
to create</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
enjoy the following blogs. They are created by supporters of our effort, so
please take the time to click over to their sites. Thank you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Suzie
Welker explains in a very endearing way why she enjoys and supports the work of
indie authors</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chris
Meadows shows his support as he talks about the efforts of the No Pirates group</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Aaron
Speca neatly dissects the legality of the claims of the pirates</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author Ben
S. Reeder sums up the fight in smart, efficient terms</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-----------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FIFTH
POST:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It has been
a fruitful week, in terms of progress. Again, our day was filled with success,
and by the tone of the enemy, victory will soon be ours. Now is a good time for
a lighter voice, as our group is in need of something less serious after a hard
fought charge. In the process, maybe those on the other side may begin to
realize how important our voice is, light or heavy. In order to bridge that
gap, I felt that the least I could do is speak their language for the sake of
offering them a chance to restore their honor. They may demonstrate this, of
course, by ceasing their foul activities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All words
and definitions were acquired from "<b>Pirate Words and Phrases</b>" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(<a href="http://www.nightofmystery.com/userimages/file/TipsPDFs/Mateys-Dictionary.pdf">www.nightofmystery.com/userimages/file/TipsPDFs/Mateys-Dictionary.pdf</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We began
our contact with a hearty "Pirates - Ahoy!" They must have been a bit
squiffy, as our first greetings were met with bilge, both from the captain and
all hands. This was most disenchanting, and no matter our attempts to create a
sense of being among buckos, this lot behaved as bilge rats. We had no choice
but to ready our six pounders and inform them of a fire in the hole. They
showed us the sharp edge of their cutlasses, hoping we would not notice the
useless points. The stage was set. We simply could not stop until the captain
was dancing the hempen jig, and the crew measured for their chains as we
fashioned their gibbet cage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To them,
it was easy. They saw us as broadside. As a group who went on account long ago,
they considered themselves to be in a superior position. They were surprised
when we began a variety of ways to bring a spring upon her cable, and they
changed their tune. They started running a rig with laws, and hoped to send us
on our way. It wasn't meant to be, however, and we pressed on, not content
until we saw the scallywags dancing with Jack Ketch, or drinking together in
Davey Jones' locker. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe the
next group of pirates will be more considerate when addressed with
#PiratesAhoy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">==================================</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ahoy - An
interjection used to hail a ship or a person or to attract attention</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">bilge -
nonsense or foolish talk </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">bilge rat
- A rat living in the bilge of a ship. It is considered the lowliest creature
by pirates</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">bring a
spring upon her cable - To come around in a different direction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">broadside
- To get along broadside a ship was to take it at a very vulnerable angle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">bucko - A
familiar term meaning friend </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">cutlass -
A short, heavy sword with a curved blade used by pirates and sailors. The sword
has only one cutting edge and may or may not have a useful point. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Davy
Jones’ Locker - A fictional place at the bottom of the ocean. To die at sea is
to go to Davy Jones’ Locker. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">dance the
hempen jig - To hang </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">fire in
the hole - A warning issued before a cannon is fired. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">gibbet
(cage) - Chains in which the corpses of pirates are hung and displayed in order
to discourage piracy </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to go on
account - A term used by pirates to describe the act of turning pirate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">hands -
The crew of a ship </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jack Ketch
- The hangman. To dance with Jack Ketch is to hang </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">measured
fer yer chains - To be outfitted for a gibbet cage </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">pirate -
One who robs at sea or plunders the land from the sea without commission from a
sovereign nation </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">run a rig
- To play a trick </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">six
pounders - Cannons </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">scallywag
- A villainous or mischievous person </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">squiffy -
Somewhat intoxicated; tipsy </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SIXTH
POST:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This week,
an internet pirate has taken serious casualties. In their monthly newsletter,
they describe a situation where they are innocent. Here I present to you the
other side of the coin, point by point, as they are misrepresented in the
pirate organization's newsletter..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TUEBL
NEEDS YOUR HELP </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---
Misguided fans of authors are waging an illegal war on TUEBL filing false DMCA
notices to services like Facebook and Twitter, which link to no infringing
content. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Actually,
harmed parties are waging a perfectly legal war on TUEBL, filing proper DMCA
notices to services like Facebook and Twitter, which link to specific
infringing content.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--They
have also gone after our fundraising solutions which we use to collect
donations to keep our servers up .This is an obvious attempt, by a small group
of radicals, to force authors to bury their head in the sand instead of looking
at new options for the distribution of their content. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They successfully
shut down your fundraising solution, and your servers were moving information
illegally. This is an obvious attempt, by a dedicated group of authors,
publishers and supporters, to engage their rights to determine where their
content is distributed. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---TUEBL
also provides unfiltered access to children and adults all around the world, in
places that normally cannot afford western ebooks and certainly cannot afford
the cost of shipping physical books. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A vast
majority of their "customers" are in the U.S., according to TUEBL's
own records. It is also interesting to note that it is suspicious for a child
or adult to be able to afford an advanced technological gadget like an
e-reader, but not to be able to afford a three dollar eBook.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---We
provide knoweldge[sic], language, and most importantly immagination[sic] to all
these people and it warms our heart when we get those emails and letters
telling us how much we have helped someone.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kumbaya.
There is no proof of this huge philanthropic effort, and all credible and
regulated sources support this perspective. All evidence supports an
underhanded and illegal operation.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-----TUEBL
has thousands of authors who submit their content to our site so that it can be
found and shared by their fans, and so they can have a larger income based on
the increased numbers of fans. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TUEBL has
thousands of members who illegally upload authors' work without their consent
and knowledge so that it can be shared freely thousands of times to people who
have no intent on ever purchasing the works legally so that the authors may get
proper payment for their work.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---Other
authors don't want this to happen because they are afraid of the future, and
will fight tooth and nail to hurt a valuable service like TUEBL. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TEUBL has
no authority to speak on behalf of authors. Most authors don't want this to
happen because they are entitled to determine the future of their craft. They
will fight tooth and nail to decommission an illegal and dishonest service like
TUEBL.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---We have
a strong belief that it was a Distributed Denial of Service attack pointed
against our website and our mail server which eventually crippled our old mail
server which forced many DMCA notices to get lost, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A belief
is only a way of saying you have no proof. If I believe in the tooth fairy,
Santa Claus and the Easter bunny, it still doesn't make any of them real.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---this
was a strategic move as these people who work against us know that if we cannot
remove infringing content from our servers, then we would be legally liable and
could be shut down.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This was a
strategic move, as these people who will eventually put your shady business out
of operation know that if you conduct business in a way which makes you
regularly legally liable then you shouldn't be in business at all.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>---We got a new mail server though! We have
hardened our infrastructure, and we are going forward even stronger in our
resolve to help share books with everyone! </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Monkey
see, monkey mail. Did you harden your infrastructure with money you were saving
for the starving children with brand new e-readers, but not enough money for
cheap eBooks? The authors who create the books are going forward even stronger
to ensure that the way their books are shared with everyone is done the way they
want it done, and not left to the discretion of people with no intent of
compensating the authors in any way.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--- To do
this we need your help! We cannot fight alone, and our funds are currently all
locked up from PayPal freezing our primary account (luckily some funds were
funneled through to our secondary PayPal account).</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Your funds
are currently frozen by a legitimate, honest company with credibility. What
does that say about you? Especially when you turn around and mention some shady
way of funneling money through a covert channel.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>---We highly encourage everyone to use [an
alternative funding source] in general as it makes it fast and easy to support
your favourite authors, bloggers, and content creators - in particular we would
like people to use [an alternative funding source] to donate to TUEBL. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
alternative funding source, by all appearances, is sympathetic to the cause of
stealing the works of authors.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-- We also
have a [another alternative funding source] you can send money to: -----------</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dodge and roll</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-- You can
also send money to paypal@travismccrea.com using [yet another alternative
funding source]</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am
guessing that the illegal use of the term "paypal" in this instance
is overlooked as having integrity or strengthening their case for credibility?
Of all of the names they could have chosen, they decided to rip off yet more
copyrighted and owned material to further their financial cause?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--The last
alternative is to send money to gppaypal@gmail.com using paypal but we prefer
other alternatives since PayPal is crap.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">See above.
Also, I know that your derogatory opinion of a company makes me more sure of
their credibility, thus more willing to do business with them.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">---Please
make your donation today, it's soooo sooo important to keep our website up and
going. We need your help to keep our amazing site going.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>And yet it isn't important to make sure new
and struggling authors have a fighting chance at making a living, since the
copies you distribute are given away for free, and any donation lines your own
pocket for reasons of your determining?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Debunking
Myths [the TUEBL way]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been lots of rumours [and truths]
flying around about what TUEBL does, what we use our money for, and the
legality of our service... let us address a few:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MYTH:
TUEBL IS ILLEGAL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FACT:
TUEBL operates under Canadian copyright law and even go[sic] above and beyond
to abide by US Copyright law by following the DMCA.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">REALITY:
TUEBL operates in Canada so that US Copyright law does not apply, and they make
it extremely difficult for authors to have their work removed and protected
from being uploaded again to the site.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MYTH:
TUEBL HURTS AUTHORS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FACT: Through our Amazon links program we know
that TUEBL has encouraged the sale of hundreds of books. What's sad, is that we
used all affilate earnings to buy books for children in South America, the next
batch of books was going to be going out August 6th to Columbia, however, the
over zealous authors followers flooded Amazon with requests for our affiliate
program to be shutdown and so it was. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">REALITY:
Despite the allegations that all of their money is used to help poor children
in South America, they are not in any way registered as a charitable
organization, therefore there is no legitimate record of any of their
unprovable charity. Dedicated and organized authors provided Amazon with proper
documentation and proof of hurtful activity, and Amazon withdrew affiliate
services for TUEBL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MYTH: TUEBL
MUST CONTACT AUTHORS WHO HAVE CONTENT UPLOADED ON TUEBL BEFORE MAKING IT PUBLIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FACT: Not only are we not legally required to
do this, it isn't logical. We assume that the authors are already uploading
their content. If this was a legal requirement than Youtube would have to
review every video and then contact the creator, or Facebook would have to
review every image uploaded and then contact the artist before letting the
image be public. This would destroy our modern web experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">REALITY:
Yes, TUEBL found a loophole in the law which they are exploiting. They
"assume" the authors are uploading the content, but it is clear that
they actually know that the authors are NOT the ones uploading the content.
Dishonest users are uploading eBooks by the thousands without the consent or
knowledge of the authors. TUEBL is not comparable to YouTube or Facebook, and
in fact their Facebook account was disabled due to the continued requests by
authors. If our "modern web experience" allows pirating, then it
needs to be changed anyway.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MYTH:
TUEBL MAKES A PROFIT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FACT: TUEBL has actually cost me hundreds of
dollars, we dont take any revenue from our advertisements (when we had them)
nor from our affiliates. We believed that taking the advertising revenue would
be like taking credit for the work of authors, so we gave that money to
Childrens Literacy charities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">REALITY:
This rhetoric is craftily worded, as you notice no mention of donations or
other sources of revenue. If the beliefs of TUEBL folks is that the money they
make should not be used to compensate authors, but instead can be used for
anything they want it to be used for, then of course they should be willing to
deal with hundreds of offended authors, many of whom already donate to
charities of their choosing. If a company believes it is decent to steal
someone's work and then take any profit made from that work and distribute as
they see fit, then why is that company even allowed to exist? Hundreds of
authors in a week's time, and thousands going forward, will certainly disagree.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you run
a company which continually provides protected content without the owner's
permission or knowledge, then you are running an illegal company. If you run a
company which makes any kind of monetary compensation without compensating
people who actually do the work, you are running an unethical and dishonest
company. If you create processes which humiliate a person by exposing their
personal information, and make the process as difficult as possible, then you
are providing a disservice to humanity. If you create a system where these
rigorous processes must be repeated over and over again as you turn a blind eye
to their work being mistreated, then you can only be considered a tyrant. If
you decide that this ideal is somehow the way an industry should be run, then
you should not be involved in running an industry. If you think that you have
the right to dictate the evolution and progress of someone's craft, without
their consideration, and in a condescending way, then you deserve to suffer the
wrath of the said craftspeople.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
-----------<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE 8/6/2012:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It has been brought to my attention that the last vestige of hope for this pirate group - their website - has officially been resolved. While we successfully managed to shut down their paypal, amazon and facebook accounts, their ship was barely afloat with their website. Due to a bit of intel, I checked for myself to see if their website was still up and running. The site no longer exists. This pirate has officially met his doom! We will continue to remain diligent, however, as pirates are nothing if not persistent, especially if they are as smug as this one. His deeds will remain fresh in our collective memory, and any future uprisings will be met with sufficient force. Say hello to Davy Jones for me, mister pirate man. May your vacant, burning galleon be a message to others willing to attempt harm to the fine members of my craft. While this is currently the case, I fully expect this one to float back up to the surface.</span><br />
---------<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> UPDATE: 8/10/2012</b></span><br />
<br />
<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">As expected, we are now in the process of playing a game of "pirate whack-a-mole." The pirate site has been up and operating again for the past few days. They have changed the wording on one of their pages, indicating that any of their members who choose to should pay the authors for their work. To date, I have had no reports of this happening, nor do I expect to. Of course, if this does happen, I will be sure to post it here. I am concerned about the work of an author being uploaded after it has been taken down, due to the request of the author/publisher. If the organization knows enough to take down the book in the first place, then they should be liable if the work is put up again. This is just organizational responsibility, and if this type of negligence was being routinely utilized as a business practice in any other capacity, it wouldn't be long before the business is shut down. Please continue to follow this post for any new updates. Thanks for your support!</span><br />
<br />
---------- </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stephen L. Wilson</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>No Pirates founder</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strike>If you would like to help with the effort to end piracy, please contact me.</strike> <strike>If you want to join the Facebook group, friend me and I will invite you</strike>. </span><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://stephenlwilson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>BLOG</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<strike><a href="mailto:stephen.l.wilson.ward.6@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>EMAIL</b></a></strike></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-L-Wilson-indie-eBook-author-and-publisher/391352640879124" target="_blank"><b>FACEBOOK</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WilsonStephenL" target="_blank">TWITTER </a></b></div>
Steve Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01106769507452246948noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-797159095640580840.post-61458064025124082332012-08-11T23:02:00.000-07:002012-08-15T00:13:03.831-07:00LENDINK: Victims of a misguided mob. Black eyes ensue.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3V3ic7fPjWlLye4rZ6CSBo7wuFr_MDvDChYHaTnslTpNR46ZGi5T8Yzc3qDkq6on7qHafa79yRIjL-Uh5Z1XJWWh6GBpaUvxmcKLZ7CTNdHvdmmGxe-HDFkeas3tcVPB1rpCQQuBZYQ/s1600/ProLendInk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stephenlwilson.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tKW-5l3iHtJddhACoYbeIHj2SHzuq22Hm_kA_99-zD3bPPcOQQDbWux2WzKdTmxQg7P9mfi9fGzz-JcQMrH-aUxfRL0tJQSiKg_B4HU-Kyf2taNiyJFik-N7JeBkB4jaUSVsYjSuAbg/s320/FINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For those of you keeping up, you know how diligent the efforts have been regarding the plight of No Pirates and our dedication to maintaining the integrity of our craft. There have been successes and setbacks, and the entire procedure has been subject to an intense learning curve. While not every effort has been met with resounding success, we have continued to exceed our goals at almost every stage of the process. What I am about to report in this post, however, is what can happen when the wrong mentality coalesces into an action which has a tremendous negative impact on progress such as the type which has been made by No Pirates.<br />
<br />
At the end of July, one of the members of our group mentioned the site <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a>. The concern was whether or not this was a "pirate site." This question was normal, since the nature of our group is one of open communication, and the sharing of intelligence. There was some discussion regarding the credibility of the site, with a mix of reactions. After a brief check, I decided that the site was not operating in a dishonest or illegal manner, and if it was ever determined that they WERE acting illegally for some reason, that fight was for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> to pursue, not me. My group was created to make sure legitimate bad guys were being chased, and not various types of lending sites. I was very clear as to my position, and I pervaded my group with this message, so there was no question as to my lack of interest regarding any action toward <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a>. In fact, here is the banner I posted in the group, on August 1st, and I kept it up for a couple of days:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3V3ic7fPjWlLye4rZ6CSBo7wuFr_MDvDChYHaTnslTpNR46ZGi5T8Yzc3qDkq6on7qHafa79yRIjL-Uh5Z1XJWWh6GBpaUvxmcKLZ7CTNdHvdmmGxe-HDFkeas3tcVPB1rpCQQuBZYQ/s1600/ProLendInk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3V3ic7fPjWlLye4rZ6CSBo7wuFr_MDvDChYHaTnslTpNR46ZGi5T8Yzc3qDkq6on7qHafa79yRIjL-Uh5Z1XJWWh6GBpaUvxmcKLZ7CTNdHvdmmGxe-HDFkeas3tcVPB1rpCQQuBZYQ/s320/ProLendInk.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I also posted the following within the No Pirates group at the same time:<br />
<br />
"While it is important that we take the time to research and evaluate the legitimacy of the outlets for our books, it is also important to not demonize the very sites which may be helping us. For example, I find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> to be a legitimate source governed by <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/" target="_blank">B&N</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> rules and regs. It appears to be a great alternative to the pirate sites in that they never charge, they stay in compliance with laws, and they are attempting to create a legitimate lending environment in accordance to such rules. Please put the pitch forks away! lol " <br />
<br />
and...<br />
<br />
"Let's not be too hasty in negatively evaluating helpful sites, as it stands in the way of progress in this area. Thank you all very much for your eager energy, and I am looking forward to hosting a group interested in being an ally to aspiring authors. Thanks!" <br />
<br />
and, in response to a member who claimed she was still convinced she needed to take action...<br />
<br />
"Your content, your rules. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> does not store any content on their servers, according to their site. If you decide individually to pursue any action regarding your content in relation to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a>, that is your choice. This group, however, will not follow that course. Please feel free to use any documents in here you want to to pursue your goals, though. I wish you luck. Please keep us posted, if it turns out that they are not legitimate for some reason. Thanks ***** *****!"<br />
<br />
As proof, I cited a page for the <a href="http://montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/content.php?pid=38466&sid=282450" target="_blank">Montgomery County, Maryland library</a>, which lists <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> as one recommended for the legal borrowing of books, and I also cited a Kindle blog as listing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> as a legitimate book lending site. I had pirates to bust, and I figured I had done plenty to get the word out, and hopefully gather new momentum for our latest movement. <br />
<br />
So we continued with our pursuit of the latest bad guy. This particular pirate makes a living by acquiring copies of books and emailing a book list link to members of her "book club." The list is over a thousand pages long, is updated monthly, and clearly she does not compensate authors. In fact, the authors are unaware of her activity. She charges a fee for books she has no rights to, and the author is none the wiser. <br />
<br />
Imagine my surprise a few days ago, when, in the midst of managing our movement, one of my members posted in our group that there was a firestorm of activity surrounding several authors who had taken down<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank"> LendInk</a>! She posted a link to the following article (BTW - For those looking for a list of authors, I found mine at this link):<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.2abd.com/politics/copyright/lendink-taken-down-by-asshole-indie-authors/" target="_blank">LendInk taken down by asshole indie authors</a>"<br />
at 2abd.com, by A.b. Dada<br />
<br />
Immediately I knew that I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. Given the delicate nature and strong emotions surrounding this topic, I knew that there would probably be some fires to put out. I was not disappointed in that regard. As it turns out, this group of robust, yet myopic authors had kicked a hornets' nest. Not only were other authors mad at them for taking away a legitimate potential exposure source, opponents of copyrights in general were fired up and pointing at this action as the latest in a history of unnecessary and frivolous expenditures of energy for a cause which they argue to be ridiculous in the first place. <br />
<br />
Lately my time has been spent identifying which members of my group are involved (only a few, thankfully), where the stories are being told regarding the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> takedown, and my participation in any number of ways in order to limit any harm to my legitimate group. I have been protectively whittling down my members, so that liability is at a minimum. In addition, this latest frenzy of information has honestly deflated the energy within our group. Not only that, but of course, energy is not being used to focus on the real targets, and other members are getting cold feet, since there has been a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> backlash. And there is also that back burner set of projects which revolve around publishing and writing, which have been sorely neglected lately. <br />
<br />
Is it possible that the ideology of "let the pirates win, since your efforts are being wasted" is actually true? Could it be that organizing a group with the right kind of integrity and valor is impossible? Are those of us who are fighting the good fight actually shooting ourselves in the foot by chasing a Pollyannic mindset in which enough of the bad guys can be taken out to justify our extreme energy expenditure? In the end, will it turn out that my fight has been on the wrong side of the issue?<br />
<br />
I am not yet prepared to give up my efforts. I have never been an author or publisher of note, so I have very little to lose. I am new, and if I burn energy in the beginning so that I can have a sense of direction to spend energy on later, fine. If it turns out that we take down a few bad guys, and our message is met with respect, then I will consider my efforts to have not been spent in vain. If, in the end, people are fickle, and the group dissolves, and the strength of the pirates win me over, well, then I will be no different than privateers of the past. Only time will tell, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, please take the time to visit the following sites to get a feel for the type of passion the fall of<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank"> LendInk</a> has generated. It really is fascinating. If any of you have the time, please do what you can to help <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank">LendInk</a> come back. Mr. Dale Porter, the owner of the site who was blindsided by this maligned bunch with a myopic malaise, has been dealing with an unfair amount of backlash from people who should have more integrity than they do. In the real world, if you see an innocent person bum-rushed, what do you do? I try to break up the bums, and then see to the care of the individual at risk. I hope you are of the same ilk.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.digitalmediamachine.com/2012/08/what-happened-to-lendink-owner-explains.html" target="_blank">What happened to LendInk? The owner responds.</a>"<br />
at The Digital Media Machine, by Ian Lamont<br />
<br />
LendInk Facebook page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948">https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948</a><br />
<br />
"<a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57489696-93/piracy-witch-hunt-downs-legit-e-book-lending-web-site/" target="_blank">Piracy witch hunt downs legit e-book lending Web site</a>"<br />
at C-Net, by Violet Blue<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://techoraming.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/authors-hate-soldiers-who-lend-books-to-cats-and-other-tales-from-the-twilight-zone/" target="_blank">Authors hate soldiers who lend books to cats and other tales from the twilight zone</a>"<br />
at Techraming, by Kevin Kulp<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://goodereader.com/blog/commentary/how-uninformed-digital-authors-destroyed-lendink/" target="_blank">How Uninformed Digital Authors Destroyed LendInk</a>"<br />
at GoodEReader, by Michael Kozlowski<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/web/misguided-authors-unite-to-destroy-a-legitimate-ebook-lending-site/#ixzz23IWlR1ka" target="_blank">Misguided authors unite to destroy a legitimate e-book lending site</a>"<br />
at Digital Trends, by Mike Flacy<br />
-------------<br />
<u><b> UPDATE: 8/13/2012</b></u><br />
<br />
At the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LendInk/124974504234948" target="_blank"> LendInk Facebook site</a>, there is what appears to me to be a TUEBL shill, maybe even Mayor McCheese, er, Travis McCrae himself, who is questioning my integrity regarding my stance on LendInk. Even though this one person, and ONLY this single person, remains sufficiently defiant in this regard, I would like to add further evidence of my support for LendInk as a legitimate site. I am not completely certain of the identity of this detractor, however, as he/she is too cowardly to use their real name, and only remains hidden behind the moniker "Fatty McButterpants". <br />
<br />
Out of the 400+ people affiliated with No Pirates, either as direct members, or as supporters through events, I have found 3 who were listed as authors involved with the take down of LendInk. They were promptly removed from my roster. I warned my people to not involve themselves with any nonsense of this sort, and this is a reasonable consequence of their actions.<br />
<br />
Following are posts I have placed in my group after what I am calling "The Fall of LendInk":<br />
<br />
Thursday, 8/9-<br />
"*smh* This is EXACTLY why I said in the very beginning from the very start, to put the pitchforks down. We have legitimate targets who require our energy. LendInk was not one of them....I did some due diligence, and realized that they weren't breaking any laws. ****, this is part of the reason I restricted you from the group for awhile <i>(member was removed that same day)</i>. All it takes is a few loose cannons to jeopardize our hard work and progress. To everyone - regarding the efforts of THIS group, either you are helping, or you are in the way. Going forward, if I should consider your actions to be a liability to our progress, I will not allow you to participate. This should be appreciated and understood. I will know who is actually fighting the good fight by their response to these words." <br />
<br />
"As long as Amazon and B&N are fine with this arrangement, I have no dog in this fight. The MOST I would do (although I didn't waste my time) would be to bring it to Amazon's attention and let them deal with it. Case closed, at that point. Moving on to things I can achieve with groups I know are actually, legitimately bad guys."<br />
<br />
Friday, 8/10-<br />
"If you feel like it, now may be a good time to show some decency, as indie authors, and comment at the FB page of "A.b. Dada", the author of the blog post going viral, which is giving us all a black eye.<br />
In fact, if anyone can think of a way to help get LendInk started again, let me know. Yeah, I know - "it wasn't my fault," but sometimes diplomacy is the better part of tact, especially since a small group never learned that discretion is the better part of valor. We may have an opportunity here to demonstrate just how smart indie authors can be, given half a chance."<br />
<br />
Anyone who knows me or has worked with me, especially within the No Pirates group, can tell you that I don't mince words. I am not one to dance around, pretending to be something I am not. I am not glamorizing as a pirate, for instance. I am not hiding behind loopholes in laws to further my political career, for example. I am not lying, and saying that I am giving charity to starving children in South America, as a matter of fact. There are plenty of reasons why my integrity shines strongly against the actions of a shady group who purports to be advancing the industry of eBooks and self publishing. It disgusts me to think that groups like TUEBL and their supporters have the gall to think they are even in my league. Keep pretending, McCrae. Your credibility dissolves every time you make any kind of public appearance.<br />
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<b><u>UPDATE 8/15/2012 </u></b> <br />
There is a fundraiser started for Dale Porter, founder of LendInk. <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/9LiId" target="_blank">The Fundrazr account shows $1,483 raised so far on behalf of Mr. Porter</a>. If you are a supporter of this cause, please stop by and pitch in a few bucks. The site, at this time, shows over thirty donors, with donations ranging from $5 to "gave generously." One donor is even a self-admitted author involved with the take down of LendInk. This is exactly what ALL of the authors involved should be doing, at the very least. If you know who any of the offending authors are, please direct them to this site, and tell them to donate publicly. This would probably go a long way to getting themselves out from under the sights of people determined to make them pay one way or the other. Hopefully this monetary infusion is enough to make up for Mr. Porter's inconveniences, as well as any costs incurred in the rebuilding of his business.<br />
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If you or anyone you know would like to be a member of the activist group No Pirates, please visit my Facebook page and message me. Thanks for your support!<br />
-------------<br />
<span style="font-family: MS Trebuchet, Verdana;"><b>Stephen L. Wilson</b></span><br />
No Pirates Founder<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/STEPHENLWILSON">Smashwords Home Page</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-L-Wilson-indie-eBook-author-and-publisher/391352640879124">Like me on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/WilsonStephenL">@wilsonstephenl on Twitter</a>Steve Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01106769507452246948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-797159095640580840.post-83690995821848957492012-08-11T01:09:00.000-07:002012-08-11T01:23:32.540-07:00Voices of a movement: The Bonding of BloggersThroughout this battle of rights and what is right, there are several groups of people bringing their skills to the table in order to fight in solidarity. Some of these people are savvy in the ways of technology, and they speak of things such as hosts, IP's and domains, oh my! These are the people who are our intelligence, and they quietly perform some of the most important maneuvers of the war.<br />
<br />
Some of the skills employed by others are less refined, yet just as important. The people who get their hands dirty by pounding it out on the front lines of the message boards and social areas use language in a far less technical way. Their job is to engage the enemy in the trenches, and keep a certain amount of their attention and resources tied up.<br />
<br />
Still yet are the sticklers for procedure and policy. These are the folks who "dot the i's and cross the t's" in order to keep everyone else legally in sync. They handle the mundane tasks such as document creation and procedure development. Without them, our efforts could backfire, resulting in setbacks and defeats.<br />
<br />
Then there are the bloggers. In this pirateppounding fleet of warriors, where varied skill sets determine the force of the attack against those doing harm against our people, the most visible must be the bloggers. These are the people who boldly place their good name in the way of any advancing PR onslaught. They parry and thrust as viewpoints, falsehoods and any variety of opinions are hurled their way. They are the voice and bulletin board for the movement, and their message must be accurate, timely, important, relevant and above reproach at all times. The credibility of the movement relies upon it. For this reason I would like to take the time to point to some of the blogging heroes of our recent combat. Please take the time to visit the blogs of the following people. Without fail, they have all provided stellar duty in the face of battle. If you would take the time to comment on their blogs and let them know they are appreciated, it would be a great gesture. Thanks for your support!<br />
<br />
Aaron Speca - Me and My Others, "Patriots or Pirates"<br />
<a href="http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/07/patriots-or-pirates.html">http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/07/patriots-or-pirates.html</a><br />
<br />
"Pirates Aren't Sexy" by Lori Dillon at The Otherworld Diner:<br />
<a href="http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2012/08/pirates-arent-sexy.html">http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2012/08/pirates-arent-sexy.html</a><br />
<br />
Aaron Speca - Me and My Others, "Patriots or Pirates - Part 2":<br />
<a href="http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/08/patriots-or-pirates-part-2.html">http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/08/patriots-or-pirates-part-2.html</a><br />
<br />
Valerie J. Long, posted at Goodreads:<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/2770976-patriot-pirate-or-philanthropist-parasite-i-say">http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/2770976-patriot-pirate-or-philanthropist-parasite-i-say</a><br />
<br />
Aaron Speca - Me and My Others, "Patriots or Pirates - Part 3":<br />
<a href="http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/08/patriots-or-pirates-part-3.html">http://aaronspeca.blogspot.com/2012/08/patriots-or-pirates-part-3.html</a><br />
<br />
Chris Meadows, posted at Teleread:<br />
<a href="http://www.teleread.com/ebooks/authors-band-together-to-attack-pirate-e-book-site/">http://www.teleread.com/ebooks/authors-band-together-to-attack-pirate-e-book-site/</a><br />
<br />
Ben S. Reeder, "On Piracy and Justification" as posted on The Wizard's Rede:<br />
<a href="http://benreeder.livejournal.com/16495.html">http://benreeder.livejournal.com/16495.html</a><br />
<br />
I even found an informative blog in Italian referencing our battle:<br />
<br />
Sergio Calderale, "“The Ultimate Ebook Library”: piratare ebook è uno sporco lavoro, ma qualcuno lo deve pur fare" as posted at Tropico del Libro: <br />
<a href="http://tropicodellibro.it/notizie/ebook-pirateria/%20" target="_blank">http://tropicodellibro.it/notizie/ebook-pirateria/ </a><br />
<br />
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If you or anyone you know would like to be a member of the activist group No Pirates, please visit my Facebook page and message me. Thanks for your support!<br />
-------------<br />
<span style="font-family: MS Trebuchet, Verdana;"><b>Stephen L. Wilson</b></span><br />
No Pirates Founder<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/STEPHENLWILSON">Smashwords Home Page</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-L-Wilson-indie-eBook-author-and-publisher/391352640879124">Like me on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/WilsonStephenL">@wilsonstephenl on Twitter</a>Steve Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01106769507452246948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-797159095640580840.post-20547677627835771762012-08-05T12:25:00.001-07:002012-08-10T11:40:27.916-07:00A wench with no conscience: The latest pirate pursuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8095_YpjHsFaSY6yvCnZsdFX1rSdbABYJAtEjHfBXX0hogEL2rsq4TIG3mwrk1GxCubQMyKNyvBEJmJnf6J3g9lwemgn8d8XrPEim4Ep28rePZFhwHmyb0AsWPLfSusyU9NnVnQeYb8/s1600/piratesahoybooksandskull.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8095_YpjHsFaSY6yvCnZsdFX1rSdbABYJAtEjHfBXX0hogEL2rsq4TIG3mwrk1GxCubQMyKNyvBEJmJnf6J3g9lwemgn8d8XrPEim4Ep28rePZFhwHmyb0AsWPLfSusyU9NnVnQeYb8/s320/piratesahoybooksandskull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><b>8/4/2012</b></u><br />
<br />
There is another pirate on the loose, and we are organizing now to put her out of business. Check her monthly list of pirated works <b><a href="https://www.box.com/s/38f8a09243d373e34c5d" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a></b>
to see if you or your favorite author is being ripped off. This
pirate organization likes to put up a front with a legitimate, although not
very believable looking website, in order to get email subscriptions.
Then, every month in an email, this biblio-buccaneer sends out a link to the latest list
of pirated books. Unlike some other shifty pirates, there is no phony
attempt at claiming a charitable cause, there is not a notice of
claiming it is a library, there is no pretending to have an ideology.
This organization simply wants to profit off of authors without their
knowledge, plain and simple. We need your help! Check the list. Contact
me to become a volunteer for this movement. Tell your author friends or
supporters of this cause. We need to make this one go away. <b> </b><br />
<b>#PiratesAhoy !</b><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>IMPORTANT
NOTE: We are all anxious to see our work and craft remain in our
control. However, if strong efforts are used in the wrong way, movements can do more harm than good. No Pirates only targets those who
are breaking the law. There are rogue authors with good intentions who
may be wasting efforts which may be better spent by rallying against
illegitimate companies. Sometimes authors are not in agreement
with the practices of certain legal companies, for whatever idealistic
reason. Please do not confuse their efforts with those of my group. I
take the proper steps to ensure that the people and organizations
involved with illegal pirating of our work are the ones we target. I
understand that as the industry grows, the way the eBooks are handled
and distributed will morph into something tolerable for all parties. In
the meantime, some models are better than others. </b><br />
<div style="color: red;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#PiratesAhoy !</b></span></div>
</div>
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<br />
<u><b>UPDATE: 8/5/2012</b></u><br />
<br />
A few dedicated members of the No Pirates group have been diligently working to contact authors who are on the list of pirated works. We have quietly been emailing instructions to the authors as to how they should deal with this, in case they aren't yet aware how the process works. While it will take quite some time to contact each and every author (there are about 1,000 pages of authors in this month's list), the goal is to shut down the pirate. If the dozens of authors and publishers we have contacted decide to take action, it may be enough to take her down, and it will not be necessary to contact anyone else at that point. Our efforts have brought plenty of email addresses into the loop, and by the end of the day on Monday we should see some results we are hoping for. Thank you to those who have been supporting our effort!<br />
---------<br />
<u><b>UPDATE: 8/6/2012</b></u><br />
<br />
As expected, the list of pirated authors has already been removed. The effectiveness of our group gets better and better by the day. It is unconfirmed at this time whether PayPal has discontinued services or not. We have also notified the email service provider, since this pirate was using their email services to conduct illegal activities. Again, there is no confirmation as to whether or not they have complied with our requests. Nonetheless, anyone visiting this pirate page hoping to buy an eBook illegally will be disappointed, and hopefully discouraged enough to not deal with this pirate, going forward. Great job, group! Way to continue to win battles on the high seas!<br />
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<b><u> UPDATE: 8/10/2012</u></b><br />
<br />
Since the pirated author page was removed, there is no actual "proof" of fraudulent activity. Due to this, PayPal cannot restrict activities. This makes sense, and No Pirates will take this into consideration as we formulate the strategy for our next movement. Thank you for your support! <br />
--------- <br />
If you or anyone you know would like to be a member of the activist group No Pirates, please visit my Facebook page and message me. Thanks for your support!<br />
------------- <br />
<b>Stephen L. Wilson</b><br />
No Pirates Founder<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/STEPHENLWILSON">Smashwords Home Page</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-L-Wilson-indie-eBook-author-and-publisher/391352640879124">Like me on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://wilsonstephenl.twitter.com/">@wilsonstephenl</a>Steve Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01106769507452246948noreply@blogger.com7