Logo and Banner design 100 us Prize

**Ninjax** · 01-25-2008, 12:43 PM

Just to give you guys an update, I think Trey does plan to pay, he asked me for my Paypal.

**angele803** · 01-25-2008, 02:22 PM

Good. Keep us updated. Thanks!

**JoeSoCool** · 02-22-2008, 09:48 PM

looks like I didn't remove my image quick enough and he's taken mine.
could someone help?

**woosh** · 02-22-2008, 10:29 PM

Contact his hosting company and explain he has infringed copyright and if he will not remove the graphics from his site ask them to take his site down which they should do without a problem, I have come across other situations similar where the hosting company will help regarding this, you have the proof in the forum and what hes done is simply low. Always watermark your work to prevent people from doing this, obviously he hasn't got a conscience.

**Ninjax** · 02-23-2008, 08:25 AM

His hosting is Godaddy, and I think I have contacted the wrong department, as they have given me this reply:

Thank you for contacting online support. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide assistance regarding this matter, as it appears to be a legal issue. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Please let us know if we can assist you in any other way.
Regards,

Quinn C.
Online Support Representative

I don't know who to contact.

**Gx3 Grafix** · 02-23-2008, 11:52 AM

I use GoDaddy for all my domain names. I'm calling them now to see if I can find out what you need to do to get that 'take down notice' I'll let you know.

**Gx3 Grafix** · 02-23-2008, 11:59 AM

Here is the link it's located on. Noticed that is wasn't mentioned except that first link where it use to be. Want to keep it all in one place so when we reference this thread they won't have to search.

**Gx3 Grafix** · 02-23-2008, 12:17 PM

I just got off the phone with Stephan at GoDaddy. I was sure that they would not just let this go by as I was told that they are legally required to take down the website, or they forfeit their safe harbor provisions. Aside from that they do not want this giving them a bad name. I put my customer number with them on the line and it didn't even go that far. Stephan is a fellow designer and knows what this feels like, he is very sorry that this happened and wishes you the best. After speaking with his supervisor he informed me that an e-mail should be sent to abuse@secureserver.net. This is their legal department who handles these issues. The are quick at responding and he believes this will be the ultimate answer.

Be sure in your e-mail to reference this thread as your proof.

Good luck!

**Ninjax** · 02-23-2008, 12:35 PM

Cheers Kimberly, I will contact them right away.

**Gx3 Grafix** · 02-23-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSoCool

looks like I didn't remove my image quick enough and he's taken mine.
could someone help?

Same with you Joe, send the e-mail and use this thread as proof. It should be taken care of anyway with Ninjax' email but another one couldn't hurt.

Put your image back up as proof you had it here first. It's already stolen, just remember to watermark next time.

**Ninjax** · 02-23-2008, 12:56 PM

Sent the email for both me and Joe, I agree he should contact them as well.

**Ninjax** · 02-23-2008, 03:43 PM

I got a reply, but apparently my work needs to be copyrighted.

**Gx3 Grafix** · 02-23-2008, 04:07 PM

Write them again and tell them to please double check.

Our work is protected under Creative Copyrights as we are the ones who originate the work.

"When you create a work you automatically own the copyright to that work for your lifetime, plus 50 years. You don’t have to publish the work or register it to own the copyright."

**Joshy D** · 04:40 PM

ok, this guy's an [SNIPPED], hope you guys take him down... good luck.

**woosh** · 02-23-2008, 08:17 PM

Your work is automatically copyrighted as soon as it is created on your comp. The laws have changed these days. It is however a good habit to always have a copyright notice in your work. This competition should be proof enough as to what has happened here for the hosting company to look into, there is a link that may help on the copyright article as to what steps you can take.

I encourage all the designers here to "look after our own" and give this trader negative feedback on his iTrader rating as well as his talkupation to discourage people from ripping off designers here.

Alot of people have put alot of time onto the forum and the contests to make it what it is today and we all need to stick together and support each other.

**JoeSoCool** · 02-23-2008, 11:04 PM

I think im out of luck because apparently due to some miscue or something a lot of my ps files were deleted so i cant repost it

**CnSGD** · 12:28 AM

Sorry wrong link...Guess its still up with the other one now.

http://grimesceneuk.co.uk/

**DaveMo~** · 02-24-2008, 04:50 PM

Some thoughts:

Though watermarks make an ugly mark on your graphics, most people won't steal graphics with watermarks. I would even suggest that you put on the graphic "stolen if you see this" and don't make it on an easily removed layer. If you have the original, that's enough to remove when you get paid.
Always report anyone that has not paid or completed a contest. Though Webmaster-Talk is not responsible for any loses, we will try to help you with your case. Help may be limited to an email or PM.
Look at the Contest Owners iTrader rating. If it's not good, or if they are new, use caution with all your dealings.
If you run a contest and you do a poor job, you might be saying that you don't like your membership at Webmaster-Talk and it my be voided.
We do not hard delete contests, so be warned that there are records of what has happened.

Much thanks to Stephanie for moderating this forum, and to Stephanie for her help. And to Woosh. If we all "watch each other's backs", then we will have better and more reliable contests.

I have to contact GoDaddy today about another site of mine, and I'll also mention this problem. I also try to contact the GrimeAdmin using their contact us page about the non-paid graphics.

There's no guarantee that monies will be paid. But I highly suggest that no one further help or participate in this member's contests until this issue is resolved.

Dave

Note: If you are a contestant in this thread and haven't watermarked your entry, please let Stephanie or I know if you would like your graphic removed from this thread.

**angele803** · 02-24-2008, 05:00 PM

Thanks Dave. And I don't want to forget thanking Kimberly (Gx3 Grafix) for her help too. I wish we could do more, but we are trying our best.

In the future, I hope everyone watermarks their images. I know people think this is unnecessary and makes your designs look ugly, but this contest is a prime example of how a watermark CAN make a difference.

**Ninjax** · 02-24-2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks Dave and Stepanie, and most of all Kimberly.
I have now contacted copyrightclaims@godaddy.com, and am waiting for a reply.