They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Public Apology To Frank Kanu
My previous article, How To Write A Popular Post was originally illustrated by an image, which I found in one of my folders. I thought it was an item of public domain clipart, mistakenly, as it turns out.
I should have been acquainted with the picture’s provenance, and if I wasn’t, I should’ve checked, or not used it.
And now I’m being branded unethical, a thief and a low-life. It hurts. It shames. It’s true. It’s not true.
Strictly speaking, I technically stole the image, however, directly using it on my website was a genuine oversight. But it’s clear that the perpetrator is presumed guilty as charged.
Before I continue, I should explain that I save images from the internet, not because I wish to steal them, but if they’re appealing to me, I like to keep them for inspiration, because I’m bit of an aspiring artist (emphasis on aspiring, rather than artist).
In the future, if I spot an interesting graphic, perhaps I’ll take a screenshot instead, and thus avoid a repeat of this mess.
If you refer to the Comments of the previous post, you’ll see that Frank Kanu* makes a reference to crediting his site for something in my post. It transpires the clipart is his image, and I’m mortified.
I’ve removed the image and substituted one of my own creations. Perfect really, a thrown-together image accompanying a piece about thrown-together posts!
I’m now going through every post on my site to check that I know where each image originates, and that it’s OK to be displaying it. Also, I’m creating new folders to better organise my collection of images, and include a record of provenance.
Until now, Frank and I had a friendly relationship via Entrecard, and the most upsetting aspect is that he now considers me a thief and, inadvertently, I am.
You can read Frank’s feelings about the incident, and my own initial reaction, in his article, Stealing Stuff*.
This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way.
Frank, I unreservedly apologise, I should have known better.
Reward Rebel
[* These links are no longer accessible.]
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16 Responses to “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Public Apology To Frank Kanu”
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Hi Layne,
Are you referring to the question mark? That’s it?
It’s an honest mistake. My site has a disclaimer for all the photos I use on my posts. Some have built-in credits to them.
I know this post is a spontaneous one and it comes through as very honest and sincere. Anyone who has exchanged comments with you and read your posts would know the true nature of your generous character. You’re no usurper Layne, on the contrary, you’re so giving and open with what you have for others.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. A simple apology will suffice. I’m sure Frank will accept your explanation. There are 3 million readers who will attest to the goodness of your heart and the kindness of your intentions.
–Durano, done!
Durano Lawayan’s last blog post..Forestalling Famine and Financial Failure
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Dearest Durano,
Unfortunately, Frank won’t accept my explanation. It is he and one of his commenters who use ‘thief’ and ‘lowlife’ to describe me.[EDIT] Unfortunately, Frank didn’t receive my initial email, which didn’t help the situation. We have now corresponded and I believe Frank understands that there was no malicious intent.
I was made aware of my gaff by Frank’s post disclaiming me as a thief, and although I immediately emailed him, the only response I’m aware of is his additional remarks about me in his post. He thinks I’m only remorseful because I got caught!He must have been a victim of cyber theft in the past, because he’s certain I did it deliberately. Of course, this doesn’t make any sense, because we visit each other’s sites, so he’d see the image for sure. Some thief I make!
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I think it is an honest mistake and it is a small person that can’t accept apologies. It also takes an admirable person to own up to their mistakes publicly as you have done. It has in no way altered my thoughts of you. I come to your site all the time to read and not just drop a card and I will continue to do so.
Ladyhawkcj
Carol’s last blog post..HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE- WHY IS IT CALLED THE SILENT KILLER?
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Thanks, Carol,
I appreciate your support, and just wish Frank could see that, however irresponsible it was of me, it was a mistake.
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You made an honest mistake and we all do that. Frank should have been flattered not insulted. And he should have been gracious enough to accept a sincere apology. Shame on him and remind me not to drop in on him again.
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Hello Carol Bardelli,
You are kind to be so sympathetic, but please don’t penalise Frank! Thankfully, he and I have now communicated and sorted it out. Unfortunately, he jumped the gun a bit, because he’s frequently been the victim of too much cyber theft in the past, and ultimately I was at fault.
I really do appreciate you expressing your support.
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I still think people should communicate more effectively… I’m saying that as much for you as for him. You should have double-checked the image was not copyrighted and he should have emailed you before spilling everything online.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to read his post because I’m not a paid subscriber, so I can’t access his blog. But honest mistakes happen all the time. I’m sure I made some and trust me, I think I’m a fairly good person too.
Zhu’s last blog post..Rebel France (1/2)
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Hiya Zhu,
Yep, I’m painfully aware of the lesson learnt! Poor ol’ Frank’s just had enough, I think, hence the brand spanking new paid subscribers only do-dah.
I think the real point is that we all make mistakes sometimes!
P.S. I think you’re a very fairly good person!
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Yikes! Everybody makes a little mistake sometimes. I’m glad you worked it out with Frank. I can just imagine how upsetting this whole thing must have been for you, because I would feel the same way, too.
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..Where I prove that I am the Good cat
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Hey Daisy,
I dunno whether the controversy contributed to the 190 clicks through you received from the ad! It wouldn’t surprise me!
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I’d just like to mention…
Frank understands that what happened resulted from sloppiness on my part, not malice. He reacted so strongly because he’s been the victim of cyber theft too many dang times in the past.
He accepts my apology, and has emailed me explaining that he never received the email I’d sent him when I became aware of his article, so that explains a few things.
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Too Bad Andy Warhol didn’t Steal his Image + make it Worth $$$!!
;))
Peace*
BillyWarhol’s last blog post..Billy Warhol territory
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Hi BillyWarhol,
If Andy W. were still alive, he’d be welcome to come steal my graphics… but, I should be so lucky!
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I dunno I don’t think any harm was realized although in order to read his post I have to log in so I guess I won’t know. ?
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I thought this was going to be about the band They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? This is a big disappointment to me and an even bigger one to Hilbert.
Music By Day’s last blog post..Best Albums Of 1964 to 2008 According To RateYourMusic.com Users
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Hi Music By Day,
Hey, what can I say? The saying was around long before the band, I’m sure Hilbert understands.
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