Firstly, thank you so much to everyone who commented here and on social media about the copyright infringement accusation made against me – and to the friend who offered to put her law degree to use should that be needed! I very much appreciate all the support. At first I was deeply distressed, but your kindness went a huge way to alleviating that.
I was especially pleased that not one person suggested I may actually have infringed anyone's copyright, even accidentally. It had been my fear that some might think me capable of that and I've been greatly reassured.Blogger have still not responded, but I have heard from two people connected to the blog whose copyright I allegedly infringed. They both assured me they did not raise the complaint and have no quarrel with me. They expressed sympathy and offered to contact Blogger to try to get this sorted out. They've done that, making the situation very clear, and copied me in. I don't see how they can do more. Their kindness is also very much appreciated. To paraphrase one of them, 'the internet is great – there are just a few idiots who spoil things'.
Another thing which cheered me up yesterday was the sale of a story to Allas. The cherry on the top of the support and kindness I'd received from so many online friends.
Womagwriter blog newsAs mentioned previously, I've been considering combining my blogs. Although I'm yet to work out the best way to do that, I've made the decision that this will happen. For now, posts from my other blog, will appear here, along with womag stuff. I'm going to try using headings, as in this post, in the hope that makes things easier.
I'm also experimenting with adding Womagwriter to my website. I'll be duplicating relevant posts (or parts of posts such as the bit below) there to build up the information to a useful level. Obviously there's not much there yet, but please take a look and let me know if you're able to find womag stuff, if you think it will work, and if you have suggestions for improvement.
Womag news
I asked ‘my’ editor at The People’s Friend which story lengths and subjects are most in demand. He says it’s ‘the usual culprits’ by which he means 2000 and 3000 word stories as these are always in demand. Also, stories set around events and holidays – Christmas, Advent, Bonfire Night, Easter, Valentine’s etc are appreciated.
The cover featured is an old one – but as it has me name on the front, I like to make sure it’s seen!
13 comments:
So glad that the copyright thing seems to be on the way to being resolved, Patsy. Nightmares like that, that spring from nowhere, can completely throw you off guard. That said, I bet you'll get a story out of it somehow! I hope this whole mess is soon sorted.
I echo Chris's comments, Patsy. Just horrible when something throws us off balance like this. Fingers crossed it's resolved today and you have a lovely weekend.
Aw Patsy I'm so pleased the issue is almost resolved and that so many people jumped to your defence. Isn't it marvellous the world of womag writers is so supportive.
Onward and upward I say.
Many congratulations on your sale too, well deserved after all that upset.
I am pleased it looks as though it is close to resolution - and what a day to then have an acceptance! Yes, internet fraught with problems! Have a good weekend, Patsy.
Patsy,First I'd heard of this problem which does thankfully appear to be resolved. I'm shocked that you had had to contend with this, to me, bizarre situation. You have always had the highest integrity and my support in all of the years I've known you. Terrible that idiots spoil people's lives for no reason. Best wishes for all your plans. Great that others feel like me and you have so much support in the writing community.
So pleased you got some help regarding the blog, Patsy. Still a dreadful thing to be hanging over you - as writers we are more aware of copyright issues than most.
I clicked on your blog and found the womag link with headings under People's Friend and Irelands Own.
Thanks
Alyson
I don't know, this will certainly be a year to remember! Fingers crossed you get a response from Blogger soon.
Thank you for sharing the info re what the People's Friend are looking for...
Good news the other writers involved with that blog are supporting you too, and are doing what they can to get Blogger to desist. Fingers crossed for a quick resolution.
The headers do help.
You sound a lot happier which is good, let's hope it's sorted out properly soon x
Great news on the sale and hope the issue is soon sorted with Blogger. I'm sure you could do without the added stress especially as it seems completely unjustified. Hope you can enjoy some lovely days away in your camper x
Hi Patsy - I'm glad the copyright issue seems to be in abeyance - and hope the problem doesn't reoccur. Well done on deciding to combine the blogs ... and so pleased you had a story accepted in People's Friend. Good luck - Hilary
Glad it seems to be getting sorted out, Patsy.
Thanks, everyone.
Blogger have still not replied, but as I know I've done nothing wrong I'm going to carry on and hope for the best.
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