This vendor on eBay, orchids-forever from North Carolina, has been listing Neofinetia falcata 'Shutennou' plants for several months. I've noticed their photo for quite some time and was almost certain it belonged to me. I've been so ill in recent months that I've not bothered to verify it before now. It's not even that great of a photo, but yes, it is mine from four years ago. I sent them this note a few moments ago:
"Hi there, I wasn't sure at first, so I had to go back and look thru all my older camera photo files, but eventually I found it...sure enough, you've stolen my photo of my Syutenno flowers to use in your auctions. Kindly stop or I shall have to report you to eBay thru the VeRo program. I don't mean to be rude, but gee, haven't you ever bloomed one yourself that you can snap a photo of? Anyway, as I've stated, I have the original photo file here with intact exif data and all the sequential photos before and after from that particular shoot session with each of their exif data files intact as well. It will be no problem to prove my case. Your choices are to pay me a negotiated fee for past, present and future unlimited commercial use of my photo (I've noticed you using this photo several times in recent months) or promptly cease and desist with no hard feelings. Pay to play fair or simply stop. Otherwise I will take decisive legal action at once. Thank you!"
I hate thievery.
Taking into account my signature below, I must say I hope this vendor feels guilty and upset when they read the note which I sent them! Maybe they'll hate me now and forever too, but frankly I don't care. I probably would have allowed them to use the photo free of charge if they had only asked me for permission in advance.
"Hi there, I wasn't sure at first, so I had to go back and look thru all my older camera photo files, but eventually I found it...sure enough, you've stolen my photo of my Syutenno flowers to use in your auctions. Kindly stop or I shall have to report you to eBay thru the VeRo program. I don't mean to be rude, but gee, haven't you ever bloomed one yourself that you can snap a photo of? Anyway, as I've stated, I have the original photo file here with intact exif data and all the sequential photos before and after from that particular shoot session with each of their exif data files intact as well. It will be no problem to prove my case. Your choices are to pay me a negotiated fee for past, present and future unlimited commercial use of my photo (I've noticed you using this photo several times in recent months) or promptly cease and desist with no hard feelings. Pay to play fair or simply stop. Otherwise I will take decisive legal action at once. Thank you!"
I hate thievery.
Taking into account my signature below, I must say I hope this vendor feels guilty and upset when they read the note which I sent them! Maybe they'll hate me now and forever too, but frankly I don't care. I probably would have allowed them to use the photo free of charge if they had only asked me for permission in advance.