Getty Images C&D Letter w/ $1000 invoices

[kblessinggr]

I find PicScout's Image Tracker quite fascinating if it actually does what it promises. For instance how can it match a picture if it has been resized, reshaped and recolored. And what's the error margin... I don't believe it can work very reliably so if you just modify your stolen pictures, you are pretty much safe. Basically it would have to match shapes in the picture and measure unique ratios between edges etc. But that still sounds like you would get a million false alerts per one generic image.

It'll be much easier to do now with Photoshop CS4's content-aware resizing: (ie: resizing the aspect ratio, while it automatically rearranges and resizes the content within to appear natural).

 

[Sonny Forelli]

People, just because a domain can have whois guard means you're protected.

If you want to make sure they can't get to you personally, buy domains with a pre-purchased, disposable credit card, and do it from an internet cafe.

Any of the domains I want to use for dodgy crap, I do that with.
No link back to me, unless they're investigations department is so good that they track the time in which the credit card itself was purchased, and where from, and then go get the security footage from that 7-11.

anything like that should be done by driving to a residential neighborhood- and poaching open wifi access so it'll track back to some 70 year old grandmother in suburbia

 

[jakecohen]

Here's a letter a posted a few places. Feel free to send it to GettyImages and where ever else you can. I've got amazing hate letter writing skillz, I know

FUCK GETTYIMAGES!
You have and are increasingly losing the respect of the entire community of web developers sending them letters asking them for $1000 to upwards $20,000 for a tiny image. Are you serious? We web developers who have gotten sent your threatening letters without even a C&D are going to ruin you. Do you understand my words?
GettyImages, you are extremely stupid starting this scam and now it is going to bite you in the rear and destroy the foundation of your company.
Although you may have thought it would be an easy way to get cash, the tide is roaring and more and more people are learning about your awful ways of doing business. You are basically making people hate your site, and I for one applaud your stupidity.
I honestly can’t believe how idiotic you are and I guarantee that you will not exist for much longer and that your profits will slowly and then more rapidly dive.
NOW LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION…!
Was it worth it to collect a few million from this scam but ruin the respect of your brand and company. Was it worth it to send thousands of potential and existing clients away with a stupid stunt that will flush away any users who once liked you.
NO, IT WASN’T WORTH IT. But you know what? It’s too late know and because of it your company is going to die miserably!