Rick Olney--Fibber or Mega-Giganta-Fibber?

[wishlish]

From his blog:

"For anyone following my ongoing struggle, please understand that -- I have no problem paying what is owed to those individuals that have not broken their NDA's. I'm only awaiting word of those determinations."

In other words:

He hasn't paid ANYONE. The only people he'll ever consider paying is those who don't complain about not getting paid. But since they won't complain about not getting paid, he probably won't pay them.

People who do complain about not getting paid won't get paid. After all, how dare they complain? They signed an NDA that made them agree that they wouldn't complain if he didn't pay them, right?

"Those individuals that have maintained their professionalism and not allowed themselves to be sucked into this mess will be paid first. Once that takes place, I assume they'll either tell the rest of those involved or primarily be glad that the mess (where their concerned) is over."

In other words:
It violates the NDA to complain when you haven't been paid. It DOESN'T violate the NDA to say you've BEEN paid. So, if anyone has ever been paid, there's no downside to saying they've been paid. From this, I'm assuming someone could post a picture of a cashed check (with TLE's banking info blocked out, of course), and there would be no negative ramifications.

But, of course, none of these individuals exist. NO ONE HAS BEEN PAID.

Rick is under the impression that complaining about not being paid is unprofessional. Of course, that goes against the definition of being a professional (i.e. one who gets paid for their work).

Rick Olney is asking people to believe that there's an unnamed attorney out there who told him that, since some of the artists contracted violated their NDA when he didn't pay them, he shouldn't pay anyone, including the artists who didn't violate the NDA. He's also trying to get us to believe that, even though this supposed subgroup of artists that didn't violate the NDA actually exists, those artists are still bound by a contract, which of course, they wouldn't be, since they never got paid either. The act of not paying someone breaks a contract. It doesn't matter who wrote the contract, or how good the unnamed attorney is; once you don't pay someone, a contract is broken.

Am I missing anything? I AM on heavy drugs, as I mentioned before.

[Jack Zodiac]

So you've engaged in this personal attack to what ends? Listen, warm up to your lawyer and tell Mr. Waid to be prepared to break open his change purse because you'll most likely be counter-sueing. I'm not letting you off the hook, "Gail".

Gail's lawyer's an '84 Chevy Lumina, so it'll take about two to three weeks to warm up. In the meantime, you should probably get your lawyer's oil checked, tires rotated, and generally tuned up, 'cause I'm sure he'll be getting a lot of mileage. And odds are you bought him used, so I wouldn't hold any high hopes for him making the trip.

Give it a rest, child.

Matt, he's obviously saying that you are a child, which I'm certain you're not. That's defamation of character. You sue his ass!

Who is your attorney, dick?

Hey, you forgot to capitalize "Di-", oh- ohhh! I get it! Dick. :)

[Jack Zodiac]

I assure you all that this drama will have consequences, but I'm not worried. Only a fool and his money are soon parted. :rolleyes:

I don't think he gets how hauntingly ironic this statement is. In the meantime, until it comes right around on him, someone oughta' engrave it on a plaque and hold onto it.

[Jack Zodiac]

Sorry everybody, im new here on CBR,
but who the heck is Rick Olney????

theres nothing on wikipedia???

Rick Olney deserves a Wiki entry like my plumber deserves a Wiki entry. I have a shitty plumber.

Wow. "Dick" points out others typos. "The most "ironic" man in comics.

Well, at least he'll have some kind of legacy in the business.

So who is your attorney?

The same guy who keeps the Hamburgler out of jail, much to the chagrin of Constable McCheese.

[THEDOC]

I'm speechless. I knew Rick online from way back, and always thought of him as someone who was very positive about comics. I never interacted with him on a regular basis and I haven't gone around the web too much so I was clueless as to what his true character was until these last few days. And I'm truly appalled. As someone who knows what it's like not to get paid, I know painful this kind of experience can be, and on top of that to be lied to... it's just too much. Rick, what's with you? These people did work for you. The only decent thing to do is pay them. And my God, pay them NOW.

This is for you, on behalf of everyone you have to pay.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTF2ZkqCa4M
Hey Gerry. Gerry was one o the few people I read on the MMC he has a great website and has a great history record of the Filipino influence in comics AND he's a great artist as well.
Be warned he will now sue you, so welcome to the club.

[DocAbsurd]

Tricky, I didn't sign any NDA. The work I did for you pre-dates the current wave of paranoia. What's been holding that up for the past 2 years?

BTW, everyone, I remembered something about the NDAs, something he discussed with me over the phone during the summer when he started passing them out like PEZ along with his contracts:

He got the idea from an old book he found about legal contracts for artists and authors. I remember the book; it came out shortly after I started working at a bookstore in Florida around 1992/93. It was quite handy, as it gave generic outlines for basic agreements between publishers and creators.

However.

They still needed to be notarized. If all you did was email it back to him, it's about as binding as the electricity it took to send it.

The whole idea behind the NDAs is fairly recent, probably within the past 8 months or so. I know the one he sent me -- and I never signed -- is dated from June or July. Which also makes me wonder what legal bindings are holding up TotS #1; that work was completed back in late 1994/early 1995, to be introduced at the Spooky convention that got canceled twice.

But, back to my query:

Where's my money, Tricky?

Go ahead, claim some precious NDA. But y'know what I realized? You would've broken the NDA by allowing me to be mentioned in Mr Johnston's article, hoping that I would back up your claims. Which would mean I had nothing holding me back about speaking freely.

Woof woof, Tricky; you screwed the pooch.




Doc 'Doggie Style' Absurd

[Matt Doc Martin]

Matt, he's obviously saying that you are a child, which I'm certain you're not. That's defamation of character. You sue his ass!



Hey, you forgot to capitalize "Di-", oh- ohhh! I get it! Dick. :)

He no longer deserves capitals.


dick and I had a conversation already when I explained to him I was 34, 6'2", 200lbs and unlikely to take shit from him in person. Not a threat, mind you, just that he wouldn't dream of talking the trash he does if he wasn't behind a keyboard. (This was when he said he was going to MegaCon and had a "Surprise" for me. I hope it is his attorney's name)

[wishlish]

The whole idea behind the NDAs is fairly recent, probably within the past 8 months or so. I know the one he sent me -- and I never signed -- is dated from June or July. Which also makes me wonder what legal bindings are holding up TotS #1; that work was completed back in late 1994/early 1995, to be introduced at the Spooky convention that got canceled twice.


So, Doc-

if you have an unsigned NDA, could you post it here and share? If necessary, I'll give you hosting space on whyilovecomics.com for the document.

Ray

[DocAbsurd]

Guess what I found?

One of his NDAs.

Anyone wanna see it?




Doc 'Confidential' Absurd

[titanfan]

As someone said, if the NDA isn't notarized, it is *definitely* not legally binding. And even if it is--it might not be legally binding either.

It seems to be the latest fad among enterpreneurs. I get asked to sign them all the time--as a form of intimidation so that they can protect their ideas I guess. I don't tell them I know they aren't legally binding (because I might want the job), but most of the time, they're legally worthless.

[Jack Zodiac]

Jim,
I don't know where youre coming from, but I'm not broke. I'm simply now spending more money on attorney fees versus paying those creators that my company will be filing against.

So, you've been prepping these lawyers for three months? If you'd paid these folks on time in the first place, you wouldn't be the star of this hilarious fuckin' show.

Well twice is not too bad,

check out newsarama,

The administrtor kicks people out daily for lesser things.

Yeah, but the admins at Newsarama usually aren't being sued for breach of contract by the folks they're banning. Unless Rick works at Newsarama, too.

How do you sleep at night?

JP

On a mountain of hot, naked chicks.

Oh! You meant Olney? On a pile of broken dreams and lost hope... I'd imagine.

And my pockets may not be deep as some, but in part that's because I pay my debts.

And Mark fakes right! Left! Then, oh- downtown with the OSNAP!

[wishlish]

Guess what I found?

One of his NDAs.

Anyone wanna see it?


Does Rick's car smell bad?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Guess what I found?

One of his NDAs.

Anyone wanna see it?




Doc 'Confidential' Absurd

Yes, please.

[Jack Zodiac]

Again, I'll just interject here -- again -- that everyone that worked on TOTS #1 had a legal NDA and contract in place. Now it is a matter of getting to the bottom of which came first, the chicken or the egg.

The "chicken" being you not paying them anywhere close to the parameters of the contract, and the "egg" being them breaking these sacred NDAs. Fair fuckin' bet it's the chicken.

[DocAbsurd]

This Agreement is entered into and is effective as of June 20th, 2006 by and between TightLip Entertainment and Rick Olney, and the entity named below, referred to herein as "Recipient".

Definition of Confidential Information: Each party agrees that all information and materials disclosed by TightLip Entertainment and Rick Olney and Recipient regarding a proposed business deal between the parties, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the existence of the discussion between the parties, will be considered and referred to collectively in this Agreement as "Confidential Information". Confidential Information does not include information that is now or subsequently becomes generally available to the public through no fault or breach on the part of either party; either party can demonstrate to have had rightfully in its possession prior to disclosure to the receiving party; is independently developed by either party without the use of any Confidential Information; or either party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.

Nondisclosure and Nonuse of Confidential Information: The parties shall not disclose, publish, or otherwise disseminate Confidential Information to anyone other than those of its employees and trusted subcontractors with a need to know, and each party shall take reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use, disclosure, publication, or dissemination of Confidential Information. The parties accept the Confidential Information for the sole purpose of evaluation in connection with either parties' business discussions with each other. Each party shall not use Confidential Information otherwise for its own or any third party's benefit without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of the disclosing party in each instance. The foregoing restrictions on Confidential Information shall not apply to Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed in connection with any suit, action or other dispute related to the Confidential Information, or otherwise required to be disclosed as a matter of law.

Miscellaneous: All Confidential Information remains the property of the disclosing party and no license or other rights to Confidential Information is granted or implied hereby. All Confidential Information is provided "AS IS" and without any warranty, whether express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. Each party hereby acknowledges that unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information could cause irreparable harm and significant injury to the disclosing party that may be difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, each party agrees that the disclosing party will have the right to seek and obtain immediate injunctive relief to enforce obligations under this Agreement, in addition to any other rights and remedies each party may have.




Entire Agreement and Governing Law: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the Confidential Information disclosed herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning such Confidential Information. This Agreement may not be amended except by the written agreement signed by authorized representatives of both parties. This agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, State of New York, and Recipient’s State of home residence, and, excluding that body of individual State laws concerning conflicts of law.

Understood and Agreed to by the duly authorized representative of the parties:

By: Rick Olney Recipient: Tim Toboloski

Rick Olney

Title: Owner/Manager Name:_____________________(Please sign)

TightLip Entertainment

Date: June 20th, 2006 Date:__________________

[OzBat!]

Don't have a copy of that book around anywhere, do ya Doc? Be interesting to see what these NDA's say!

EDIT: he's quick!

[THEDOC]

Guess what I found?

One of his NDAs.

Anyone wanna see it?




Doc 'Confidential' Absurd
I do I do...nice talkin' to you tonight Tim.

[EdContradictory]

Oh! You meant Olney? On a pile of broken dreams and lost hope... I'd imagine.

I can't sleep. These broken dreams keep poking me.

[THEDOC]

This Agreement is entered into and is effective as of June 20th, 2006 by and between TightLip Entertainment and Rick Olney, and the entity named below, referred to herein as "Recipient".

Definition of Confidential Information: Each party agrees that all information and materials disclosed by TightLip Entertainment and Rick Olney and Recipient regarding a proposed business deal between the parties, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the existence of the discussion between the parties, will be considered and referred to collectively in this Agreement as "Confidential Information". Confidential Information does not include information that is now or subsequently becomes generally available to the public through no fault or breach on the part of either party; either party can demonstrate to have had rightfully in its possession prior to disclosure to the receiving party; is independently developed by either party without the use of any Confidential Information; or either party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.

Nondisclosure and Nonuse of Confidential Information: The parties shall not disclose, publish, or otherwise disseminate Confidential Information to anyone other than those of its employees and trusted subcontractors with a need to know, and each party shall take reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use, disclosure, publication, or dissemination of Confidential Information. The parties accept the Confidential Information for the sole purpose of evaluation in connection with either parties' business discussions with each other. Each party shall not use Confidential Information otherwise for its own or any third party's benefit without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of the disclosing party in each instance. The foregoing restrictions on Confidential Information shall not apply to Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed in connection with any suit, action or other dispute related to the Confidential Information, or otherwise required to be disclosed as a matter of law.

Miscellaneous: All Confidential Information remains the property of the disclosing party and no license or other rights to Confidential Information is granted or implied hereby. All Confidential Information is provided "AS IS" and without any warranty, whether express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. Each party hereby acknowledges that unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information could cause irreparable harm and significant injury to the disclosing party that may be difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, each party agrees that the disclosing party will have the right to seek and obtain immediate injunctive relief to enforce obligations under this Agreement, in addition to any other rights and remedies each party may have.




Entire Agreement and Governing Law: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the Confidential Information disclosed herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning such Confidential Information. This Agreement may not be amended except by the written agreement signed by authorized representatives of both parties. This agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, State of New York, and Recipient’s State of home residence, and, excluding that body of individual State laws concerning conflicts of law.

Understood and Agreed to by the duly authorized representative of the parties:

By: Rick Olney Recipient: Tim Toboloski

Rick Olney

Title: Owner/Manager Name:_____________________(Please sign)

TightLip Entertainment

Date: June 20th, 2006 Date:__________________


Don't see nothing about payments or not being paid nor being not to mention that.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Don't see nothing about payments or not being paid nor being not to mention that.

You beat me to it.

I cannot WAIT to see the dick's meltdown now!

[OzBat!]

Definition of Confidential Information: Each party agrees that all information and materials disclosed by TightLip Entertainment and Rick Olney and Recipient regarding a proposed business deal between the parties, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the existence of the discussion between the parties, will be considered and referred to collectively in this Agreement as "Confidential Information". Confidential Information does not include information that is now or subsequently becomes generally available to the public through no fault or breach on the part of either party; either party can demonstrate to have had rightfully in its possession prior to disclosure to the receiving party; is independently developed by either party without the use of any Confidential Information; or either party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.Does this mean that by stating these NDAs exist, Olney has already violated their conditions??

[THEDOC]

You beat me to it.

I cannot WAIT to see the dick's meltdown now!
Yeah I typed that pretty quick. "Rick" have a meltdown? I think he "Three Mile Islanded" a while ago, these are aftershocks now.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Does this mean that by stating these NDAs exist, Olney has already violated their conditions??

Could be.....


Judges?


*murmured discussion*

The judges say YES!

[Jack Zodiac]

Hey, you're the one that involved himself. Frankly, I'd hope that anyone not willing to hear the answer and dates on their check would camp out on your doorstep.

Man... it's amazing. I can't get over how big an asshole you are. It's mind-boggling. You could park a bus in it!

[TonyIsabella]

Damn it, Gail. I am mesmerized by this thread when I should be writing or eating or sleeping or anything else!

Sans the benefit of drugs, I have dream-flashes as I read these pages.

We're all together, an army of people who see Olney for the worthless piece of crap he is. Olney faces us with his imaginary lawyer who, naturally, only he can see. Covering his mouth so we can't see his lips moving, he demands to know:

"Which of you is Gail Simone?"

Unwilling to see anyone get hurt, you step forward:

"I am Gail Simone!"

But then another steps from the crowd:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another and another and another...

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

Okay, it's kind of weird that Mark Waid is wearing your clothes, but, aside from that, it's inspiring to see a community united against Olney.

Oh, crap, there have been three more pages posted while I was writing this.

Unlike my friend Mark Waid - many blessings upon him - I can't pay anyone's legal expenses in suing this creep, but anyone who's in my neighborhood can stop by for a meal and a hug.

Tony Isabella

[DocAbsurd]

Read that over carefully; Lord knows I have.

Nowhere does it state that:

1) Contracts are part of the NDA

2) Discussing payment or non-payment constitutes breach of said NDA

3) Breaching NDA brings about non-payment

When 'Agreement' is mentioned, the NDA is referring to itself and not to other contracts.

The line, 'The parties accept the Confidential Information for the sole purpose of evaluation in connection with either parties' business discussions with each other.', is pretty damn broad. 'Business discussions' could mean contracts, could mean project proposals, or it could not. It seems fairly open to interpretation and most certainly does not cover talking about non-payment.

The line, 'Each party shall not use Confidential Information otherwise for its own or any third party's benefit without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of the disclosing party in each instance.', seems to be used by Tricky currently to mean that anyone who signed and NDA and talked about it here is breaching the agreement for their own 'benefit'. Sorry, but breaching your own contract by non-payment and having truly injured parties talk about such breach is not for their own 'benefit'. It's to hopefully enforce what's owed them by shaming into action.

On its own, it's a fairly amatuerish attempt at legal jargon. No attorney worth his golf course fees would have allowed that to pass.

Oh, and since I'm not legally bound by any contract, and had my former-friendship and personal information spread about the messageboards without my consent, feel free to threaten me all you want.




Doc 'Fore' Absurd

[Jack Zodiac]

Val,
You said, "That's true. I don't understand why anyone would think an NDA protects them from non payment."

I don't think I ever said that your NDA meant you wouldn't get paid by my company. Your NDA, which you broke, actually placed you in legal harms way. And that is all I'm saying... Goodnite everyone!

Rick Olney, ladies and gentleman! Comics' biggest jerkoff! Don't forget to tip your waitresses.

[kingdom2000]

I see that Onley continues to dodge what should be the one question he can answer directly, what is the name of lawyer and his law firm? Its a real easy question, even criminials without a high school education can usually answer that question. The more Onley dodges it the more I am becoming concerned that he may not know what "lawyer" means. Its an resonable assumption in light of his many legal threats yet when asked "what is name of your lawyer" he just can't seem to figure out an answer.

Do you need help with the definition of "lawyer" perhaps? I can point to several links that may help. Maybe the word "what" and "name" is confusing you Onley. I am sure there are several outstanding kindergarten teachers in your area that can help with these words and their meaning. Have you considered consulting them?

Maybe need a brush up on reading skills? Could that be it? I recommend contacting your local college as they often have tutors that can help. Once you can admit a problem, its that much easier to get help. While looking for a reading tutor I recommend getting a brushup on writing skills from one too. It can't hurt. Will help make those threats have that extra zing.

As an aside, another avenue that Onley and his imaginary lawyer hasn't considered is that in civil cases state lines becomes a bit of a headache to sort out and what law applies where, how and what juridiction etc can be a big headache. If he where to sue all those he claims he is sueing with his imaginary lawyer, then that is multiple states, muliple jurisdictions, multiple laws and therefore requiring multiple lawyers. His imaginary lawyer for instance would have to find a proxy imaginary lawyer in each state he plans to file a case against a resident unless Onley decides his imaginary lawyer is bar certified in all those states. Nice thing about imaginary lawyers is you can do that.

But really at this point the fact that Onley can't answer a simple "who is your lawyer" question pretty much proves this is all smoke and mirrors. Its an empty threat so that noone he has screwed will take action against him. If you buy the threat, he wins. If you take no action, he wins. For him, whether the lawyer is real or not, its all win-win.

[TCJohnson]

Does this mean that by stating these NDAs exist, Olney has already violated their conditions??

From my experience, no.

I have had to sign NDAs before when I was working in film and game tester. If my employer made something known, then I was aloud to talk about it, but not the other way around. So while I was not able to bring up that I signed a NDA, if my employer made it publically known then I was allowed to talk about it.

[AIPman1]

I've skimmed a few pages from 151 to present, but I saw where Rick was talking of his lawyer. I recall him posting to Comicon during his threats and the meltdown that got him banned, that his lawyers name was "Stephen Harris"...who actually posted to Comicon about Rick's "lawsuits"...and was discovered to be a scok-puppet of his. So if anyone gets any emails from this "person"...it's probably not to be believed.

Just sayin'...

And I remember joining the SPA mess-board a few years back, after ending a feud with Rick, only to be subsequently removed because Rick said I was stalking him, even tho' I had not posted to his section, posted about him, or even mentioned him, his organization, or anything else between us. I even had a discussion off-board with one of the moderators, directing him to the Figma boards where Rick had (at the time) gone off kilter. The mod was cool and wanted to stay out of it between us, and I understood that, but it was good to see that they found out the truth about him eventually.

I wish I had the many emails and postings from him. But Figma went under unexpectadly and I never backed up anything, and the emails I got from him were just not worth the megabytes to save.

Live and learn.
I officially apologize for any part in not letting you have a fair say at the SPA. Any sort of personal "calling out" of another person is directly prohibited in our charter code of conduct, designed to avoid flame wars, and keep talk focused on projects, constructive comments, and new ideas. So I'm not sure anything different would happen TODAY under the same circumstances, but we are certainally glad not to have Mr. Olney in our organization at this time. We try to deal with such matters in private forum or off board...

[Matt Doc Martin]

Man... it's amazing. I can't get over how big an asshole you are. It's mind-boggling. You could park a bus in it!


Or....a van??

[TCJohnson]

Okay, it's kind of weird that Mark Waid is wearing your clothes, but, aside from that, it's inspiring to see a community united against Olney.

Just an FYI, the popular theory in here is that Gail Simone does not really exist, but is really Mark Waid in drag.

Or is Mark Waid Gail Simone in drag?

Never could keep the two of them straight.

[Night Swordsman]

Just an FYI, the popular theory in here is that Gail Simone does not really exist, but is really Mark Waid in drag.

Or is Mark Waid Gail Simone in drag?

Never could keep the two of them straight.

DARN you! You beat me to it.

Wait..how about siamese twins? :rolleyes:

[DocAbsurd]

There is a punchline to the NDA I posted.

He wanted me to sign it as a friend, even though at the time we hadn't so much as discussed the possibility of him publishing my comic.

That, folks, is how much he trusts even those close to him.

BTW, Tricky, where's my money?




Doc 'Notarize This' Absurd

[Jeff Brady]

Holy flurking schnit! Tony Isabella!

This thread brings out the best, I tells ya.

On the other hand, it brought out Rick.

[Matt Doc Martin]

There is a punchline to the NDA I posted.

He wanted me to sign it as a friend, even though at the time we hadn't so much as discussed the possibility of him publishing my comic.

That, folks, is how much he trusts even those close to him.

BTW, Tricky, where's my money?




Doc 'Notarize This' Absurd


As soon as his attorney finishes night school, his shift at the local Sizzler, and gets around to filing the paperwork.....and his pension comes in.

Ok, not even then, but something about chickens and eggs and Mickey Mouse.

[OzBat!]

From my experience, no.

I have had to sign NDAs before when I was working in film and game tester. If my employer made something known, then I was aloud to talk about it, but not the other way around. So while I was not able to bring up that I signed a NDA, if my employer made it publically known then I was allowed to talk about it.Hmmm. From the disclosure section of Olney's NDA, it appears he needs to give written notification to the other party if he's going to do any such thing: Each party shall not use Confidential Information otherwise for its own or any third party's benefit without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of the disclosing party in each instance.

None of which, of course, he ever gave to Doc before okaying the use of his name with Rich Johnston. Or anybody else that he's used the NDA defence for not paying to.

Good thing Doc never signed, huh? :p

Any other creators with identical NDAs out there? The agreement is now part of the public domain!

[TCJohnson]

There is a punchline to the NDA I posted.

He wanted me to sign it as a friend, even though at the time we hadn't so much as discussed the possibility of him publishing my comic.

That, folks, is how much he trusts even those close to him.




I am actually drawing up a contract that you and Momma Absurd (where is she?) have to be my friends. If you break this contract I get to punch you hard in the shoulder.

Don't worry, it is legally binding.

[Jack Zodiac]

Holy flurking schnit! Tony Isabella!

This thread brings out the best, I tells ya.

On the other hand, it brought out Rick.

Well, ya' take the good, ya' take the bad, ya' take 'em both, and then you have...

Ah, fuck it. Not worth it. Rick's a fucking tool, but this thread's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

[DocAbsurd]

For anyone following my ongoing struggle, please understand that -- I have no problem paying what is owed to those individuals that have not broken their NDA's. I'm only awaiting word of those determinations.

Lessee:

I wrote 9 columns; at the agreed sum of $50 each, that'd be $450, not including the reimbursement for the toys reviewed or any interest accrued. Or the mental anguish I've suffered waiting and pleading for what you owe me. That would save us from being evicted this month.

I am soooooooooooooooooo tempted to post that on his blog.




Doc 'Fool for Believing' Absurd

[Matt Doc Martin]

Don't do it Doc. You would lose his MySpace friend status and then he would drop to 999.

[AIPman1]

Ian - please send me copies of THE emails, I will need them in the next few months. (and please say Hi to your other, cuter half -wink-)

Lance gets promises of hugs, I get HOMEWORK!!!

I'll have my CUTER HALF dig up the info...e-mail me off-board as to specific items you're looking for

[TCJohnson]

Lessee:

I wrote 9 columns; at the agreed sum of $50 each, that'd be $450, not including the reimbursement for the toys reviewed or any interest accrued. Or the mental anguish I've suffered waiting and pleading for what you owe me. That would save us from being evicted this month.

I am soooooooooooooooooo tempted to post that on his blog.




Doc 'Fool for Believing' Absurd


Unfortunately, Olney has to approve all the replies to his blog.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Unfortunately, Olney has to approve all the replies to his blog.

You wanna know why?

http://www.cracked.com/jp/quotestruth.jpg

[DocAbsurd]

But everyone was legally contracted of those individuals that worked on TOTS #1. Those individuals that have maintained their professionalism and not allowed themselves to be sucked into this mess will be paid first.

Wait. TotS #1 has been delayed because of legal hassles. You've said so yourself. But now you're saying the contributors acted properly within your definition of 'legally contracted'.

So why haven't they been paid?

And look at that last sentence. He's punishing those of us who completed work for him years ago and had enough of his bullshit and finally got the nerve to speak out against his illegal business practices.

Gonna send me to my room next?

BTW, where's my money? $450, payable now before the 2 year anniversary hits.




Doc 'Not No Double-Negative' Absurd

[DocAbsurd]

Unfortunately, Olney has to approve all the replies to his blog.

That explains why he has no dissenting opinions there.

Doesn't quite explain why no-one's chiming in with cries of, 'Oh, poor Rick'.




Doc 'It's His Party and He'll Cry If He Wants To' Absurd

[sk716]

Ah, see after reading it twice, once as a normal human being and then once again as a scheming, manipulative, jackass, I think I found his loophole.

Miscellaneous: All Confidential Information remains the property of the disclosing party and no license or other rights to Confidential Information is granted or implied hereby. All Confidential Information is provided "AS IS" and without any warranty, whether express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. Each party hereby acknowledges that unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information could cause irreparable harm and significant injury to the disclosing party that may be difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, each party agrees that the disclosing party will have the right to seek and obtain immediate injunctive relief to enforce obligations under this Agreement, in addition to any other rights and remedies each party may have.

See, he just wasn't being accurate in saying he'd pay and in some cases incomplete in mailing the full amount.

Although, I must admit, I'm a little confused about the warranty. Don't those usually come with electronics and appliances...

[Val]

See, he just wasn't being accurate in saying he'd pay and in some cases incomplete in mailing the full amount.

Although, I must admit, I'm a little confused about the warranty. Don't those usually come with electronics and appliances...

LOL!
Yeah, wouldn't that be a great defense? :D

If anyone doesn't know what that bolded part means (quoted by sk716),
it means that the Confidential Information (all the materials, brand info, etc, passed to the independent contractor) isn't guaranteed to be complete or accurate.

Meaning, if Tightlip was to send me reference for a character,
they aren't responsible if it's not 100% correct.

A lot of times, that will extend to a situation where (in this example) Tightlip is working on a project for, say, Hasbro.
If Tightlip in turn passes me the reference, it's not Tightlip's fault if Hasbro changes the reference at the last minute.
Or we find out something was off model in the reference and it has to be corrected later because of it.
That's the idea, anyway.

Confidential Information, though, is not about payment.
NDAs (in most cases) are all about the sensitive information being passed back and forth about the job at hand... stuff you don't want leaked out to the public like important images, or descriptions of a plot, and so forth.

A lot of companies get them signed right away, since they are almost always boiler plate.
At times, they also act kind of like Good Faith agreements, so the work can begin while a contract is being signed and mailed.

[Matt Doc Martin]

I am off to bed, as us "kids" need sleep or we get cranky, but one final thing:

If you punch the address for TLE into Google maps and look at the satellite feed, it looks like a house

With a van.

I swear to god.

You try it:

70 West Main Street, Mohawk, New York

http://maps.google.com/maps

[sk716]

...

Confidential Information, though, is not about payment.
...

We've been trying to tell him that for 2500+ posts, I don't think he gets it.

[Jeff Brady]

With a van.

Down by the river, no less.

[Coppervale Studio]

So, thanks to the existence of this thread, I've had a couple of pleasant back and forths wth Larry Dixon - and it turns out he and Mercedes are going to be in the area in a day or so, and we're going to try to get together for a meal and visit at my studio.

So, can't say all this didn't achieve SOMETHING good. Thanks!

[DocAbsurd]

Like I said before, I cannot help but think that he intended to withhold payment all along, believing the NDA would cover his actions legally and prevent anyone from speaking out about it.

We're witnessing the greatest misinterpretation of legalese in the history of double-speak.




Doc 'Signed in Blood' Absurd

[TCJohnson]

Like I said before, I cannot help but think that he intended to withhold payment all along, believing the NDA would cover his actions legally and prevent anyone from speaking out about it.


Doc,

You seem like a nice guy, and I hope you stay around here after this whole thing is resolved and forgotten.


With that being said.....Well, DUH!!! No Shit Sherlock!

Sorry but it is really obvious that Olney is a conman. he has been doing this for years.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Isn't Boldio ( a poster here at CBR) a attorney or DA ? If anyone can bust this NDA situation , he can. ;)

[Coppervale Studio]

Just checking, but didn't he say there were SIX guys working on stuff for him to publish? I could swear there were SEVEN.

I just for the life of me can't figure out which one of them was able to resist the temptation of working at Tightlip to stay in the jewel mine next to Snow White's cottage.

[Jeff Brady]

Isn't Boldio ( a poster here at CBR) a attorney or DA ? If anyone can bust this NDA situation , he can. ;)

Yes, but he doesn't come to YABS much, or at all.

[Cam63]

No, but trolls are trolls. That is very obvious in this thread.

...and a lying, cheating, deadbeat tool is a lying, cheating, deadbeat tool.

It isn't my defense. It is my reaction to those involved. In this case, it concerned Chuck Dixon and myself initially. It has since been legally compounded, but not so surmountable that it won't be sorted out legally. I make no apologies for my being eccentric.

We love eccentrics. Most of us are at least a bit little that way, but you're a bullshit artist who won't pay people he owes money to.

You have yet to see and read the NDA, correct? I think the mean spiritedness is plain and clear enough here, intent wise. "Gail" threatened this action before. And if this is her best shot then she fell short in grabbing my attentuion. Leaglly though, leaggly is another matter.

I see you're attempting the sanity challenged defence technique.

Not my intention at all. I don't come onto this thread to post my side of the matter. It is a complex matter where only lawyers will be able to define lines crossed or not. I actually don't judge what and who will seek out the books my company intends to print and sell. You're all just chipping away at the esteem of each other. The other 6 active artists presently working on TightLip Entertainment projects don't see it your way.

Our esteem for each other is pretty good. Most of us have become good friends even if we've never met face to face.

[TCJohnson]

We love eccentrics. Most of us are at least a bit little that way


Hey....I'm not :(.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yes, but he doesn't come to YABS much, or at all.

We could ask him his view on the NDA/Rick Olney situation. To give his 2 cents. It couldn't hurt to hear a legal eagle's word of advice. Someone who knows the law and could comment on it.

[Jack Zodiac]

I agree, Boldido's one smart cookie, and I bet he'd be able to say pretty flat out whether or not Rick's got a fuckin' leg to stand on.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I agree, Boldido's one smart cookie, and I bet he'd be able to say pretty flat out whether or not Rick's got a fuckin' leg to stand on.

I sent him a PM. Now knowing my penchent for being a joking non serious guy on the community board I don't know if he'll answer it or not. I hope he does.

[Cam63]

Clumsy. Very clumsy. Who falls for bait like that? Let the record show, barrister, that I am not "making a statement against [your] character and good name," because at this point, I'm not sure that's possible.



Got it. So your legal directors have told you not to pay those non-NDA creators to whom, by your own admission, you owe money.

No lawyer who could as much as spell "bar exam" would give you that advice, and no man of conscience would take it without making amends to the aggrieved parties caught in the crossfire. If I hire Joe Contractor to build a cabinet and then hire you, a separate and unrelated party, to paint that cabinet green, I don't care what legal imbroglio I might later enter into with the cabinet builder; I am still legally, morally and ethically obligated to pay you for the paint job.

Putting aside all the shades of gray you keep trying to paint this with, is there any question--at ALL--that there are creators who have aggrieved you in no way and are yet still owed money?



I'm not speaking to specific situations. I don't know what the specifics are in Ronee's case. What I do know for an indisputable fact is that you are at least 90 days behind in paying your creators, and while by your own admission some payments are being held up over NDA issues, other payments are being held up for separate reasons that have not been disclosed. Whatever those separate reasons may be, they are morally and ethically indefensible by every single yardstick the human race has as yet produced.



I've been working-for-hire for twenty-one years now, but thanks for the edumacation.



What party? I'm not being sarcastic, you're just being unclear. "Party" as in "screwed creator"? "Party" as in "dustup"? "Party" as in "something else for you to spend money on other than your debts"?

And my pockets may not be deep as some, but in part that's because I pay my debts.

I really like Waid.

[Cam63]

Hey....I'm not :(.

Fuck yeah, you are !

[Cam63]

Sweet, I've never been sued before! Should be fun...

It's a cathartic experiance all should experiance.

'Good for the bowels too.

[Cam63]

Remains to be seen, Mike.



I have no problem paying what is owed to those individuals that have not broken their NDA's. I'm only awaiting word of those determinations.

I'm aware that contracts were broken. But everyone was legally contracted of those individuals that worked on TOTS #1. Those individuals that have maintained their professionalism and not allowed themselves to be sucked into this mess will be paid first. Once that takes place, I assume they'll either tell the rest of you or primarily be glad that the mess (where their concerned in being held up) will be over.

Far as the other mean spirited things said here -- Well, we'll see. It is claer to me that you still have no concept of what has taken place or how it happened ... or even what part you are being played or playing in it now. This isn't a take a cheap shot at Rick Olney thread and walk away untouched. That's all I'm going to say, and that isn't a threat -- But with Mark Waid fronting any and all comers regarding civil suits my way take him up on it if you're impatient and lacking understanding. Just as you can't put the genie back in its bottle, you can't put a broken relationship back together with a simple exchange of monies due. Parties involved have stepped over those lines and it all has to be reckoned with legally. How many more ways can I say this so you'll understand it?

Wow.

You're either deluded or a complete prick.

[TomStillwell]

Wow.

You're either deluded or a complete prick.

Trust me, he's both.

[Jeff Brady]

Wow.

You're either deluded or a complete prick.

What's with the either/or thing? It's both.

I owe Tom a coke!

[Ogdred]

The amazing thing about this thread is that there are people posting who normally don't agree with each other on anything, but we can all see that Rick Olney is a Grade-A jack-ass.

The sad thing is that he doesn't seem to comprehend the gravity of his situation and still thinks he can lie and threaten his way out of it.

[Chris N]

What's with the either/or thing? It's both.

I owe Tom a coke!

Are you really gonna give it to him? Or is this like the money Olney owes people?

[Dedagda]

So, thanks to the existence of this thread, I've had a couple of pleasant back and forths wth Larry Dixon - and it turns out he and Mercedes are going to be in the area in a day or so, and we're going to try to get together for a meal and visit at my studio.

So, can't say all this didn't achieve SOMETHING good. Thanks!

Larry is beyond awesome! Just don't let him near the china.

[G-Spot]

Hey Rick...don't know what you mean to imply with the "magic" thing.

As for Figma...I was a moderator only. The site was owned and operated by one person, and many of the decisions were made by the group of moderators and the owner. It ran smooth and steady until you came along. It's demise was more because the owner did not have the time to update and run it. And we have since migrated to another forum run by the same group of people, since we are all very good friends. None of this is news to you tho' since you threatened the owner and a moderator with legal action when the tribe had spoken and booted you off the island.

As for a home here...well, I was directed here to relate a story. Not get re-involved with you. So no need to reply, really. I was one of the lucky ones who, in dealing with a comic shop, publishing, and other business ventures, thought first to at least make the comics I sent C.O.D. since I was dealing with someone I knew couldn't be trusted. I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and you were true to your form.

Rick, you seem to have a real problem. Get some help. All this crap you bring on yourself.

[DocAbsurd]

C'mon, Rick. I know you don't owe me an explanation, but you do owe me money.

So have it at.

Explain why, after nearly two years, you haven't paid me.

There was no NDA at that time. We had a verbal agreement. You had 5 columnists at that time; 2 jumped off when you didn't pay. I know the 3 of us that stuck with you were promised time and time again, 'As soon as I get finances clear. It's just a matter of time. You 3 are tops on my list to be paid.'

Clock has run out.

I need the money you owe me. I'm not shitting around. It's fecking 2.00 in the morning and I'm worried sick about my job and my finances and an impending eviction to the point that I can't sleep.

Don't gimme no shit about 'legal entanglements'. There weren't no 'legal entanglements' before you spouted my name all over the internet. I spoke out; big deal. Doesn't change the fact that you owe me money.

My deadbeat ex hasn't paid a dime in child support in 7 months. I told you many times how I felt about her dodging that, and you agreed with me about people not living up to their financial obligations.

Guess you must feel the same way about yourself.

Pay me what you owe me from nearly 2 years ago. Grow a momentary conscience.




Doc 'I.O.U.' Absurd

[MacQuarrie]

Constant escalation of bullying tactics, well, that just puts me in mind of that observation that you don't make a hole smaller by continuing to dig.

You mean the observation from post #238 (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=4132479&postcount=238) in this thread?

hee!

[Gail Simone]

i say this without exageration...you are the biggest hypcrit I have ever seen.

I know, it's like he hates English so much he wants to ruin it for EVERYONE.

Good god, it's just unbearably funny sometimes.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'd like to hear Dennis' thoughts on this matter.

Dennis is a decent guy who is aware of some, but not all, of the bullshit Olney has pulled.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I've heard tales of this thread, but hadn't made it over to actually read it until today. My god, I've missed out on some of the funniest posts ever. This is truly a thread to save for future generations to read. It's great seeing all the support from industry professionals.

Hey, Ryan! Welcome to the monkey dance!

;)

Gail

[PatrickG]

Hey, you're the one that involved himself. Frankly, I'd hope that anyone not willing to hear the answer and dates on their check would camp out on your doorstep.

Y'Know what?

I'm calling your bluff. I don't have a great deal of disposable income to make the offer that Mr. Waid made to the people involved in this case.

If the litigation gets so deep that you sue Mark Waid for loaning people money for court fees, I'd donate money to cover Mark Waid's legal fees when and if he gets sued. Maybe even as little as $20.

But if you can sue Mark Waid for loaning people money then -- in that event, I will contribute money to Mark Waid's defense and I won't be the only one.

I'm not doing this because I have a great deal of money or because I believe Mark Waid doesn't have the money.

I'm making this statement on principle. Free speech includes how people spend their money, as far as I'm concerned. If Mark Waid can't choose to loan people money without facing a lawsuit then I WANT you to sue me.

Everybody, let's form a big chain. Who wants to loan me money to loan Mark Waid? And then who wants to loan that person money to loan me to loan Mark Waid to loan to creators suing Rick Olney?

If Olney really brings Waid into this for such an absurd reason then I want to be sued as well. And I hope other people will stand with me on this one as Olney is reduced to suing people twelve or twenty or a hundred steps removed from the issue of the NDAs and the payment simply because he considers offering aid and support to people filing a legal claim opens a person up to legal harassment.

Bottom line... You sue Mark Waid, sue me too.

[MacQuarrie]

The fact that CBR (Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.) has allowed this thread to go on as long is further testimony.
You fucking moron.

Jelsoft industries is the company that makes the VBulletin message forum software that CBR and hundreds of other sites use. It has no control over the content and no legal liability for content posted using its software.

CBR is owned by Jonah Weiland doing business as Boiling Point Productions. I've met his lawyer. If you go after Jonah you are so screwed.

And you'll still be a fucking moron.

[Gail Simone]

Who exactly are these mythical people? You keep speaking on their behalf. Why don't they come forward in your defense about how you've been a great publisher who has paid them for their work?

It would seem that since everyone here has a supposed agenda to defame you that these truly happy creators in your employ would eagerly defend your virtue.

It's odd to me Rick, that for someone who claims to have nothing to hide, you've never directly answered one question with actual fact.

You've been asked the name of your attorney. It would cost you nothing to disclose this bit of information, it would even help get whatever legal actions you keep barking about rolling, yet you haven't even privately supplied anyone a name.



Several people who emailed me that he's cheated them, too, have not yet come forward.

But I strongly suspect they will.

Gail

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Y'Know what?

I'm calling your bluff. I don't have a great deal of disposable income to make the offer that Mr. Waid made to the people involved in this case.

But allow me call your bluff...

If the litigation gets so deep that you sue Mark Waid with loaning people money for court fees, I'd donate money to cover Mark Waid's legal fees when and if he gets sued. Maybe even as little as $20.

But if you can sue Mark Waid for loaning people money then -- in that event, I will contribute money to Mark Waid's defense and I won't be the only one.

I'm not doing this because I have a great deal of money or because I believe Mark Waid doesn't have the money.

I'm making this statement on principle. Free speech includes how people spend their money, as far as I'm concerned. If Mark Waid can't choose to loan people money without facing a lawsuit then I WANT you to sue me.

Everybody, let's form a big chain. Who wants to loan me money to loan Mark Waid? And then who wants to loan that person money to loan me to loan Mark Waid to loan to creators suing Rick Olney?

If Olney really brings Waid into this for such an absurd reason then I want to be sued as well. And I hope other people will stand with me on this one as Olney is reduced to suing people twelve or twenty or a hundred steps removed from the issue of the NDAs and the payment simply because he considers offering aid and support to people filing a legal claim opens a person up to legal harassment.

Bottom line... You sue Mark Waid, sue me too.

He can't sue Mark Waid...I'm sueing him. Unless he meets my demands and picks up Green Arrow I shall meet him in court ! My attorney ( Ben Matlock ) is waiting. He is not one to wait since he has a busy schedule clearing people of murder charges on a daily basis.

[Gail Simone]

Again, I'll just interject here -- again -- that everyone that worked on TOTS #1 had a legal NDA and contract in place. Now it is a matter of getting to the bottom of which came first, the chicken or the egg.

Except Chuck Dixon, right? Isn't that the excuse you gave for firing a certain person?

You're a liar, Rick. Pay the money you owe. Until then, you'll always be a lying deadbeat.

No one believes you. No one.

That's why no one, and I mean NO ONE is defending you.

Gail

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Y'Know what?

I'm calling your bluff. I don't have a great deal of disposable income to make the offer that Mr. Waid made to the people involved in this case.

But allow me call your bluff...

If the litigation gets so deep that you sue Mark Waid with loaning people money for court fees, I'd donate money to cover Mark Waid's legal fees when and if he gets sued. Maybe even as little as $20.

But if you can sue Mark Waid for loaning people money then -- in that event, I will contribute money to Mark Waid's defense and I won't be the only one.

I'm not doing this because I have a great deal of money or because I believe Mark Waid doesn't have the money.

I'm making this statement on principle. Free speech includes how people spend their money, as far as I'm concerned. If Mark Waid can't choose to loan people money without facing a lawsuit then I WANT you to sue me.

Everybody, let's form a big chain. Who wants to loan me money to loan Mark Waid? And then who wants to loan that person money to loan me to loan Mark Waid to loan to creators suing Rick Olney?

If Olney really brings Waid into this for such an absurd reason then I want to be sued as well. And I hope other people will stand with me on this one as Olney is reduced to suing people twelve or twenty or a hundred steps removed from the issue of the NDAs and the payment simply because he considers offering aid and support to people filing a legal claim opens a person up to legal harassment.

Bottom line... You sue Mark Waid, sue me too.

He can't sue Mark Waid...I'm sueing him. Unless he meets my demands and picks up Green Arrow I shall meet him in court ! My attorney ( Ben Matlock ) is waiting. He is not one to wait since he has a busy schedule clearing people of murder charges on a daily basis.

[Gail Simone]

Ummm... I can tell you that when Mr. Dixon was confronted with the fact that he had entered into an NDA and contract that he suddenly balked and made the choice of dancing around the issue. Then he said he didn't have either. Then he said we'd have our respective attornies look it over. Then his troll contingent began their nonsense and the moderator went stark raving blind. :p



Your point is?



The business plan is sound. It is the ethics of a few 'professionals ' that are lacking.



I wouldn't ask anyone that has been paid to make that decision. It still is a private matter and none of anyone's business except those that were affected. You're only hearing from the foolish one's here that think they have no hope in getting paid. Little do they know that they're placing themselves in jeopardy. Again, I can't stop anyone from taking Mark Waid up on his offer to pay their legal expenses. I maen, when my attorney read that and then subsequently looked into Mr. Waid ... he smiled a great big happy meal smile.
I guess supportive money means legal recourse. That's why I asked Mr. Waid if he had spoken to his attorney. But that's his business.


Then why do I have email from you upset because Chuck didn't sign an NDA?

Here's the thing, Rick. If you tell the truth, you don't need to keep your goddamn lies in order.

Gail

[MacQuarrie]

You have yet to see and read the NDA, correct?
So post it. Give us the generic boilerplate so we can see for ourselves what it covers.

The other 6 active artists presently working on TightLip Entertainment projects don't see it your way.
Are they getting paid? Let's check in with them in, say, three months and see how they feel then.

[Sarah Beach]

Then why do I have email from you upset because Chuck didn't sign an NDA?

Here's the thing, Rick. If you tell the truth, you don't need to keep your goddamn lies in order.

Gail

Ooooo! I love it! Heheh. That would be why he couldn't produce a PDF scan of the so-called signed NDA when Dixonversers asked him about it. After all, we thought that a rather simple and conclusive solution to the back and forth (even though we believed Chuck when he said he hadn't signed it). Heh.

[Matt Doc Martin]

You fucking moron.

Jelsoft industries is the company that makes the VBulletin message forum software that CBR and hundreds of other sites use. It h as no control over the content and no legal liability for content posted using its software.

CBR is owned by Jonah Weiland doing business as Boiling Point Productions. I've met his lawyer. If you go after Jonah you are so screwed.

And you'll still be a fucking moron.

What a fucking dipshit dick is.

Wow.

[Gail Simone]

*Rolls laughing*
He refers to Gail as "jealous spiteful person"
This is FUNNY!

Oh, my god, YES, so JEALOUS, because I desperately want to be a despised lying deadbeat with zero English skills and a vanity company that will never actually publish anything and a bad B.O. problem!

Rick, dear...why would I want to be YOU? What admirable or enviable quality do you have? It makes me sick to even CONTEMPLATE.

For fuck's sake, why do YOU even want to be you?



Gail

[Matt Doc Martin]

So post it. Give us the generic boilerplate so we can see for ourselves what it covers.



Doc Absurd posted his copy. Generic and inadequate is how it looked to me. Of course, I am just a 34 year old child.

[Gail Simone]

From his blog:

"For anyone following my ongoing struggle, please understand that -- I have no problem paying what is owed to those individuals that have not broken their NDA's. I'm only awaiting word of those determinations."

In other words:

He hasn't paid ANYONE. The only people he'll ever consider paying is those who don't complain about not getting paid. But since they won't complain about not getting paid, he probably won't pay them.

People who do complain about not getting paid won't get paid. After all, how dare they complain? They signed an NDA that made them agree that they wouldn't complain if he didn't pay them, right?

"Those individuals that have maintained their professionalism and not allowed themselves to be sucked into this mess will be paid first. Once that takes place, I assume they'll either tell the rest of those involved or primarily be glad that the mess (where their concerned) is over."

In other words:
It violates the NDA to complain when you haven't been paid. It DOESN'T violate the NDA to say you've BEEN paid. So, if anyone has ever been paid, there's no downside to saying they've been paid. From this, I'm assuming someone could post a picture of a cashed check (with TLE's banking info blocked out, of course), and there would be no negative ramifications.

But, of course, none of these individuals exist. NO ONE HAS BEEN PAID.

Rick is under the impression that complaining about not being paid is unprofessional. Of course, that goes against the definition of being a professional (i.e. one who gets paid for their work).

Rick Olney is asking people to believe that there's an unnamed attorney out there who told him that, since some of the artists contracted violated their NDA when he didn't pay them, he shouldn't pay anyone, including the artists who didn't violate the NDA. He's also trying to get us to believe that, even though this supposed subgroup of artists that didn't violate the NDA actually exists, those artists are still bound by a contract, which of course, they wouldn't be, since they never got paid either. The act of not paying someone breaks a contract. It doesn't matter who wrote the contract, or how good the unnamed attorney is; once you don't pay someone, a contract is broken.

Am I missing anything? I AM on heavy drugs, as I mentioned before.



But very likeable! :)

Stick around, we're not always watching a monkey set himself on fire.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Tricky, I didn't sign any NDA. The work I did for you pre-dates the current wave of paranoia. What's been holding that up for the past 2 years?

BTW, everyone, I remembered something about the NDAs, something he discussed with me over the phone during the summer when he started passing them out like PEZ along with his contracts:

He got the idea from an old book he found about legal contracts for artists and authors. I remember the book; it came out shortly after I started working at a bookstore in Florida around 1992/93. It was quite handy, as it gave generic outlines for basic agreements between publishers and creators.

However.

They still needed to be notarized. If all you did was email it back to him, it's about as binding as the electricity it took to send it.

The whole idea behind the NDAs is fairly recent, probably within the past 8 months or so. I know the one he sent me -- and I never signed -- is dated from June or July. Which also makes me wonder what legal bindings are holding up TotS #1; that work was completed back in late 1994/early 1995, to be introduced at the Spooky convention that got canceled twice.

But, back to my query:

Where's my money, Tricky?

Go ahead, claim some precious NDA. But y'know what I realized? You would've broken the NDA by allowing me to be mentioned in Mr Johnston's article, hoping that I would back up your claims. Which would mean I had nothing holding me back about speaking freely.

Woof woof, Tricky; you screwed the pooch.




Doc 'Doggie Style' Absurd



More Olney bullshit, sounds like. I certainly never signed an NDA and he lied to me for months before paying me only a partial reimbursement.

Lying deadbeat, lying deadbeat, Rick Olney, you are a lying deadbeat.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Damn it, Gail. I am mesmerized by this thread when I should be writing or eating or sleeping or anything else!

Sans the benefit of drugs, I have dream-flashes as I read these pages.

We're all together, an army of people who see Olney for the worthless piece of crap he is. Olney faces us with his imaginary lawyer who, naturally, only he can see. Covering his mouth so we can't see his lips moving, he demands to know:

"Which of you is Gail Simone?"

Unwilling to see anyone get hurt, you step forward:

"I am Gail Simone!"

But then another steps from the crowd:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another and another and another...

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

Okay, it's kind of weird that Mark Waid is wearing your clothes, but, aside from that, it's inspiring to see a community united against Olney.

Oh, crap, there have been three more pages posted while I was writing this.

Unlike my friend Mark Waid - many blessings upon him - I can't pay anyone's legal expenses in suing this creep, but anyone who's in my neighborhood can stop by for a meal and a hug.

Tony Isabella




hahahahaha!

Plus, he's alienated many of the best web columnists...he posted some crazy shit about Johanna and Heidi, he messed up at comicon, he's threatened you, Rich thinks he's a loon...does he think he's going to sell his vanity book with his (unbelievably bad) ad copy?

Hilarious.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Read that over carefully; Lord knows I have.

Nowhere does it state that:

1) Contracts are part of the NDA

2) Discussing payment or non-payment constitutes breach of said NDA

3) Breaching NDA brings about non-payment

When 'Agreement' is mentioned, the NDA is referring to itself and not to other contracts.

The line, 'The parties accept the Confidential Information for the sole purpose of evaluation in connection with either parties' business discussions with each other.', is pretty damn broad. 'Business discussions' could mean contracts, could mean project proposals, or it could not. It seems fairly open to interpretation and most certainly does not cover talking about non-payment.

The line, 'Each party shall not use Confidential Information otherwise for its own or any third party's benefit without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of the disclosing party in each instance.', seems to be used by Tricky currently to mean that anyone who signed and NDA and talked about it here is breaching the agreement for their own 'benefit'. Sorry, but breaching your own contract by non-payment and having truly injured parties talk about such breach is not for their own 'benefit'. It's to hopefully enforce what's owed them by shaming into action.

On its own, it's a fairly amatuerish attempt at legal jargon. No attorney worth his golf course fees would have allowed that to pass.

Oh, and since I'm not legally bound by any contract, and had my former-friendship and personal information spread about the messageboards without my consent, feel free to threaten me all you want.




Doc 'Fore' Absurd

Who else here loves the doc? COME ON!

Gail

[MacQuarrie]

Hmm... Figma went under? Guess that old G-Spot magic did it in, right Mr. Glenn Barbis? :rolleyes: Make your new home here. "Gail" has a 'spot' for you.

What the hell is it with you and real names, Dickless? Is that some sort of power-trip, that you know the names behind the internet handles? Who gives a rat's ass?

[Gail Simone]

So, thanks to the existence of this thread, I've had a couple of pleasant back and forths wth Larry Dixon - and it turns out he and Mercedes are going to be in the area in a day or so, and we're going to try to get together for a meal and visit at my studio.

So, can't say all this didn't achieve SOMETHING good. Thanks!

I think there's been a lot of good done in this thread. Met some nice new people, re-met some old friends, and proved Rick's deceptions go back a very long ways.

It's all good.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

You fucking moron.

Jelsoft industries is the company that makes the VBulletin message forum software that CBR and hundreds of other sites use. It h as no control over the content and no legal liability for content posted using its software.

CBR is owned by Jonah Weiland doing business as Boiling Point Productions. I've met his lawyer. If you go after Jonah you are so screwed.

And you'll still be a fucking moron.


Other lawyers have nightmares about Jonah's lawyer.

And I love Reeky Rick's failed detective work. What a genius.

Gail

[Chris N]

Stick around, we're not always watching a monkey set himself on fire.

Gail

It's strange how enjoyable such a thing is. I've been following this thread a while, mainly for my own amusement; and it is hysterical how this moron proves everyone else's point with every single thing he says.

But I feel a bit guilty just getting entertainment out of this when this guy is actually hurting people by being stupid and evil.

I have little to offer but my best wishes that everyone here wronged gets what they're entitled to. I guess I can just be one more confirming voice among hundreds who only needs to read a single post from this guy to tell exactly what type of person he is and how much weight his words deserve.

[MacQuarrie]

NOYB! Shame! Shame! Shame!:rolleyes:
But it is my business. You strongly implied I was now a party to one of your legal actions. I responded with my attorney's contact information. It's Kelly G. Richardson at Richardson & Harman, LLP (http://www.rh4law.com).

Now, who is your attorney? Mine hasn't heard from either you or him.

Put up or shut up.

EDIT: Please for the love of God, choose "shut up".

[Larry Dixon]

For fuck's sake, why do YOU even want to be you?


Daaaaaaammmmn.

Lines like that are why Gail's one'o my bestest buddies.

Pure gelignite.

[Crowley]

Points that Dick seems determined to miss:

1. His non payment violated all contracts with Employees.

2. no one here is thinking about filing a counter suit...

THEY ARE GOING TO SUE YOU!


3. no one here is threatened by your ludicrous ass.

4. your reputation is now worth NOTHING. No one in this industry will ever want anything to do with you EVER again. No one will hire you, work for you, or ever buy from you or attend one of your "cons."


And Gail,

Which is the proper phrasing?

Rick Olney "runs" a company.

or:

Rick Olney runs a "company".

[MacQuarrie]

Val,
You said, "That's true. I don't understand why anyone would think an NDA protects them from non payment."

I don't think I ever said that your NDA meant you wouldn't get paid by my company. Your NDA, which you broke, actually placed you in legal harms way. And that is all I'm saying... Goodnite everyone!
Even if true, that in no way releases you from your obligation to pay for services rendered. The NDA violation is a completely unrelated matter, and you have no legal right to withhold payment based on it.

[MacQuarrie]

To Mark Waid - I met you YEARS ago when the Kingdom HC came out (which i read several times a year), it was either Mid Ohio or Pittsburgh, I can't remember! We talked briefly and till this day, I thought to myself, "what an amazingly nice man!!"
True story about Mark Waid:

A few years back, when the Hourman comic was in danger of cancellation due to low sales, I saw Mark Waid buy a stack of copies of the book from a dealer at the San Diego Comic Con. He then stood in the aisle and handed them to random passers-by. "Hey, wanna read a really good comic?" He had, as far as I know, nothing whatsoever to do with the book, did not stand to make a nickel off it, bu the took it upon himself to promote Hourman simply because he thought it was worth promoting.

I thought it was the coolest and classiest thing I'd ever seen a comics pro do. Until now.

[howyadoin]

I heard Mark Waid cured polio.

[Chris N]

I heard Mark Waid cured polio.

I heard Olney thinks he can sue him for that.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

I heard Olney thinks he can sue him for that.

For violating an NDA about the medicine...it's true, oh it's true.

JP

[sk716]

You fucking moron.

Jelsoft industries is the company that makes the VBulletin message forum software that CBR and hundreds of other sites use. It h as no control over the content and no legal liability for content posted using its software.

CBR is owned by Jonah Weiland doing business as Boiling Point Productions. I've met his lawyer. If you go after Jonah you are so screwed.

And you'll still be a fucking moron.

MacQ, one of these days I'm gonna buy you a beer for this post.

[Crowley]

this thread is CRACK!

CRACK I TELLS YA!

[MacQuarrie]

Isn't Boldio ( a poster here at CBR) a attorney or DA ? If anyone can bust this NDA situation , he can. ;)
There are several attorneys at CBR in addition to Boldido.

Loren is a criminal prosecutor in Georgia.
Slam Bradley is a criminal prosecutor in Idaho.
Lone Ranger is an attorney in Canada.
Ray Rivard is an attorney in the DC area.

There are several more, but I can't remember all the names and locations. Boldido, Slam, Loren and Lone Ranger were all extremely helpful to me when I was preparing my defense against the Rose Parade people. They have also been helpful with some other matters. They are all stand-up guys and credits to their profession.

It would be a hoot and a half to get them all weighing in here.

[MacQuarrie]

MacQ, one of these days I'm gonna buy you a beer for this post.
The only beer I drink is root.

I can't stand the stuff. It smells like Dad.

[Chris N]

this thread is CRACK!

CRACK I TELLS YA!

It is. I was even thinking about this post:

Greats shades of Frederic Wertham!

Mr. Crowley, I have never been outgunned...While loosely reading through this thread -- I discovered that manyt of you have indeed done Frederic Wertham proud, as you've given proff to his remarks and theory on "Superman's Complex" as he attacked Superman in particular, describing what he called "the Superman complex" in which comics offered children "fantasies of sadistic joy in seeing other people punished over and over again while you yourself remain immune." lol The children have grown up!

...

Thank you, all! Hope you all have a nice toime this evening! Keep me in your thoughts! :rolleyes:

Olney may have gotten my number pretty close. He unfortunately used Wertham's phrasing, another idiot.

But the visceral pleasure I do get from a standard superhero story may explain my attraction to this thread. Not the "punishment" aspect as Wertham theorized.

But there's something about Red Skull saying things that are just insane and evil followed by Captain America swearing to see justice done that just excites me.

And that's a damn good analogy for this thread. Guess who Red Skull represents.

[JadeDragon]

I dunno....I think he's more interested in keeping this thread going and keeping his name talked about than making any actual compensation to people he has wronged. Are we feeding into his megalomania?

Probably. Best thread ever though.

[PatrickG]

True story about Mark Waid:

A few years back, when the Hourman comic was in danger of cancellation due to low sales, I saw Mark Waid buy a stack of copies of the book from a dealer at the San Diego Comic Con. He then stood in the aisle and handed them to random passers-by. "Hey, wanna read a really good comic?" He had, as far as I know, nothing whatsoever to do with the book, did not stand to make a nickel off it, bu the took it upon himself to promote Hourman simply because he thought it was worth promoting.

I thought it was the coolest and classiest thing I'd ever seen a comics pro do. Until now.

And it was!

It's up there with DOOM 2099 and STARS & S.T.R.I.P.E. on my list of "Sweet Zeus, why didn't this series last?" books.

[wishlish]

But very likeable! :)

Stick around, we're not always watching a monkey set himself on fire.

Gail

Aw, now I'm gonna blush. Thanks, Gail.

Of course, that last comment DOES sorta insult monkeys everywhere. And without monkeys, how much fun would comics be?

[Cam63]

Val,
You said, "That's true. I don't understand why anyone would think an NDA protects them from non payment."

I don't think I ever said that your NDA meant you wouldn't get paid by my company. Your NDA, which you broke, actually placed you in legal harms way. And that is all I'm saying... Goodnite everyone!

Pay what you owe, fuck knuckle.

Is that too hard for a great man such as you to understand ?

[Cam63]

I heard Mark Waid cured polio.

...just by lookin' at it.

[OzBat!]

JadeD - it's great seeing you posting again on CBR!

While it's true that this thread feeds mister olney's Death Star sized ego, his career is about to come to a similar end. As opposed to his imaginary legal action, there are real suits being prepared against him. And when all is said and done and he's crashed and burned, this thread will have no further purpose and fade away, except as a warning to anybody else potentially at risk of being sucked in by him.

The likelihood of that should be pretty low though. His reputation is already shite, and his credit rating will join it if it isn't there already. he won't get any promotion of future works from the majority of comics journalists. Nobody will want him anywhere near a convention ever again.

And then, finally, his ego will have nothing left to feed on. The end result won't be pretty, and I don't wish it on him or anybody else, but it is going to happen because his own actions have ensured it can't go in any other direction. I feel bad for his family, because they're the ones who are going to have to deal with him when it all comes crashing down around his ears.

And he could have avoided it all by not being a lying, cheating, deadbeat conartist. Pay some people, Olney. Start with the ones that have been owed money for works completed greater than nine months ago - they don't have signed NDAs hanging over their heads, you've got no excuse in hell for not paying them, and it's illegal to attempt to make them sign anything before freeing up payment. Be the man. Be the marine. Show some honour and pay your debts.

'cause that's what they are. They're debts. I think somehow you've got it into your head that you've done all these people a favour by giving them work, and if you pay them, it's from the generosity of your heart, you great pioneering comics innovator you. I'm really sorry to be yet another nay-saying plebian troll, but the fact is that these are DEBTS. For work-for-hire projects COMPLETED.

Be the man that you rant and rave on your blogs that you are. Actions speak louder than words. And don't turn this around with your usual "legal actions" diatribe, it's worthless. PAY PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE IN DEBT TO THEM FOR.

[singoalla]

I'm posting this thread on myspace. And I'm making it a sticky.
Then I'm going to send it out as a bulletin for my friends on myspace. Then I'll post it on my blog. Then I'm going to send it out to anyone I know who works in art, writing or comics.

Then I'll go eat a big piece of chocolate cake, with ice cream, and watch Batman: TAS.

edited to add: And now for cake!

[EdContradictory]

Dennis is a decent guy who is aware of some, but not all, of the bullshit Olney has pulled.

Gail
Is he getting any of this unfiltered by Olney?

If he is a decent guy it's a shame that he's being duped by Olney.

[EdContradictory]

Oh, I just remebered.

A few years back we wrote up some general rules for the MW forums.

Yeah, Olney stole then, word for word, and posted them as his forums rules. Didn't paraphrase or anything.

[rummblestrips]

made my sig over at Digital webbing a link to this thread. May I suggest anyone who posts on other boards do the same. There are so many creators/artists/writers out there who have no idea what a disease Rick is. Let's spread the word.

[Mike Bullock]

made my sig over at Digital webbing a link to this thread. May I suggest anyone who posts on other boards do the same. There are so many creators/artists/writers out there who have no idea what a disease Rick is. Let's spread the word.

Good idea. I've linked it from Comicspace and the Image boards. Someone linked it from the CBIA as well.

[Wil Radcliffe]

What the hell is it with you and real names, Dickless? Is that some sort of power-trip, that you know the names behind the internet handles? Who gives a rat's ass?

I imagine after this all clears up, he'll be seriously considering using a pen name himself, because no one will ever want to buy or contribute to anything with Rick Olney attached to it.

Let's come up with some pen names to help the poor schlub out!

Dewey Cheatum

Skunk Ape

Rick Oily

Soapless Jones

Pigpen Johnson

Odiferous Olney

Bobcat Goatcheese

[SUPERECWFAN1]

There are several attorneys at CBR in addition to Boldido.

Loren is a criminal prosecutor in Georgia.
Slam Bradley is a criminal prosecutor in Idaho.
Lone Ranger is an attorney in Canada.
Ray Rivard is an attorney in the DC area.

There are several more, but I can't remember all the names and locations. Boldido, Slam, Loren and Lone Ranger were all extremely helpful to me when I was preparing my defense against the Rose Parade people. They have also been helpful with some other matters. They are all stand-up guys and credits to their profession.

It would be a hoot and a half to get them all weighing in here.

I sent Bolido a PM. Anyone mind if I ask the others to come in and give their 2 cents on the topic ? ;)

[G-Spot]

What the hell is it with you and real names, Dickless? Is that some sort of power-trip, that you know the names behind the internet handles? Who gives a rat's ass?

I couldn't care less that he posts my real name. Actually, I apologize for not posting it at the bottom of my posts to everyone. I mean, my nickname at most boards where I'm among friends is G-Spot (a nickname I've used for many years now and is widely known) but normally I do use my real name.

But if it makes him feel better to "out" me, so be it.

http://www.comicsgb.com/files/Gb_sigw.jpg

http://conventionfun.homestead.com/GSPOT3.jpg (http://blog.myspace.com/comicsgb)

[THEDOC]

made my sig over at Digital webbing a link to this thread. May I suggest anyone who posts on other boards do the same. There are so many creators/artists/writers out there who have no idea what a disease Rick is. Let's spread the word.
I will certainly do that on my IF Forum and nay Yahoo groups I belong to.

[THEDOC]

I officially apologize for any part in not letting you have a fair say at the SPA. Any sort of personal "calling out" of another person is directly prohibited in our charter code of conduct, designed to avoid flame wars, and keep talk focused on projects, constructive comments, and new ideas. So I'm not sure anything different would happen TODAY under the same circumstances, but we are certainally glad not to have Mr. Olney in our organization at this time. We try to deal with such matters in private forum or off board...

I vouch for Ian on that. It's been a great site without "Rick" there.

[THEDOC]

Who else here loves the doc? COME ON!

Gail
I do ..how can ya not love someone named doc!

[DocAbsurd]

What the hell is it with you and real names, Dickless? Is that some sort of power-trip, that you know the names behind the internet handles? Who gives a rat's ass?

That's exactly what it is for him. It's like classified information, like he's breaking some NDA so he has the control. Well, at least in his tiny little mind.

In my case, I've been using 'Doc Absurd' so my deadbeat ex can't keep track of my online activities. Unlike Daphne who remembers every character I've introduced to her so far, my ex didn't think knowing my art was important, so 'Doc' is -- sorry, was my way of remaining invisible to her.

Don't get me wrong; if you PM or email me, I'd tell you my real name right off the bat. But everyone knows me as 'Doc' on all the boards I frequent.

Thanks to Tricky and his desire to have the masses assembled behind instead of in front of him, outing my name without my permission means the Bitter Half can Google me whenever she wants.

Wonder if I can sue him for that?




Doc 'Secret Agent Dad' Absurd

[GCom]

Good idea. I've linked it from Comicspace and the Image boards. Someone linked it from the CBIA as well.

I did that. I feel retailers should see this, and speaking as a retailer, sometimes we get kinda caught up in our own stuff.


With Tolerance For Word Getting Out...

GCom

[Mike Bullock]

I did that. I feel retailers should see this, and speaking as a retailer, sometimes we get kinda caught up in our own stuff.


With Tolerance For Word Getting Out...

GCom

You sir, have earned some free, signed LTB swag for your store. PM me your mailing address and it'll go out ASAP.


And by ASAP, I mean as soon as you return the NDA I never sent you... ;)

[singoalla]

Heh, I put it on the front of my Myspace, as a nice little link. Erm, how do I make the font size bigger html code wise? And red. I like red. It makes things visible.

[Kurt Busiek]

Let's come up with some pen names to help the poor schlub out!

Dick Cheney's Ass Pollup

"Polyp."

And sadly, it doesn't fit. Polyps are usually non-malignant.

kdb

[PatrickG]

... Ouch.

PWN'eD.

[Michael P]

"Polyp."

And sadly, it doesn't fit. Polyps are usually non-malignant.

kdb

http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Olorin9/thoh_snap.gif

[GCom]

And by ASAP, I mean as soon as you return the NDA I never sent you... ;)

I'm sorry, but you are in violation of the pre-implied NDA I never sent you by your mere mention of it. I'll be suing you for non-payment of the free signed stuff as soon as my lawyer clears it.

Then I'm goin' for a beer. Wanna come?



With Tolerance For Patterns...

GCom

[Gail Simone]

"Polyp."

And sadly, it doesn't fit. Polyps are usually non-malignant.

kdb

I think this thread proves once and for all it is not wise to mess with either Busiek or Waid.


They will destroy you.

Gail

[PatrickG]

I think this thread proves once and for all it is not wise to mess with either Busiek or Waid.


They will destroy you.

Gail

Careful, Gail.

He might send a strike force of lawyers after you all if you make comments like that.

:rolleyes:

[Jack Zodiac]

I heard Mark Waid cured polio.

I heard his tears can cure cancer, but he never cries. Unless he's reading the new Flash series.

The only beer I drink is root.

I can't stand the stuff. It smells like Dad.

Y'know, I think that's why I love Scotch so much. It tastes like Mommy's kisses!

"Polyp."

And sadly, it doesn't fit. Polyps are usually non-malignant.

kdb

Man, Kurt Busiek and Mark Waid beating Olney over the head with their huge wits. This thread... I want to start a religion based upon it, now.

[Gail Simone]

I'm still laughing about him saying this is all about people being jealous of him, instead of disgusted.

What in god's name does he have that ANYONE would be jealous about?

A good rep?

No.

Talent?

No.

A history of dignity and truthfulness?

Most assuredly not.

He seems to be under the delusion that anyone, and I mean ANYONE, wants a Rick Olney-written comic.

That's just weird.

REALLY weird.

Gail, more jealous of, say, a dead mackerel than Reeky Rick.

[Ronée]

I'm home. And there was much rejoicing.

yaaaaaaah.

I'm gonna try to nail down a few things about the book over the week-end. It's definitely gonna be an anthology; it's definitely gonna be all new material (I want those who got really screwed over completed work to take it where they're gonna be paid real money, not empty promises); I want a theme, along the lines of 'blowhard gets what's coming to him' but in an allegorical sense; I'd like to see a combination of panel-to-panel and prose (hear that, authors?); I want all proceeds to go to those who swallowed the tepid kool-aid, divided up as evenly as possible (which I know ain't gonna be easy, considering both the sum of monies owed and number of creators financially injured). Most of all, I want this to be cathartic and fun, a good read for buyers and a release for contributors.

The one thing I don't want is any mention directly of the Troll-ney. There's your challenge.

I'll need editors, participants, list of injured parties, that sorta thing. I'm taking Ian up on his printing offer, and probably gonna use a combination of the SPA, IF and ICC as co-publishers. Hell, if Jonah wants to slap the CBR label on it, I'd be only too happy to have him on-board. He's been patient as feck about this bandwidth monstrosity.

The only other thing I don't want is credit. I ain't doing this for me, for finances or for reputation. Good people lost a lotta time and effort cuz of this git, and I just wanna see some good come from it. Lemons to lemonade sorta thing.

I'm laying claim to 'Moby Dick'; I've already started designing Ahab, and I've drawn a few orca (for obvious reasons) so I've just gotta do my research.

I'll need to figure out a minimum and maximum page count; to ease the printing worries, we'll stick to even numbers for now. We also gotta decide whether to go with color interiors or b&w. Oh, and please don't let this take away from other assignments. This twit doesn't deserve another iota of energy.

Gail, if you think this needs a separate thread, lemme know.

Mebbe we can get this done before the convention season starts.




Doc 'My Dad Has a Barn!' Absurdill help edit, whatever ya need.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Careful, Gail.

He might send a strike force of lawyers after you all if you make comments like that.

:rolleyes:

One has wrote Kingdom Come , the other has done Marvels & The Avengers. Yeah , there should be a sign that hangs that says: Don't F*ck with Us !

;)

[AIPman1]

made my sig over at Digital webbing a link to this thread. May I suggest anyone who posts on other boards do the same. There are so many creators/artists/writers out there who have no idea what a disease Rick is. Let's spread the word.

I'll definitely post a link to this thread at the SPA forum and make it a sticky...

[Matt Doc Martin]

That isn't a take a cheap shot at Rick Olney thread and walk away untouched.


Actually it is. watch!


dick, you suck as a human. Your company is a joke. Your threats are childish and weak. Your english skills are somewhat lacking. I'd guess you were raised by wolves, or, more likely, roaches. You are a talentless weaselly hack.

Oh, and you stink.


*walks away*

[Wil Radcliffe]

"Polyp."

And sadly, it doesn't fit. Polyps are usually non-malignant.

kdb

Cool! I was just edited by Kurt Buseik! Can I put that on my resume?

:D

Oh, and if I owe you anything for your services, Mr. Busiek, just send the bill to Mr. Olney!

[Ronée]

To Ronee:

I meant to include this in my previous post but forgot. When I met you at HeroesCon last summer you seemed like a nice person and I appreciate you buying the Wonder Woman piece from me. When I heard you had gotten involved with Rick, I considered contacting you to warn you. About that same time, I saw your piece about people acting like they were in high school and I figured you'd dismiss me as one of the "haters". I also thought Rick would give you a version of events favorable to him anyway, so I decided against it. I'm sorry you got burned by him. I should have written to you anyway and at least tried to prepare you for what was coming.

I have that piece framed actually on my office wall. One of my favorites.

I would not have dismissed you at all... but apparently I would not have listened. I bought into the bullshit. Totally my fault.

[Coppervale Studio]

Cool! I was just edited by Kurt Buseik! Can I put that on my resume?

:D

Oh, and if I owe you anything for your services, Mr. Busiek, just send the bill to Mr. Olney!

Busiek.

And Kurt might still bill you directly, but I'd be happy to send my bill to Rick: it'll be the only one on his kitchen table he doesn't actually have to pay.

As if there's a difference.

[Ronée]

Since were pulling up old links heres one detailing an annoucement by Tightlip about Blake M. Petit's " Evertime " . Ronnie is in this story as well as its from the summer.

http://taic.livejournal.com/40680.htmlyeah well I wrote that release. he was desperate to have good psotive stuff out there, ( I didnt know why at the time ) lol.



-Ronée "smacking head on desk repeatedly* Bourgeois

[Wil Radcliffe]

Busiek.

And Kurt might still bill you directly, but I'd be happy to send my bill to Rick: it'll be the only one on his kitchen table he doesn't actually have to pay.

As if there's a difference.

Blast! I've been so busy trying to write like Olney in the other thread Gail started, that I've started to misspell like him too!

I could have sworn I double-checked the spelling on his name!

Sorry, Mr. Busiek!

Sincerely,

Wil Radcilfef ;)

[Mike Bullock]

Sorry, Mr. Busiek!

Sincerely,

Wil Radcilfef ;)

And now you owe James an editors fee. Pay up or we'll start a thread about you next! :p

[SUPERECWFAN1]

yeah well I wrote that release. he was desperate to have good psotive stuff out there, ( I didnt know why at the time ) lol.



-Ronée "smacking head on desk repeatedly* Bourgeois

Had everything worked out and had he paid everyone...it could have. No use blaming yourself for the mistakes of the past. You live in the past your never gonna move ahead. Those angry at Olney I hope can move ahead.

I've had people owe me money but as I told one guy who owed me a decent amount of cash ( $ 300 bucks) " Don't worry about me. Because instant karma will get you. I'm not gonna camp out at your door and demand what ya owe me , but I sure as hell won't forget."

I dropped it from my mind and just recently thought of this thread and all. Last I heard he had pretty much gotten everyone close to him at some point and had to move. It sucks I tell ya , but at least karma paid him back as no one really takes his calls or anything. ;)

[Coppervale Studio]

And now you owe James an editors fee. Pay up or we'll start a thread about you next! :p

Actually, I'm thinking of sending the bill to Cully Hamner, since I've been trying to find a reason to sue him anyway.

Because he's loaded. I swear.

Rick's attorney with the happy meal grin is off-base if he wants to go after Mark Waid. The man spends his own money on comics he gives away. So that's obviously going to be a dry well. No, Cully Hamner is the windfall.

See, a decade ago, everyone thought his really wealthy uncle, M.C. Hamner, went bankrupt. But that was a ruse. In reality, uncle M.C. gave all his money to Cully. So if the lawyer's smart, he'll figure out how to get his hands on some of that rap moolah.

[NatGertler]

The business plan is sound. It is the ethics of a few 'professionals ' that are lacking. If you're actually following the business plan, it has brought about dissatisfied creators and doesn't seem to be generating positive attention to your publishing line. As such, you may want to reconsider it.
Again, I can't stop anyone from taking Mark Waid up on his offer to pay their legal expenses. I maen, when my attorney read that and then subsequently looked into Mr. Waid ... he smiled a great big happy meal smile. I'm not sure what arrangements you have with your attorney, but a typical arrangement would have him making money from defending you in a suit, whether or not he is successful. As such, I could understand that people finding deep enough pockets to sue you would make him happy, presuming you have deep enough pockets to pay for your defense. I'm not sure that should make you happy, however.

[TomStillwell]

I posted a bulletin to my myspace friends asking, without any sort of background information or preface, who is Rick Olney.

I have 400+ friends on there, almost entirely either creators, industry people, retailers, publishers, or people who are fans of comics. Very few aren't in or around comics.

You wouldn't believe (or I guess you would) the mass of negative responses I've gotten from people. Most of the people I've followed up with haven't read this thread. A good number have had personal run-ins with Olney, all follow exactly the same pattern of behavior we've seen time and again. I've had no positive replies yet.

Rick, you are totally screwed. You're done in comics before you ever got started. Creators, publishers, retailers, industry media, fans want nothing to do with you. You're only talked about now because there are folks owed money. That's it.

Once this is settled you'll fade from our minds like a vaguely bad nightmare that gave us indigestion.

[EdContradictory]

Is anyone a member at MightyMiniCon?

Just wondering what he's been saying there.

[NatGertler]

If you punch the address for TLE into Google maps and look at the satellite feed, it looks like a house
The address you list (70 West Main Street, Mohawk, New York) appears not so much a house as a home... a funeral home. Or at least it was in 1996, according to this list (http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyherkim/cemeteries/funerals.html). (More recent listings show the Murphy Funeral Service as being nearby at 48 East Main.)

[Perry Holley]

Pay what you owe, fuck knuckle.
I have nothing worthwhile to add to this thread.

I just wanted to say that I adore 'fuck knuckle' as a turn of phrase.

[Mike Bullock]

The address you list (70 West Main Street, Mohawk, New York) appears not so much a house as a home... a funeral home. Or at least it was in 1996, according to this list (http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyherkim/cemeteries/funerals.html). (More recent listings show the Murphy Funeral Service as being nearby at 48 East Main.)

If you look at it via Google Earth, you can actually see the Van of Justice in the driveway.

[Perry Holley]

Dewey Cheatum
The riddle is solved!

The lawyer representing "Dick" actually works for Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey,_Cheatem_&_Howe)!

[Wil Radcliffe]

And now you owe James an editors fee. Pay up or we'll start a thread about you next! :p

Bring it on, Mike! My attorney is standing by with the appropriate NDAs and other legal documents should you decide to pursue this fanatical vendetta.

By the way, thanks for the LTB trade! Got it in the mail yesterday and so far I'm enjoying it immensely! :D

Where was I...? Oh yes! Chickens, eggs, and happy meals and such! Harrumph! Harrumph!

[bert]

I have nothing worthwhile to add to this thread.

I just wanted to say that I adore 'fuck knuckle' as a turn of phrase.

that's not Dawn's name for your privates, is it?



(hehe)

[Showman]

I have that piece framed actually on my office wall. One of my favorites.



You make me blush.

[Cam63]

We're all together, an army of people who see Olney for the worthless piece of crap he is. Olney faces us with his imaginary lawyer who, naturally, only he can see. Covering his mouth so we can't see his lips moving, he demands to know:

"Which of you is Gail Simone?"

Unwilling to see anyone get hurt, you step forward:

"I am Gail Simone!"

But then another steps from the crowd:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another:

"I am Gail Simone!"

And another and another and another...

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

"I am Gail Simone!"

Okay, it's kind of weird that Mark Waid is wearing your clothes, but, aside from that, it's inspiring to see a community united against Olney.

I'm told Waid is quite fetching in red chiffon.

[Crowley]

The riddle is solved!

The lawyer representing "Dick" actually works for Dewey, Createm, and Howe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey,_Cheatem_&_Howe)!

i believe you mean Cheatem...

[Chris N]

And now you owe James an editors fee. Pay up or we'll start a thread about you next! :p

Don't worry. You don't have to pay him what you owe because he mentioned it on the internet. That's the rule, according to the dancing lawyers in my head.

[sk716]

Heh, I put it on the front of my Myspace, as a nice little link. Erm, how do I make the font size bigger html code wise? And red. I like red. It makes things visible.

Big, bold, and red:
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; color: #ff0000">YOUR TEXT HERE</span>

[Coppervale Studio]

Don't worry. You don't have to pay him what you owe because he mentioned it on the internet. That's the rule, according to the dancing lawyers in my head.

You should not be advising him of this until determinations have been made, whereof if he wants to see the dates and amounts due depending on corpus delecti, all of which I am willing to do, pending the go-ahead from counsel, and not at all based on wherewithal, of which I have considerable-ness, and, uh...

...

crap. What was the question again?

[shanejayell]

I've never met him and I think he's scum!
:)

[Gail Simone]

If you're actually following the business plan, it has brought about dissatisfied creators and doesn't seem to be generating positive attention to your publishing line. As such, you may want to reconsider it.
I'm not sure what arrangements you have with your attorney, but a typical arrangement would have him making money from defending you in a suit, whether or not he is successful. As such, I could understand that people finding deep enough pockets to sue you would make him happy, presuming you have deep enough pockets to pay for your defense. I'm not sure that should make you happy, however.

Well said, Nat, and nice to see you, by the way.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I posted a bulletin to my myspace friends asking, without any sort of background information or preface, who is Rick Olney.

I have 400+ friends on there, almost entirely either creators, industry people, retailers, publishers, or people who are fans of comics. Very few aren't in or around comics.

You wouldn't believe (or I guess you would) the mass of negative responses I've gotten from people. Most of the people I've followed up with haven't read this thread. A good number have had personal run-ins with Olney, all follow exactly the same pattern of behavior we've seen time and again. I've had no positive replies yet.

Rick, you are totally screwed. You're done in comics before you ever got started. Creators, publishers, retailers, industry media, fans want nothing to do with you. You're only talked about now because there are folks owed money. That's it.

Once this is settled you'll fade from our minds like a vaguely bad nightmare that gave us indigestion.

I've received three more emails from people who have had bad experiences with Rick Olney TODAY, and it's only 2:21 PST.

Gail

[OzBat!]

How many people total, gail?

[EdContradictory]

How many people total, gail?

A gajillion and three.

[The Xenos]

I've been somewhat browsing around this story. One thing I can't quite figure.. has Olney and his company actaully published any comics or do they just keep saying they're going to?

It took me a while to find the website. Google ignores that it exists until you have it all one word. Though typo on my part there.

Nice to see how complete his site is. I've seen one person run web comics with better sites than this publisher. The creators section has "About the creators - coming soon." I don't see any creators listed in any up front way.

So.. yeah.. I don't see how this guy is a comics publisher. It's more like a front. He reminds me of those scam artists who e-mail artists on Devient Art and than just take their art. From all reports, con artist is a better title than comic book publisher.

[Cam63]

Who else here loves the doc? COME ON!

Gail

When he gives me my drugs, I do.

[Larry Dixon]

You know, if we're looking at pattern behavior here, the constant admit-no-wrong, never-give-an-inch escalation on Olney's part might be leading up to a spectacular, I-had-nowhere-else-to-go suicide.

And won't we all feel guilty then.

[MacQuarrie]

What in god's name does he have that ANYONE would be jealous about?

That $1500 van sounds pretty sweet.

[Cam63]

What the hell is it with you and real names, Dickless? Is that some sort of power-trip, that you know the names behind the internet handles? Who gives a rat's ass?

My guess, he thinks he's stripping away their strength or embarrass them by printing their true name.

It's a fuckwit tactic used by a scared, weak little man.

[Cam63]

You know, if we're looking at pattern behavior here, the constant admit-no-wrong, never-give-an-inch escalation on Olney's part might be leading up to a spectacular, I-had-nowhere-else-to-go suicide.

And won't we all feel guilty then.

I'll feel sorry for his unpaid victims and his family.

[Cam63]

A gajillion and three.

How many digits in that number ?

[Gail Simone]

How many people total, gail?

I have honestly lost count...they're coming to three email addresses, my pm accounts here and elsewhere (including two at Bendis' board, for some reason) and of course openly here.

It's a lot.

Gail

[Crowley]

i dub them PLilks...

Plebes + ilk

[MacQuarrie]

You know, if we're looking at pattern behavior here, the constant admit-no-wrong, never-give-an-inch escalation on Olney's part might be leading up to a spectacular, I-had-nowhere-else-to-go suicide.

And won't we all feel guilty then.
Nope.

My mamma used to day, "you teach people how to treat you." Olney has taught us all how he wishes to be treated. If he finds that he doesn't like it, he always has somewhere else to go. He can repent (it literally means "turn around and go the other way"), he can try to make amends, he can seek forgiveness or at least apologize. He can put down the friggin' shovel.

It's his choice. If his stupid choices lead him to even stupider ones, that's on him, not me.

[OzBat!]

And won't we all feel guilty then.I alluded to that a couple of pages ago. But, I refuse to feel guilty. His own actions have brought him here.

Usually he's able to avoid people for a year or two, posts on different forums, starts planning his next big convention or comics project, gets into another meltdown, and then starts all over again at a fresh location. This time, we're getting coordinated. There's information flowing between different forums, the history is being exposed, and his legal threats are being recognised for the escape clause Olney's always used it for. More importantly, people are gathering together to sue him, to hopefully put an end to this endless cycle.

It's on his own head, not ours.

[OzBat!]

and of course, MacQ says it much, much better than I could ever have.

[Cam63]

True story about Mark Waid:

A few years back, when the Hourman comic was in danger of cancellation due to low sales, I saw Mark Waid buy a stack of copies of the book from a dealer at the San Diego Comic Con. He then stood in the aisle and handed them to random passers-by. "Hey, wanna read a really good comic?" He had, as far as I know, nothing whatsoever to do with the book, did not stand to make a nickel off it, bu the took it upon himself to promote Hourman simply because he thought it was worth promoting.

I thought it was the coolest and classiest thing I'd ever seen a comics pro do. Until now.

I used to just think of him as " that really good comic book writer. "

Now, he's " that really cool dude I'd give my last beer to. "

[DocAbsurd]

I truly wanna see him defend himself against all these people.

This is no cult, no conspiracy. People are coming forth because the wall has been broken. A few of us 'nobodies' finally spoke up. He screwed one too many creators.

And I do believe that, it the time came for legal action from the Olney-verse, even those who asked to remained anonymous would be more than happy to make themselves known.

He cannot possibly maintain we're all lying, we're all part of his personal defamation league. He's simply not that important. We're simply a small press and independent community within the comic book industry; we wanna have outlets for our work around. For feck's sake, where the hell would we be if we took down every small press publisher just cuz we felt like it? Has anyone noticed not another publisher has come under such scrutiny, and only a couple of other 'businessmen' have had bad things said about them because they've done similar actions?

And before the Olney Ego-machine spins wildly outta control (I can hear the hamster working double-time):

No, he's not that important. However, his questionable business practices are. That is what this entire monster of a thread is about. It's not about 'Onley the Man', it's about 'Olney the Con-man'. We're concerned about other creators who have been/will be screwed by his NDAs and contracts and withheld payments because the month has a vowel in it.

No-one has a mindset of ruining his 'publishing empire', of destroying his reputation. As we've said ad nauseum, he's done that all by himself.

A restaurant can only serve so many bad meals before it ruins its reputation. An automobile company can only have so many clunkers before it destroys its credibility. A contractor can only build so many bad homes before no-one comes running to him for new domiciles.

And Olney has finally hit that 'so many' mark.




Doc 'Can He Call Me "Communist" for Belonging to a "Community"?' Absurd

[Cam63]

this thread is CRACK!

CRACK I TELLS YA!

I imagined you sounding like Whitney while she was still with Bobby.

[Cam63]

The only beer I drink is root.

I can't stand the stuff. It smells like Dad.

...Son !!??

[Cam63]

I couldn't care less that he posts my real name. Actually, I apologize for not posting it at the bottom of my posts to everyone. I mean, my nickname at most boards where I'm among friends is G-Spot (a nickname I've used for many years now and is widely known) but normally I do use my real name.

But if it makes him feel better to "out" me, so be it.

http://www.comicsgb.com/files/Gb_sigw.jpg

http://conventionfun.homestead.com/GSPOT3.jpg (http://blog.myspace.com/comicsgb)

Nice to have you aboard, Glenn.

[Cam63]

I think this thread proves once and for all it is not wise to mess with either Busiek or Waid.


They will destroy you.

Gail

It'd be cool if they could do that Vader throat choke thing.

[Cam63]

I have nothing worthwhile to add to this thread.

I just wanted to say that I adore 'fuck knuckle' as a turn of phrase.

Thanks, Perry.

Credit is owed to The Twelfth Man's " Wired World of Sports " album where I first heard the phrase.

[Alan Lynch]

Sorry if anyone's mentioned it, but Rick's Myspace picture is...really, really suggestive. And not in a pleasant way.

[Cam63]

I have honestly lost count...they're coming to three email addresses, my pm accounts here and elsewhere (including two at Bendis' board, for some reason) and of course openly here.

It's a lot.

Gail

You might just be able to squeeze them into your average assembly hall.

[Cam63]

Sorry if anyone's mentioned it, but Rick's Myspace picture is...really, really suggestive. And not in a pleasant way.

The dripping tongue thing is disturbing, especially when he posts to his daughter's blog site with it.

[TomStillwell]

Sorry if anyone's mentioned it, but Rick's Myspace picture is...really, really suggestive. And not in a pleasant way.

That's his self portrait.

[THEDOC]

made my sig over at Digital webbing a link to this thread. May I suggest anyone who posts on other boards do the same. There are so many creators/artists/writers out there who have no idea what a disease Rick is. Let's spread the word.

I put a thread on the IF site. Will mention on the SPP chat tonight.

[Perry Holley]

i believe you mean Cheatem...grumblegrumblestupidOnleyesquetypogrumbl egrumble...

[Gerry Alanguilan]

Is anyone a member at MightyMiniCon?

Just wondering what he's been saying there.

I used to be a member of the forum, but it's one of those forums where your membership gets cancelled if you've been inactive for a while. And mine got cancelled. It's something probably done to encourage participation but sometimes, I just simply don't have the time.

[Coppervale Studio]

You know, if we're looking at pattern behavior here, the constant admit-no-wrong, never-give-an-inch escalation on Olney's part might be leading up to a spectacular, I-had-nowhere-else-to-go suicide.

And won't we all feel guilty then.

Of course. And I really hope that doesn't happen. That's one reason I made some clarifying remarks earlier on: I don't hate him; I don't think he's evil; and I don't want to belittle or demean him.

I opened a door - more than once - for him to express some degree of contriteness for how he's handling things. I'd love to give him every chance to stand up and do the right thing - in part, because I can sympathize. I've had plans go awry, and I've had debts to repay, and my current projects are finally allowing me to do that, and it feels GREAT to be writing those checks!

But - the difference is, I never denied the debts. I never blamed the people I owed for my own mistakes and responsibilities. But Rick can't seem to do any of that.

He hasn't said he was sorry for not paying people. And he says he HAS the money - but is using it to go after the people he hasn't paid. That's not 'never-give-an-inch'; that's openly telling people he intends to cause them grief. And that dropped any sympathy I may have had for him totally out of sight.

[wishlish]

I truly wanna see him defend himself against all these people.

Doc, as the guy who knows Olney best, I have one question-

If Olney somehow came to his senses and decided to pay everyone for this project, does he have the money to do it? Or was his "vision" bigger than his wallet and resources?

[Night Swordsman]

I would like to voice something.

Winning a case again Rick is NOT likely to bring any money to the debtors owed.

Multiple things can happen. Rick may declare bankruptcy with his company,and all outstanding debts and JUDGEMENTS he has can literally be swept under the carpet. Doubt this? Ask Todd McFarlane Enterprises.

Second thing that can happen is Rick literally may RUN. Or even do bodily harm to himself or others. Incarceration,death,or fugitive statis would effect his remaining assets,and i believe the big losers in that scenario would not only be the people he owes money,but his family as well.

These are just some of the weird and revolting possibilities that this case can include. I honestly believe he will attempt Bankruptcy,as it fits his profile,using the law to dodge his way out of trouble while laughing about it.
Will he get out with no hassle? No..but if it turns his debts from thousands to pennies,you can BET he will do it.


Worst thing? I wished i won a state lottery or something. After making sure my mom and dad were set for the rest of their lives,i would immediate cut a check for EACH person for the amount of money owed to them by Rick.

Now..i am going to ask a tricky question:

Is there a way to set up a fund or charity for those who have been victims of Rick? I know it wouldn't be much(i am extremely poor,and i spend what little money i have after bills on my comics and internet fees). But i would love to see some of these people paid,even if it is only a token ammount. I doubt RICK,willingly or no,can or would be able to do this,and since this is become one of the MOST LARGEST threads the CBR forums has ever seen,i would love to see all these people who view this and want to help set up a fund to contribute to those harmed by this idiot.

Yes..ALOT of hurdles,including who would get monies,amounts,and such...but think of this..if each person here who visited this thread put in 1 dollar...I think alot of people would of been paid a nice portion back.

Please..discuss this. I would love to see some MORE benefit come from this thread.

[NatGertler]

Well said, Nat, and nice to see you, by the way.And always nice to see you, Gail. Had in you mind just the other day, as I was signing the most recent batch of royalty checks. Signing those checks always makes me feel good -- there's much to be said for financially rewarding those who do the creative work that this industry runs on. It's a pleasure that more should experience!

[Mike Bullock]

I'd love to give him every chance to stand up and do the right thing.

I was led to believe my artists and I would be paid in August. September 1st came & went with no payment and we sat by and waited patiently.

When October 1st hit, with still no signs of payment, I began asking about it.
I was told we'd be paid a week or so later.

A week or so later came & went and I sent off another email that got no response.

A few days after that I fired off another one that was met with "we'll have your payment schedule set next week." Regardless of the fact that the payment schedule had already been set and was now blown, I sat idly by and figured I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. The other publishers I've been working with were paying on time, so I wasn't in much of a financial tough spot. This is hard business for both creators and publishers, so I figured I'd extend to him the courtesy of a little more time to settle his debt.

"Next week" came & went with no payment, aforementioned payment schedule or even a courtesy email stating that we hadn't been forgotten.

When I sent in the next inquiry, it was met with an auto response stating Rick was going on a "much deserved vacation" and would be back in about a month.

At this point, my consideration for Rick began to ebb and my concern for my artists began to rise.

I then sent an email to Ronee, who was kind enough to tell me she'd forward my concerns to Rick.

At this point, I believe Rich picked up the story in LITG. I emailed the link to Rick asking what was going on and was met with a rather hostile email threatening me with litigation for discussing his trade secrets with Rich Johnston. I assured him I'd not spoken with Rich about this (and Rich can verify that), and wasn't really concerned with all the jibber-jabber, but only in being paid for services rendered.

A few more days went by with no answer and I fired off another email. This time, I was told no one was going to be paid until Rick's "attorney" figured out who had violated their NDA and spoken with Rich.

I again assured him it wasn't me, nor did I care about all that and pointed out that someone else violating an NDA had no bearing on me or my artists. I supplied him with the contact information for the Runemaster Studios' attorney and told him if he felt the need to have his attorney get involved, to feel free to contact Andy (our attorney).

That was the last I heard from Rick, until his nervous breakdowns in this (and other) threads.

At this stage, I feel I've been more patient, understanding, sympathetic and considerate in the face of outright insulting, accusatory, disrespectful, deceitful behavior than should be expected.

So, while I also am numbered among those who wish no ill-will on Mr. Olney, I won't let this go until we see our money and if nothing else, I will do my part to make sure no other hard working comic professional EVER gets involved with him on any level from this day forward.

There are so many hard working, struggling comic creators out there who have a huge uphill battle on their hands when everything goes right. The last thing this industry needs is some one like this making things even harder for honest folks.

[DocAbsurd]

Doc, as the guy who knows Olney best, I have one question-

If Olney somehow came to his senses and decided to pay everyone for this project, does he have the money to do it? Or was his "vision" bigger than his wallet and resources?

He always claimed his monies were 'tied up'. I recall he had some troubles with his parents' finances (and unlike Olney, I won't disclose any more information) and that took a long time to clear up.

Apart from that, I don't recall much discussion about money, except the usual 'You're on the top of my list, thanks for being patient, got some swampland' bullshyte.

Half the reason the ICC got held up for so long was his inability to tie down any funding. The other half was my own hemming and hawing.

He's owed me $450 for almost 2 years. Even at $5 a week, he coulda paid half that off by now. Personal opinion? He has the money, he just doesn't wanna part with it. At the very least, mis-management of his books.




Doc 'Copper Wire from a Penny' Absurd

[DocAbsurd]

Swordsman, check out the 'UNSCREWED' benefit book thread. That's exactly what we're trying to do.

I need to find out if there's some way to secure this as a 'not-for-profit' endeavor; that way, we can take donations outside of people buying the comic.




Doc 'Write Off' Absurd

[Coppervale Studio]

I was led to believe my artists and I would be paid in August. September 1st came & went with no payment and we sat by and waited patiently.

When October 1st hit, with still no signs of payment, I began asking about it.
I was told we'd be paid a week or so later.

A week or so later came & went and I sent off another email that got no response.

A few days after that I fired off another one that was met with "we'll have your payment schedule set next week." Regardless of the fact that the payment schedule had already been set and was now blown, I sat idly by and figured I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. The other publishers I've been working with were paying on time, so I wasn't in much of a financial tough spot. This is hard business for both creators and publishers, so I figured I'd extend to him the courtesy of a little more time to settle his debt.

"Next week" came & went with no payment, aforementioned payment schedule or even a courtesy email stating that we hadn't been forgotten.

When I sent in the next inquiry, it was met with an auto response stating Rick was going on a "much deserved vacation" and would be back in about a month.

At this point, my consideration for Rick began to ebb and my concern for my artists began to rise.

I then sent an email to Ronee, who was kind enough to tell me she'd forward my concerns to Rick.

At this point, I believe Rich picked up the story in LITG. I emailed the link to Rick asking what was going on and was met with a rather hostile email threatening me with litigation for discussing his trade secrets with Rich Johnston. I assured him I'd not spoken with Rich about this (and Rich can verify that), and wasn't really concerned with all the jibber-jabber, but only in being paid for services rendered.

A few more days went by with no answer and I fired off another email. This time, I was told no one was going to be paid until Rick's "attorney" figured out who had violated their NDA and spoken with Rich.

I again assured him it wasn't me, nor did I care about all that and pointed out that someone else violating an NDA had no bearing on me or my artists. I supplied him with the contact information for the Runemaster Studios' attorney and told him if he felt the need to have his attorney get involved, to feel free to contact Andy (our attorney).

That was the last I heard from Rick, until his nervous breakdowns in this (and other) threads.

At this stage, I feel I've been more patient, understanding, sympathetic and considerate in the face of outright insulting, accusatory, disrespectful, deceitful behavior than should be expected.

So, while I also am numbered among those who wish no ill-will on Mr. Olney, I won't let this go until we see our money and if nothing else, I will do my part to make sure no other hard working comic professional EVER gets involved with him on any level from this day forward.

There are so many hard working, struggling comic creators out there who have a huge uphill battle on their hands when everything goes right. The last thing this industry needs is some one like this making things even harder for honest folks.

Agreed on all counts, Mike.

I lost any motivation to feel sorry for him when he stated, flat-out, that he HAD the money, and was spending more in legal fees to attack artists he hadn't paid than it would take to pay them to begin with.

That's about as wrong as it gets.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Another day of freedom for me.

Apparently, the police had real criminals to deal with. Or dick was speaking out if his large ass again.

yeah, that sounds pretty likely.

Who is your attorney, dick?

[Gail Simone]

I used to just think of him as " that really good comic book writer. "

Now, he's " that really cool dude I'd give my last beer to. "

Honest to god, meeting Mark Waid is one of the greatest joys of my life. You will never meet a smarter, more talented or more dedicated friend, period.

Gail

[Val]

Night Swordsman:

While your post is noble in sentiment,
the problem with that approach is that you're giving a free pass to someone who's knowingly guilty, and giving free reign to anyone who does the same thing.

If a person doesn't stand up for what's right, then they might as well lay down and put a carpet over their body so at least they'll be somewhat attractive when people walk all over them. ;)

[Larry Dixon]

Honest to god, meeting Mark Waid is one of the greatest joys of my life. You will never meet a smarter, more talented or more dedicated friend, period.

Gail

I hope to do that very thing, and work with him on something someday, whatever it may be. The guy's got a reputation that puts gold to shame.

[Gail Simone]

And always nice to see you, Gail. Had in you mind just the other day, as I was signing the most recent batch of royalty checks. Signing those checks always makes me feel good -- there's much to be said for financially rewarding those who do the creative work that this industry runs on. It's a pleasure that more should experience!

Nat, for those not aware (though you should be) is another independent publisher, who, because he has integrity, kept contributors, including me, aware of every possible publishing setback.

The way professionals do.

You're one of the greats, Nat!

Gail

[Larry Dixon]

Is there a way to set up a fund or charity for those who have been victims of Rick?

Misty & I have been quietly funnelling money to some of the folks most in need (like, rent money type need) since the thread got up to speed, but we're not exactly wealthy ourselves. Weird, we've got, cash we don't.

The anthology is a possibility, but I'll also suggest, how about something like what we all did for Lea Hernandez? Lea's disaster was terrible without a doubt, and people from all over stepped up to toss in their bit to turn things sunnier for her and the family.

Maybe we can all do something like that. By "we," of course, I mean "someone else can organize it, but I'll act like it's my idea," because, y'know, I'm very tired.

-big smile-

[Gail Simone]

I was led to believe my artists and I would be paid in August. September 1st came & went with no payment and we sat by and waited patiently.

When October 1st hit, with still no signs of payment, I began asking about it.
I was told we'd be paid a week or so later.

A week or so later came & went and I sent off another email that got no response.

A few days after that I fired off another one that was met with "we'll have your payment schedule set next week." Regardless of the fact that the payment schedule had already been set and was now blown, I sat idly by and figured I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. The other publishers I've been working with were paying on time, so I wasn't in much of a financial tough spot. This is hard business for both creators and publishers, so I figured I'd extend to him the courtesy of a little more time to settle his debt.

"Next week" came & went with no payment, aforementioned payment schedule or even a courtesy email stating that we hadn't been forgotten.

When I sent in the next inquiry, it was met with an auto response stating Rick was going on a "much deserved vacation" and would be back in about a month.

At this point, my consideration for Rick began to ebb and my concern for my artists began to rise.

I then sent an email to Ronee, who was kind enough to tell me she'd forward my concerns to Rick.

At this point, I believe Rich picked up the story in LITG. I emailed the link to Rick asking what was going on and was met with a rather hostile email threatening me with litigation for discussing his trade secrets with Rich Johnston. I assured him I'd not spoken with Rich about this (and Rich can verify that), and wasn't really concerned with all the jibber-jabber, but only in being paid for services rendered.

A few more days went by with no answer and I fired off another email. This time, I was told no one was going to be paid until Rick's "attorney" figured out who had violated their NDA and spoken with Rich.

I again assured him it wasn't me, nor did I care about all that and pointed out that someone else violating an NDA had no bearing on me or my artists. I supplied him with the contact information for the Runemaster Studios' attorney and told him if he felt the need to have his attorney get involved, to feel free to contact Andy (our attorney).

That was the last I heard from Rick, until his nervous breakdowns in this (and other) threads.

At this stage, I feel I've been more patient, understanding, sympathetic and considerate in the face of outright insulting, accusatory, disrespectful, deceitful behavior than should be expected.

So, while I also am numbered among those who wish no ill-will on Mr. Olney, I won't let this go until we see our money and if nothing else, I will do my part to make sure no other hard working comic professional EVER gets involved with him on any level from this day forward.

There are so many hard working, struggling comic creators out there who have a huge uphill battle on their hands when everything goes right. The last thing this industry needs is some one like this making things even harder for honest folks.




(APPLAUSE!!!!)


There you go, guys. No one in the industry has a better rep for integrity than Val, period.

He did not deserve to be cheated, and Rick's web of bullshit to make that happen is egregiously offensive.

That's why this thread exists, for those who ask.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Agreed on all counts, Mike.

I lost any motivation to feel sorry for him when he stated, flat-out, that he HAD the money, and was spending more in legal fees to attack artists he hadn't paid than it would take to pay them to begin with.

That's about as wrong as it gets.

It's a one-two punch of disgusting, repulsive, deadbeat behavior.

He said he HAD the money (which I highly doubt...a very close friend of his says otherwise), but that he:

1) Was already hiring other artists (when he'd cheated so many to start and they were still awaiting payment) and

2) Was spending it on lawyers to sue the people he cheated.

Disgusting. What kind of 'man' can sleep at night cheating all those people, then threatening them?

No man at all.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Another day of freedom for me.

Apparently, the police had real criminals to deal with. Or dick was speaking out if his large ass again.

yeah, that sounds pretty likely.

Who is your attorney, dick?

Damn, and I was already baking you a cake with a file in it.

Gail

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'd suggest making this a " sticky " so it stays at the top of the page. That way many can see it and be warned .

[Gail Simone]

Misty & I have been quietly funnelling money to some of the folks most in need (like, rent money type need) since the thread got up to speed, but we're not exactly wealthy ourselves. Weird, we've got, cash we don't.

The anthology is a possibility, but I'll also suggest, how about something like what we all did for Lea Hernandez? Lea's disaster was terrible without a doubt, and people from all over stepped up to toss in their bit to turn things sunnier for her and the family.

Maybe we can all do something like that. By "we," of course, I mean "someone else can organize it, but I'll act like it's my idea," because, y'know, I'm very tired.

-big smile-


I have a serious question...

Are you and Misty superheroes?

You guys are like the closest thing to Superman and Wonder Woman I know.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

You know, I was thinking...Rick's expressed admiration for CrossGen more than once, to the point of ignoring the fact that Mark Alessi caused so many people terrible, terrible financial harm.

Maybe he IS actually trying to duplicate CrossGen's non-success and record of non-payment.

Gail

[SUPERECWFAN1]

You know, I was thinking...Rick's expressed admiration for CrossGen more than once, to the point of ignoring the fact that Mark Alessi caused so many people terrible, terrible financial harm.

Maybe he IS actually trying to duplicate CrossGen's non-success and record of non-payment.

Gail

Yeah but CrossGen did this funny thing called....actually publishing work and paying awhile ( that 1st year any way I'm sure). Now had Rick like went a year and published his works and then started following in Mark Alessi's foot steps he could really be following their business plan.

All I know is I never really got into CrossGen. I bought the Primer Magazine hyping the new comics. I even tried them. But I was more pissed because CrossGen took Ron Marz off Green Lantern and that was like the damn kiss of death to Kyle Rayner. ;)

[Gail Simone]

People continue to email me. It's astounding.

I just got a rather shocking letter about the true inner workings of Orca. Hopefully I can get this person to speak on the record.

Stay tuned.

Gail

[Matt Doc Martin]

They are welcome here with open arms.

dick, you can continue to piss off. You stinky, stinky man-shaped gelatinous blob.

[Chris N]

At some point, it would be nice if someone posted a list for clarification, perhaps here, or in LITG.

Along the lines of:

The following creators have been harmed by Olney:

The following creators have not been directly harmed but have solid reason to believe Olney to be an amoral liar:

In addition, ______ creators have been harmed by Olney but wish to remain anonymous.

[Melony_Chitwood]

All you need to do to block a user on myspace is go to their page and click on the 'block user' button in that little button menu that's usually below their profile. It's worked everytime I've used it.

Oh and make certain that if any of the messages sent to you can be viewed as harrassing, save them and send them on to the admins. Tell them you blocked that user, but you wanted to make certain to report his behavior. Basically if he gets enough bad marks against him he'll be booted off of myspace.

[wishlish]

He always claimed his monies were 'tied up'. I recall he had some troubles with his parents' finances (and unlike Olney, I won't disclose any more information) and that took a long time to clear up.

Apart from that, I don't recall much discussion about money, except the usual 'You're on the top of my list, thanks for being patient, got some swampland' bullshyte.

Half the reason the ICC got held up for so long was his inability to tie down any funding. The other half was my own hemming and hawing.

He's owed me $450 for almost 2 years. Even at $5 a week, he coulda paid half that off by now. Personal opinion? He has the money, he just doesn't wanna part with it. At the very least, mis-management of his books.

Hmmm...

See, if I was tryng to do some math on the fly (WARNING! Math on the Fly! This is all pure speculation! I'm a trained mathematician! Do not try this at home, kids!)...

I've seen three titles bandied about for the TLE publishing slate (Monster Squad, Freedom 3, and Tales of the Spooky). If each book was a 32 page book with 22 pages of comics content, and if each page created for the comic was done by freelancers, then we're looking at 66 pages where freelancers need to be paid. If the average page resulted in, say, $100 in invoices billed by freelancers to TLE (and these were colored pages, right?), there may be $6600 in billable invoices owed by TLE. And that's assuming he was able to get page costs down to $100/page- could be higher, could be lower. And I'm not even THINKING about printing costs. We haven't seen a printer complain yet, so I'm assuming this whole thing never got to that stage.

If Rick had been both sane and serious when he started this endeavour, he probably would have had to have at least $6-7K cash on hand, right? So far me to believe that Rick ever could have pulled this off, I have to believe he had $6-7K (and probably more if he was ever paying Ronee a wage, and given that she claims he owes 7 months of wages, that seems likely) at some point. And given everything I've seen in this thread, that's hard to believe.

[Matt Doc Martin]

At some point, it would be nice if someone posted a list for clarification, perhaps here, or in LITG.

Along the lines of:

The following creators have been harmed by Olney:

The following creators have not been directly harmed but have solid reason to believe Olney to be an amoral liar:

In addition, ______ creators have been harmed by Olney but wish to remain anonymous.

It's easy. If you have posted in this thread and you are not Olney, you think he is a dishonest, cowardly scumbag that dodges debt and threatens people as often as most people use punctuation.

if you ARE Olney, you know it all to be fact.

[Matt Algren]

When I sent in the next inquiry, it was met with an auto response stating Rick was going on a "much deserved vacation" and would be back in about a month.
As an uninvolved party who isn't waiting on payment, that part just gets my hackles up more than any of the rest of it. This mother-loving so-and-so taking a month-long vacation while people, apparently a lot of people, waited for already ridiculously late payments is beyond galling. I don't care what the excuse is, that was just a big 'fuck you' to everyone he owes.

[TomStillwell]

As an uninvolved party who isn't waiting on payment, that part just gets my hackles up more than any of the rest of it. This mother-loving so-and-so taking a month-long vacation while people, apparently a lot of people, waited for already ridiculously late payments is beyond galling. I don't care what the excuse is, that was just a big 'fuck you' to everyone he owes.

I doubt he really went on vacation but instead used that as an excuse not to deal with people looking to be paid.

[Sarah Beach]

As an uninvolved party who isn't waiting on payment, that part just gets my hackles up more than any of the rest of it. This mother-loving so-and-so taking a month-long vacation while people, apparently a lot of people, waited for already ridiculously late payments is beyond galling. I don't care what the excuse is, that was just a big 'fuck you' to everyone he owes.

To be fair, I suspect that period falls after the family deaths. But calling the break "a much deserved vacation" was not the best choice of words. "Family funeral leave" would have been clearer.

But he's been flailing everyone with the "deaths in the family"... so my sympathies are a bit thin. Still, I thought it only just to point to the possibility.

[TomStillwell]

Hmmm...

See, if I was tryng to do some math on the fly (WARNING! Math on the Fly! This is all pure speculation! I'm a trained mathematician! Do not try this at home, kids!)...

I've seen three titles bandied about for the TLE publishing slate (Monster Squad, Freedom 3, and Tales of the Spooky). If each book was a 32 page book with 22 pages of comics content, and if each page created for the comic was done by freelancers, then we're looking at 66 pages where freelancers need to be paid. If the average page resulted in, say, $100 in invoices billed by freelancers to TLE (and these were colored pages, right?), there may be $6600 in billable invoices owed by TLE. And that's assuming he was able to get page costs down to $100/page- could be higher, could be lower. And I'm not even THINKING about printing costs. We haven't seen a printer complain yet, so I'm assuming this whole thing never got to that stage.

If Rick had been both sane and serious when he started this endeavour, he probably would have had to have at least $6-7K cash on hand, right? So far me to believe that Rick ever could have pulled this off, I have to believe he had $6-7K (and probably more if he was ever paying Ronee a wage, and given that she claims he owes 7 months of wages, that seems likely) at some point. And given everything I've seen in this thread, that's hard to believe.

$100 dollars a page is a very light estimate.

[Matt Algren]

I doubt he really went on vacation but instead used that as an excuse not to deal with people looking to be paid.But what kind of a douche thinks that's going to placate people. Did he think everyone would just say "Oh, he's on vacation. I'm perfectly okay with that."
To be fair, I suspect that period falls after the family deaths. But calling the break "a much deserved vacation" was not the best choice of words. "Family funeral leave" would have been clearer.

But he's been flailing everyone with the "deaths in the family"... so my sympathies are a bit thin. Still, I thought it only just to point to the possibility.Yeah, you're probably right that that's when the auto-responder went up. I'm sorry, it's still inexcusable, and I'm a pretty reasonable person. At the very least emails should have been forwarded to someone who could deal with business. That's what responsible people do.

[Gail Simone]

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd...

BOOM.

Ronee tells it how it is and you'd best recognize.

http://www.michaelnetzer.com/wagw/


I can't stand Reeky Rick and even I flinched a couple times!

Gail

[Jack Zodiac]

I just want you to know Rick, that professionals like Gail Simone and Mark Waid are what it is all about. And no matter how you inflate your own importance in your mind, you will never compete, and I am not talking about in comics… I am speaking that as a decent human being you just do not stand a chance.

Awesome. Ronée's right up there with Kurt and Mark, now. :)

[TCJohnson]

I haven't read it yet but...it looks gorgeous!

Reading it now.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

It was a good read. I feel for Ronee and those cheated out of their pay.

[TCJohnson]

Dave Lanphear was involved with this?! This is the guy from Artmonkey's, right?

can somebody tell me if he got out of this ok? Or got out of it at all?

[Ronée]

I am not sure what his current status is at this point. But I DO know that as of time of my departure he too had not been paid.

[Ronée]

I haven't read it yet but...it looks gorgeous!

Reading it now.yes, Michael truly did a beautiful job.

[Gail Simone]

Quite aside from Rick's weirdness, I'd like to see as much traffic as possible brought to Michael and Ronee...if you have a nice place to link to them, please do, okay?

Thank you!

Gail

[wishlish]

$100 dollars a page is a very light estimate.

True. I was banking on the idea that the rates were lower because it was an indy book, and that Rick had somehow sweet-talked his way into getting a lower rate.

Of course, given the caliber of talent that were screwed, the reverse could have happened. If Olney knew from the start that he couldn't pay anyone, he may have offered to pay normal (or even higher) rates.

On the other hand, he may not have gotten 66 pages of work in, either. This is what I'm trying to figure out. Exactly how big is the total debt owed by TLE and Olney? And is it sizable enough that it would make sense from the debtors to band together legally to get the money they're owed? And does Rick still have the money?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Excellent article, Ronee. Bravo!



And there we have it. Another day passes and yet more people are made aware of the shady business dealings of an aptly named "dick".

What's next for you, Owe-ney? Taking candy from babies? You already withhold the rightful earnings of a single father struggling to provide for his family and now you also keep money that was promised (falsely by you) of a woman with whom you allegedly share faith with and also in financial need.

Shame is far too weak of an emotion for you to feel. Despair at the condition of your being is more apt.

get people paid, get help for your sad state, and get lost.

[TCJohnson]

Dave Lanphear was the first professional ever to say he read one of my comic reviews and that he appreciated it. It was on a book that he lettered. it was just a few sentences in his blog but it was just so encouraging and meant a lot to me.

I wish him nothing but the best.

[howyadoin]

Ronee tells it how it is and you'd best recognize.

http://www.michaelnetzer.com/wagw (http://www.michaelnetzer.com/wagw/)Nicely done, Ronée.

[Night Swordsman]

Misty & I have been quietly funnelling money to some of the folks most in need (like, rent money type need) since the thread got up to speed, but we're not exactly wealthy ourselves. Weird, we've got, cash we don't.

The anthology is a possibility, but I'll also suggest, how about something like what we all did for Lea Hernandez? Lea's disaster was terrible without a doubt, and people from all over stepped up to toss in their bit to turn things sunnier for her and the family.

Maybe we can all do something like that. By "we," of course, I mean "someone else can organize it, but I'll act like it's my idea," because, y'know, I'm very tired.

-big smile-


This is exactly what i was thinking about. I knew about the anthology,but to be honest,that is at best many MONTHS off. I was wondering about something sooner.

[TomStillwell]

Well done, Ronee.

You expressed what has gotten a bit lost in the talk of money being owed: You trusted this man and he betrayed you in every way possible.

The emotional scars left by Rick Olney go far deeper than the financial hardship he's caused.

That's why this thread is important. Sure, the truth is coming out and we're even having fun while exposing Olney. However, the healing I believe taking place, the good sense of community we're seeing, the comrades coming together to share their experiences...that's worth a million times more than anything anyone will ever get out of Rick Olney.

Rick, this is not happening because of you. It is happening despite you and all you've done. When truly good people gather together, in one purpose, in one mind, and in one heart...great things happen.

We're seeing old friends seperated by your actions recapture what was lost. We're seeing new friends forging relationships. Close friends learn new respect for one another.

And you Rick? You've been made, but not the way you wanted. There's no hiding anymore. No more lies you can tell that will be believed. No more wool to be pulled over the unsuspecting eyes of trusting people. No more folks you can betray.

How does that feel, Rick? To utterly be alone when all your actions undo you?

[Night Swordsman]

Night Swordsman:

While your post is noble in sentiment,
the problem with that approach is that you're giving a free pass to someone who's knowingly guilty, and giving free reign to anyone who does the same thing.

If a person doesn't stand up for what's right, then they might as well lay down and put a carpet over their body so at least they'll be somewhat attractive when people walk all over them. ;)

Val..under NO such considerations was i suggesting NOT to go after Rick for what he has done. Quite the opposite. I am just saying that you should NOT go into legal proceedings against Rick and think you are going to recover your money. He just will do everything legal and illegal to get out of it.

THUS,why i made the suggestion of a charity/fund/etc. I understood about the anthology,but why not help out now,rather than wait for the book?

That is what i was trying to say,simplified as best as i can.

[Coppervale Studio]

That was well-written, and very diplomatic. And I think it's awful in so many ways that you were so misled.

I loved how you underscored that not ONE person has been noted as having BEEN paid... And his protestations of wanting to keep them above the fray - well, that's just STUPID.

What publisher in his right mind wants to keep the talent producing the books a SECRET? Naming and promoting the creators is the FIRST LINE of promotion. So either he's got six guys he's keeping secret and paying instead of everyone else; or he's just lying about them, too.

And I appreciate you mentioning Dave - that explains a lot about why some people (like Chuck) came to be affiliated with Tightlip.

It's a shame - there was real potential. But all that he really needed was to demonstrate SOME good faith. And he couldn't even do that. And you guys have paid the price.

Best wishes to you, Ronee. Hang in there - you have a lot of people rooting for you.

[Ronée]

Thanks for the kind words. This column was very hard for me to write, as I wanted to just hit him full force with everything I had... but later decided he was fucking himself up enough that I had no need to go that route. I wanted to warn people... to briefly tell my story and call him to task. His reaction will dictate the next one I'm sure.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Best of luck to you Ronee. I for one am really sorry that you had to go through this. It is absurd honestly that anyone would treat anyone that worked for them like this. He owes you more then money.

JP

[kingdom2000]

An aside on the article, for those going in blind on it with little understanding of the history of Onley, shouldn't it link to articles such as LITG that summarizes events and possibly this and other threads that indicate some of the comments from Onley and creators about the issue. Really that open letter should be a link fest for people playing catch-up.

[Cam63]

Half my beer is missing.

I think that Olney bastard mighta had sumthin' to do with it !

[wishlish]

Thanks for the kind words. This column was very hard for me to write, as I wanted to just hit him full force with everything I had... but later decided he was fucking himself up enough that I had no need to go that route. I wanted to warn people... to briefly tell my story and call him to task. His reaction will dictate the next one I'm sure.

Ronée, since you're here, maybe you can shed some light on some of the things I'm still working out.

1. Earlier on, I tried estimating the deby Rick owes. I guestimated that there would be 66 pages of completed comics work at $100 a page. Without getting into particulars (I'd understand if you couldn't do this), is that accurate?

2. Are there really 6 artists still willing to do business with Rick, as he claims?

3. In your opinion, does he have the financial resources necessary to pay the artists owed?

I'm not trying to put you under the microscope here, so I'd understand if you weren't interested in answering. Thanks for shedding as much light as you have; may your next endeavour involve someone who actually pays the bills.