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

[Cam63]

Back to the Olney Show....

I hear he does a great cover of " Anything Goes. "

[AIPman1]

Another person, a "Tony Nickelby", sent two emails basically trashing me for "siding" with the SPA, Gail, Val, Chuck, et. al. I have chosen to have authorities look into this person for my own reasons.

Olney has gone to great lengths in the past to discredit my efforts at building a distribution network for small press and indies. I just wish I could go about that without the shadow of this guy on my back. What a pain! Don't know this Tony guy...the e-mail nor name are in the Dimestore memberlist - so I'd suspect "Tony" is a sock puppet of some sort.

For the record, I have nothing but respect for Louis' opinions he's shared at Dimestore in the past, and for his current wishes to make sure his screen name is not being mis-used. We're cool. And my best wishes in getting your situation heading back in the right direction.

[Cam63]

Are you guys sure you don't him to recieve some professional counselling ?

http://www.cinema24horas.com/filmes/mafia_diva2/mafia_diva2_09.jpg

[matterconsumer]

Cam, we understand that you're joking and wouldn't threaten anyone with actual violence.

[PatrickG]

Cam, we understand that you're joking and wouldn't threaten anyone with actual violence.

Not unless they messed with Cam's booze, at least.

[EdContradictory]

Look! This news story proves the news didn't cover this story! (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59528410&blogID=207739559&MyToken=51ad1d9b-0238-4bda-8c84-41e93c59dadc)

[MichaelNetzer]

I too... numerous times tried to get him to watch his communications with others, to no avail. I even defended him to Gail more than once in the past and still think that deep down he is a good person who just does not know how to deal with others correctly.... it is a shame really.

Your insight, objectivity and good heart is what makes you a HOT commodity in the comics, Ronee. The CBLDF will recognize your virtues one day, because you said your piece to them bravely and truthfully.

Anything I say is being watched and threats are being made but I got where I am by saying what I think and I refuse to stop now.

Which is the best news we could hear from you. Gail can now be dubbed Mother Matchmaker, because our exchanges on her forum have led to this promising item (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=72886780&blogID=207813928&MyToken=2018db00-2b5a-4bf4-a748-30d9053d411f), announced today on Ronee's MS blog.

Nothing tight-lipped about this! What A Girl Wants is coming back with splendor and fury, unbridled and uncut, in its own website, coming soon from Michael Netzer Online.

Talk it up.

[AIPman1]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say: In my personal experience, there is NOTHING good in the way that guy uses people. How he plays sympathy cards and good intention cards to get you on his side, then takes from you, and sets you up to DEFEND HIM while you are secretly waiting for him to fullfill promises...and when you dare call him on those promises, he turns on you.

It's a pattern. I've been there, done that. Wish I could have stopped him 2 years ago when we kicked him out of the SPA - but he still had a huge number of people "on his side" at that time...I am only glad that the enormity of what he has done to people has finally come to light to enough people that maybe new people will start to see the true albatross around his neak before they get involved.

[ferretshark]

I think anyone with disgruntled feelings about Rick Olney should simply ignore him if he obviously irks you. If he owes you money or some other form of debt then go after him legally, take the mature road to acquiring that compensation.

Face it, people with little or no value (or positive impact) to you by your association with them deserves nothing less than a blind eye and deaf ear.

In my experience with people who have seriously annoyed me- or lied or deceived me in some manner (and these being the same who kept those annoying hurtful habits going for long periods of time) actually seem to enjoy the misery or upheaval they created around them. So I drop them like a rock and let them create ripples in someone else's pond!

You know what they say about kids- if they don't get attention for doing anything right then they tend to seek that attention by misbehaving instead (which guarantees attention that they crave, regardless if it's punitive attention for doing things that are wrong).

I see that some people who are deceitful or who like to create chaos around them are somehow compensating for something that is missing in their lives. They will go for 'controversy' and unruliness in their social networking, making waves all over the place and running amuck because they ENJOY the attention!

People who have a long standing reputation for being like this are obvious candidates for some sort've obsessive compulsive behaviours that they just don't want to, or simply can't, modify. They seem to like the 'fix' they get when they create turmoil, scandal, and all of those other questionable attributes that are socially denounced and not tolerated.

So, my friends, if you succumb to bickering with your foes then you are sinking to that bottom-feeding frenzy those foes seem to enjoy. Don't get sucked into that quagmire.

Place your foes at arm's length and learn from that failed association with them and move on. But chittering remarks back and forth with your foes does nothing but lend a grade-school menatality to your disputing.

Be the bigger one, the more mature one, and carry on to more important things in your lives. Your foes will hate the silence- drives them crazy, trust me!

Feliz Navidad, my peeps!

[AIPman1]

I think the point, in this thread, though, is that now that he's done it on a grand scale, it really SHOULDN'T be ignored or allowed to happen again, and that's why I hope the CBLDF gets involved, and the creators who are owed can get together and put this guy out of business for good.

Anyway, that's about all I have to say on the subject...for what it's worth to anyone listening.

[EdContradictory]

Besides, comic industry gossip is fun.


...

Well, it is.

[AIPman1]

It's like one of those 5 mile bumper to bumper traffic jams it takes an hour to get through, so when you get up to it, the road is actually CLEAR, but you HAVE to slow down and see what you waited to see all that time...keeping the traffic jam building up behind...but it was actually just someone getting a ticket on the other side going the other way or something dumb.

[Cam63]

Cam, we understand that you're joking and wouldn't threaten anyone with actual violence.

Yes...Joking...

Yes...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I see this thread and all as a warning to all other potential workers he hires. Hearing the stories and all helps get the word out.

[kingdom2000]

I think anyone with disgruntled feelings about Rick Olney should simply ignore him if he obviously irks you. If he owes you money or some other form of debt then go after him legally, take the mature road to acquiring that compensation.

Problem with this plan is that by the time the lawyers work something out and get their piece of the settlement, chances are those involved will have spent money rather then got the money the earned. And Olney knows this. Fighting any "injustice" is a very expensive proposition.

[Cam63]

These guys work much cheaper than lawyers.

http://www.cinema24horas.com/filmes/mafia_diva2/mafia_diva2_09.jpg

It's the love of their craft where they recieve the most satisfaction.

[ferretshark]

Problem with this plan is that by the time the lawyers work something out and get their piece of the settlement, chances are those involved will have spent money rather then got the money the earned. And Olney knows this. Fighting any "injustice" is a very expensive proposition.
Then ignore the man. Remember the lessons learned from all of this and never let anyone manipulate you ever again. Be the wiser.

[Crowley]

Then ignore the man. Remember the lessons learned from all of this and never let anyone manipulate you ever again. Be the wiser.

hmmm... so on your first post you say "ignore... be the better man... blah, blah, blah" and now second post it's again "ignore the man"

so here's the thing... and tell me if I'm wrong... "FerretShark" seems mighty closer to "Orcafresh."
you related to him or in business with him?

but then Mr. Foucault... forgive me for being cynical but it just seems odd that one wanders in out of nowhere to post here and say "ignore it all."
I'm guessing you and he are friends...

[Lester C.]

These guys work much cheaper than lawyers.



It's the love of their craft where they recieve the most satisfaction.

Most lawyers don't earn over a hundred thousand dollars a year until the put at least ten years in. Even then MANY people stiff their attorney.

[EdContradictory]

Then ignore the man. Remember the lessons learned from all of this and never let anyone manipulate you ever again. Be the wiser.
Get off your high horse, you're clicking in this thread, too.

[Bright-Raven]

Ferretshark:

As Val Staples can easily attest to, even going the "mature road" and taking proper legal channels to get your compensation does not always wind up in your favor. Val went after CrossGen and won, but didn't get any financial compensation in the end because the company went bankrupt.

There are many people in this business who talk the talk and can't walk the walk. I get about a dozen would be job offers a week and I always have to run background checks on these people to see who they are, where they're located, what kind of legitimate registered resources they have, who've they hired in the past and find out their payment history to those talents... and I usually do this before I'll even consider looking at an offer. 98% of the time, it's a dead issue, and the other 2% then becomes an issue of negotiation (which as any pro artist can tell you is swimming in treacherous waters too).

This is because most of the time the offer is "back end" (that means you get paid after the work is published). If the would be client demonstrates no capital to print, then why the hell would I do art for them for "back end" money? There's not going to be any! All
the person is doing is trying to scam me for free art!

If Rick had the capital in place to run his operations properly to begin with, then the matters of personal nature, no matter how devastating they may be, would not have ever been an issue. Because anyone who knows how to run a publishing company knows perfectly damned well you don't merge your personal finances with your business finances.

[Typo Lad]

So, Louis, what did your background check on me find?

[AIPman1]

"FerretShark" seems mighty closer to "Orcafresh."
you related to him or in business with him?

I can vouch for Ferretshark, real first name Roger...he is a co-admin of the SPA, and one of the people who I consulted with when it became nessessary to boot Rick out. They are not working together in any way. He's just saying that THIS, the dust and confusion of what's really going on, is what Rick wants...so we should not participate any further. I'll try to take that advice. We've given our collective warning to people not to get involved with the guy (thanks to Gail who had the guts to say something)...now it's time to be quiet. Only the people who have been not paid on work for hire that they filled their end of things on have any vested further interest. I think the advice people have given here is clear. Anything more is really just gum flapping.

Which I'm certainally GOOD at...but it does just feed the fire, and since I only came in here cause someone pointed out my name was mentioned...I think I've said everything I need to say.

Just trying to keep the facts straight.

[the4thpip]

If Rick Olney actually wants a thread that brings his sleazy behavior into the open and spreads the tarnished reputation he so deserves, then...





... well, I guess it explains why he's a Republican, but other than that I don't see the point. It's not like he was just trolling on some message board to get attention or something. He ripped off some good people, and I don't think we should stop talking about it because of somebody's well meant attempt at armchair reverse psychology.

[TomStillwell]

Most lawyers don't earn over a hundred thousand dollars a year until the put at least ten years in. Even then MANY people stiff their attorney.

I'm not sure what law firm you work in Lester, but the first year associates at Wildman Harrold start at $110,000, which is decent but also considered low next to the some of the larger firms in Chicago like Mayer Brown.

[TomStillwell]

If Rick had the capital in place to run his operations properly to begin with, then the matters of personal nature, no matter how devastating they may be, would not have ever been an issue. Because anyone who knows how to run a publishing company knows perfectly damned well you don't merge your personal finances with your business finances.

That's exactly it. Spinner Racks Comics and Tom Stillwell have their own finances. One isn't dependent on the other, nor does one profit off the other. If I personally went belly up today, I'd still have the money in Spinner Rack to cover my costs and make sure no one was left without being paid.

That's just basic and honest business sense.

[AIPman1]

I don't think we should stop talking about it because of somebody's well meant attempt at armchair reverse psychology.

Well, obviously, people will keep talking. Doesn't mean Roger's Wrong...I do see merit in the discussion where advice is given on how to run a business RIGHT, and how to choose work for hire jobs.

These are the kinds of things I hope to see made into ARTICLES I can print in the Self Publisher! Magazine how-to section.

Anyone interested in writing such articles let me know. We'd, however and of course, leave the names of people that inspired the need for such articles, off.

hey, sneak peek of the SP! #50 cover (yes, there is one typo to be fixed)...
http://www.dimestoreproductions.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/39125897e9056295a2634fa3b3926b06.jpg

Ok, now I've oficially gone into pimp mode...

[TomStillwell]

Pimpin' ain't easy...

[Gail Simone]

It is unbelievable the number of people who have written me to say Rick screwed them out of money. It's way worse than I thought.

How did this guy get away with this for so long?

Gail

[Typo Lad]

My guess?

Because people hesitate to "tell tales"

[Gail Simone]

And because of that, a lot MORE people got abused.

Gail

[Typo Lad]

Oh I agree Gail. I'm just thinking it might be the reason.

Remember, all that needs to happen for evil to succede is for good people to do nothing.

[AIPman1]

I tried, 2 years ago. I failed. No one wanted to hear it back then. His support system was stronger, and if I spoke up, I became the villian. To this day, the damage that was done to the Self Publisher Association hasn't fully healed. It all started the day I thought a "free" trip to a convention sounded great...

I'm not going to go into details...but my point is - the guy is a MASTER at tugging at your strings. He played me for over a year, and I STILL felt BAD when I had to kick him out of the group, thinking maybe he WAS just misunderstood.

The damage to friendships I valued was even worse than the $$ loss. But the point is, no one spoke up for the same reasons DocA held on to his friendship with Rick for so long, and the PR person that wasn't getting paid STILL said "I feel sorry for him" after quitting.

Rick finally lied to one too many people...that's where we're at now. I don't see how blaming the victems does any good. That's like saying "well, if one of those kids that got raped by that preist had spoken up sooner..."

You don't blame the victems.

[Typo Lad]

I don't mean to blame them, Rick. I'm sorry if it comes out that way.

When I first started trying to break in, I was befriended by an "old pro". For the next few years I did favors for him, put him in touch with new artists, etc.

Every single artist I put him in touch with got screwed over. Original art vanished, payment was never recieved, products never came out. He always had an excuse. His wife left him and stole the art... his brother stole it... a houseguest stole it...the people he was producing the book for were flakes.

I finally got tired and contacted a publisher directly. I found out that the scripts he'd told me they hated was not shown to them, and when they did see it they loved it. He was basically scrapping all thier planned books and replacing them with his own ideas.

That and some other bull he pulled killed that, but in the end, I should have spoken up earlier.

It's not "blame" as much as it is an observation.

[MacQuarrie]

I'm not sure what law firm you work in Lester, but the first year associates at Wildman Harrold start at $110,000, which is decent but also considered low next to the some of the larger firms in Chicago like Mayer Brown.
I know some lawyers who had to spend a few years working in the Public Defender's office or the DA's before they had enough experience to move into a law firm with good pay. That may be what Lester's referring to.

[MacQuarrie]

Not to tell tales out of school, but the first time I ever heard of Olney was when he first showed up here. Scott Shaw! posted a warning about him on the Moderator's forum, since Rick had been harassing him at another forum before coming here.

So I've always been wary of the guy.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I believe this thread is here for the pure fact that Gail mentioned...he's done it to a lot of people. If we swept it all under a rug and let things go , how would that help future talents that get ripped off ? Shouldn't they be able to do a check and find out who their doing work for as Bright-Raven does ?

I'd rather see no one else go thru what many here have posted. If its just this one thread laying it out maybe some future artist/writer will see it and make their decision.

[EdContradictory]

Not to tell tales out of school, but the first time I ever heard of Olney was when he first showed up here. Scott Shaw! posted a warning about him on the Moderator's forum, since Rick had been harassing him at another forum before coming here.

So I've always been wary of the guy.

He's been banned a bunch of places.

His own forum's pretty tyranical.

If you don't tow his line, you're out.

[Cam63]

What's the bet that early next year, he'll be out of the comics biz for good ?

[ferretshark]

so here's the thing... and tell me if I'm wrong... "FerretShark" seems mighty closer to "Orcafresh." you related to him or in business with him? but then Mr. Foucault... forgive me for being cynical but it just seems odd that one wanders in out of nowhere to post here and say "ignore it all."
I'm guessing you and he are friends...
Nope, I am not related to "Orcafresh", nor am I an admirer of his based on his own antics and illogical musings in other forums where I've witnessed his rants and the grumblings of people he has afflicted pain unto.

Also, I was guided here by colleague several days ago who pointed this thread out to me in order to show how others were also affected by Rick. I merely came aboard to participate in the dialogue. My stance in life is that there are no problems, only solutions. So instead of dwelling on painful issues I like to offer a different approach than the typical "He did this to me...#$%^&*..." and "He did THAT to me...#$%^&*...".

So when I say "Rise above it" or "Be the wiser", I do mean just that. If legal recourse is not an option due to the prohibitive expense then come at this from a different angle. It's not hard to do- ignore the man! Or at least find out what can be done to get restitution from damages that Rick may have inflicted, or what can be done to prevent people like him from hurting you like this ever again, and so forth. That's all I was suggesting. Why is this information so hard for some of you to understand or believe?

No hidden agenda with me, folks! I just tackle difficult issues differently than some of you are probably used to, I suppose.

I'm a strong proponent of positive networking and couldn't be bothered with people like Rick who have a bad reputation. I'm a person with bigger things to worry about- like paying bills, getting freelance work with my artistry, preparing course lesson plans for my students, blah, blah, blah. If a hurtful person crosses my path and if I can't glean compensation from that person if I'm out money because of that person's misdoings against me, then I chalk it up as a bad lesson learned and develop a mental action plan as to how to prevent similar scenarios from occurring again.

Like the cliche says: "Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!".

Anyhow, don't worry about my posts or feel that I might be some sort've spy, relative, or maybe even Rick himself (as an alias)- lol. Keep that paranoia in check. I'm just providing a different mindset to all of this, okay? I'm the last person you'd ever have to feel threatened by.

I apologize to any of those in here who, for whatever reason, feels slighted by my comments or even thinks I'm some kinda person with a secret agenda. That is just not who I am. Unfortunately text is so lacking of tone so it's not easy to purvey one's true sentiments without something being lost in the translation.

This thread can be useful with the exchange of information that I have seen that had some good valid points and does constitute a good support network for many who have had misdealings with Rick Olney or the like. My views in my previous posts are about a few of the posts that offer little, if any, constructive insight into the matter. I'm also concerned about some of you posting anything that can lead to slander/defamation of character that certain people can use against you. That would be double jeopardy for you and the last thing this terrific forum needs is legal action being launched against it, or its members, for whatever reason that law can muster up against it or its members.

You have some terrific minds in here, I just hate to see it work against you if all this heat builds into a bon fire.

[ferretshark]

I can vouch for Ferretshark, real first name Roger...he is a co-admin of the SPA, and one of the people who I consulted with when it became nessessary to boot Rick out. They are not working together in any way. He's just saying that THIS, the dust and confusion of what's really going on, is what Rick wants...so we should not participate any further.
YES! Thanks for speaking up, Ian. Some people in here think I'm a plant/spy or something, getting nervous by my suggestions and input. I can't believe the impact Rick has had on so many people and some of the reactions I've heard in here. Very disturbing after-effect.

My view is just that- In my opinion, some people seem to enjoy the controversy they stir up, or the pain they inflict. And from the many occasions where I've witnessed this kind of behaviour I have learned this: Snuff the oxygen from the issue and you lose the fire.

[ferretshark]

...oh, and I'm forgoing all that political correctness crap to say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to one and all! (For those of you who feel slighted by that, to you I say "Happy Holidays").

[MacQuarrie]

Like the cliche says: "Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!".

I prefer "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on your mourning loved ones."

[Magneto_X]

I don't mean to blame them, Rick. I'm sorry if it comes out that way.

When I first started trying to break in, I was befriended by an "old pro". For the next few years I did favors for him, put him in touch with new artists, etc.

Every single artist I put him in touch with got screwed over. Original art vanished, payment was never recieved, products never came out. He always had an excuse. His wife left him and stole the art... his brother stole it... a houseguest stole it...the people he was producing the book for were flakes.

I finally got tired and contacted a publisher directly. I found out that the scripts he'd told me they hated was not shown to them, and when they did see it they loved it. He was basically scrapping all thier planned books and replacing them with his own ideas.

That and some other bull he pulled killed that, but in the end, I should have spoken up earlier.

It's not "blame" as much as it is an observation.

You worked with Rob Liefeld? ;)

j/k

[DocAbsurd]

How did Rick get away with buggering so many people out of so much of their hard-earned money?

Typo got it part right. Speaking solely for myself, I didn't want to talk about it. I kept telling myself he'll pay up, it's money in the bank, he's going thru hard times, he's promising me X,Y, and zed. I made excuses for him.

Seems a lot of others did, too. That's another part.

It had nothing to do with a 'support system'. As soon as you stooped down to argue with him, you're inevitably at his level, and any semblance to calm ,cool and collected gets flushed right down the toilet. More than one person has become mentally rabid by simply trying to trade barbs with him, and more often than not in the middle of a forum, group, blog, etc. Fighting with the Troll-ney only raises your blood-pressure and drops your creditability. You cannot win against someone who drops the argument the moment he carries it to where you're screaming at him in the middle of a public discussion.

Ignoring him is why so many people are owed so much money. If we injured parties had stood together, put together our stories, pieced together his lies and 'promises' and seen the puzzle completely, maybe we could have helped prevent more talent from being sucked in to the Olney Black Hole. That's why I apologized to Cully (sorry for the informality) earlier, and I will continue to do so to anyone who's been verbally accosted by this poster-child for the Incongruous Right-Wing Agenda.

Again I can only speak for myself: I cannot afford to take the Troll-ney to court. And I have no clue as how to approach the CBLDF about such a matter, Or if they would even be interested. Yeah, he owes me a tidy sum, but there's others he no doubt owes significantly more. The monies I'm due are way past the point of being depended upon; the time for me relying upon them to help has gone from being a necessity to being a principle.

If I -- if we -- continue to ignore the Troll-ney, this situation will progressively get worse. There's only so many cheeks that can be turned. If he continues to refuse the payments he should be making, then our only other recourse is to spread the word, make his inactions known, protect other hopeful talent from becoming another victim.

He's gotten so far because no-one who wasn't a professional and worked for him felt strong enough to stand up against him. We're peons in his grand scheme. We're easy to take advantage of.

The combined voices of Gail, Chuck Dixon and Mike finally gave credence to what others were unknowingly suffering.

This is not the time to bury our collective heads and pretend he'll go away. We've only just taken a first step against him.




Doc 'Rallying Cry' Absurd

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'd suggest makin this a sticky. That way it stays at the top of the page so new and old can see it.

[Bright-Raven]

Typo Lad:

I thought you might ask me about this after I posted about it.

Answer: I've never run a background check on you, as I have not found that I had cause to.

I didn't start running background checks on potential employers until after I had the identity theft problem, which if I remember correctly was after you offered me the one freelance contract acting as a respresentative for the aforementioned company with the "Old Pro".

Said contract was counteroffered by me with a clear statement of intent for open negotiations, and he declined, and that was the end of that particular matter. His contract, as I expressed to you at the time, had conflicting and excessively one-sided language throughout the piece staging the contract strictly in his favor and was thus unworkable in my and my legal counsel's estimations.

Neither you nor I knew "Old Pro" would later pull the stunts that he did.

If there is another matter concerning you - perhaps the project you requested my collaboration on? At this point I consider it private business between you and I. However, if you'd like to openly discuss it here, I don't think either of us has anything to hide.

[Bright-Raven]

Doc:

The combined voices of Gail, Chuck Dixon and Mike finally gave credence to what others were unknowingly suffering.

That's what gets me - why does it take popular talents to "lend credence" to a given situation?

If a relative unknown were to report to Rich Johnston about a questionable experience they had with a high profile editor, would it take creators like Gail or Chuck or Mike to express similar experiences in order to lend credence to the accusation?

[kingdom2000]

I still am not understanding the "ignore the man" idea.

If they ignore him, then its giving him carte blanch to continue his behavior. The nice thing about talking about it is anyone past, present or future is contacted by him to do business, a quick google search may produce threads such as this and other message boards where he "defended" himself (a exaggeration since he realy hasn't explained anything) and hopefully will learn from other mistakes.

Also by "ignoring the man" its seems you are saying they shouldn't try to seek the money they are owed. That would be like you not getting your paycheck for the next 3 or so months from your company for work you have already done. Would you just ignore that? For a true comparison of circumstances, simply pretend your current boss simply stopped paying you for your work for the last say 3 months. Then think ahead about what a devastating effect that would have on your finances, ability to makes bills, to make future plans and pretty much anything else that requires funding to do. Would you still "ignore the man"? I am thinking probably not. Then and only then, get back to us with that "ignore the man" theory.

[the4thpip]

Doc:



That's what gets me - why does it take popular talents to "lend credence" to a given situation?

If a relative unknown were to report to Rich Johnston about a questionable experience they had with a high profile editor, would it take creators like Gail or Chuck or Mike to express similar experiences in order to lend credence to the accusation?

um... yes, probably. Because well-known creators would have more to lose if they'd just made up the accusations. So they are more believable than coming fom some guy on the internet.

[AIPman1]

If this thread was a first step...what is the NEXT STEP? I mean, so I've come to this thread, said Rick did XXXXXX - and now the world knows. I'm still never gonna get a penny from him. Tell me what I can do NOW to help make sure others do not get involved, now that I have said what I have previously already said. What is THE NEXT STEP?

Otherwise, all we have left to do is get on with our lives...and I think THAT is where ROGER would say, for the future, be wiser...

I just don't know what else I can legally do, affordably.

[Perry Holley]

My guess?

Because people hesitate to "tell tales"And, I suspect, they don't want to be labeled as a 'troublemaker', for fear that might hurt their chances with other publishers.

Mind you, the way I see it, if a company is going to be pissy about you actually wanting to be paid for your work, then that isn't a company that you want to deal with, anyways.

[ferretshark]

I still am not understanding the "ignore the man" idea.
*sigh....
I posted this: "If legal recourse is not an option due to the prohibitive expense then come at this from a different angle. It's not hard to do- ignore the man!".

In other words, if you legally can't recupe your financial losses then you might as well move on and not feed anymore fires between you and Rick.

Yes, warn others about your experiences and garner something from those harsh lessons, but ultimately you're beating a dead horse if nothing can be done.

Sounds like the guy is doing well in getting black-listed in a lot of places. Fate will return the same hardships to him, if not more, than he has done to others.

[the4thpip]

*sigh....
I posted this: "If legal recourse is not an option due to the prohibitive expense then come at this from a different angle. It's not hard to do- ignore the man!".

In other words, if you legally can't recupe your financial losses then you might as well move on and not feed anymore fires between you and Rick.

Yes, warn others about your experiences and garner something from those harsh lessons, but ultimately you're beating a dead horse if nothing can be done.

Sounds like the guy is doing well in getting black-listed in a lot of places. Fate will return the same hardships to him, if not more, than he has done to others.

While you're sighing, why don't you roll your eyes at us, too?

This is what that looks like: :rolleyes:


Your posts have been taken a certain way by about 90% of the posters who commented on them. Maybe you should consider if what you originally posted should not be rethought.

Oh, but a Merry Christmas nonetheless.

[Bright-Raven]

4thPip writes:

Bright-Raven: If a relative unknown were to report to Rich Johnston about a questionable experience they had with a high profile editor, would it take creators like Gail or Chuck or Mike to express similar experiences in order to lend credence to the accusation?

um... yes, probably. Because well-known creators would have more to lose if they'd just made up the accusations. So they are more believable than coming from some guy on the internet.

Who is "some guy on the internet", may I ask?

[the4thpip]

4thPip writes:



Who is "some guy on the internet", may I ask?

It's called a figure of speech. You said "a relative unknown" and I hyperbolized that into "some guy on the internet" to make the point more salient. Clearly, that attempt failed.

[ferretshark]

While you're sighing, why don't you roll your eyes at us, too?

This is what that looks like: :rolleyes:


Your posts have been taken a certain way by about 90% of the posters who commented on them. Maybe you should consider if what you originally posted should not be rethought.

Oh, but a Merry Christmas nonetheless.
:rolleyes:

Nothing to rethink.

I don't think it's so much as to how my really easy-to-read comments were read or interpreted as it is the intense heat behind the subject. It's obvious many here need to talk about this, which is all good. I'm just cautioning against how far you allow this guy from getting under your skin. It's not worth it.

If I can lift more than my own bodyweight in a benchpress I sure as hell can fight off the mental games and conflict some people try against me. I look for solutions to the problem, not dwell on the problem itself- how can I get my money back? If I can't get my money back, how can I get that person to not harm anyone else in the future, let alone me? If I can't do that either, I have no choice but to shrug the situtation off as a hard lesson learned and do my best to not get suckered again.

Why don't some of you band together and see about pooling financial resources in order to seek financial damages from Rick Olney? Or speak to a legal representative about what your options are?

[Bright-Raven]

Yes, Pip, that was a failure, as that is a complete misinterpretation of what I was saying. But I suppose the fault is mine for not being clearer.

A "relative unknown" is not the same thing as "some guy on the internet".

A talent like Randy Zimmerman is a "relative unknown" in comparison to "top tier talents" like Gail and Chuck, as far as most of comics fandom is concerned. But he's been a comics professional since 1983 and has had more works published than Gail Simone has. He's just never worked at the Big Two, so 99% or even 100% of his work is under your radar, so he's a "nobody" to you, or a "relative unknown", if you will.

"Some guy on the internet" could be any aspiring talent who's never been published anywhere as far as you know.

See the difference?

[Typo Lad]

You worked with Rob Liefeld? ;)

j/k

Actually, Mr. Liefeld was involved in the onme time this guy actually got something published. As was Gil Kane. Hence my thinking him legit for so long.

[Typo Lad]

LBR.

Is it hard to turn your neck with that chip on your shoulder?

KIDDING! It was just too good a line to pass up.

And for the record, that contract was for someone other than the "Old Pro". My legqal council looked it over and had no issue with it. Still not sure why you did. It was a very blatant work-for-hire contract. The only real issue was the ownership of original art, which I got them to change.

As for our other project... I'm ready to work on that whenever you are. I've been waiting for a few years now. Just say the word.

[Bright-Raven]

Typo:

Is it hard to turn your neck with that chip on your shoulder?

Liefeld has offered to design me some of those keen shoulder pads so that the Rock of Gilbraltar that I keep passing from shoulder to shoulder will stop digging into the flesh.

THEN I'll have problems turning my neck, just you watch. ;)

[Gail Simone]

Rick's once again threatening me on his website. Good lord, what a sad individual this guy is. Bring it on, Rick Olney. I have some amazing information about you from a wide variety of sources. It's interesting how MANY people have had terrible experiences with you regarding getting paid, as your own partner told me twice. And that's not near the worst of it, as you well know.

And of course, once again, I have every bit of your emails to me, one lie after another.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Thank goodness the industry is actually full of good people, and I'm still proud to be part of it!

Gail

[Lester C.]

I'm having a hard time deciding if he's a blowhard or a bully. Aw hell let's just say he's both.

[Lester C.]

This is what I hate about the net. You google Lester Carthan and you will get a full page about all the websites I've been apart of, which drives me nuts. I try to find Rick Onley's myspace site using google and I can't find a damn thing.

[Gail Simone]

I'm having a hard time deciding if he's a blowhard or a bully. Aw hell let's just say he's both.

The people he stiffed definitely feel he's a bully. He's said some really crappy things to them.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey, does anyone know what the meltdown Rick Olney had at comicon was about? At the 'convention' where I first met him, he admitted he'd had a problem there, and he said he'd let his temper go out of control, but he didn't say specifically what it was he'd lost his temper about.

Anyone know?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Who would know about this...Rick Veitch, maybe? I think I have his email...

Gail

[DocAbsurd]

Well, surprise of surprises.

Found the Yahoo group for the ICC has been deleted without my knowledge and my account -- as well as a few other of my fellow creators -- has been eliminated.

One guess who.

Got this email from Lance Boucher about the Troll-ney's latest blog:

A MATTER OF TRUTH
Current mood: Enjoying Christmas!
Category: Enjoying Christmas! News and Politics
A matter of truth has arisen this Christmas morning! But I won't address any of it now. I will, however, reserve comment and some proof where my attorney allows in the coming days and weeks. "Gail Simone" is in for a rude awakening.
I'll also better answer to the other remarks of her peanut gallery plebes. Including the matter of Ian Shires, Tom Tobolski, and Ronee's matter of payment owed. Thank you.


So, now I'm a 'plebe' of yours, Gail, simply because I spoke out against him when he was wrong for using my name in the first place. And he thinks he controls the ICC? That was another project he was supposed to fund and obviously fell thru. But that was all mine: the name, the logo, the goals, even the people who wanted to participate.

Can't wait to see the spin he puts on all this.

I was a bit nervous when Rich Johnston got back to me about this week's LitG. Now I hope he quotes me till Troll-ney's ears burn.




Doc 'Tom?' Absurd

[DocAbsurd]

I think Rick Veitch will probably remember that whole incident better than I ever could. Especially considering I only ever got Troll-ney's side of the story.

I'm sure the archives of that are still around somewhere.




Doc 'Plebe?' Absurd

[kingdom2000]

Again with the lawyer talk. Why can't he just do a straight up explanation/defense without the lawyers? Everytime, he starts an "explanation" with a threat, therefore defeating the purpose of anything he has to say. Is the man simply retarded or just stupid?

[THEDOC]

Hey Tim or is it Tom. glad you could use what I sent you. Gee now that my name is there maybe I will be sued but heck with you fine folks I would consider it an honor.
Rick, read the last line of my signature, it hasn't failed me yet.
Oh I saw Rick kicked me out of the MMC. Oh well Merry Christmas!

[Magneto_X]

"Gail Simone" is in for a rude awakening.

Doc 'Tom?' Absurd

I disagree.

If he tries to get this to court he'll be the one in for a "rude awakening".

[Magneto_X]

Again with the lawyer talk. Why can't he just do a straight up explanation/defense without the lawyers?

Because he falsely believes having them around will make the people he hurt financially back off.

[Gail Simone]

If he were to sue me, with the information I have been given, it'll make for one lousy year for Mr. Rick.

Trust me.

Gail

[titanfan]

Because he falsely believes having them around will make the people he hurt financially back off.

And if he did have legal counsel--people would have heard from his lawyer already rather than receive threats.

[titanfan]

Hey, does anyone know what the meltdown Rick Olney had at comicon was about? At the 'convention' where I first met him, he admitted he'd had a problem there, and he said he'd let his temper go out of control, but he didn't say specifically what it was he'd lost his temper about.

Anyone know?


Comicon has board archives...this is what I could find:

From a poster named Robert:
"Speaking of idiots melting down, the Comicon Gutters had a great moment over the weekend when the notorious RICK Olney posted a racist anti-Native-American diatribe and got so much shit for it he deleted it -- but not before quick-thinking Buck Futter grabbed it re-posted it on a new thread, where RICK can't get at it. Since RICK has now physically threatened other posters, posted under a variety of pseudonyms (often to back up his own arguments) and lied about it until he got caught, appears to have created a new identity for himself as a (suspiciously semi-illiterate) lawyer who's threatening to sue the people he's arguing with for "slander," and now lapsed into racist rants, he's starting to make our own little Danny Hellman look like a piker.'

http://www.comicon.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/35/t/000572.html

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=35;t=000431;p=0

[rick]

It is really sad to see that Onley has enough power over the lot of you, that you will devote your Christmas to trashing him.

Now don’t get me wrong, he is not a nice man and certainly does deserve all of the invective thrown at him, but look at yourselves.

I’m not even a Christian, but I do remember that Christmas Day is supposedly the one day when you are supposed to let go of your anger and resentment and instead concentrate on what is good about your lives and enjoy the ones you love.

So if I might make a suggestion, let it go until tomorrow.

Today, enjoy what you’ve got and be happy for it.

Tomorrow you can go back to being angry.

But today, why not try having a little peace on Earth and good will toward men.

[THEDOC]

1999? Man, Rick has quite a reputation going back a ways. You would think one would use such energy to make this hobby/industry better. It's folks like that who keeps the industry down and us from concentrating on, which is making comics and having fun.

PS sorry Rick , I was writing this while you were posting. You are right though.

[Matt Algren]

It is really sad to see that Onley has enough power over the lot of you, that you will devote your Christmas to trashing him.

(etc)Come down off your high horse.

There's nothing wrong with people speaking (writing, typing) the truth about a liar. In fact, I'd say that Christmas is a perfect time for truth. And fifteen relatively short posts is hardly devotion. In fact, it looks like your your 'tsk tsk' post is the longest of them, disregarding quotations and the like. Ah, irony!

As for trashing someone, Gail and her plebes responding to this morning's legal threats is natural and reasonable.

[Dedagda]

All of my favorite people are here! How could I not comment?

Rick Olney sounds disgusting and I hate what he's done to y'all, my friends.

That said - small business is hard. Struggling with my own shop and FCBD event, its hard not to take these discussions into myself. There are lots of good intentions but complete follow through can be difficult sometimes.

So is anyone still working with him?

[Cam63]

I really wanna dangle Olney upside down over a building ledge now.

Fuckin' wanker.

[Gail Simone]

It is really sad to see that Onley has enough power over the lot of you, that you will devote your Christmas to trashing him.

Now don’t get me wrong, he is not a nice man and certainly does deserve all of the invective thrown at him, but look at yourselves.

I’m not even a Christian, but I do remember that Christmas Day is supposedly the one day when you are supposed to let go of your anger and resentment and instead concentrate on what is good about your lives and enjoy the ones you love.

So if I might make a suggestion, let it go until tomorrow.

Today, enjoy what you’ve got and be happy for it.

Tomorrow you can go back to being angry.

But today, why not try having a little peace on Earth and good will toward men.


Typical blame-the-whistleblower nonsense. He posted today, I responded today. It ruins nothing for me, I'm having the time of my life in Disneyworld.

Gail

[Cam63]

How is it different to Disneyland ?

[rick]

Typical blame-the-whistleblower nonsense. He posted today, I responded today. It ruins nothing for me, I'm having the time of my life in Disneyworld.

Gail


Gail, other then Onley, I'm not "blaming" anyone for anything.

I'm just sorry to see that because of him, you and several other people decided to choose anger as one of your main emotions for the day.

It's just sort of sad to see.

I aplologize for having stuck my nose in, and I hope you enjoy the mouse kingdom.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Comicon has board archives...this is what I could find:

From a poster named Robert:

So, his racism hasn't been confined to past posts at CBR.

Like I said earlier, not surprised. Posts of that sort here back in the day showed exactly what sort of person he is.

[Cam63]

Comicon has board archives...this is what I could find:

From a poster named Robert:


http://www.comicon.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/35/t/000572.html

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=35;t=000431;p=0

Fuck, that was a hard read.

'Way too much geek speak for me to stomach.

[OzBat!]

Okay, I got a bit bored today (boxing day), so I did a little web browsing, and found Richard's Myspace page (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=59528410)Yes, I've done a lot of things in my life, good and bad. Some I can brag about, others which I can't for obvious reasons. As we approach this 2006 Christmas holiday -- Try to find it in your heart to FORGIVE someone you've judged wrongly in your life. We all rush to conclusions, and mistakes get made. Things get said, and nothing holds you in that mean and ugly place way down deep in your soul... but you. Fix it. It isn't to late.I sincerely hope the irony doesn't strike him down where he stands, and that his actions begin to speak louder than his words.

[DocAbsurd]

Gail, other then Onley, I'm not "blaming" anyone for anything.

I'm just sorry to see that because of him, you and several other people decided to choose anger as one of your main emotions for the day.

Here's the thing, rick:

This has been going on for a few weeks now. There's been more than ample opportunity for any sort of action that Rick might have taken. I've been checking regularly at the MMC site for messages and topics and such, just to see if maybe he'd issue an apology or explanation of some sort. Up until early this morning, there's been nothing. Absolutely no indication that anything was amiss.

Rick deleted the accounts of mine and several other creators from the MMC. He took himself off my MySpace list. He eliminated the ICC e-group and MySpace account (both of which I was in charge of). Then he left threatening messages to Gail, Ronee and meself.

Then instructs everyone to go about their holiday business.

What he did was spiteful, typical bully tactics. And unfortunately nothing that none of us didn't expect to happen at some point.

I've had a splendid Christmas day, much better than I had anticipated. I'm sick at home while the Things are out visiting with relatives; this was stress I simply didn't need or deserve.

I've said it before, there's only so many cheeks we can turn. Rick's gotten as far as he has because up until recently most of us independent creators have kept our mouths shut.

I didn't react with anger. I simply stated his most recent actions. He works quickly when he gets the bee up his bonnet; by tomorrow he could easily have changed everything he posted today and retconned it all away to make himself look the hero. Again.

None of us have been on the phone with our attorneys. We haven't called for a lynch mob to visit the Mohawk Valley. And Cam's 'professionals' are still on holiday. I think we reacted pretty damn calmly.

Now, off to open the last of my new Star Wars toys and put the new comforters on the Things' bed.




Doc 'Serenity Now' Absurd

[TomStillwell]

How is it different to Disneyland ?


Land is in California. World is in Florida.

Land was the original. World is newer and much larger.

[Magneto_X]

Typical blame-the-whistleblower nonsense. He posted today, I responded today. It ruins nothing for me, I'm having the time of my life in Disneyworld.

Gail

You're at Disneyworld? How is it? I hope you have a great time. You deserve it! :D

Merry Christmas, Gail.

[kingdom2000]

"Older" being relative since probably both could use a little modernization of the rides and what not.

[Cam63]

We haven't called for a lynch mob to visit the Mohawk Valley. And Cam's 'professionals' are still on holiday. I think we reacted pretty damn calmly.

They'll be back Tuesday next week after promising they'd take the " family " to Sea World and a Wiggles concert.

[Ronée]

All of my favorite people are here! How could I not comment?

Rick Olney sounds disgusting and I hate what he's done to y'all, my friends.

That said - small business is hard. Struggling with my own shop and FCBD event, its hard not to take these discussions into myself. There are lots of good intentions but complete follow through can be difficult sometimes.

So is anyone still working with him?hey you sexy bitch! Big hugs and all that mooshie crap.. ;)

As to the rest of this drama, I made mention of this in my blog and I am too lazy to repeat it so heres the link. LINK! (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=72886780&blogID=209780514&Mytoken=0947D6D5-1B91-4334-B658D0299B0E58FF64426454)

[Crowley]

awww look what Santa left Rick:
http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/PDS/PDS065/AA004822.jpg

[Larry Dixon]

The latest makes me think of the scenes, in the movies, where the guy is in the cop-shop interview room and the detectives are sweating him, and he replies, "If you really had something on me, you'd be booking me, not squeezing me."

Misty & I have paid into something called "Prepaid Legal Services" for something like 15 years now, and have amassed over 1,600 unused hours of legal counsel. Our reaction, when anyone pipes up with the huff-n-puff of legal action for any reason towards us, is simply "Here ya go. -hands over a card with PPLS contact info- Bring yer shit."

With about that much level of either interest or rage.

We have yet to actually be sued for anything at all.

Which basically comes around to my comment that, by now if this joker had any real juice at all, you'd all have been hearing from counsel and he'd have firmed up whatever clout he thinks he has, and you'd have times and dates and all sorts of official proceedings by now.

Instead, you've got what you've got.

[Larry Dixon]

hey you sexy bitch! Big hugs and all that mooshie crap.. ;)

Hey! He's MY sexy bitch!

Well, and bert's too.

But franchise opportunities are available!

[Cam63]

awww look what Santa left Rick:
http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/PDS/PDS065/AA004822.jpg

That's some freaky lookin' licorice.

[TheDeeMan]

Wow. This thread was a hard read from every angle for me. I've known Rick for a while now, since the old OrcaFresh boards, and I knew he could rub folks the wrong way at times(to put it mildly), but I never imagined anything like this.

All I can say is that he's always been very supportive of me over the years. I've never had a bad experience with the man.

Dee

[the4thpip]

Gail, other then Onley, I'm not "blaming" anyone for anything.

I'm just sorry to see that because of him, you and several other people decided to choose anger as one of your main emotions for the day.

It's just sort of sad to see.

I aplologize for having stuck my nose in, and I hope you enjoy the mouse kingdom.

Whereas you wasted your christmas whining about what people chose to do with 5 minutes of their Christmas, by your logic. :confused:

[THEDOC]

Rick deleted the accounts of mine and several other creators from the MMC. He took himself off my MySpace list. He eliminated the ICC e-group and MySpace account (both of which I was in charge of). Then he left threatening messages to Gail, Ronee and meself.
So he booted you off too Tim? Who is left, Dennis?
Whatever help you need with ICC let me know.

[rick]

Whereas you wasted your christmas whining about what people chose to do with 5 minutes of their Christmas, by your logic. :confused:


You know Pip, that statement actually ticks me off.

All I suggested is that for one day all of you stop with this bitching and moaning and spend one day appreciating the things in life that you have.

But apparently that suggestion was really not welcome

So, like I said, I am very sorry for sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.

But I am also sorry to see so many people decide that Christmas is a time for hostility instead of something positive.

[Gail Simone]

You know Pip, that statement actually ticks me off.

All I suggested is that for one day all of you stop with this bitching and moaning and spend one day appreciating the things in life that you have.

But apparently that suggestion was really not welcome

So, like I said, I am very sorry for sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.

But I am also sad to see that the spirit of Christmas passed so many of you right by, and that worse yet, in your own self-righteousness, none of you seemed to notice.

Still who am I to stand between a man and a mob, so I’ll let you all get back to your 300+ bitchfest and hope that the lot of you eventually feel better.


Rick, the thing is, you assumed we weren't appreciating what we have, and that's just wrong. A guy like Rick Olney makes me appreciate all the honest, kind-hearted and generous people who are in the industry all the more as I've said several times in this thread alone.

And, for those who are owed money by Rick that they were counting on for their families for Christmas, may I say that they have a lot more involved than just 'bitching.'

As for a man and a mob, for Pete's sake, what a bunch of nonsense. The truth is the truth, whether one person agrees or a hundred. Don't read the thread if you're so offended.

I for one had a spectacular Christmas even though we were rained out of Disneyworld for half the day. :)

Gail, part of a huge mob, apparently

[Gail Simone]

Wow. This thread was a hard read from every angle for me. I've known Rick for a while now, since the old OrcaFresh boards, and I knew he could rub folks the wrong way at times(to put it mildly), but I never imagined anything like this.

All I can say is that he's always been very supportive of me over the years. I've never had a bad experience with the man.

Dee

I take it then he never owed you any money, which is where his former friends and supporters seem to get screwed.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

So he booted you off too Tim? Who is left, Dennis?
Whatever help you need with ICC let me know.

I like Dennis, I think he's a good guy, if I understand him correctly. At one point, Rick recently tried to blame the whole payment thing on Dennis, saying it was completely his responsibility, even though I'd never even spoken to Dennis before the convention and I had two years of emails from Rick telling about his financial troubles and why he couldn't pay as promised (always promising a new paydate that never came til I finally told him I didn't want the remainder any more, as dealing with his bullshit wasn't worth it).

But yeah, Rick's made it clear he's not going to allow anyone he's shafted to post on his blog or message board. Once again, he's showing his character.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

You know Pip, that statement actually ticks me off.

All I suggested is that for one day all of you stop with this bitching and moaning and spend one day appreciating the things in life that you have.

But apparently that suggestion was really not welcome

So, like I said, I am very sorry for sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.

But I am also sorry to see so many people decide that Christmas is a time for hostility instead of something positive.

You know, on second thought (and I realize you edited your comments), I apologize for responding testily. I still think you're misreading but no reason to be snippy in return. My apologies.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

The latest makes me think of the scenes, in the movies, where the guy is in the cop-shop interview room and the detectives are sweating him, and he replies, "If you really had something on me, you'd be booking me, not squeezing me."

Misty & I have paid into something called "Prepaid Legal Services" for something like 15 years now, and have amassed over 1,600 unused hours of legal counsel. Our reaction, when anyone pipes up with the huff-n-puff of legal action for any reason towards us, is simply "Here ya go. -hands over a card with PPLS contact info- Bring yer shit."

With about that much level of either interest or rage.

We have yet to actually be sued for anything at all.

Which basically comes around to my comment that, by now if this joker had any real juice at all, you'd all have been hearing from counsel and he'd have firmed up whatever clout he thinks he has, and you'd have times and dates and all sorts of official proceedings by now.

Instead, you've got what you've got.


That's a good idea, Larry.

Fortunately, I have a very very good lawyer in the family who loves stuff tlike this. ;)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

All of my favorite people are here! How could I not comment?

Rick Olney sounds disgusting and I hate what he's done to y'all, my friends.

That said - small business is hard. Struggling with my own shop and FCBD event, its hard not to take these discussions into myself. There are lots of good intentions but complete follow through can be difficult sometimes.

So is anyone still working with him?

Richard, respectfully, everyone here understands that small businesses in comics are a tough go. But you, in a million years, would not have handled this the way Rick did.

Everyone is understanding at first...but when the promises go on and on and eventually turn to threats and insults, it's infuriating. I don't need or want the money Rick promised me and failed to deliver. But the threats, insults and lies have made it something else entirely. And a hundred times worse is that he turned right around and did the exact same things to people like Ronee, Val, Chuck and some other nice people I've only met recently, like posters on this thread.

It's not the same. Everyone would have given the guy much more slack if he'd responded differently.

Gail

[rick]

I'm editing this because really, it isn't any of my business how any of you spend Christmas.

I hope every one has a safe and Happy New Year.

[Gail Simone]

I really wanna dangle Olney upside down over a building ledge now.

Fuckin' wanker.

Honestly, as I say, I don't care about Rick enough to wish him ill. I don't care about his company, I don't care about his conventions.

If he pays Val, Chuck, Ronee, and all the other folks he owes, then as far as I'm concerned, he's a dead issue, even though he's trying desperately to throw shit on all the people he's wronged.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'm editing this because really, it isn't any of my business how any of you spend Christmas.

I hope every one has a safe and Happy New Year.

Like I say, it didn't affect my Christmas one iota. I'm having a frabulous week.

But no worries, go in peace and all,

Gail

[the4thpip]

You know Pip, that statement actually ticks me off.



See, that's what happens when people get in other people's business.

I think we learned something here today. Merry Boxing Day. :o

[Gail Simone]

Truce, guys, nothing here worth quarreling about.

Gail

[the4thpip]

Yeah, I hadn't read the posts that followed. Should I post a pic of a naked rugby player instead?

[Matt Algren]

Truce, guys, nothing here worth quarreling about.

GailYeah, who really expected that a couple years away would change the guy, anyway?

[Gail Simone]

Yeah, who really expected that a couple years away would change the guy, anyway?

'Splain, please...I don't understand what you're saying.

Gail

[Cam63]

Truce, guys, nothing here worth quarreling about.

Gail

How about a knife fight then ?

Punching ?

Slapping ?

Flicking ?

Furrowed brows ?

Lester ?

[Matt Algren]

'Splain, please...I don't understand what you're saying.

GailThe original thread from a couple years ago has long since been deleted, but here's the 'welcome back' (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=151387) thread from six weeks back. I've been disappointed to see that some things never change. (Not that he, or anyone else for that matter, cares or really should care what I think.)

[Matt Algren]

How about a knife fight then ?

Punching ?

Slapping ?

Flicking ?

Furrowed brows ?

Lester ?Pistols at dawn!

http://www.sandmtnshootersclub.com/sambugs.jpg

[THEDOC]

Originally posted by Gail Simone: I like Dennis, I think he's a good guy, if I understand him correctly. At one point, Rick recently tried to blame the whole payment thing on Dennis, saying it was completely his responsibility, even though I'd never even spoken to Dennis before the convention and I had two years of emails from Rick telling about his financial troubles and why he couldn't pay as promised (always promising a new paydate that never came til I finally told him I didn't want the remainder any more, as dealing with his bullshit wasn't worth it).
I like Dennis as well Gail, we have had great conversations at the MMC, which with Rick's pruning has been somewhat lacking. I see Dennis' comments and it seems to me anyway he begrudgingly agrees with Rick sometime.
I will miss seeing Dennis though he is on a couple of Yahoo groups I go to.
Like I said such a waste of energy and unfullfilled potential on Rick's part. Kinda confused why I was booted but I guess it's for the best.
Was Rick always like this, even before the Internet?:confused:

[Cam63]

Pistols at dawn!

http://www.sandmtnshootersclub.com/sambugs.jpg

Leave Dawn alone ! She had nuthin' to do with it !

[Corrina]

Yeah, I hadn't read the posts that followed. Should I post a pic of a naked rugby player instead?

Yes.

tencharacterlimt

[Matt Algren]

Okie.

(hope this image links)

Aah! NSFW!!!

Gail and Doc, there's a new post up. Thank goodness it's not Christmas and you can respond. ;) Tuesday, December 26, 2006


Christmas Afterglow...

We have a couple traditions here in the Olney household. While the folks over in the township of Olney, England do their pancake thing... we, on this branch of the tree, start the Christmas morning with a family breakfast. This is the one morning when my wife relinquishes her kitchen and allows me to mess it up, as I have another noteriety of fixing some mean french toast, bacon (or sausage), with orange juice and any other additional requests made. My wife and I look forward to it all, even when some of the kids can't make it due to work obligations.


Breakfast this year was like no other. My parents moved in with us back in early 2005. This was our first family breakfast without mom, grandma, and great grandma being there physically. We're each still dealing with that loss. Misery loves company...


My mom was a huge part of my life. I simply know I'll never recover from her death. That loss has allowed my darker side to easily influence my life and decisions. But, sadly, I simply do not care anymore...

We live in a shite filled world. Good and bad people come and go and some leave their mark. Yesterday was about the togetherness and joy that came into this world from a single birth. It really wasn't meant to enrage the ignorant. I'm reading elsewhere that I'm a racist. Again, ignorance take root in weak minds. And people love drama. They take the worst part of their lives and turn it all into a seething pit of pain.

You create soomething, bring people onboard, and hope that they're BIG enough people to do what they were meant to do. That was what I had in mind when I put together the ICC, Independent Creators Coalition. I initially saw it as it was previously described. I brought Tim Tobolski onboard thinking it might inspire him to get back to that creative 'heart' of his. I was actually more than willing to underwrite a portion of the costs. Tim and I have since parted as friends, and that's fine. Yesterday I removed the ICC egroup that I had created, along with erasing the ICC here on myspace. After getting this email:



You don't know me or anything but I happen to be the soon-to-be wife of one Tim Tobolski a.k.a. Doc Absurd.. I am sure YOU know him better as your Flunky... I read your Myspace and I don't see what the draw is to you... I mean you aren't a graduate of anything although you seem to have a Masters in Bullshit Spreading...just wanted to take the time out of my Christmas holiday and allow you a few pointers from someone with real class and education....

First off, noone likes to be lied to or used.....you have owed Tim money for some time and never paid, he never complained though did he? You see thats what a friend and partner does, they realize the other person's burdens and they overlook it because of the friendship they are supposed to have, regardless of the bind it may put them in at the time....

Second of all by your own admission, you have done things you are not proud of, I hope that ripping people, good decent people off is on the top of that list, it should be because from the rumors that are circulating about you, I gathered your at the top of everyones shit list and thats not a good place to be...

Third of all the logo for the I.C.C. was created by Tim, and I have the evidence in hard copies so DO NOT take it upon yourself to infringe on those rights... I turned his creations over to my attorney for safe keeping when they were created and I am a woman that will back my man up 100% if you even dare try to screw him over in anyway on that. I back him 100% in EVERYTHING he says or does, and reason being, unlike you he knows what being a truthful man is...

Today, I hope you can look yourself in the mirror and see a glint somewhere of the honesty that all children possess at one time and that you try to recapture it, it is going to take a long while to build back your reputation after all of this...my advice to you would be the next time you feel a lie coming on your tongue, bite it off....and I mean literally!

What is it Robin would say at a time like this? Holy Jumping Lying Lips Batman? How appropriate!

Daphne Tobolski



I don't and can't fault Daphe for responding out of love and concern for Tim. In fact, if Mike Netzer really had his fecal matter wired together -- He'd offer Tim a spot for his toy column, or Jonah Weiland even... Hell, Tim's got more writing ability than that hack Gail... lol



So I was saying -- We live in a shite filled world. Good and bad people come and go and some leave their mark. I have a good side. Many more people have seen it than just these few that now congiel in working out their misery. Was it misery that I caused? I don't think so. Although I do recognize that I caused some people some misery during these holidays. But I also think that most of them (led by, and including Gail) are miserable people in general. Just not happy with themselves. I mean, read the stuff about her J-Bolt love affair. That's what it is! It is a love affair built on hate to keep her plebes happy and feeding from her trough. Maybe I should be honored to be considered higher that that J-Bolt person. Or not. "Gail" came into the industry because it needed a few token female writers to show the rest of us that they knew what we wanted. I have no doubt that Ronee Garcia Bourgeois could be just as hearalded for her writing ability. Well, once she kicks loose of her misery and the blame game.

The highlight of reading what people say about you, even in a cesspool, is when you get to see something like this:

Wow. This thread was a hard read from every angle for me. I've known Rick for a while now, since the old OrcaFresh boards, and I knew he could rub folks the wrong way at times(to put it mildly), but I never imagined anything like this.

All I can say is that he's always been very supportive of me over the years. I've never had a bad experience with the man.

Dee
__________________
G.A.A.K: Groovy Ass Alien Kreatures. It's like "The Goonies" meets "The Invaders from Mars".

Thanks Dee! And on that positive note, I'll close this afterglow for now... Sincere thanks to the other people that have emailed me supportive and positive things. May the three fold bring them all that they deserve.

[TomStillwell]

Doc, that's a good woman. Hold onto her!

[MacQuarrie]

Doc, you got yourself a keeper there. Daphne's letter to the Weasel was perfect.

[Typo Lad]

Yeah, I like her.

[DocAbsurd]

Where to start?

Isn't Daphne fantastic? I got the email from DOC while we were online and I sent her the link; she went absolutely ballistic. Along with the Things, she has been a major muse in my creative output. She, in fact, was the one who convinced me to tell how Rick has been treating me after he tried dragging me into this latest flamewar.

She already did take the logo I created, plus copies of the correspondence, to her attorney without me knowing. With the witnesses I have who know I was the driving force and creative impetus behind the ICC, I'm fairly safe there. She's proud of my talents and she is always watching out for me.

Rick never 'took [me] onboard'. He came crawling to me with the germ of an idea to form a group of independent creators to do projects together. As he put it, he knew no-one would join a group he was part of and he wanted me as a front-man. I think I still have the comment he left on my MySpace proudly announcing me as the head of the ICC. And Mike Netzer already told me he was entirely supportive of my efforts with the ICC.

Wanna know an ugly little fact? He wanted the ICC to compete directly with what Mr Shires was attempting to do with his group of small press creators. I was the one who altered it enough to be something entirely different. A fact that DOC is all too aware of.

'Underwriting the costs'? I wrote 9 installments of my column, plus another 5 that never saw print. I was supposed to be paid for the review and the cost of the toys. 'Supposed to be'. 2 years later and I'm still waiting for the 'underwriting'. There's 3 of us who were writing columns for the MMC, and we've been regularly promised we're 'at the top of the list'. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've heard, 'As soon as I get some finances freed up, I'll pay what I owe you, plus a bit for your troubles'.

And we never officially 'parted as friends'. I cut ties. He has yet to call, email, leave a message, anything. I should have known better than to expect an apology or explanation. And he deleted the ICC stuff long before Daphne sent him the email; I've got the email DOC sent me, which precedes her message by hours. More retconning.

I really don't understand Rick's vitriol towards Gail. Sorry, I am not in Gail's class when it comes to writing; that was a cruel jab at both of us. When I met Gail at the MiniCon in 2003, she was gracious, personable, and a more-than-willing participant in my horrible little panel. 'Token'? Hardly. She's got twice talent of the amount of bullshyte being flung at her. She stood up to a bully, so she's become the bully's target.

Rick constantly harped about Gail's pseudonym, like she was breaking some commandment in comic book writing. Big fecking deal. Nora Roberts wrote over a dozen novels under a pseudonym despite her enormous popularity. People have reasons for keeping their anonymity; fans can be a little too 'appreciative' of their idols.

That comment against Ronee was utterly uncalled for. When Rick went through all his well-advertised hard times, he expected the world to cut him all the compassion available to the human soul. Now that Ronee's going through her own personal hell, he's calling it a 'misery and blame game'.

DeeMan, I'm glad you haven't had any bad experiences. I was willing to say the same until recent events. In retrospect, I can see entirely different. Fair warning, though: don't let the subject of 'work-for-hire' ever come up. I know from firsthand experience how many people have jumped ship from his creative team on the TightLip projects because of overdue payments.

Lastly, Mike Netzer was kind enough to offer me spot to carry on my toy review column. However, I can't afford to buy the toys to review; all my finances are going straight to the household. I've got a deadbeat mother on my hands and the care of my Things come first. If I could find a sponsor, I'd be able to re-launch immediately. But that still doesn't excuse his own lack of responsibility.

I'm trying to get Daphne to sign up here; she needs to see she did the right thing.




Doc 'She Got My Back' Absurd

[Matt Algren]

Any lawyers in the house? This seems backward to me. Isn't a contract signed before work begins? Or have all these years of TV lawyer shows been lying to me?" I have no doubt that Ronee Garcia Bourgeois could be just as hearalded for her writing ability. Well, once she kicks loose of her misery and the blame game."Agreed. And want to know what will help her do that? Pay her the money you owe her. That will help kick loose her misery, wouldn't it? Then everybody will be happy. Yay!

Posted by TCJohnson on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 1:14 AM
Hey TC!

I'll be more than happy to once she signs and returns bother her non disclosure agreement and the contract that allowed for her to be so engaged during her former time at TightLip Entertainment.

She is owed $800 dollars. I have no problem stating that here. And I have no problem paying her, as Ronee's case isn't anything like the Dixon and Staples matter, or the situation involving anyone else. So whether she gets paid or not is in her hands. She knows all this. It has been shared with her in a couple emails. What could be more simple a solution?

Posted by Rick from TightLip Entertainment on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 1:23 AM
EDIT: Oh, and Doc? The guys are right. She's a keeper.

Now back to work with me!

[TomStillwell]

Anyone know Rick's middle name?

I'm working on something...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yeah Doc , that girl is a keeper for doing all that. It takes someone special to stand up and tell someone they won't put you down. Good luck on everything guys.

[Ronée]

yeah I thought the shit against me was uncalled for, espescially when he told me to keep HIS name out of MY mouth. I was there for him during every single one of his miseries and doing my best to hold his company together in that time. I also did the whole redesign to the ICC myspace site, at no cost, because he asked me to. As well as building and maintaining the TLE myspace that he has now since blocked me from.

I was told I didnt NEED a contract and now I do. as I said in my blog he just wants me to sign an NDA so i can't reveal what is really going on over there and then I STILL won't get paid as I am sure he will again pull the "check got lost in the mail" bit that he pulled on me twice while working for him. He also called me selfish when I asked for my pay while he was in his own misery. But yet I am the bitter one.

Yeah ok.

[DocAbsurd]

Daphne just got off the phone with our attorney. Here's what we got after a couple of minutes:

MySpace is a free service for anyone of age consenting to the rules and regulations thereof. If rick hasn't paid the owners of MySpace to advertise his business and/or brought people into his site with the promise of jobs or money it is construed as internet fraud and the maximum is 20 years.

So if he's using his MySpace to drum up business and refuses to pay his creators, he's in serious doo-doo. And our attorney is only more than willing to travel to NY.

Daphne stopped by and read all this. She's amazed at how Rick can possibly lie so badly. She's also flattered that you guys approve of her actions. She was actually worried she may have spouted off too strongly; I told her to let loose. What could he possibly do, hold back on the money he owes me?

We've got our legal ducks in a row.

And I am not letting this woman go. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can actually accomplish my cartooning goals. And as low as I've felt having to pull 2 jobs just to make ends meet, she's been proud of me for having the guts to do what was necessary.

She's believed in me even when I didn't.




Doc 'Quack' Absurd

[Typo Lad]

So if he's using his MySpace to drum up business and refuses to pay his creators, he's in serious doo-doo. And our attorney is only more than willing to travel to NY.

I can find him a good, cheap hotel if he's gonna chaege per diem.

I think legal action would be just, all things considered.

[kingdom2000]

Well on bright side at least he didn't start flinging out the lawyers and the threats right off the bat. That's some improvement. The slinging of insults still needs a litttle work. Its a bit amateur. Probably out of practice from making so many threats. I am sure he will get some practice in. Now if only he can figure out how to write out an explanation.

PS: Gail has a pseudonym?

[TCJohnson]

PS: Gail has a pseudonym?

I keep telling you people her real name is Mark Waid!

[Gail Simone]

What an sad case. Can't even spell his own insults right. YIKES.

Can you imagine that lunkhead, who can't put together a sentence in English, commenting on anyone else's talents?

How funny. And Daphne and Ronee are worth a thousand lying deadbeats.

Ten thousand.

Hey, Rick, since you're reading this, why not tell the truth about the money you owe, the threats you've made, the people you've abused?

'Til then, we know your character, that of a lying deadbeat.

A.

Lying.

Deadbeat.


That's a scuzzy thing to be, no amount of spin will change it.


I love that his posts are full of typos and misused words while talking about his talents. Hilarious. I read them in a Pee Wee Herman voice.

And lay off Ronee, you deadbeat. She stuck up for you and you screwed her for it. That makes HER the victim, not you.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Where to start?

Isn't Daphne fantastic? I got the email from DOC while we were online and I sent her the link; she went absolutely ballistic. Along with the Things, she has been a major muse in my creative output. She, in fact, was the one who convinced me to tell how Rick has been treating me after he tried dragging me into this latest flamewar.

She already did take the logo I created, plus copies of the correspondence, to her attorney without me knowing. With the witnesses I have who know I was the driving force and creative impetus behind the ICC, I'm fairly safe there. She's proud of my talents and she is always watching out for me.

Rick never 'took [me] onboard'. He came crawling to me with the germ of an idea to form a group of independent creators to do projects together. As he put it, he knew no-one would join a group he was part of and he wanted me as a front-man. I think I still have the comment he left on my MySpace proudly announcing me as the head of the ICC. And Mike Netzer already told me he was entirely supportive of my efforts with the ICC.

Wanna know an ugly little fact? He wanted the ICC to compete directly with what Mr Shires was attempting to do with his group of small press creators. I was the one who altered it enough to be something entirely different. A fact that DOC is all too aware of.

'Underwriting the costs'? I wrote 9 installments of my column, plus another 5 that never saw print. I was supposed to be paid for the review and the cost of the toys. 'Supposed to be'. 2 years later and I'm still waiting for the 'underwriting'. There's 3 of us who were writing columns for the MMC, and we've been regularly promised we're 'at the top of the list'. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've heard, 'As soon as I get some finances freed up, I'll pay what I owe you, plus a bit for your troubles'.

And we never officially 'parted as friends'. I cut ties. He has yet to call, email, leave a message, anything. I should have known better than to expect an apology or explanation. And he deleted the ICC stuff long before Daphne sent him the email; I've got the email DOC sent me, which precedes her message by hours. More retconning.

I really don't understand Rick's vitriol towards Gail. Sorry, I am not in Gail's class when it comes to writing; that was a cruel jab at both of us. When I met Gail at the MiniCon in 2003, she was gracious, personable, and a more-than-willing participant in my horrible little panel. 'Token'? Hardly. She's got twice talent of the amount of bullshyte being flung at her. She stood up to a bully, so she's become the bully's target.

Rick constantly harped about Gail's pseudonym, like she was breaking some commandment in comic book writing. Big fecking deal. Nora Roberts wrote over a dozen novels under a pseudonym despite her enormous popularity. People have reasons for keeping their anonymity; fans can be a little too 'appreciative' of their idols.

That comment against Ronee was utterly uncalled for. When Rick went through all his well-advertised hard times, he expected the world to cut him all the compassion available to the human soul. Now that Ronee's going through her own personal hell, he's calling it a 'misery and blame game'.

DeeMan, I'm glad you haven't had any bad experiences. I was willing to say the same until recent events. In retrospect, I can see entirely different. Fair warning, though: don't let the subject of 'work-for-hire' ever come up. I know from firsthand experience how many people have jumped ship from his creative team on the TightLip projects because of overdue payments.

Lastly, Mike Netzer was kind enough to offer me spot to carry on my toy review column. However, I can't afford to buy the toys to review; all my finances are going straight to the household. I've got a deadbeat mother on my hands and the care of my Things come first. If I could find a sponsor, I'd be able to re-launch immediately. But that still doesn't excuse his own lack of responsibility.

I'm trying to get Daphne to sign up here; she needs to see she did the right thing.




Doc 'She Got My Back' Absurd

Don't worry, Doc. From the mail I'm getting, no one believes his version of any of his stories anymore. No one has so successfully ruined his own reputation so quickly in this industry outside of Micah Whight (Sp?).



Gail

[Gail Simone]

I do have to admit, it's kind of funny how easy it is to make him lose his mind in public.

:)

Gail

[Bright-Raven]

It's been mentioned that if Rick had any ability to file charges against anyone, it would have already happened and people would have been served papers.

Not true.

From recent personal experience (I've just ended a 14 month long legal battle to retain my home from a real estate scam artist), I can imagine the amount of time it would take Olney and any attorney who'd have him to properly prepare and present any sort of case against those who have raised issues - it could take 2-3 months. Maybe longer. Then the courts have to schedule such matters for the docket, in which case then Olney (via his attorney) would have to send out notices of the court date via registered letter to all parties concerned... and that's if the court didn't automatically dismiss the case based upon the initial presentations. And even if the court did schedule a date, if Olney's attorney doesn't notify all opposing parties by registered letter within 7 business days (meaning the letter has to be registered as having been mailed, not that the parties received said notice), then the attorney may face penalties in court, because obviously everyone's attorney's need time to properly review Olney's complaints against them and prepare a reply for the court. This is why it was usually 4-6 weeks between court dates in my case, and I suspect similar scheduling would be in order here.

And if you really think Olney's attorney is going to deal with all this crap in the middle of the holidays, when the attorney would have to prepare specified matters against Gail, Chuck, Tim, Ronee, Val, Mike, and whomever else, even in a joint filing against all parties? I only had ONE party to prepare against and it took me 3-5 days per document! Ask MacQuarrie and Brian Cronin the sort of crap I've been dealing with. Brian was a Godsend, reviewing my personally prepared documents for me at no expense after my parents' Pro Bono attorney bailed on them.

So no, it'll take Olney a hell of a long time for him to even consider taking legal actions against anyone, because once he opens the can of worms against one of them, he has to take them all on, while everyone else can file separately against him, or as a joint civil class action suit. That particular matter is definitely more in the creators' favor than it is Rick Olney's.

And as Val Staples has already mentioned, it might not be worth the expense, because even if the creators win - if Olney legitimately has no assets to be sold off to pay damages, like what happened at CrossGen, nobody will see their money anyway and lawyers will still want their pay, for if nothing else the filing fees.

[TomStillwell]

LBR, I've worked in a law office for a large litigation firm for almost a decade.

Any lawyer worth their salt can initiate legal action within days, if not hours, when the need arises. I deal with these sort of actions on a daily basis.

It wouldn't take much time or effort for Rick and his lawyer to file claims against multiple parties.

The process of litigation drags on yes, but not the initial actions involved in filing suits.

[kingdom2000]

It depends on what Rick is after. Is he is pulling an SCO, he may decide to use lititgation as a revenge/revenue source. The problem with such a plan though is where SCO attacked large cash solvent companies such as IBM, Sun etc, Rick is going after john and jane comic creator. They don't have money to begin with. If they did they would throw so many lawyers back at him it would be cheaper to settle. Any case the lawyers can move as fast or as slow as the clients want them to on filing against a person. Filing is the first step, the last step is actually going to court for judgement. Its pretty rare when that happens as most settle

Anyone give any thought to a class action lawsuit? To my knowledge those things only require a min of one person to file and those effected by it can then agree to join the class so only one lawyer for the class. Of course the lawyer keeps a high percentage if he wins. The other alternative is to create a "virtual class" where you all pool your resouces together to higher a single lawyer to represent the hole. The hurdle with that idea is that some people might get screwed out of some of the money since a single person's interests would not necessarily be served. Also I would imagine some scenarios where say a percentage of owed is paid. So say court decides 50% will be paid back. The person owed $1000 may be satisifed with that while the person owed say $10000 probably wouldn't. Then there is the high probability that Onley, if any judgement is served against him, would file for bankrupcy protection. Since its the company, not the individual filing, the effect on him would be mimium. Just look at what Pat Lee did with Dreamwave.

This current situation with Onley smells to high hell like he is working from the Pat Lee playbook.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Rick Olney threatened me when I asked him if he owed money and called me a stalker and queer. Then he posted my picture on his MySpace. Which just screamed "irony"

He is a tool of the highest order with nothing to show from his company but creepy logos and broken promises. He says very clearly he owes money to Ronee (How about to Gail, Chuck, and everyone else. Dick? May I call you Dick? Dick.) yet refuses to pay her for not signing a NDA? In Olney-world, anyone can be rich. I think I will contact the IRS who I owe money to and tell them they can have it when they sign a NDA. IS that how he fills out his taxes?

By Rick "Lord of Comics" Olney via MySpace Dec 11 2006 9:22 PM "Be sure to search me out at Megacon. I'll have a surprise for you. "


This I cannot wait for.

[Gail Simone]

He knows full well I have two years of his emails, each one filled with lies.

Should be fun reading them aloud and posting them here.

Also, try to find one lie I've said, Rick. Every single thing I've said here, I have you repeating in your own words in your own emails, backed up by emails from Dennis and others close to you.

I get that you're not talented, but I never said you were STUPID.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

In the end, it comes down to this.

Rick Olney's word is no good, no good at all, and I have email after email, not just to me, but from many, many others, many of whom were former defenders.

Even he admits he doesn't pay when he promises.

But in moral midgetland, you sue when you break your promises and stiff someone.

Then you post hysterics about how scary you are.

Oh, my WORD!

The guy who stiffed me and lied to me for two years is MAD!

Boo fricking hoo.

Gail

[Hybrid2]

People have reasons for keeping their anonymity; fans can be a little too 'appreciative' of their idols.


What do you mean by that?


*hide shrine of Gail ,plans for husband "accident" and wedding plans.*

[Matt Algren]

At the risk of stirring shit...oh who am I kidding? I'm bored at work and this is mildly interesting to watch. (Although I hope Olney pays everyone he's cheated. That's a jackass thing to do.)

I am confused as to Olney's rebuttal (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59528410&blogID=209953673&MyToken=64bdd44b-a210-4d49-b814-484f823d3ad6) to several posts in this thread at his myspace page instead of here, when we know he has an account.

"Gail"... I'm glad that you have a family member or friends with legal experience. I believe you'll need them. And as far as these emails you claim to have -- Be my guest and drag them out. Or is this another example of poor "Gail Simone" storytelling. Tsk, tsk, tsk... liar.

[Matt Doc Martin]

At the risk of stirring shit...oh who am I kidding? I'm bored at work and this is mildly interesting to watch. (Although I hope Olney pays everyone he's cheated. That's a jackass thing to do.)

I am confused as to Olney's rebuttal (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59528410&blogID=209953673&MyToken=64bdd44b-a210-4d49-b814-484f823d3ad6) to several posts in this thread at his myspace page instead of here, when we know he has an account.


Well, here he would have to face his accusers. He controls comments on his MySpace page and he can play the role of vengeful victim. Not mentioning, of course, his attacks on Ronee.

As I told him, his litigation will go as far as his company. Nowhere.

I'd believe what he says somewhat less than Joe Isuzu.

[ferretshark]

Anyone give any thought to a class action lawsuit?
Exactly what I had asked earlier. If one individual can't afford a lawsuit for damages or restitution then why not consider pooling your resources as a collective? All this "he said this" and "I said that" is dangerous rhetoric when some are tossing threats of legal action. People involved in this need to watch what they say lest they have slander or defamation of character lawsuits also tossed at them. That'll give your opponent more to use against you if you lose your self control to the whims of public blasting and accusations. It's easy to get caught up in a mob mentality and let your emotions run wild.

[TomStillwell]

There's four words that describe Olney:

Big talk, no do.

[Corrina]

Niiice photo. Bless you, pip!

And for Olney, not much to say that hasn't already been said.

[THEDOC]

Gee. I think Rick has issues with female writers and folks named Doc. I should give some of my Lexapro, He could then look like Lex L and think he is a pro.
I go to his Myspace all the time just for laughs.
D_A I would be honored to carry your articles on the IF site. Send them to me and I will post and any new ones. We Docs have to stick together.:D
Daphne is a keeper can't wait to meet her.
Gail and Ronee, keep fighting the good fight!!!!:cool:

[THEDOC]

Sorry Folks I was up late and found some more interesting Rick blogs to share with you all. Hey at least there is no cover charge or is that charges??:p

Tuesday, December 26, 2006


Matt Algren asks...

"At the risk of stirring shit...oh who am I kidding? I'm bored at work and this is mildly interesting to watch. (Although I hope Olney pays everyone he's cheated. That's a jackass thing to do.)

I am confused as to Olney's rebuttal to several posts in this thread at his myspace page instead of here, when we know he has an account."



Well, Matt -- To answer your question, I was instructed not to address the individual(s) involved directly. Also, last time I checked ... my CBR password wasn't working. But with me, that normally means that I've lost or forgotten my password. Or I was banned. lol



Far as paying those people actually UNAFFECTED by this confidentiality matter -- I am awaiting legal instruction on how either a) I'm cleared to begin that action. b) My attorney will be handling that matter under his control to solve everyone's woes and complaints.



Thank you for your question.

Bright-Raven said:



It's been mentioned that if Rick had any ability to file charges against anyone, it would have already happened and people would have been served papers.



Not true.



From recent personal experience (I've just ended a 14 month long legal battle to retain my home from a real estate scam artist), I can imagine the amount of time it would take Olney and any attorney who'd have him to properly prepare and present any sort of case against those who have raised issues - it could take 2-3 months. Maybe longer. Then the courts have to schedule such matters for the docket, in which case then Olney (via his attorney) would have to send out notices of the court date via registered letter to all parties concerned... and that's if the court didn't automatically dismiss the case based upon the initial presentations. And even if the court did schedule a date, if Olney's attorney doesn't notify all opposing parties by registered letter within 7 business days (meaning the letter has to be registered as having been mailed, not that the parties received said notice), then the attorney may face penalties in court, because obviously everyone's attorney's need time to properly review Olney's complaints against them and prepare a reply for the court. This is why it was usually 4-6 weeks between court dates in my case, and I suspect similar scheduling would be in order here.



And if you really think Olney's attorney is going to deal with all this crap in the middle of the holidays, when the attorney would have to prepare specified matters against Gail, Chuck, Tim, Ronee, Val, Mike, and whomever else, even in a joint filing against all parties? I only had ONE party to prepare against and it took me 3-5 days per document! Ask MacQuarrie and Brian Cronin the sort of crap I've been dealing with. Brian was a Godsend, reviewing my personally prepared documents for me at no expense after my parents' Pro Bono attorney bailed on them.



Point of Interjection, if I may:

I have no intention of pursuing Tim, Ronee, or Mike ... (or Tom, Dick, or Harry, either) legally! I'm only going after the individuals that broke their NDA's and/or contractual confidentiality clauses. Time is of no matter. Whatever and however...



So no, it'll take Olney a hell of a long time for him to even consider taking legal actions against anyone, because once he opens the can of worms against one of them, he has to take them all on, while everyone else can file separately against him, or as a joint civil class action suit. That particular matter is definitely more in the creators' favor than it is Rick Olney's.



Second Point of Interjection, if I may:

No, I wouldn't use " hell of a long time" as a time quantifier. "Can of worms?" No. Not actually. Opinion is one thing. Cyber law is very clear, as I'm told, on where that thin line is on anyone leading and provoking a matter that has detrimental circumstances. "Detrimental circumstances?" Let the Law be the judge. This is, afterall, contrary and above what Stillwell the Twit, worker in a law firm for almost a decade. Man, ten years? You have any trousers with the knees left in them?



And as Val Staples has already mentioned, it might not be worth the expense, because even if the creators win - if Olney legitimately has no assets to be sold off to pay damages, like what happened at CrossGen, nobody will see their money anyway and lawyers will still want their pay, for if nothing else the filing fees.



Countersuits! Anyone can lump the matter of Dixon and Staples (or others even before they're paid, as long as they have contracts) into a burlap bag with "Gail Simone" and CBR for allowing and condoning her personal attack agenda. Sorry to inform, the Law doesn't wash that way.



"Gail"... I'm glad that you have a family member or friends with legal experience. I believe you'll need them. And as far as these emails you claim to have -- Be my guest and drag them out. Or is this another example of poor "Gail Simone" storytelling. Tsk, tsk, tsk... liar.



Tim, you should also review the myspace rules and seek another attorney. That one is an idiot.

Just found it interesting.

[TCJohnson]

Yet Stillwell the Twit, a term I will be using with a bit of affection from now on, is having a more successful comic book career. Just sayin'.

[TomStillwell]

Yay! I'm a twit!

See Rick, let me clue you in on a little something. I've worked in a law firm for a decade so I could, you know, provide for my family. My wife's a teacher, I have a young daughter. A responsible man provides for his own. A roof over my family's head, food, clothing, education, health insurance...these are the things I've paid for by working in a law firm.

Here's the part you need to read carefully. It has also allowed for me to PAY the people who work for me when making comics and so I can cover all my comic related expenses.

See? That's how it works for honest people. You agree to pay someone something and after they do the work, you pay them. You don't promise to pay them without any intention of doing so. You don't give them a sob story. You don't try to bully them into keeping quiet. You don't defame them to cover your lack of moral fiber.

Honest people keep their word.

Rick, you have no honor. You are a known liar and fraud. Your word means nothing. Your reputation in comics is shot. No one will ever work with you again. Your books will not sell. You've burned bridges with anyone who would be your friend and support you.

You are a pathetic...I would say man, but you aren't any such thing. A pathetic child. I'd pity you if your fate wasn't self inflicted.

But yeah, I'm a twit.

[Gail Simone]

I'm bored of him, actually. People who lie, cheat, and then blame the victims?

Their rep follows them always. Always.

People tried to warn me about him before the convention he talked me into going to, and I didn't listen. I was polite through some of the dumbest, most amateurish keystone cops moves ever (he kept us at the con telling stories about how wonderful he was for hours when we had an early flight in the morning, he didn't book a room for us for that night, and when they did find a place after much searching, his credit card was turned down, that's only a small part of the crap I put up with politely). I was even polite once it became obvious he had never intended to pay when promised (or promised again, or again, or again).

But after a couple years, I told him to keep the remainder of the money he owed, he wasn't worth dealing with. And I was happy to have one less "big wheel" in my life telling freaky stories about what a huge deal he is in the industry (when all anyone knows him from is his frequent message board meltdowns).

And that was that, he was ignored and forgotten.

Until he started breaking promises to friends, and people who have already been through the ringer with flakes in the industry. So I lent my voice to those already telling the truth. And it's making him increasingly hysterical.

I'd feel bad for him, but then I think of Chuck and Val and Ronee and the other good people who got stiffed and it's just irritating that he's gotten away with this kind of practice for so long.

Anyway, all he's got are threats. When you have nothing, you threaten, because you're not willing to do the right thing.

Fortunately, people like Val and Chuck will always have sterling reputations for their integrity and professionalism and I hope that continues to be rewarded elsewhere by real publishers.

I'm bored of you, Rick. I'm sure you'll continue to try to trash me and threaten everyone who tells the truth about you.


Yawn.

Good luck on your next utter meltdown.


Gail

[Gail Simone]

Yay! I'm a twit!

See Rick, let me clue you in on a little something. I've worked in a law firm for a decade so I could, you know, provide for my family. My wife's a teacher, I have a young daughter. A responsible man provides for his own. A roof over my family's head, food, clothing, education, health insurance...these are the things I've paid for by working in a law firm.

Here's the part you need to read carefully. It has also allowed for me to PAY the people who work for me when making comics and so I can cover all my comic related expenses.

See? That's how it works for honest people. You agree to pay someone something and after they do the work, you pay them. You don't promise to pay them without any intention of doing so. You don't give them a sob story. You don't try to bully them into keeping quiet. You don't defame them to cover your lack of moral fiber.

Honest people keep their word.

Rick, you have no honor. You are a known liar and fraud. Your word means nothing. Your reputation in comics is shot. No one will ever work with you again. Your books will not sell. You've burned bridges with anyone who would be your friend and support you.

You are a pathetic...I would say man, but you aren't any such thing. A pathetic child. I'd pity you if your fate wasn't self inflicted.

But yeah, I'm a twit.



Maybe he meant Stillwell the NIFTY!

:)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Oh, and I would say for the record...I don't think J-bolt would have done this. We've certainly had many disagreements, but I don't think J-bolt would have stiffed so many people. He just doesn't seem that kind of guy.

And he can draw.

Gail

[EdContradictory]

I loved how Rick keeps pretending he has a lawyer.

LOVE.

Because people who can't afford to pay their employees or pay for convention space can ALWAYS afford lawyers. What with lawyers being so cheap and all.

Rick, do you have your lawyer "on retainer." Is he "working on your briefs"? Is he "lawyer reference lawyer reference lawyer reference"?

Rick, promise us you'll always stay just as crazy as you are right now.

Promise!

[DocAbsurd]

This is shyte I simply don't need.

I worked my second job tonite. While there, the manager from my other job stopped by with a big 'announcement': Waldenbooks will be closing at the end of January. It was made official Christmas Eve, and no-one at the store wanted to ruin my holiday by telling me. And apparently if we wish to continue our employment in the Borders/Waldenbooks company, we have to re-apply for new positions; our previous experience means absolutely nothing. Now, my second job is seasonal and ends January 15th; my first job ends January 24th. Between working both jobs, going back to court against the ex, taking care of the Things, I'm not gonna have time to find another job before then.

While talking to my Dad after work, I got the news that my maternal grandmother -- who was just rushed to the hospital Christmas Eve with congenital heart failure -- has one artery operating at 10% capacity. And that's the good one. She may not make it to the new year.

Whatever illness I've got is getting worse instead of better. Came home tonite with my skin raw and bleeding in places, and burning everywhere else. I can only sleep 2 hours at a time because the pain wakes me up screaming. And I've got to work both jobs tomorrow, with a half hour break between.

To make matters worse, both the Things are coming down with some sort of cold. And I'm not gonna be here to take care of them like I should be.

Yeah, I know I shouldn't have checked here. I knew it was only gonna aggravate my condition and heap more stress on the stress I've already got. But I did, out of morbid curiosity.

And I come in to find a 'rebuttal' of sorts.

Y'know, Rick, I don't give a flying rat's arse what you say about me. You dragged me into this, admit that much. You had no damn right mentioning me in your latest conspiracy, especially without consulting me. What'd you expect, an email with thanks for getting my name out there? Yeah, I nodded my head in solemn agreement when you told me what was (supposedly) happening. Too bad I didn't get both sides of the conflict first.

I was there when your relatives were dying, when you had your heart attack, when you were ready to pack it all in and call it a 'career'. So was Ronee. We gave you all the moral support we had available, and then some.

Sod whatever all-inclusive NDA your legal pixies can dream up. I'm surprised you don't have your friends signing; or was that why you kept pestering me to do so? Ronee is going thru a hell I experienced not too long ago. A lot of other creators have fallen on some serious hard times, too. All of them were depending on you to be as upfront and honest as you claimed so many others were lying and disreputable.

At this point, I don't know how much of your 'reputation' you'll be able to salvage. You've done more damage to yourself by pushing those who supported you to the breaking point. That's the only reason I finally spoke out just as I'm sure it's the only reason Ronee did the same. You demanded loyalty while you refused to exhibit a modicum of humanity. At least have the dignity to pay what you owe.

*whew*

No, I don't feel better. I know I might as well be screaming at a brick wall for all the good this did.

Can't wait to see how this gets spun.




Doc 'Dizzy' Absurd

[Gail Simone]

Jesus, Doc.

I'm so sorry to hear all this.

Forget Olney, I'm just very sorry to hear all this misfortune.

Bleah.

All I can really do is keep you in my thoughts and hope things get better soon.

You and Ronee didn't deserve any of the terrible things that have happened lately and I'm hoping for better days for both of you as soon as possible, or sooner still.
:(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

The worst thing?

I have more emails like this from others who are still hoping against hope that they'll eventually see some of the money owed.

Ack. It's too depressing.

At least, and I say this to try to see the bright side, there ARE lots and lots of reputable companies out there. On the web, Jonah is a pillar of integrity, just as an example. And I stress again I've never had a convention organizer or publisher ever behave as Rick has, not one time. So the bright side is that there are better examples out there than this guy and the CrossGens of the world. With any luck, you'll all be working for one of them soon (if that's your desire!).

Good luck to you guys. Anything I can do, let me know, seriously.

Gail

[Bright-Raven]

Tom:

Yes, technically Rick could file whatever case he was going to through his lawyer, and then file additional information as needed. That much is true.

*****

Rick Olney was quoted as saying:

I have no intention of pursuing Tim, Ronee, or Mike ... (or Tom, Dick, or Harry, either) legally! I'm only going after the individuals that broke their NDA's and/or contractual confidentiality clauses. Time is of no matter. Whatever and however...

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA), also called a confidential disclosure agreement (CDA), confidentiality agreement or secrecy agreement, is a legal contract between at least two parties which outlines confidential materials or knowledge the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict from generalized use. In other words, it is a contract through which the parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement. An NDA creates a confidential relationship between the parties to protect any type of trade secret. As such, an NDA can protect non-public business information.

Publicly announcing that someone has breached their contract by not paying in accordance to the terms of said contract isn't a breach of a non-disclosure agreement.

The freelancer(s) would have to release the specific terms of their contract(s) publicly (which to my knowledge no one has done - I've not seen the contracts in question anywhere online, myself, leastways), or they would have to publicly outline specific business matters that are held *only* by Tightlip Entertainment, which would be an impossibility, as T.E. is merely one of hundreds of independent comics publishing / media groups and have no "industry trade secrets" to hide from anyone. T.E. would be using the same types of equipment, using the same printers everyone else does, soliciting and distributing through Diamond like everyone else... there is nothing to suggest that they would be doing anything unique.

So what, pray tell, is this supposed "NDA / Confidentiality clause " definitively covering? Or is it more like a tack on clause in a lame attempt to cover the publisher's ass in the event they don't have the means to pay?

[Cam63]

Anyone know Rick's middle name?

I'm working on something...

I know Rick is spelled with a silent " P. "

[Cam63]

I'm sorry to read about your grandmother's and your health problems, Doc.

I wish you both well.

[Gail Simone]

Rick Olney threatened me when I asked him if he owed money and called me a stalker and queer. Then he posted my picture on his MySpace. Which just screamed "irony"

He is a tool of the highest order with nothing to show from his company but creepy logos and broken promises. He says very clearly he owes money to Ronee (How about to Gail, Chuck, and everyone else. Dick? May I call you Dick? Dick.) yet refuses to pay her for not signing a NDA? In Olney-world, anyone can be rich. I think I will contact the IRS who I owe money to and tell them they can have it when they sign a NDA. IS that how he fills out his taxes?




This I cannot wait for.



Wait, when did this happen?

I missed your post the first time through, somehow.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

He called me a stalker, too, which is freakish, since he's the one who reads this stuff constantly, and was sending tons of bizarre, not-quite-lucid letters to both my email and Myspace accounts.

'Til I blocked him from both. He's probably still writing letters thinking he's really whipping out some zingers, poor bastard.

Like I actually WANT to talk to this guy. Brrrrr...

PAY YOUR BILLS, RICK. Then you can happily fade back into your imaginary world of being a big wheel in the industry and no one will care.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I know Rick is spelled with a silent " P. "

Cam...

I bust a gut.

:)

Gail

[THEDOC]

Geeze Tim, I am really sorry about what you are going through. I am parying things work out. As with your job situation, I don't know all your home situation but maybe this is a good time to think of changing locations to where Daphne is. Though this skin condition of yours worries me and sounds like it is due to stress. Anything I can do let me know. I will try an call you today.

[Typo Lad]

I am parying with THEDOC.

I'll thrust too, if it helps.

[Cam63]

Cam...

I bust a gut.

:)

Gail

No worries and yer welcome.

[THEDOC]

Ooops I meant praying..sorry having eye surgery so ain't seeing or obviously typing real well.
Rick has made another blog but same ol same ol.

[OzBat!]

That's okay... Typo Lad is very aptly named. He's playing on his own reputation.




It's still a very good reputation, mishaps with the keyboard aside, unlike some people...

[Typo Lad]

I was teasing Doc. I've done far, far worse.

Like the time I left the "s" out when discussing Terry Pratchett's famous series.

Yes, there's nothing I like better than reading "Dicworld".

OzBat: I have a rep? Scary.

[OzBat!]

yes you have a rep, you silly! It is your very own and you keep it in a small box with air holes and a pretty red ribbon on top!

[Cam63]

*Writes note to self*

Air...holes...important...

[Gail Simone]

I ask you, what kind of weirdo WANTS to be associated with CrossGen's moronic business practices? You couldn't make this up.

"Ummm... and "Gail?" ...You are a stalker, dear. This form of behavior that you have undertaaken FITS that pattern according to cyberlaw. It is also illegal in some States, just so you know."

Uh, dear, you're a liar and a cheat. You're the one who sent all those bizarre emails, and I'M the one who blocked you from both my email and Myspace accounts.

I'm sorry you're delusional and think you're the center of people's universe, Rick. The truth is, you're just a deadbeat, only interesting until you pay the people you've lied to and stiffed.

I love how he's spinning this that the reason all these people got cheated is because of a couple unsigned NDA's. If that's the case, why would ANYONE ever work with a guy like that? If someone ELSE doesn't sign, then he stiffs EVERYBODY, including former close friends.

Gross. It just get more repulsive.

'Dear' Rick, let me fill you in on something. When YOU cheat people, YOU are not the victim. You are the CAUSE of the misery.

I know you're losing your mind that you stand revealed like this, but no amount of bullying, lying, and shit-throwing will change this: you betrayed even close friends and then threatened them when they went public. You talk a lot about honor, but you're the ONLY person who seems to find your behavior honorable.

Whatever, every new thing you say is just sadder and creepier and more hysterical. You're not 'the most hated man in comics' as your website proudly decreed, just one of the most dishonest and pathetic.

Gail

[Cam63]

It's like Death of a Salesman in some ways.

Ricky Loman.

[Gail Simone]

As for me not having emails, Rick said the same thing (that I was making them up, the two years of emails I kept where he lied to me about payment so often it's hilarious). He said the same exact thing about the two letters I got from his partner saying that he'd had troubles with paying people in the past.

Until I produced them.

Here's just one I picked at random, Rick. Note that you make promises, which you didn't keep, and note also that this is months after you promised to pay in the first place, reimbursing my expenses that were promised to get to me before I left.

"Thanks, Gail!
I promise that next May's convention won't be much like this last one regarding reimbursement. In fact, there will be no reimbursement...everything regarding air travel will paid up front. I only did it this way the first time because I was told by people to be wary of industry people that take the money and then you never hear or see them. Additionally, each upper echelon invited guest (of which you fall into that category) will get $100 dollars for food or spending as their meals accommodation. There will still be a breakfast on Saturday, and a buffet Saturday night between the closing of the show floor and the start of the formal auction. Those are a few of the changes in place.

Did you say that Scott's airfare was approx the same as yours? I'm just curious.

Thanks again for your patience. I PROMISE you it will be worth the wait.

Regards,
--Rick"


I have lots and lots of these, Rick! Once I realized what kind of 'business' practices you keep, I kept every letter from you. Some are downright freakish.


I'm not like you. If I say I have something, I have it.

Gail

[Cam63]

I wonder if he has a gambling problem ?

[OzBat!]

Hey gail, when you post these, first hit reply on your email so that you get the date info as well! (all email addresses can be deleted to not harrass the innocent).

I only ask because "Rick" has already displayed a cunning tendancy for temporal displacement, accusing people of doing things when they didn't even have anything to do with him until a year later.

[Typo Lad]

I'm finally remembering why this feels so familiar.

When I and Typo Lass were married, we hired a wedding photographer recomended by a friend. His wife was sick, and he really needed the money.

The photographer ended up subcontracting it, which was okay. We got our proofs two months later, which was slow but hey, his wife was sick. We sent him the list of what we wanted and... nothing. Sent it again... nothing. When we finally heard back, it was because his wife had passed. Oh, and then he didn't get back to us because he'd remarried. Then he claimed he didn't send them because he needed my brother's proofs first (we all got married at the same time). Then he claimed that he never got our list, despite mentioning it before. Then he claimed that he was going to have to charge us extra because of the delay, etc.

We finally took him to rabinic court. I got my wedding photos in time for my fifth anniversary.

Rick seems to be a mix of that guy and the "old pro" I know.

[Cam63]

I think I remember that guy, Typo.

http://www.cinema24horas.com/filmes/mafia_diva2/mafia_diva2_09.jpg

Happy landings !

[THEDOC]

Rick reminds me of a certain "publisher" in Chicago who had gotten the rights to a previous comic company which had a great rep in the 80's. This guy had the same "payment problems", I finally stopped showing up as he would always talk me into staying when I would try to quit. Seems Rick musta read the guy's playbook.
Oh Rick, IF is doing just fine Thanks.

( I think I typed OK this time.):confused:

[Hybrid2]

How about following Stewie's example?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5Gl8fLkhBZg

I add to sent this to my sister a few time.

[MacQuarrie]

It's been mentioned that if Rick had any ability to file charges against anyone, it would have already happened and people would have been served papers.

These days, when anybody threatens to sue me (and it's invariably a delusional blowhard like Olney, never anyone with a legitimate complaint) I just say "please direct your correspondence to {attorney} at {law firm}." (This is a friend who is an attorney; he's the one who handled my earlier issue with the esteemed Mr. Bolt.)

Funny thing, my attorney friend never ever hears from these people.

People who have a legitimate reason to sue will generally either try to work it out with you or go ahead and call their lawyer. They don't waste a lot of breath making threats.

[Typo Lad]

Wait... so your attorney never told you about my call?

[EdContradictory]

I ask you, what kind of weirdo WANTS to be associated with CrossGen's moronic business practices? You couldn't make this up.

"Ummm... and "Gail?" ...You are a stalker, dear. This form of behavior that you have undertaaken FITS that pattern according to cyberlaw. It is also illegal in some States, just so you know."

Rick has a weird sense of what counts as cyberstalking. Talking about a public figure (which he has made himself as a very vocal comic publisher) is not cyberstalking. Talking about Stan Lee is not cyberstalking.

But Rick's nuts, so whatcha gonna do?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Rick has a weird sense of what counts as cyberstalking. Talking about a public figure (which he has made himself as a very vocal comic publisher) is not cyberstalking. Talking about Stan Lee is not cyberstalking.

But Rick's nuts, so whatcha gonna do?



My favorite bit of his is how he calls her "Gail" like she isn't real.

Or is that why he doesn't pay?

Well, that and how he questions her writing ability. How many published comic books has Gail been a part of? And how many has TightWad entertainment released?

Hell, I don't like DC comics but I bought and loved Villains United.

He is such a worthless tool.

[Cam63]

Like a hammer made of ice cream.

...Well, I suppose an ice cream hammer would be a yummy dessert, so I guess it's not entirely useless.

[sk716]

Wow, I am late to the party.

My initial thoughts were "Who the hell is Rick Olney?" A few pages in, that was answered.

Then my thoughts turned to "WTF?!!?!"

Then there were lots of J-Bolt references being tossed around. I have to agree that I don't believe J-Bolt would have gone this far. Especially after I got tired of him asking for just one more thing and sent him a zeroed out bill for what the site work would have cost him and told him any further work would be "on the clock". He suddenly didn't have anything else he wanted me to do.

[MacQuarrie]

Guy's never gonna put down the shovel, is he?

[Ronée]

ice cream hammer.... mmmmmmm

[OzBat!]

BWAHHH-HAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAAAHAAAA!

From Olney's blog: Wednesday, December 27, 2006


Hats Off to OzBat!

His post: "Hey gail, when you post these, first hit reply on your email so that you get the date info as well! (all email addresses can be deleted to not harrass the innocent).

I only ask because Rick has already displayed a cunning tendancy for temporal displacement, accusing people of doing things when they didn't even have anything to do with him until a year later." shows that he's hip to the t that "Gail" could be spinning yet another yarn.

"Gail" why not simply post all 200 or whatever many emails you have? Instead of either making them up or picking one and embellishing upon it. Your writing skills are overrated. He even quotes my post, and then totally misconstrues the entire thing. "Rick", please reread my second paragraph, I put the express purpose for my request right there in black and white!

BTW, have you seen the entertainment weekly (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=157715) weekly write-up of one of gail's books? She's getting noticed by mainstream media buddy, what have you accomplished lately, besides not paying people?

[Sarah Beach]

But he reads things the way he wants to. And also holds the attitude that suits his current mood.

On the one hand, he snits in his blog that he doesn't care what his reputation is. (After all, look, see! He'd made fun of it with his "most hated man in comics" temporary logo there.) But on the other hand, he'll threaten legal action for anything he construes as defamation.

It's an annoyance in the ripples of the comic book world on the net.

ADDED ON MAY 19, 2007: If you are reading this thread for the first time, and have gotten this far, good on you. Ahead of you are appearances from the subject himself, first attempting to be reasonable, but quickly devolving into some of the most unpleasant postings to be found on the internet.

If you are discouraged by the length of the thread (and admittedly, there is a deal of friendly silliness in it too, coming from people who are building solid friendships in the process), and just want basic facts, you can find them at www.unscrewedcomic.com - where everything is kept to the bare facts. There is even a partial chronology of events related to Olney.

If you read to the end, you will find that the activities of the subject in making life unpleasant for people are ongoing. This community has come together to try and prevent him from doing injury to others. But it takes time and attention. But thanks for being interested enough to investigate on your own. SB.

[TomStillwell]

ice cream hammer.... mmmmmmm

That was the name I did porno under years ago...

[Karl J. Barnes]

That was the name I did porno under years ago...

Did you come in different flavors,then?

[TomStillwell]

Did you come in different flavors,then?

Oh yes!!!!

[THEDOC]

Here is Rick's reply to Sarah:

Wednesday, December 27, 2006


Life can certainly be a... Beach

So says Sarah Beach, as she opines...

"But he reads things the way he wants to. And also holds the attitude that suits his current mood.

On the one hand, he snits in his blog that he doesn't care what his reputation is. (After all, look, see! He'd made fun of it with his "most hated man in comics" temporary logo there.) But on the other hand, he'll threaten legal action for anything he construes as defamation.

It's an annoyance in the ripples of the comic book world on the net."



We call that freedom in the real world, Sarah. A person can pretty much say anything they like about themself without suffering recourse or malice. Yet when a group of people come together to troll, and bully, and just be malicious ... and the website condones and supports it ... it is often morally wrong, illegal, or simply the byproduct of two hillbilly lovers from greater Portland, Oregon. Or so I've been told...



Note: Some responses will be posted on the best community on the Internet for strategic purposes as directed. Thank you.

[Ronée]

geez. u know he is replying to all this in his blog just to get the hits... like some power move or some crap.

[THEDOC]

Yes but what he says is so...."fascinating" it boggles the mind. It's like watching a race to see the accidents happen.
It's mind over matter, we don't mind and he doesn't matter.

[Ronée]

I kinda feel sorry for the man. He is looking more and more insane with each post. so sad. thats what I was saying in my resignation letter, he is on self destruct mode and you know you shouldnt stare but yet you just can NOT look away.

[sk716]

geez. u know he is replying to all this in his blog just to get the hits... like some power move or some crap.

So the solution is, nobody check his blog.:evilsmile

[Matt Doc Martin]

So the solution is, nobody check his blog.:evilsmile

He'll sue you!
And forgive me if this has been posted before...

Rick as Weird Al:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIllRdSzSug


BTW, do lawyers like to be paid at all?

[Ronée]

oh he pays the lawyer, he has one on retainer and meets with him often.

[DocAbsurd]

I'm sorry I've been so silent, everyone. I worked both jobs today, and I am mentally and physically beat. Even worse, I gotta turn around and be back at 7.30 in the morning. I need to get some rest so I'm not gonna be able to post anything until tomorrow. And I owe quite a few people some PM responses, so please be patient with me. I am extremely grateful and in many cases in awe at how thoughtful you've been. Thank you, everyone.

I had planned on adding something rather 'interesting' tonite; a few 'interestings' as a matter of fact. Seems my Daphne got a reply today, to which she wasted no time answering. And exactly the way you'd expect her to. I promise I'll post it later today.

Right now I need to sleep; incoherency is not an option for the morning.




Doc 'Humbled' Absurd

[MacQuarrie]

I'm big-time! I've been singled out for a response (http://www.mightyminicon.com/) from the Weasel. Yeah, that's my nickname for the guy. I'm thinking something like the character from Roger Rabbit that David L. ("Squiggy") Lander voiced.

Legal 101: For Mr. MacQuarrie
Mr. MacQuarrie said, "These days, when anybody threatens to sue me (and it's invariably a delusional blowhard like Olney, never anyone with a legitimate complaint) I just say "please direct your correspondence to {attorney} at {law firm}." (This is a friend who is an attorney; he's the one who handled my earlier issue with the esteemed Mr. Bolt.)

The mark of an ignorant person is when they resort to name calling, Mr. MacQuarrie. You have no idea what you're talking about. Seriously. You're simply a "Gail" plebe that listens and reads everything said only to think it is factual, which largely none of it is. But for the purposes of civil discourse, list who I have "threatened" with a lawsuit. If you're privy to the discussions that took place over on the Dixonverse boards then you already know that the matter of Mr. Dixon and I turning to the lawyer route to solve our problem was mutual. No threats were issued from this quarter, sir.

Funny thing, my attorney friend never ever hears from these people. People who have a legitimate reason to sue will generally either try to work it out with you or go ahead and call their lawyer. They don't waste a lot of breath making threats." Again, as Ronee G. Bourgeois can atest to, should she care to -- I've been meeting with lawyers on a matter of differing matters. All "Gail" did was throw her hat into the ring. And, all she's been blabbing about are these emails she claims to have that -- according to her -- make me look bad. But really, isn't the overall goal of the CBR message thread to try to MAKE me look bad? It isn't about moral indignation, or creators freedoms and how my publishing has stepped on a few talents that have freelance/work-for-hire understandings and legal contracts with my company. Do you all there actually think what you're doing makes YOU each look like glowing and upright individuals?

{Graphic: typewriter font reading "Chill Out and Relax"}

I'm not your enemy, your very real ignorance is...
Oh my, so much to address. Where to begin? At the top, I suppose....

"The mark of an ignorant person is when they resort to name calling"
No, Dick, that's the mark of an abusive person. The mark of an ignorant person is when they clearly don't know what they're talking about. Having read your many posts, and seen your many attempts to redact, delete, edit or otherwise hide your remarks when their utter foolishness or mendacity is revealed, I know all to well what you are and how you operate.

"simply a "Gail" plebe that listens and reads everything said only to think it is factual, which largely none of it is."
First, I'm not a "Gail plebe," whatever you think that means. (A quick check of dictionary.com confirms what I thought; "plebe" means either a freshman in a military school, or is an obsloete term for a commoner. There doesn't seem to be any existing definition that implies the blind obedience and unthinking loyalty that you are apparently attaching to the word. By the way, another mark of an ignoramus is when they use words for which they do not know the meaning...) In any case, I'm definitely a "plebian," as common as gray tabby cats, as ordinary a chap as you're likely to find. Dull as dishwater, that's me. But that in no way suggests that Gail dictates my opinions or directs my activities. Gail is my friend. I've know her for a decade. I knew her when she was "gail," back when she ran a comics chat board on a now-defunct chat site called SOI. I knew her before she started "You'll All be Sorry." She told me her real name in 2002. I'm loyal to my friends, yes, but especially when I know they are telling the truth. I've seen Gail bite her lip to keep from saying something unkind about someone who really deserved it on many occasions. The fact that she kept silent about your B.S. for a couple of years is testimony to not only her good character, but to how far you must have pushed her to get her to go public.

I don't know Ronee at all, and in fact I'm fairly sure we would disagree on just about everything except maybe our opinion of you. But from reading her columns, I can clearly see that she tells the truth as she knows it, and it's clear from her posts here that she has only spoken the truth about you reluctantly and without glee. You forced her into a corner. If you had a functioning conscience, you would pay her what you owe her and NDA be damned. The lack of a signed NDA or contract in no way negates your responsibility to pay for work performed. I'm currently working on a couple of projects for which no contract has yet been signed, and that hasn't stopped me from getting paid. You are using this as a feeble excuse because you are a deadbeat. You've as much as admitted the fact.

"All "Gail" did was throw her hat into the ring." All Gail did was finally stop covering up the fact that you screwed her out of a couple hundred bucks because you are a lying sack of crap.

But really, isn't the overall goal of the CBR message thread to try to MAKE me look bad?

No, it's to publicly expose you as the scumbag you are. That's a public service. Sorta like when Edward R. Murrow asked Senator McCarthy "have you no shame?" Have you no shame, Dick? Can't you admit that you're cheating people?

I said it a few pages ago. Put down the frigging shovel already. You are in a hole. You dug yourself in, and you can't dig yourself out. Even if you could, you'd have to pass through the molten core of the earth first. Stop posturing, stop trying to make yourself look good. You can't, because you are not good. You are scum. You are a liar, cheat, thief and fraud. You are what you do. If you wish to be something else, stop doing what you're doing and do something else.

"Do you all there actually think what you're doing makes YOU each look like glowing and upright individuals?"
I am acutely aware of how I present myself and how I lok on these boards. Sadly, none of that matters right now. When I see a scumbag, I'm going to call him a scumbag, no matter how bad it makes me look. Right is right even if the whole world is wrong. Standing by in silence while you lie about my friends and cheat them out of money would make me feel a lot worse than knowing I sound like a self-righteous asshole as I do right now.

See, I long ago made peace with the fact that I always assumbe people don't like me and are looking down on me. I got to the point where I don't give a crap. I have the freedom that comes from not caring at all what anyone thinks of me. I couldn't care less how this thread makes me look; what I care about is how it makes you look. And it makes you look like exactly what you've been exposed to be.

Now go respond on some stupid little forum that you have control over, like the gutless turd you are. If you wanted to post here, you could retrieve your password or have a new one set. But you don't have a delete key here. Sad, sad little man.

[MacQuarrie]

oh he pays the lawyer, he has one on retainer and meets with him often.
That is so sad.

[Crowley]

You know I'm now finding Olney's responses questionable... Before he seem so Merkan and now he's been acting very Ally Q...

Olney clearly needs more:
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/217504/2/istockphoto_217504_american_patriot.jpg
http://www.americaremembers.com/products/AEP/aegl.gif
http://www.theflagpole.com/images/jesus%20holding%20flag.JPG

[OzBat!]

I'm big-time! I've been singled out for a response (http://www.mightyminicon.com/) from the Weasel.Neener neener beatchya!

BTW, "Rick"? You haven't been banned from CBR. If you'd been banned, you'd have a great big "BANNED" underneath your name. As it stands, your orcafresh member name (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/member.php?u=439) is still active, and you can click here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/login.php?do=lostpw) to retrieve your password.

Or will you continue to post only where you can continue to delete the rebuttals you can't handle?

[DocAbsurd]

Well, if that don't beat all . . .

I'm supposed to be getting ready for work; instead, my Dad just called and is forcing me to stay home (under threat of another visit to the ER) to recuperate. Since I need another 20 minutes to unlax and fall asleep again, I decided to pop in here and check a few things elsewhere.

Dammitalltohell, Rick removed my 9 columns off the MMC site. And they were still there just last week. Which now means I have no proof as to how much he owes me. And I know he's already claiming much less than promised originally.

And he's the one claiming he's being injured, that he's the one needing contracts for his protection?

I'm gonna go bang my head against a wall until I fall sound to sleep.




Doc 'Non-Decency Agreement' Absurd

[Typo Lad]

Doc, in the interest of your health, maybe you'd best avoid this conflict for a bit?

[OzBat!]

If you've got the bookmark to where they used to be, Doc, they still might be available via the wayback machine (http://www.archive.org/web/web.php).

[Draconomicon]

My favorite bit of his is how he calls her "Gail" like she isn't real.

Or is that why he doesn't pay?


I actually think he tries to 'threaten' Gail.
Like, "I know your real name, back off or I will tell it to everyone".
Bully tactics? You bet.

[singoalla]

Drat! OzBat beat me to the url!


Doc, I've sent you the ones with text I could still find. Nonetheless, the fact that the URL's exist, and that your name is on his page, despite being empty, counts for something (dunno what, but something is always something).

Good luck, and I hope your health improves.

Remember: this is the internet. Nothing ever stays hidden, and can easily be found if one knows where to look. (or has a webelf in ones employ to go hunting)

[OzBat!]

Drat! OzBat beat me to the url!Damn, it's hard being simultaneously this good and this modest!

Doc, your articles still exist via the wayback machine (http://web.archive.org/web/20060117025343/www.mightyminicon.com/columns.asp?arcnum=24&archive='true'&ID=6). Preserved for posterity.

[singoalla]

Modesty is for people with nothing to be modest about ;)

Blessed be the intarwub and those who scour it.

[OzBat!]

I wonder what a judge would make of one party deleting evidence of work done? I sincerely hope this lawyer on retainer isn't advising such a course of action.

[Ronée]

He needs to stop trying to pull me into this shit. I wash my hands of him and his dealings. Furthermore I apologize to anyone who may have thought I was in cahoots with this asshole. I just wanted to get paid like he promised.

[Sarah Beach]

Ronee, he seems to have a compulsion to drag anyone who might run counter to him into it.

I'm trying to decide whether his blogging a reply to my post here qualifies as a badge of honor or not. I mean, he's mentioned me before, but that was in the context of my moderating Chuck Dixon's board. This was just me being me (and rather indirect at that - I think the "worst" word in my post was "snitting").

I snorted with derision at the title of his blog entry as well. As if he thinks that it's clever. Cripes, that silly play on words is something that's been in the air around me since elementary school. (Is that a comment on the level of his cleverness? You decide.) However, I should also note that no-one (other than the person in question) has ever delivered it "to my face." Or, apparently, felt any impulse to do so - other than the person in question. Hey ho.

I debated about responding to that silly blog entry. But I can't resist this much: he apparently totally missed my point that if he is serious about not caring about his reputation (a statement he made in reaction to someone else's evaluation of his character), then it shouldn't matter to him at all whether or not this thread exists, whether or not people are expressing negative opinions of him (or favorable, if there are any). Because that is what reputation is - the opinions others have of you.

As for my own reputation - yes, I actually do care about that. And I'll take my chances on just how expressing my opinion of having had to deal even briefly with him reflects on my reputation. If his little Elfs and ROTS-members take his word on my character without trying to find out anything about me by themselves, then they are the zombies and "plebes" he accuses all us of being.

And Happy New Year to you all! (Getting that in early, in case I get busy the next couple of days.)

[Matt Doc Martin]

oh he pays the lawyer, he has one on retainer and meets with him often.


http://static.flickr.com/59/189070671_f51918329a.jpg
Your Honor, ladies and gentleman of the, of the audience, I don't think it's fair to call my clients frauds. Okay, so the blackout was a big problem for everybody, okay? I was stuck in an elevator for two hours, and I had to make the whole time. But, I don't blame them, 'cause one time I turned into a dog and they helped me. Thank you.

[Matt Algren]

I'm so confused. Are we ilk or plebes?

I'm gonna have to change my business cards...

[THEDOC]

I think he has mentioned everone here at some point so wear your badge proud.
Tim I would like to still have your articles on my site though no apy at this point.

[Typo Lad]

Did I get a mention? I'm emotionally needy, but won't go to MySpace on religious grounds.

[kingdom2000]

The more Onley talks about the law...the more I think he is getting his information from the Law and Order tv series rather then from an actual lawyer. Either that or his lawyer is god aweful and he needs a new one.

[Ronée]

The more Onley talks about the law...the more I think he is getting his information from the Law and Order tv series rather then from an actual lawyer. Either that or his lawyer is god aweful and he needs a new one.At least the lawyer gets paid. lol

[Typo Lad]

At least the lawyer gets paid. lol
Well, that's the second rule of business, really.

2) Have a lawyer in case rule 1 is broken.

Rule 1 is, of course, don't get caught.

[EdContradictory]

geez. u know he is replying to all this in his blog just to get the hits... like some power move or some crap.

But he's just getting hits from us. No one else gives a rat's ass about him.

And we're just mainly laughing at him and shaking our head at him the way you do when your dog scoots its butt on the carpet.

[the4thpip]

The more Onley talks about the law...the more I think he is getting his information from the Law and Order tv series rather then from an actual lawyer. Either that or his lawyer is god aweful and he needs a new one.

Plus, he might be stealing cable and have a really bad reception, so he misses every other word on Law and Order.

[TomStillwell]

The more Onley talks about the law...the more I think he is getting his information from the Law and Order tv series rather then from an actual lawyer. Either that or his lawyer is god aweful and he needs a new one.

Is his laywer Lionel Hutz?

[Gail Simone]

I've lost interest in him. He's utterly creepy (and smelly, our clothes REEKED after one ride in the car with him) in person, completely untalented as a writer, and dishonest with even close friends.

Everyone knows it now. No amount of his crybaby behavior will change it. That cat is out of that bag.

Rick, grow up, be a man, pay the people you owe. 'Til then, you'll just be that weirdo deadbeat who lies to everyone.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

But he's just getting hits from us. No one else gives a rat's ass about him.

And we're just mainly laughing at him and shaking our head at him the way you do when your dog scoots its butt on the carpet.

Ain't THAT the truth. The funniest thing about his Tightlip website is the whole thing is like a wasteland, NO ONE posts there except spambots. It's hilarious.

And I got mail AGAIN from someone who Rick owes money to. Does he ever pay ANYONE?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Pardon me if I drop out of this thread for a while, guys. Reading the ravings of a crybaby deadbeat is just becoming too irritating. A year from now, Rick will be the same guy he is now, still blaming everyone else for his moral and ethical failures.

I hope the many, MANY people he's cheated get their money, but I'm unfortunately doubtful. But good luck to them.

And again, I hope the people who are looking to break in remember that Olney is an exception. Most publishers and certainly most con organizers are very honest and professional. Don't let this one bad apple deter you from continuing to try.

Best wishes,

Gail

[TCJohnson]

Which is probably for the best. There is not really helping Ronee and Tim get their money back, and other than that giving this more attention than it deserves and generating more negativity than we need. Olney's reputation is already gone and the chances of cheating anybody else is slim at this point.

"Then why do you keep challenging him on myspace.com and reading this thread, TC?"

Cause I am a sick, sick bastard who can't stop picking at a scab.

[TomStillwell]

That's really what he wants, TC.

Look, he posts three or four blogs a day, all of it based off what other people say about him. He scours the net looking for this stuff. He eats it up.

He knows that there's nowhere for him to go in comics anymore. He's a cowardly talentless blowhard who used better people to get him places he never could have gone on his own, used up those folks in every way, and now all he has left is drama. He needs it. It is all he has left.

The bright spot in all this is that no one will get taken by him again and that the folks he stiffed will all prosper while he withers away.

[the4thpip]

I could post some more naked rugby players?

[Ronée]

I just want to make a request that anyone who has been stiffed contact me as I am putting together a big column on it, just to warn others.

[Hybrid2]

I'm starting to wish Sabrinaset and Ninjakriss and the lebian army come derail this tread.

Nothing much to had about that (put creative adjective here).

[sk716]

This thread doesn't need derailing. It needs to stay just as it is so that every time someone Googles "Rick Olney" this thread comes up high in the search results.

[TomStillwell]

That's right.

Now back to mime impaling with you!

[sk716]

That's right.

Now back to mime impaling with you!

I was actually thinking of impaling the suit. Seemed more fitting for the current situation.

[DocAbsurd]

Ronee, you know how to get hold of me. Feck, I'll help write the damn thing.

Nononono, even better. I'm gonna do a parody of my own column. I'll design an action figure and 'review' it.

There's no reason I can't have some fun in the face of financial . . . something else that that begins with 'f'.




Doc 'Sesame Street Jokes Abound' Absurd

[THEDOC]

Maybe Gail could write him in one of her books..like Kirby did.

[websbestcomics]

I just want to make a request that anyone who has been stiffed contact me as I am putting together a big column on it, just to warn others.

Check your private messages please, just sent you something...

[Ronée]

Ronee, you know how to get hold of me. Feck, I'll help write the damn thing.

Nononono, even better. I'm gonna do a parody of my own column. I'll design an action figure and 'review' it.

There's no reason I can't have some fun in the face of financial . . . something else that that begins with 'f'.




Doc 'Sesame Street Jokes Abound' AbsurdI LOVE it! Ill host it on my site alongside my column. Can you have it ready by Sunday?

[DocAbsurd]

I'll get to work on it tonite, Ronee. The writing won't take too long; the drawing might take a bit, though.

Y'know, I haven't done a toy design since . . . '93? This oughtta be a hoot. Can't wait to figure out the accessories; you just know there's gonna be a pile of cash and a few NDAs involved.




Doc 'Imaginary Attorney Included' Absurd

[TCJohnson]

I'll get to work on it tonite, Ronee. The writing won't take too long; the drawing might take a bit, though.

Y'know, I haven't done a toy design since . . . '93? This oughtta be a hoot. Can't wait to figure out the accessories; you just know there's gonna be a pile of cash and a few NDAs involved.




Doc 'Imaginary Attorney Included' Absurd

I kinda picture something the size and shape of Captain America's original shield with NDA on it.

And don't forget the bonus action figure: a lawyer that is half sized, coming up to his waiste.

[Ronée]

Excellent.

*rubbing hands together menacingly*

[orcafresh]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/orcafresh/TLE/RickOlneyMHMiC.jpg

[the4thpip]

Other than that, my hands are tied legally.


No, they're not. Don't be silly.

[TomStillwell]

Sign your NDA and contract and return them. Other than that, my hands are tied legally.

Bullshit.

She did work for you with the promise of payment. There's nothing legally tying your hands. You are willfully not paying her and the other people you owe.

Stop being such a coward and hiding behind fictious legal practices.

[Night Swordsman]

Hmmm... appears to me that you are perfectly satisfied feeding on this sort of pablum versus doing as was suggested to you to get paid and remove yourself from this matter. Sign your NDA and contract and return them. Other than that, my hands are tied legally.

I am enjoying the topic though, obviously. It will not stop me from publishing my books ... including Tales of The Spooky #1, once the legalities are sorted out. We're still having a June MMC, and people are being paid by my company.

Oh, and "Gail"... Dennis was really impressed with your remark about how his car smelled. :rolleyes:


Great. Now Rick is on YABS. Sigh..we will accept anyone.
Plus,he is STILL in denial that this is GAIL,even thou this is HER Forumn. What a total moron.
As of this momment,i pledge to never purchase or attend a con that Rick is creating/running. And if his pledge to publish is as good as his pledge to pay,we probably will never see anything from him.

Oh MODERATORS....trash pickup on isle one here!