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

[bert]

Well I get bored since Olneymania is obviously running on low as many take Waid's offer. The whole thing just spun out by accident when they discussed Olney's " thyroid " problems.

Besides I ain't knockin the people posting the cat pictures . :p



LOL. . .

as I said, more power to ya. . .

I wish peanut would reappear tho. He really made this thread entertaining!

[Papergirl]

No.

More.
*shuts up and goes off to other threads*

~Bev

[SUPERECWFAN1]

LOL. . .

as I said, more power to ya. . .

I wish peanut would reappear tho. He really made this thread entertaining!

He is....I miss the fun. But alas he is away. :(

[sk716]

TC, I just drew her, I didn't come up with the idea... but uh... yes Virginia, there is a Frankenborg.

http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/orig/e/ebb7bb7abc435a307271797634ffd6af.jpg

Oh my. . .

Oh, that's just bad. Not the art, just the very idea. . .

Oh my. . .

[MacQuarrie]

I wish J-Bolt were here.

On that note... An Open Letter to J-Bolt:

Dear J-Bolt,

Take a long, hard look at this monster of a thread. This is exactly what I thought you were going to turn into. It's a straight walk from your "hype" to Olney's outright theft and fraud. I don't know whether it was conscience, fear, common sense or lack of vision that prevented you from taking the leap that Olney did, but if I were you I'd get on my knees and thank God that you never went this far.

As far as I can tell, you genuinely believed you were going to somehow pull it all together and make your project a success. At some point, Olney may have thought the same thing. Now he may be like Homer Simpson, saying "if I can do this, then all those lies I told will be true." But he can't do this.

I hope you are pursuing your project, and I hope you can pull it together. Please learn from Olney's folly, and pull it together without hype, hustle, false promises or deceit. Good luck.

Jim

[Cam63]

http://www.dailykitten.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/1165782915img_4501.jpg

*Waves " hi " to the anti-Christ*

[neko onna]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/stu-art/voices.jpg

[Cam63]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba02LE4A45I


Fearsome! I want to see my New England Patriots do it before they take on the Colts.

I'd like to see a team of YABS regs doing it as Olney arrives at court.

[Cam63]

I guess it's possible that Olney was a Marine.

Lee Harvey Oswald was.

Like all groups, a minority of marines are wankers.

[Cam63]

I'm also wondering why he doesn't have any closer shots of his wedding day picture with his bride.

I'm married. I've had a wedding and been to dozens. Have you ever known any couple to take shots from just far away and not a portrait shot? If that truly is his wedding day he'd have a closeup somewhere.

I can see some similarities and he has the beginnings of the gut Olney has now, but yeah, close ups would be more useful to verify his claims.

[Cam63]

If you can find at least one set of photos with "you in your uniform"... why can't you find your discharge paperwork, or one single thing online or off, that proves your military service? Even a photo from someplace like Okinawa, with you in uniform that clearly shows your face, would do. Heck, most people got at least one "formal dress" pic done, when they entered back then. My grandmother had one of my uncle, when he entered the Navy in the mid-60's. Surely, between that custom, and the custom of people in a foreign place getting their picture taken there, you've got at least ONE photo of you in uniform that's recognizeably you?

I expect the next photo will be of a marine with jungle green camo' paint on his face, a helmet pulled low over his brow and wearing goggles.

...at night.

[sk716]

Is that a challenge? :p

~Bev

You don't want none of this.

That was totally a challenge!

[JTPencils]

Consider yourself lucky Ronee. I didn't even get THAT email. So if you finally do get the information (whatever Monday that might be in the turd's universe), can you pass it on?

I must retract this statement, I finally got an email from the nutjob. I'm going to read thru it, and see if there's any statement of an attorney's name or anything. I doubt it. Most likely, more empty threats. I'll post it here if anyone's interested.

I think he's been dabbling in his "Perry Mason Home Kit" again.

[AaronJ]

That was totally a challenge!

Oh, it's on.

[Cam63]

That way I wouldn't lose it to the miasma that is this thread. I'm at home sick with a fever today, and it's the only reason I've been able to keep up.

Get well soon and Peggy Lee sends her love. :)

[Papergirl]

That was totally a challenge!

I know. I'm more than willing to prove him wrong! :D

~Bev

[Cam63]

Ten years? You were friends before YABS? ... Wow.

She saved his life during the war.

[Mark Waid]

She saved his life during the war.

The War of 1812.

[JTPencils]

As promised... the "Olney Threat" begins yet again... mention of an attorney, and that's about it... other then his usual diatribe. Oh, and by the way, now he's got the "Unscrewed" crew in his "legal sights".

His email... then my reply...

Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:59:54 -0500
> From: "Rick Olney" <tightlip.entertainment@gmail.com>
> To: JTComic1963@cox.net > Subject: Re: Re: Your resignation from Freedom 3 & TightLip Entertainment
>
> Jim:
>
> I've been instructed to write and make you aware of the confines of the
> contract that you originally signed with my company, TightLip Entertainment,
> prior to your release from work-for -hire. Consider this your first CEASE
> and DESIST, along with official notification on the matters contained
> herein.
>
> As I had told you early on prior to and upon your release under
> work-for-hire, your work on anything for TightLip Entertainment art wise was
> never for free. I simply had to get the titles better situated and
> published. Of course, the TOTS #1 book opened up a can of worms and now
> your name looks to be added to a civil suit involving your non disclosure
> agreement breach. See, that's the trouble with getting involved with online
> vigilante actions. Which, are also llegal under the confines of the law of
> most States. You do have legal redress, obviously, but it isn't by stealing
> and portraying the copyrighted characters of others.
>
> Tuesday, I am advising my attorney to begin an action against you for
> copyright theft. The image attached to this email is from a cover of the
> Orcomx amateur press association's 5th issue going back to 1998 with
> regarding to my characters, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. That particular issue
> of the APA is from 1998. So you can clearly see, your instructions to draw
> any of the TightLip Entertainment characters don't grant you ownership.
> I've actually had Eagle, Globe, and Anchor copyrighted for sometime. And
> you, sir, look to be in violation of those copyright laws.
>
> As I see that you have also allowed the UNSCREWED website to be involved in
> this matter actions will be taken legally against those involved there as
> well. I suggest that you get a lawyer. Kindly also read the attached
> earlier email of 4/23/06, as it has to do with this complaint to you also.
>

My response was...

Attorney's name and address are all I need. You can stop trying to be your own attorney, you just make yourself look like the fool you are when you do so. I
won't address your inane comments with you. Just send me the information that everyone (including the Unscrewed site) wants, and let's get this settled.
Cease and desist indeed. Cease the threats, and give the information, your
diatribes grow tiresome.
--
Jim Taylor
Freelance Artist

"Owning Photoshop, does NOT make you an artist."

Just making everyone aware... he's over there looking into Unscrewed as well... I may yet have to take Mr Waid up on his offer. But I doubt it.

[Matt Doc Martin]

I must retract this statement, I finally got an email from the nutjob. I'm going to read thru it, and see if there's any statement of an attorney's name or anything. I doubt it. Most likely, more empty threats. I'll post it here if anyone's interested.

I think he's been dabbling in his "Perry Mason Home Kit" again.

I am all for seeing it.

[Cam63]

The War of 1812.

I'll just move the good crockery into the next room...

[Matt Doc Martin]

What Rick really meant:


>
> Jim:
>
> I've been instructed to write and make you aware of the confines of the
> contract that you originally signed with my company, TightLip Entertainment,
> prior to your release from work-for -hire. Consider this your first CEASE
> and DESIST, along with official notification on the matters contained
> herein.

Uh-oh...that almost sounds like I spoke to a real attorney.
>
> As I had told you early on prior to and upon your release under
> work-for-hire, your work on anything for TightLip Entertainment art wise was
> never for free.

I was going to pay you in happy meals!

I simply had to get the titles better situated and
> published. Of course, the TOTS #1 book opened up a can of worms and now
> your name looks to be added to a civil suit involving your non disclosure
> agreement breach.

I'll get them Duke boys yet!

See, that's the trouble with getting involved with online
> vigilante actions. Which, are also llegal under the confines of the law of
> most States.

"Online vigilante" I got into someone's "Origin of Microchip" trade paperback.

You do have legal redress, obviously, but it isn't by stealing
> and portraying the copyrighted characters of others.
>
> Tuesday, I am advising my attorney to begin an action against you for
> copyright theft.

Wait..you may have thought I already spoke to an attorney...Oh, I got you again!
The image attached to this email is from a cover of the
> Orcomx amateur press association's 5th issue going back to 1998 with
> regarding to my characters, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. That particular issue
> of the APA is from 1998. So you can clearly see, your instructions to draw
> any of the TightLip Entertainment characters don't grant you ownership.
> I've actually had Eagle, Globe, and Anchor copyrighted for sometime. And
> you, sir, look to be in violation of those copyright laws.

Of course, it is hard to see past my own ass. I could also be wrong.
>
> As I see that you have also allowed the UNSCREWED website to be involved in
> this matter actions will be taken legally against those involved there as
> well. I suggest that you get a lawyer.

I will get ANYONE who mentions me. I am Rick "KING KONG" OLney. Best recognize!Kindly also read the attached
> earlier email of 4/23/06, as it has to do with this complaint to you also.
>

Note I didn't provide my attorney's contact info there either. I wonder if he would cut his rate any to me if I gave him actual advertisements?

[Cam63]

Really, he'll throw any kind of insult he can think of. But if he knows something pisses you off, he'll throw that even more. And he doesn't distinguish between "Pissed off because disgusted" and "Pissed off because it hurt". Therefore, humor and mockery (and there's been such brilliant displays of it in this thread!) are the way to deal with him. It takes the air out of his balloon. He doesn't know where to get traction with you, where he can needle you, when he can't figure out what's going to "get at" you.

I gathered that much from his attempted " wittisisms ", Sarah.

A leech could beat him at scrabble.

...A leech on an IV drip.

[MacQuarrie]

> your name looks to be added to a civil suit involving your non disclosure
> agreement breach. See, that's the trouble with getting involved with online
> vigilante actions. Which, are also llegal under the confines of the law of
> most States. You do have legal redress, obviously, but it isn't by stealing
> and portraying the copyrighted characters of others.
>
> Tuesday, I am advising my attorney to begin an action against you for
> copyright theft. The image attached to this email is from a cover of the
> Orcomx amateur press association's 5th issue going back to 1998 with
> regarding to my characters, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. That particular issue
> of the APA is from 1998. So you can clearly see, your instructions to draw
> any of the TightLip Entertainment characters don't grant you ownership.
> I've actually had Eagle, Globe, and Anchor copyrighted for sometime. And
> you, sir, look to be in violation of those copyright laws.
What was teh attachment? Was it a drawing of those characters by somebody else? Was your work a copy of said drawing? If not, then he is once again talking out his ass. "Characters" cannot be copyrighted; only a specific drawing of a character is protected by copyright law. That's why DC and Marvel file for trademark protection of their characters.

Further, it is standard practice that artists are allowed, even under work-for-hire, to show their work in their portfolio and online for purposes of self-promotion and to seek employment. You can even sell your originals if you like. "Copyright" is "the right to copy", not the right to display. Olney is an idiot who does not know what he is talking about. But we knew that.

> As I see that you have also allowed the UNSCREWED website to be involved in
> this matter actions will be taken legally against those involved there as
> well. I suggest that you get a lawyer. Kindly also read the attached
> earlier email of 4/23/06, as it has to do with this complaint to you also.

Right of association is covered under the First Amendment, as is freedom of speech and the press. There is not a damn thing he or his pretend lawyer can do to you or any member of the Unscrewed project.

[rummblestrips]

What exact law is broken when artists and writers combine their talents to
a) protest the treatment of said artists and writers by a certain publisher,
and
b) help to aleveate the financial woes of these artists and writers brought on by that same publisher.

He also uses the term CEASE and DESIST. I am no lawyer, but is that not actually a legal term referring to an actual paper you are served, rather than a silly statement in a silly letter?
His statements are so vague and contrived. I bet he sat there for hours and hours trying to make it sound as witty as possible.

[sk716]

As promised... the "Olney Threat" begins yet again... mention of an attorney, and that's about it... other then his usual diatribe. Oh, and by the way, now he's got the "Unscrewed" crew in his "legal sights".

His email... then my reply...

Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:59:54 -0500
> From: "Rick Olney" <tightlip.entertainment@gmail.com>
> To: JTComic1963@cox.net > Subject: Re: Re: Your resignation from Freedom 3 & TightLip Entertainment
>
> Jim:
> blah ... blah ... blah ... You do have legal redress, obviously, but it isn't by stealing
> and portraying the copyrighted characters of others.
> blah ... blah ... blah...


Hmm, looks to me like the copyright notice on all of those images is intact. How is that stealing them again?

[JTPencils]

I wasn't sure how to include the drawing attachment. I don't have a site to upload it to. Perhaps if someone wants to include this in a post, let me know, I'll send the attachment along to you. But then again, you'll then be sucked into the vortex that is Rick's legal pool.

[Cam63]

I am making a bold, but absolutely true claim.

I make the world's best potato salad.

I can eat the world's best potato salad.

[Matt Doc Martin]

What was teh attachment? Was it a drawing of those characters by somebody else? Was your work a copy of said drawing? If not, then he is once again talking out his ass. "Characters" cannot be copyrighted; only a specific drawing of a character is protected by copyright law. That's why DC and Marvel file for trademark protection of their characters.

Further, it is standard practice that artists are allowed, even under work-for-hire, to show their work in their portfolio and online for purposes of self-promotion and to seek employment. You can even sell your originals if you like. "Copyright" is "the right to copy", not the right to display. Olney is an idiot who does not know what he is talking about. But we knew that.


Right of association is covered under the First Amendment, as is freedom of speech and the press. There is not a damn thing he or his pretend lawyer can do to you or any member of the Unscrewed project.

Stop bursting his bubble!!!!

[Larry Dixon]

I'll get them Duke boys yet!



Bwah hah hah hah hah!

[Matt Doc Martin]

I wasn't sure how to include the drawing attachment. I don't have a site to upload it to. Perhaps if someone wants to include this in a post, let me know, I'll send the attachment along to you. But then again, you'll then be sucked into the vortex that is Rick's legal pool.

I'll do it. Email it to me.

[sk716]

Hey Oz, can I get Olney's IP so I can go ahead and ban him from the Unscrewed! site?

[Cam63]

Oh, THAT was low.

~Bev

That was magma low.

[Danny Donovan]

Jim,

I am sure you know enough to not need my .02, but I wanted you to know that so far nothing you've done has any actionable qualities, you were contracted to provide work for hire, and the contract you signed would have specified that, however when money did not changed hands the contract was breached and thus your work was never "sold"

While Rick does retain the copyrights to the characters, meaning you couldn't use them in your own book or whatnot containing these characters, the work is yours outright, and you have every right to post it wherever you deem fit as examples of your work.

There is a limited amount of "fair use" available to you as pertains to those works, now, merely having a gallery on the unscrewed website is no different than posting them on your professional webpage as previously stated, examples of your past work. If they were used, in the exact type of material of their source origins (ie: traditional comic) that would constitute a copyright breach.

However, if used under "satire rules" they are considered "fair use" and thus it's a non-starter issue.

Posting the work on a message board is also a non-starter.

my apologies for the constant use of qoutation marks, but they were added for emphisis, not to claim they were non-words.

I feel really bad that it seems to be coming down to this again. I was really hoping the quiet was Rick taking my advice and just letting all this pass over him by not getting involved anymore, and focusing on a fair resolution to the problems.

[Cam63]

Bwah hah hah hah hah!

Don't you mean " H'yuck ! H'yuck ! H'yuck ! " ?

[TCJohnson]

Ok, just asking this because my knowledge of copywrite law is about equal to that of, well, a mentally challenged orca...

Doesn't Olney have more sure footing with this since he does own those characters?

[kingdom2000]

Copyright prevents him from possibly publishing the characters as his own but due to non-payment for services, he should be allowed to do what he wants with the images as the artwork isn't owned by tightlip due to the voluntary nullification of the contract by said "company" (if it really legally exists which i doubt) because of non-payment. Its back to that "clean hands" doctrine. Which olney would know if he actually consulted an attorney. And if this was the images that where on Tightlips' own website (doesn't matter if he meant to or not, they where available and unsecured), then it was Olney that provided those images, not the artist, so copyright still wasn't breached. Not to say a lawyer couldn't try to make hay out of it to be a pain in the ass, but anyone can beat some drums, doesn't mean they should form a band.

It should be interesting to see if any of this actually reaches a judge. I am sure a judge would find it interesting that despite his many threats and supposed legal action, he withheld the name of his attorney despite repeated attempts to get such information. Call me crazy, but its just an action I see judges viewing in a favorable light.

[JTPencils]

Doc, forwarded the whole thing to you. Should be there now.

[TCJohnson]

Ok, just asking this because my knowledge of copywrite law is about equal to that of, well, a mentally challenged orca...

Doesn't Olney have more sure footing with this since he does own those characters?

Nevermind, it has been answered.

[Matt Doc Martin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/apa5.jpg

[TCJohnson]

You know, there is a danger here to Rick. Somebody could see Frankenborg and steal the idea for themselves. It is just that good.

[Corrina]

What Rick really meant:



Uh-oh...that almost sounds like I spoke to a real attorney.



No, it makes it clear he hasn't because if he did, the attorney would have written this letter, not Olney.

[Cam63]

Dammit! I never should have told you my weakness for baby animals! No fair!

Oh, fine. You're forgiven. THIS time. :p

~Bev

Don't go weak, Cap'n !

[MacQuarrie]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.

[TomStillwell]

Oh my. . .

Oh, that's just bad. Not the art, just the very idea. . .

Oh my. . .

Rick Olney: Let's see. Zombies are hot right now and who's the coolest zombie of all? Frankenstein!

Artist: He's not a zombie.

RO: Yes...he is. The Viet-Nam people I fought over in the Viet-Nam used their Viet-Nam voodoo magic to raise Frankenstein from the dead as a zombie. I won a Purple Heart for shooting down his plane in my Marine Harrier, which was named after me because of my beard.

Artist: I thought you received Purple Hearts for being wounded?

Artist: Harrier? That's an English jet, right?

RO: You civilian. You have no idea the really bad stuff we went through in Viet-Nam! The hookers actually made me pay up front! I still have nightmare about it!!!

Artist: Speaking of payment...

RO: Where were we? Yes, robots! Everyone loves Transformers! That shining example of comic industry ethics Pat Lee has made them huge again. People are buying up their toys like crazy.

I made toys big , you know. Before me no kids ever played with toys. Until I started my toys in the home program where I "bought" toys from stores and "gave" them to children, kids were playing with like cheese shredders and blow torches.

Artist: Is that why you have a van out front filled with toys?

RO: Oh, yes. I'll be "giving" those out later.

Artist: Can I get one for my neice? She's in a wheelchair.

RO: A wheelchair? That's all the toy she needs. Now, about Frankstein and Robots...HOLY HAPPY MEAL!!!

I have it! FrankenBorg. Half Frankstein zombie and half robot...all hot chick! She must be a hot stripper!!!

Artist: That's really a horrible idea.

RO: I don't pay you for ideas! Shut up and draw!!!

Artist: Yeah, and paying me...

RO: Wait, sign this!

[Blake Petit]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.

Legally, you don't need to register a copyright to hold it. Registering just makes it easier to defend yourself should a legal challenge arise.

[JTPencils]

Rick Olney: Let's see. Zombies are hot right now and who's the coolest zombie of all? Frankenstein!

Artist: He's not a zombie.

RO: Yes...he is. The Viet-Nam people I fought over in the Viet-Nam used their Viet-Nam voodoo magic to raise Frankenstein from the dead as a zombie. I won a Purple Heart for shooting down his plane in my Marine Harrier, which was named after me because of my beard.

Artist: I thought you received Purple Hearts for being wounded?

Artist: Harrier? That's an English jet, right?

RO: You civilian. You have no idea the really bad stuff we went through in Viet-Nam! The hookers actually made me pay up front! I still have nightmare about it!!!

Artist: Speaking of payment...

RO: Where were we? Yes, robots! Everyone loves Transformers! That shining example of comic industry ethics Pat Lee has made them huge again. People are buying up their toys like crazy.

I made toys big , you know. Before me no kids ever played with toys. Until I started my toys in the home program where I "bought" toys from stores and "gave" them to children, kids were playing with like cheese shredders and blow torches.

Artist: Is that why you have a van out front filled with toys?

RO: Oh, yes. I'll be "giving" those out later.

Artist: Can I get one for my neice? She's in a wheelchair.

RO: A wheelchair? That's all the toy she needs. Now, about Frankstein and Robots...HOLY HAPPY MEAL!!!

I have it! FrankenBorg. Half Frankstein zombie and half robot...all hot chick! She must be a hot stripper!!!

Artist: That's really a horrible idea.

RO: I don't pay you for ideas! Shut up and draw!!!

Artist: Yeah, and paying me...

RO: Wait, sign this!

Stop!! I'm dying here! Did you tap the phones when this discussion happened???

[Matt Doc Martin]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.

Well, I could see him only finishing 6th grade.

Copied claims.

Nothing under "Tightlip" or "Tight Lip" either.

Can someone say, "Bullshit"?

OLNEY!

Very good, kids!

[Cam63]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.

You get a gold star and maybe a beer.

[TCJohnson]

I have to say, though, I do like this cover. Seriously...it is a neat idea.

http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/disp/0/03af0b421e802e3b05737a0f804abce6.jpg

The only thing about it is the press release that came with it...the most politically charged book of the decade or something. Yeah, hunting down bin Laden is politically controversial.

[MacQuarrie]

He also uses the term CEASE and DESIST. I am no lawyer, but is that not actually a legal term referring to an actual paper you are served, rather than a silly statement in a silly letter?
His statements are so vague and contrived. I bet he sat there for hours and hours trying to make it sound as witty as possible.

A Cease and Desist letter ("C&D" in legal jargon) is a required step in asserting one's trademark rights under the Lanham Act. If Shamu had used teh word trademark in place of copyright throughout his letter, he would have actually laid the groundwork for attempting to collect damages for trademark infringement.

Of course, in order to prove damages, he would have to prove that there is somethign to be damaged, i.e. a product. given that he has never profited from these properties himself and has no product out on the marketplace, he cannot demonstrate loss of revenue, dilution of brand, or likelihood of confusion or improper association. He has to have sold a comic in order to claim that JT harmed him in any way under trademark law.

Gail's right; it's like playing Scrabble with a monkey.

[Mark Waid]

The good news is, if you actually catch Rick's lawyer, he has to give you the pot of gold under his rainbow. That's how it works.

Relax. There is no lawyer. Why write a letter like that yourself rather than have your lawyer do it for you?

[Matt Doc Martin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/SP32-20070112-231942.jpg

[PatrickG]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.

Okay...

For clarity...

An unregistered copyright or trademark:

- May protect you from damages if you can cover the expense of going to court in the event that someone else sues you.

- Won't enable you to build a strong case to sue someone else, generally.

Do I have that right? You have the right to a property but you have a higher burden to establish theft? An unregistered piece of intellectual property acts as a defense, in theory, but rarely works as an offense tactic as a plaintiff?

I mean, as soon as something is in fixed form, you're claiming a copyright/trademark as applicable even without registering. So the relevance of Olney failing to register is...?

[Matt Doc Martin]

I have to say, though, I do like this cover. Seriously...it is a neat idea.

http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/disp/0/03af0b421e802e3b05737a0f804abce6.jpg

The only thing about it is the press release that came with it...the most politically charged book of the decade or something. Yeah, hunting down bin Laden is politically controversial.

They let him go. They needed a recurring villain.

[Mark Waid]

I have to say, though, I do like this cover. Seriously...it is a neat idea.

http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/disp/0/03af0b421e802e3b05737a0f804abce6.jpg

The only thing about it is the press release that came with it...the most politically charged book of the decade or something. Yeah, hunting down bin Laden is politically controversial.

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?

[Cam63]

awww. . c'mon folks. . . this was *funny*



(sheesh, no wonder Howy never puts me in the Digest)

I mentioned you in dispatches.

[Cam63]

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?

You know, he attempted to sue the gas company for stealing his farts.

[MacQuarrie]

Legally, you don't need to register a copyright to hold it. Registering just makes it easier to defend yourself should a legal challenge arise.

I know that, but he claimed he'd "had them copyrighted for some time" which (to me at any rate) implies that he registered them. In any case, even if the cover shown were registered with the copyright office, JT's work in no way infringes on it. It is a unique original work and subject to its own protection under the law.

[TCJohnson]

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?


Haven't we already established that Olney is the text book definition of hypocrite?

Oh, Mark, you have to see the press release that came with it.

[Blake Petit]

Oh, I agree entirely. And your post after mine covered everything I was trying to say, but you used much purtier words. :-D

[Cam63]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/SP32-20070112-231942.jpg

Too subtle...

[TCJohnson]

Here it is:

TIGHTLIP ENTERTAINMENT TELLS THE PULSE ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Osama bin Laden's a Coward and in Hiding for a Good Reason


MOHAWK, NY- February 22, 2006- TightLip Entertainment is set to publish the most politically explosive comic book ever produced, Freedom 3 #1. Publisher Rick ***** released the comic book cover for Freedom 3. The image depicts the super hero Globe, a member of the United States Marine Corp secret unit Freedom 3, punching Osama bin Laden in the face.


In fact, the cover of Freedom 3 pays homage to the most recognized Captain America cover. The Joe Simon and Jack Kirby Captain America #1 cover (March 1941, National Comics) shows the red, white and blue clad Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face.


The Freedom 3 cover drives home the parallel between World War II's Adolf Hitler and today's al-Qaida's Osama bin Laden. "During this day, when times are just as turbulent as when the attack on Pearl Harbor led America into tough times; it becomes every American's responsibility to not lose sight of what makes freedom special", Publisher and writer Rick ***** said.


Freedom 3 is about three United States Marines, who through Project Freedom, take on characteristics and abilities in their efforts to serve under the United States Constitution.


Globe (powered by terra firma), Eagle (a winged telepath), and Anchor (a fiery fem with a touch too much) makes up the trio of freedom fighters. "...the members of Freedom 3 get handed an assignment no Marine would refuse; to hunt down and capture Osama bin Laden!" Rick ***** said.


Freedom 3 is penciled by Jim (One Shot Press, Trinity Comics) Taylor. He didn't know if he was up to the task. "First off, I was a bit daunted, I mean, taking on a cover of legends in the field like Kirby and Simon? But, I totally understood where Rick (*****) was coming from as far as the intent of the cover, and the relevance of it in today's world experience."


While on the other hand, Freedom 3 colorist; Dash (Savage Dragon: GodWar, SuperPatriot: War on Terror, Outlaw Scorn 3030 AD) Martin was totally pumped about the book. "It's about time someone did it. No sense in modern stories STILL revolving around Hitler when we have a current real world baddie."


TightLip Entertainment Creative Director and Freedom 3 inker, Jeff (Faust, Big Bang Comics, FemForce) Austin realized that, "Patriotic covers have a long tradition in comics." TightLip Entertainment will continue that tradition into the new millennium. Jeff Austin is also pleased about what isn't on the cover. "No bar codes on covers," he said. "Correcting 30 years of stupidity in the field...It was a mistake to slap a big bar code on the cover. It blunted the impact of the image."


The three-issue story arc "What Price Freedom" begins in May. The 28-page full color comic book will retail for $2.95. Freedom 3 will be available for pre-orders when the TightLip Entertainment web site goes online April 15, 2006.

[MacQuarrie]

Okay...

For clarity...

An unregistered copyright or trademark:

- May protect you from damages if you can cover the expense of going to court in the event that someone else sues you.

- Won't enable you to build a strong case to sue someone else, generally.

Do I have that right? You have the right to a property but you have a higher burden to establish theft? An unregistered piece of intellectual property acts as a defense, in theory, but rarely works as an offense tactic as a plaintiff?

I mean, as soon as something is in fixed form, you're claiming a copyright/trademark as applicable even without registering. So the relevance of Olney failing to register is...?
That he implied otherwise in his attempt at legalese.

You are correct on all points. I was addressing a particular point of his C&D letter.

[JTPencils]

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?

Mark, all three of the covers he had me do were to be "Homage" covers. He did the same thing for the other book as well.

[TomStillwell]

As promised... the "Olney Threat" begins yet again... mention of an attorney, and that's about it... other then his usual diatribe. Oh, and by the way, now he's got the "Unscrewed" crew in his "legal sights".

His email... then my reply...

Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:59:54 -0500
> From: "Rick Olney" <tightlip.entertainment@gmail.com>
> To: JTComic1963@cox.net > Subject: Re: Re: Your resignation from Freedom 3 & TightLip Entertainment
>
> Jim:
>
> I've been instructed to write and make you aware of the confines of the
> contract that you originally signed with my company, TightLip Entertainment,
> prior to your release from work-for -hire. Consider this your first CEASE
> and DESIST, along with official notification on the matters contained
> herein.
>
> As I had told you early on prior to and upon your release under
> work-for-hire, your work on anything for TightLip Entertainment art wise was
> never for free. I simply had to get the titles better situated and
> published. Of course, the TOTS #1 book opened up a can of worms and now
> your name looks to be added to a civil suit involving your non disclosure
> agreement breach. See, that's the trouble with getting involved with online
> vigilante actions. Which, are also llegal under the confines of the law of
> most States. You do have legal redress, obviously, but it isn't by stealing
> and portraying the copyrighted characters of others.
>
> Tuesday, I am advising my attorney to begin an action against you for
> copyright theft. The image attached to this email is from a cover of the
> Orcomx amateur press association's 5th issue going back to 1998 with
> regarding to my characters, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. That particular issue
> of the APA is from 1998. So you can clearly see, your instructions to draw
> any of the TightLip Entertainment characters don't grant you ownership.
> I've actually had Eagle, Globe, and Anchor copyrighted for sometime. And
> you, sir, look to be in violation of those copyright laws.
>
> As I see that you have also allowed the UNSCREWED website to be involved in
> this matter actions will be taken legally against those involved there as
> well. I suggest that you get a lawyer. Kindly also read the attached
> earlier email of 4/23/06, as it has to do with this complaint to you also.
>

My response was...

Attorney's name and address are all I need. You can stop trying to be your own attorney, you just make yourself look like the fool you are when you do so. I
won't address your inane comments with you. Just send me the information that everyone (including the Unscrewed site) wants, and let's get this settled.
Cease and desist indeed. Cease the threats, and give the information, your
diatribes grow tiresome.
--
Jim Taylor
Freelance Artist

"Owning Photoshop, does NOT make you an artist."

Just making everyone aware... he's over there looking into Unscrewed as well... I may yet have to take Mr Waid up on his offer. But I doubt it.

This is as good a time to reveal a little fact I found in my digging.

Tightlip Entertainment doesn't exist as a legal business entity in the state of New York. No such business is listed anywere with the 100% reliable information source I used.

Additionally, there are no listings for Rick or Richard Olney operating as a business in New York. Nothing was found under the name of his wife either.

I'd say any claims of TLE owning an intellectual property are bold faced lies.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Globe reminds me of Clayface.

But Rick makes me think it's more like "Shithead" from Mark Millar's Wanted

[Typo Lad]

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?
I was going to comment on that.

I mean, sheesh!

[MacQuarrie]

Olney-hunting is fun.

Here's one: Third Millenium (http://www.teako170.com/tis.html)

The site says:
Another organization, ORCA, is headed by founder/director Rick Olney. ORCA or Organized Readers of Comics Associated is an international comic book association, with a membership base totaling 3600, promoting the reading of comic books.

ORCA gives away thousands of comics each year, free, to inspire readership and support of our hobby and the business of comic books. This upcoming holiday season, ORCA will find itself involved with the Salvation Army and a "kids-stocking-stuff" program in the New York state districts.

Recently, THIRD MILLENNIUM entertainment donated approximately 250 comic books to the above mentioned organizations. Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Batman, Image, Defiant, EC, and many other indie press publications will be distributed to children across this nation. Even if one only book helps a student in a spelling bee or taps the creative process of a child for the first time, then the effort is well worth it.

So, Ricky, to whom do you give these "thousands of comics each year"? Got any evidence? A receipt, perhaps? Or did the donated comics disappear into your longboxes?

[shanejayell]

*is astounded by the lame characters*

He'd be laughed out of most comicshops.

[Typo Lad]

This is reminding me that I really do need to formally copryright some character designs someone did for me.

[Blake Petit]

Wait, wait... Orca had a "membership base totalling 3600"?

Anyone ever met any other Orca members?

[PatrickG]

The good news is, if you actually catch Rick's lawyer, he has to give you the pot of gold under his rainbow. That's how it works.

Relax. There is no lawyer. Why write a letter like that yourself rather than have your lawyer do it for you?

Rick Olney has someone from the firm of Bluebeard, Morgan and Quetch. They were supposed to get someone on the case but instead they gagged his lawyer and tied him up in a bed with Lee Merimether -- and, dammit, she let the lawyer go.

Wow. Possibly the dorkiest reference I ever made.

[colleen]

Once again, Olney's lack of lawyer is showing. Others have already pointed out that you can't copyright a character.

Continuing our discussion of these issues that may actually be of use to people reading this thread, so here's some great online resources.

http://www.publaw.com/fiction.html

A fictional character, similar to a graphic character, cannot obtain trademark protection for its own protection, but may only be protected when the trademark indicates a particular source of goods and services. However, unlike for graphic characters, courts have not fully embraced trademark protection for fictional characters. This attitude may be due less to the courts' unwillingness to utilize trademark law to protect a fictional character than to the likelihood of such a case arising since it is highly unusual for a character that had never previously been depicted graphically to be used in a commercial fashion.

A fictional character's "name" may be a trademark if the character's name is used as a title of a book, movie or series and therefore indicates a single source of the entertainment product or service or it is used on other then entertainment goods or services. Trademark protection may also be available for a fictional character's unique verbal expressions, such as the Lone Ranger's "Hi-yo Silver Away". Therefore, while the full spectrum of trademark protection may be available for highly successful graphical characters, such a possibility, other than for the unauthorized use of a fictional character's name or verbal expression is highly unlikely for most fictional characters. Furthermore, trademark protection may be precluded in those instances where there is a problem associated with relating the trademark to a single source such as in the entertainment industry where a character may be associated with an author, artist, film producer, sponsor or even with the character itself. If the source is fragmented then trademark protection may not be appropriate.

Another article from the same valuable website, this one concentrating on graphic characters (comics) and the three levels of protection afforded by law: copyright, trademark, unfair competition.

http://www.publaw.com/graphical.html


Long lines of cases have found graphic characters to be protected by copyright law. However, the early cases failed to determine whether the unauthorized use of a graphic character would result in copyright infringement liability if the new work contained only the graphic character, and not the plot elements of the first work. There also existed a degree of uncertainty regarding copyright infringement liability if only a similarity in the depiction of the character existed without there also being a similarity in the personality of the character. In Warner Bros., Inc. v. American Broadcasting Cos.3 the court noted that "in determining whether a character in a second work infringes a cartoon character, courts have generally considered not only the visual resemblance but also the totality of the characters' attributes and traits." A similar result was previously evidenced in Detective Comics, Inc. v. Bruns Publications4 where the court found that the character Superman was infringed in a competing comic book publication featuring the character Wonderman. The court found that the infringing work "appropriated the pictorial and literary details embodied in" the copyrights protecting Superman.

A further examination of intellectual property and protection under the law can be found here:

http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=15391861

Lots of important information for all creators can be found at all of these websites. There is no question about copyright or trademark on this thread that is not addressed in detail there.



c

[TCJohnson]

JT,

I hope you don't think I am picking on you or anything. The art is good if the ideas behind him really unoriginal, banal and just plain bad...but the execution is good.

And I really did think that one cover was kinda neat idea....if he had done it only once. I didn't realize they were all homages.

[Ell Aich]

The good news is, if you actually catch Rick's lawyer, he has to give you the pot of gold under his rainbow. That's how it works.

"Och! They're efter me Lucky Charms! E'll joost mek a renbow af boolsheet end slide eway!"

Could've resisted. Didn't.
Mark, you're awesome for offering assistance.

When the auctions get running, whoever's in charge email me via my profile. I'll donate some art.

[Mark Waid]

Mark, all three of the covers he had me do were to be "Homage" covers. He did the same thing for the other book as well.

Oh, and I don't doubt it. And I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I just think it's hysterical that he's oblivious to how badly something like this erodes his moral high ground.

[TomStillwell]

You've got to fucking be kidding me. He's suing for "copyright" over characters established on a direct steal from one of the most famous comic book covers in history?

I also find it ironic that my letterer Dave Rothe designed the Freedom 3 years ago and still has not been paid for it.

[kingdom2000]

This is as good a time to reveal a little fact I found in my digging.

Tightlip Entertainment doesn't exist as a legal business entity in the state of New York. No such business is listed anywere with the 100% reliable information source I used.

Additionally, there are no listings for Rick or Richard Olney operating as a business in New York. Nothing was found under the name of his wife either.

I'd say any claims of TLE owning an intellectual property are bold faced lies.

<in Stephen colbert's voice> I called it!!! </in Stephen colbert's voice>

Interesting note that letter brings up of do you want to win a case with Olney? For the sake of argument, what if Olney pays your for services rendered either due to legal action or just because he feels bad, at this point do you want your name and your work associated with him? If the dust cloud settles in the best case scenario of everyone gets whats owned them, then he is free to publish your work and throw your name all over it for promotional purposes. Its something to think about if discussing things with an attorney.

[MacQuarrie]

Oooh, another interesting one:

Alvin Schwartz's Round Table (http://www.comicscommunity.com/boards/alvin/?frames=n;read=643&expand=1)
This is from 2003...

Interesting comments in your last paragraph especially, Rick. You know the industry--why don't you elaborate on it further--right here?-- Alvin
PS: So far--nothing has arrived here from Orca.

---------------

Rick Olney
rick@mightyminicon.com

In Response To:
Alvin

Tue, 6/17/03, 1:16 pm
Re: Excellent column!

: Interesting comments in your last paragraph especially,
: Rick. You know the industry--why don't you elaborate
: on it further--right here?-- Alvin
: PS: So far--nothing has arrived here from Orca.

I'd be talking from the heart, mostly, Alvin. The subject matter has never changed for me. I've seen ORCA trying to expose and guide new readers to the hobby and pastime of reading comic books for the enjoyment level. I've seen and heard real people that don't read comic books comment on why they see it as a waste of time. In some cases, I've helped by changing their mind. Yet the harder minds to change are those right WITHIN our hobby and this business of comic books. ORCA will sadly, seemingly, always be their "lil bastard" and that is a shame, because so much is at stake. Pardon my cynical slant. It has come with time and whereforall.

Re: Your ORCA package
Alvin, I still have it. I'll mail it shortly. I had to venture to North Carolina to retrieve a couple members of my family from an uncertain future. I'm also still clearing a couple small manoey matters regarding my last convention, and as you might already be aware, much of ORCA's output financially is out-of-pocket the part of some of our senior members like myself. BUT - placing this all aside...you'll have your stuff promised shortly. I appreciate your understanding, and your forgiving nature for our (my) need for more time. I'm adding a copy of ORBITER to you as an additional because it often takes me additional time. No thanks needed. Just enjoy reading and viewing it.

Regards,
--Rick
So, Ricky, since we know you never finished "clearing a couple small manoey matters regarding my last convention", did you ever manage to send Alvin whatever you promised him? Enquiring minds want to know.

[Magneto_X]

Wait, wait... Orca had a "membership base totalling 3600"?

Anyone ever met any other Orca members?

He stole that number from the Green Lantern corps! lol

[Blake Petit]

I see your point there, K2K, but really... promotion of WHAT? Does he have anything to promote?

[Crowley]

From Mac's link:


Well, after giving it some thought. I decided to respond to your choice for #10. This is the jumbled recollections of that time here.

I knew George Georgiade and a few of his 'crew' back then.
At that time in 1996, ORCA had an internal subscription benefit. Our members were able to purchase their monthly books via ORCA via "George's" and it was a sweet deal for them.

File this under; Things you didn't know...

I was making twice a month trips to Syracuse to George's to pick up the multitude of ordered comics and merchandise that came in weekly.

From the Start:

George and his manager, Steve actually took ORCA on as their FIRST house wholesale account. I brought
a starting total of 16 club members with me. That accounted for 1/3rd of ORCA's local membership.

We were given a 55% discount on all new monthly comics. We algo got 35-40% off on all other merchandise. The reason this was so sweet for ORCA members was that the entire cost savings was passed back to them. ORCA as an organization took no money for providing this benefit. We conducted ourselves on a not-for-profit business, under legal representation.

Additionally, if a club member bought 5 titles a month -- they got their pick of any fanzine for free. That list included Wizard, CBG(weekly), FAN, COMBO, and Hero Illustrated. Once the benefit stabilized and things were running smooth ... I introduced it to our mailing members. This brought the members in ORCA taking advantage of it to the low 60's in number. My bi-weekly trips had me doing over 4k a month in product. Additionally, "George's" provided any number of Diamond's PREVIEWS we needed, and if there was a retailer order deal, and ORCA bought the required number of issues ... we got the special covered issues or autographed books.
So I also held and sponsored buying trips to "George's" where I'd fill up my 12 passenger van and cart teens to spend their money buying books and t-shirts, trades, and non sports cards.

Additionally, ORCA was buying kids comics in bulk and large number. So "George's" was hardly an "adult comics only" establishment. George Georgiade was a man that liked to make money. It was all about money.

Now, I'm not sure if ORCA's luck ran out back then, but...

It was during that time that my contacts at Marvel understood that ORCA was providing its members this benefit. In fact, the Marvel of that time embraced ORCA and gave it a full page plug in its "Marvel Visions" magazine. No other "comic book club" has ever had that kind of support.
Marvel also supported ORCA in a couple of shadier ways, but that's a tale for another time.

Next thing to happen was "George's" building their wholesale operation up to supplying (somewhere in number to) 26 stores across central New York and area States. They were growing.

Things began to change...

Our orders started getting messed up. I'd order 25-50 copies of a new book and end up taking from that group to give a member because "George's" shorted our box. Yeah, it happens ... but they rarely made it right. I also had a member order the EC Comics Statue series and he got cheated out of getting a broken statue. No attempted recourse by ORCA fixed the matter.

Then -- Marvel changed the percentage we got off our product by getting back into distributing their own products and merchandise. Our ORCA orders began shrinking, and I was placed in a position where two months of product had been advance paid by my membership ... and many refused to pay the increase. So to avoid any altercation -- because I'd come to know George Georgiade's litigious tactics when he took on "Dream Days" and "Twilight Book & Game" -- two other Syracuse retailers that didn't care for George or his way of doing business -- I paid out of my personal pocket the cost difference and saw that everyone got what they ordered at WHAT they ordered it at price wise.

I then closed the ORCA comics buying benefit.

"George's" retail business began to shrink. I only made a couple trips there after he started offering adult porn videos in a side room. His comics business was dying, and the Syracuse Common Council took him to task over the adding of the porn, probably with a little help from his competition of that time, if you ask me.

Hmmm... I would've thought ORCA might've rayted some small mention in your 1996 retrospect. 'Course, that's just a small reason why comics and kids, and comics and hobbyists have dropped off, imho.

I can't not post a thank you to CBG for being so supportive of ORCA over the years. We're still ticking; Just not as loud.
Regards,
--Rick

Rick Olney
TightLip Entertainment

[colleen]

This is reminding me that I really do need to formally copryright some character designs someone did for me.

No. You don't.

Your character drawings are protected by copyright the minute you create them. You may certainly register them, but this will not magically grant you more protections against infringement, it simply extends your right to collect damages, of which there aren't likely to be many if you are not actually using the work in public.

If you want to trademark those character designs, you must be using them in commerce. Otherwise, your expensive temporary trademark registration attempt will be invalid and will lapse and you will lose a lot of money for nothing.

You CANNOT copyright a character.

A character can only enjoy copyright protection as a collection of character attributes including the depiction of that character's personality traits and involvement in plots in a fictional work. The mere appearance of a drawing of your character does not enjoy special protection outside of your drawing. If someone copies your drawing and uses that drawing in commerce, it is a copyright issue having NOTHING to do with the character itself. The copyright infringement issue there is ONLY with regard to THAT particular drawing.

c

[Magneto_X]

JT,

I hope you don't think I am picking on you or anything. The art is good if the ideas behind him really unoriginal, banal and just plain bad...but the execution is good.

And I really did think that one cover was kinda neat idea....if he had done it only once. I didn't realize they were all homages.

Same here.

Jim would be a great penciler for JSA, Captain America or Invaders IMHO.

[JTPencils]

JT,

I hope you don't think I am picking on you or anything. The art is good if the ideas behind him really unoriginal, banal and just plain bad...but the execution is good.

And I really did think that one cover was kinda neat idea....if he had done it only once. I didn't realize they were all homages.

TC, didn't take it as picking on me at all. Actually, I was quite pleased the way the cover turned out (heck, all three of them actually). However, I did voice a concern over doing SO many homage covers for two books. One would be ok, but to do it multiple times? I felt it would make the series look weak, or worse, contrived. Those thoughts were of course, shot down. But as I always say, I just draw the pictures, I don't make the decisions. As for the execution of the artwork, nah, I'm not discouraged, or insulted at all. I think they came out pretty good, for what they are, and what the source was.

As the Aussie's say "No worries".

[Typo Lad]

Well, the drawing themselves are copyright the artist, I believe, with permission by me to use, so that should be fine, da?

I used to know all this stuff, but years of non-creating have atrophied my mind.

[Typo Lad]

Same here.

Jim would be a great penciler for JSA, Captain America or Invaders IMHO.
I would give my left arm to work with someone with Jim'sstyle. Seriously.

Hey, it's not like I'm using it or anything.

[MacQuarrie]

<in Stephen colbert's voice> I called it!!! </in Stephen colbert's voice>

Interesting note that letter brings up of do you want to win a case with Olney? For the sake of argument, what if Olney pays your for services rendered either due to legal action or just because he feels bad, at this point do you want your name and your work associated with him? If the dust cloud settles in the best case scenario of everyone gets whats owned them, then he is free to publish your work and throw your name all over it for promotional purposes. Its something to think about if discussing things with an attorney.

We all know he hasn't got any money to pay anyone. The best thing anyone could try for is complete ownership of all TightLip properties and an injunction barring Olney from claiming ownership or attempting to publish them.

Short of that is putting him in bankruptcy. But that's about all anyone can do to him, unless you can nail him on a criminal charge like fraud, impersonating a veteran, harassment, libel or any of a handful of other charges that an attorney could come up with.

But I seriously doubt that anyone's going to recoup any money from him. This is all about principle at this point, and I'm pretty sure Mr. Waid recognized that even before he opened his checkbook. Which makes him even more admirable in my book.

[shanejayell]

He stole that number from the Green Lantern corps! lol

It IS the old number of GLC members art that. Wonder if he really DID do that? Heh

[colleen]

Well, the drawing themselves are copyright the artist, I believe, with permission by me to use, so that should be fine, da?

I used to know all this stuff, but years of non-creating have atrophied my mind.

Yeah, that should be fine.

Honestly, don't worry about registration of anything that is not in print. The likelihood that you will have to sue someone for copyright infringement of something not in print is miniscule.

Copyright registration costs $45 a whack.


Read those websites I showed you. You'll be back up to speed in no time.



c

[Mike Bullock]

I think he's been dabbling in his "Perry Mason Home Kit" again.

No. More like old video tapes of Alley McBeal...

[Matt Doc Martin]

Again I notice how he claims to have spent 4 months "in-country"

Rick: We were NOT at war with Japan then. That is not "in country"

[EdContradictory]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/apa5.jpg

Have you seen all those covers? Most of them are just awful.

[PatrickG]

This is as good a time to reveal a little fact I found in my digging.

Tightlip Entertainment doesn't exist as a legal business entity in the state of New York. No such business is listed anywere with the 100% reliable information source I used.

Additionally, there are no listings for Rick or Richard Olney operating as a business in New York. Nothing was found under the name of his wife either.

I'd say any claims of TLE owning an intellectual property are bold faced lies.

To be clear... Did you search for a DBA?

It COULD be (not likely) that another recognized company or Rick Olney (using his real, full name -- Richard, Rich, Rick or Patrick J.Olney if we're to believe it) did a DBA rather than incorporate and MAY not have been required to obtain a business license.

[Mike Bullock]

However, I did voice a concern over doing SO many homage covers for two books. One would be ok, but to do it multiple times? I felt it would make the series look weak, or worse, contrived.

I'd venture a guess that sort of request (that you do so many unoriginal designs) comes from someone striving to be creative, but not knowing how...

[kingdom2000]

Doesn't Olney have at this point at least one or two complete comics? Even if he doesn't, promotion of even a non-existant product, is fairly common place (see Rob Liefeld) so its still an issue if a discussion of payment is ever reached. While the odds are long, its still something that should be discussed with an attorney.

Based on what Colleen typed about copyrigt, I guess thats why you can have a Supreme, Hyperion, Samaritian, or Sentry whose powers are pretty much identical but collection of attributes isn't. Hey that means can re-use the work, flip personalities around, tweak orgin and give em a new name (just for giggles) and publish the work as own creation right? Not that I would recommend it for the sake of good taste.

[TomStillwell]

To be clear... Did you search for a DBA?

It COULD be (not likely) that another recognized company or Rick Olney (using his real, full name -- Richard, Rich, Rick or Patrick J.Olney if we're to believe it) did a DBA rather than incorporate and MAY not have been required to obtain a business license.

Please, Patrick. I'm a professional.

[Dreadstar]

Too many posts for me to wade through, but as to his recently sent missive:

I haev been on both sides of lawsuits (I know, big surprise) and I can tell you that a lawyer will tell you to NEVER send out such a missive. That's what they get paid for. In fact, such things are very much frowned upon by your legal representative. It's very much a "Shut up, I'LL do the talking from here out." deal.

I doubt if any lawyer would tell his client to send out his own "cease and desist" letter. Ever.

[Blake Petit]

I thought the same thing myself, Dreadstar. Although I don't have your experience. ;)

[PatrickG]

I caught that Olney accused you of using your job to hunt him down but I never caught what your dayjob is.

I think of you as a comic book writer, first and foremost.

(Then again, Gail and Mark and Kurt and Mike and everyone here have shown that comic book writers have powers of their own.)

[OzBat!]

I doubt if any lawyer would tell his client to send out his own "cease and desist" letter. Ever.Who gave you permission to be all logical and factilistical and stuff, huh?

[JTPencils]

Same here.

Jim would be a great penciler for JSA, Captain America or Invaders IMHO.

Thanks for that Magneto, I'd love to work on JSA. One of my favorite books! I love the old time characters mixing with the new.

[EdContradictory]

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics (http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=6519)
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....



Hmmm... I would've thought ORCA might've rayted some small mention in your 1996 retrospect. 'Course, that's just a small reason why comics and kids, and comics and hobbyists have dropped off, imho.

I can't believe the delusions of grandeur this man suffers from. I would "rayte" him very high on the delusional scale.

[TCJohnson]

I caught that Olney accused you of using your job to hunt him down but I never caught what your dayjob is.

I think of you as a comic book writer, first and foremost.




He does research for real lawyers...or so he says. Personally I think he is a male stripper.

[DarrenCawsey]

Olney-hunting is fun.

So, Ricky, to whom do you give these "thousands of comics each year"? Got any evidence? A receipt, perhaps? Or did the donated comics disappear into your longboxes?

If you can find it in the archive check out the old Comicon thread. Apparently donated comics are forwarded to the Salvation Army.

(issues regarding tax write-offs aside) A poster there made the good point that if that's where they're ending up, why not just give to the Sallies direct?

I'm all for getting comic readership up, but dumping long-boxes at the Salvation Army just doesn't seem like a very efficient way of doing so.


---------------------

[Blake Petit]

One of my favorites for the same reason -- I think you've got a great sensibility for that sort of story, Jim.

[OzBat!]

Hey Oz, can I get Olney's IP so I can go ahead and ban him from the Unscrewed! site?Sure you can! Check your PMs!

[Larry Dixon]

Rick Olney: Let's see. Zombies are hot right now ... (etc.)

Comedy Gold!

Made my night Tom :)

[JTPencils]

One of my favorites for the same reason -- I think you've got a great sensibility for that sort of story, Jim.

Thanks Blake, perhaps I should work up some JSA samples and.... nah... they don't look at stuff unless you go to San Diego or Chicago anymore. And I just don't have the funds for that sorta trip.

[OzBat!]

(issues regarding tax write-offs aside) A poster there made the good point that if that's where they're ending up, why not just give to the Sallies direct?

I'm all for getting comic readership up, but dumping long-boxes at the Salvation Army just doesn't seem like a very efficient way of doing so.because if they did THAT, then Olney would have been denied the opportunity to go through all the donated items, take out the issues he didn't have yet, and then dump all the duplicate/torn up/crap stuff on the S.Army's doorstep where he didn't have to deal with them.

[JTPencils]

I would give my left arm to work with someone with Jim'sstyle. Seriously.

Hey, it's not like I'm using it or anything.

Heh, I don't cost THAT much that you have to sell appendages.

[Blake Petit]

Tell me about it, Jim. When, oh when, will they hold a few major cons in New Orleans?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Tell me about it, Jim. When, oh when, will they hold a few major cons in New Orleans?

As soon as they finish bailing out the city?

[Matt Algren]

Well, at least now I know where Rick went when he left myspace. Yahoo!, here he comes! Two blogs so far, copy/pasted for posterity. Not much to see yet, though, except that he's still claiming the Ric Olie thing.

EDIT: I checked again, and these are from January 2006, not 2007.

http://us.f6.yahoofs.com/blog/430bd060z1a318/42/__hr_/7aab.jpg

Hey there! Yeah, you!

Yeah, that's right! I've rejoined the blog community here on Yahoo after being unfairly accused of targeting a certain puke.

I figured enough time had passed and it is a nice way to stay in touch and expound upon the matters of the day and life in general.

This will be short and sweet. Far be it of me to take more of your reading time than fair in a first reincarnated blog entry. The image above is that of Ric Olie of Star Wars: Episode One fame. An action figure named after me for small steps that helped and influenced others, by George Lucas and (maybe) Rick Berman. The character of Ric Olie was played by an actor name of Ralph Brown. Ralph had a few lines in the movie but wasn't mentioned by name. Which suited me fine, as I never expected such an honor in the way of the extended thank you.

"Small Steps" is a title. If you liked this one, be here for the next one!


Wednesday January 11, 2006 - 12:45pm (PST) Permanent Link (http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-0LMLq9s.aaVH3tgRU_45xw4-?cq=1&p=78)

[PatrickG]

I just checked out your gallery, Jim. Wow.

VERY impressive. I expect to see you on a high profile assignment before too long.

Who did the colors? They're also quite impressive.

It's remarkable that someone like Olney had the taste to select you.

[JTPencils]

Tell me about it, Jim. When, oh when, will they hold a few major cons in New Orleans?

Well, it would be nice if they held a couple up here in the Northeast as well. I mean, the country doesn't STOP at NY. There's a whole area beyond that to explore as well!!! (Or maybe I just gotta move?). Well, there WAS that one con up in upstate NY.. .nah... that never happens anyhow.

[Matt Algren]

Rick's blog #2http://f3.yahoofs.com/blog/430bd060z33e8c8a4/43/__sr_/25b7.jpgI don't recall who first tagged me with the nickname of BALL OF FIRE.

I know that it had to do with one of the many road trips I conducted during ORCA's heyday of attending comic book events within a 750 mile travel radius. We'd load up the van, gas up, and head to any number of comic book related functions. We visited Marvel Comics more times than I care to recall, got a tour of the DC offices, discovered young indy publishers like Valiant, Acclaim, Harris, and Broadway. We spent monies in comic book shops all over the place. No, we didn't announce ourselves all the time. But if it carried comics, we were there!

'Course, what immortalized that nickname was a young man name of Mike Noonan. Mike was a superb artist! Geez... listening to Mike's ideas at 16-17 years of age regarding his plans to continue his efforts in furthering his art career and comics creating was like looking at buried treasure for the first time. Mike was an original of ORCA's first local roster and he later joined the eclectic group of young creators known back then as the ORComx APA. "APA" is an acronym for Amateur Press Association.

ORComx still flourishes and has just produced its 59th issue. It is published and mailed out to its membership roster every other month. For anyone looking for camraderie, an opinion, or just looking to share stories and art -- ORComx is a nice and affordable treat!

Oh, now I recall... I got tagged "Ball of Fire" after hollering at one of the kid's at a meeting when he basically refused to behave. Little did he know that we had Sunday's funnies fresh from the cat litter box for him to digest. No, not really...but teenagers can be unforgiving when one of their own fails to follow the rules. As I recall, the group back then took care of the problem child. It had been his third meeting and he thought he was there to mess around and get free stuff.

"Hey, kid!... free comics!"

But NOTHING is really free, is it? And even mild mannered teenagers can teach each other lessons of life. It doesn't always take the warm of kindness, or the heat of anger.
###


Wednesday January 11, 2006 - 09:29pm (PST) Permanent Link (http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-0LMLq9s.aaVH3tgRU_45xw4-?cq=1&p=81)

[Matt Doc Martin]

Well, at least now I know where Rick went when he left myspace. Yahoo!, here he comes! Two blogs so far, copy/pasted for posterity. Not much to see yet, though, except that he's still claiming the Ric Olie thing.

Jesus....the Ric Olie (BUSTED) story again.

[JTPencils]

I just checked out your gallery, Jim. Wow.

VERY impressive. I expect to see you on a high profile assignment before too long.

Who did the colors? They're also quite impressive.

It's remarkable that someone like Olney had the taste to select you.

Thanks Patrick.

The inks were Jeff Austin, the colors were Dash Martin. As for a high profile assignment... I'd welcome it!! Right now I'm busy on the Wraith for Trinity Comics as well as a couple other small press projects. But as for high profile... SURE!! Know any doors I should be knockin on?

[Blake Petit]

As soon as they finish bailing out the city?

The city is long dry now, and a lot of areas (particularly the commercial areas) are back in shape. Not to say there isn't still a lot of work to do, but in a city that has relied predominantly on tourism dollars for its economic growth for the past three decades, such a thing could only be a benefit.

Plus there's the fact that there hasn't been a decent con since the 2000 Big Easy Con. There was supposed to be a 2001 con, but the hotel bumped them for (I swear to God) a Shriners convention, pissing off the organizers so much they decided not to come back.

(Remember, I'm a New Orleans boy.)

[JTPencils]

"But NOTHING is really free, is it?"

Unless you're working for Rick.

[PatrickG]

My head hurts.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Oh, now I recall... I got tagged "Ball of Fire" after hollering at one of the kid's at a meeting when he basically refused to behave. Little did he know that we had Sunday's funnies fresh from the cat litter box for him to digest.

Actually, it was because you are gaseous.

And wow...you yelled at a kid. BIG MAN! So tough you are! I am guessing the kid's father wasn't around to hand you your head.

[OzBat!]

I can't BELIEVE he'd open up a revised blog with the same Action Figure garbage!!

Does he honestly think that nobody would find it and shoot it down AGAIN??

[Matt Algren]

Reiterating for those who didn't catch the edit, these two blogs are from January 2006, not 2007.

(I hate retraining my brain on this stuff every year.)

[Cam63]

"Och! They're efter me Lucky Charms! E'll joost mek a renbow af boolsheet end slide eway!"

Could've resisted. Didn't.
Mark, you're awesome for offering assistance.

When the auctions get running, whoever's in charge email me via my profile. I'll donate some art.

Nice to hear from you, Hern'. ::)

...and that's the worst Pakistani accent I've ever heard !

[OzBat!]

Ah, my bad. Then again, we've already established on this thread that the calendar and I have a tenuous relationship at best!

[Cam63]

Oh, and I don't doubt it. And I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I just think it's hysterical that he's oblivious to how badly something like this erodes his moral high ground.

I believe it's called a " moral doorstep. "

[OzBat!]

"moral diving board", you mean?

[PatrickG]

Thanks Patrick.

The inks were Jeff Austin, the colors were Dash Martin. As for a high profile assignment... I'd welcome it!! Right now I'm busy on the Wraith for Trinity Comics as well as a couple other small press projects. But as for high profile... SURE!! Know any doors I should be knockin on?

I've had correspondences with some pros, most of whom aren't terribly active in comics -- and the ones who are tend towards more stylized work.

I'd say this anthology and this thread are a start, though.

A lot of people, artists especially, have had their profile elevated by a few pros in their cheering section. People that never heard of you before this thread now have.

If I had the money, I'd hire you! However, I don't think you'll have to worry about that kind of thing for long with your talent and the exposure you're getting here.

I hope the Wraith work goes well (I love the art -- didn't realize that was you) and that you find work to your heart's content when the dust settles here.

[Typo Lad]

Heh, I don't cost THAT much that you have to sell appendages.
Naw, I'm just that broke.

B

Any interest in doing art for an RPG book ever?ut I'm honest about it!

[Lester C.]

I hope Rick realizes that if he continues alienating all those around him he's going to be all alone in this world if he isn't already. Even for a loner like me I can't imagine life without experiencing it with those I love. It's in his best interest as business man and a human being to make what he's done right.

[JTPencils]

Oh, and I don't doubt it. And I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I just think it's hysterical that he's oblivious to how badly something like this erodes his moral high ground.

That's ok Mark, I don't take anything as an accusation of any sort. I just drew what I was told to. As I said, I had reservations about it as well.

btw... I may be contacting you IF Olney ever finally get's around to supplying a name for his fictitious attorney.

[TCJohnson]

I hope Rick realizes that if he continues alienating all those around him he's going to be all alone in this world if he isn't already. Even for a loner like me I can't imagine life without experiencing it with those I love. It's in his best interest as business man and a human being to make what he's done right.

He will never realize it. He lives completely in his own world and in that world he is the true champion of the people. Everybody loves him and we are the villains.

[TomStillwell]

I caught that Olney accused you of using your job to hunt him down but I never caught what your dayjob is.

I think of you as a comic book writer, first and foremost.

(Then again, Gail and Mark and Kurt and Mike and everyone here have shown that comic book writers have powers of their own.)

I'm a legal clerk in a decent sized law firm. Researching people and companies is part of my job.

[TomStillwell]

Thanks Blake, perhaps I should work up some JSA samples and.... nah... they don't look at stuff unless you go to San Diego or Chicago anymore. And I just don't have the funds for that sorta trip.

JT, I really like your stuff. There's a great superhero feel to it.

If I ever need a penciller you'll definately be someone I'd consider as a great addition to any book.

[OzBat!]

I'm a legal clerk in a decent sized law firm.And male stripper, plus he makes these exquisite! little lace doilies with superhero insignia!

[JTPencils]

I've had correspondences with some pros, most of whom aren't terribly active in comics -- and the ones who are tend towards more stylized work.

I'd say this anthology and this thread are a start, though.

A lot of people, artists especially, have had their profile elevated by a few pros in their cheering section. People that never heard of you before this thread now have.

If I had the money, I'd hire you! However, I don't think you'll have to worry about that kind of thing for long with your talent and the exposure you're getting here.

I hope the Wraith work goes well (I love the art -- didn't realize that was you) and that you find work to your heart's content when the dust settles here.

Thanks again Patrick. Yes that's me on the Wraith, as to others noticing my work here. That would be ONE nice thing from all of this. Seriously.

[Cam63]

I'm a legal clerk in a decent sized law firm. Researching people and companies is part of my job.

...and do you have to play the " Law and Order " theme when a senior lawyer walks through the door ?

[Blake Petit]

You've definitely got a lot of new fans here, Jim.

[Magneto_X]

I would give my left arm to work with someone with Jim'sstyle. Seriously.

Hey, it's not like I'm using it or anything.

I'd love to work with him someday, too. :D

[TomStillwell]

And male stripper, plus he makes these exquisite! little lace doilies with superhero insignia!

Well, yes, some stripping is required. Just as in any other law firm. What?

[Corrina]

Who gave you permission to be all logical and factilistical and stuff, huh?


Hey, I said it first!

:)

[TomStillwell]

...and do you have to play the " Law and Order " theme when a senior lawyer walks through the door ?

They prefer the Ally McBeal song by Vondra Sheppard for some reason...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

He will never realize it. He lives completely in his own world and in that world he is the true champion of the people. Everybody loves him and we are the villains.

I still can't understand how he sees that . I mean its not like the thread started up to bury the " supposed " company he owns. It more or less started when he didn't pay the creators on the work they did. It broke wide open and thats how it happened.

Its a wonder he hasn't sent Jonah a CEASE or DESIST letter as well for this thread. Or perhaps as I told him , its Jonah's place and he controls it all.

[TomStillwell]

I still can't understand how he sees that . I mean its not like the thread started up to bury the " supposed " company he owns. It more or less started when he didn't pay the creators on the work they did. It broke wide open and thats how it happened.

Its a wonder he hasn't sent Jonah a CEASE or DESIST letter as well for this thread. Or perhaps as I told him , its Jonah's place and he controls it all.

You forgot to mention wrestling in there.

[Cam63]

They prefer the Ally McBeal song by Vondra Sheppard for some reason...

Vondra is probably a really nice person, but has she been shot at yet ?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Its a wonder he hasn't sent Jonah a CEASE or DESIST letter as well for this thread. Or perhaps as I told him , its Jonah's place and he controls it all.

He did to Jelsoft.

Apparently, they laughed at him.

[TomStillwell]

Vondra is probably a really nice person, but has she been shot at yet ?

It's on my To Do list.

[Matt Doc Martin]

You forgot to mention wrestling in there.

Ix-nay on the estling-wray

[Matt Algren]

Ix-nay on the estling-wrayGet out of my head. Seriously, I was thinking about posting that.

That's messed up.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

You forgot to mention wrestling in there.

Well.....if you want I......( Suddenly Matt Doc Martin lays me out)....... ;)

[Cam63]

Yeah, don't mention wrestling either !

[Magneto_X]

I just checked out your gallery, Jim. Wow.

VERY impressive. I expect to see you on a high profile assignment before too long.

Who did the colors? They're also quite impressive.

It's remarkable that someone like Olney had the taste to select you.

Olney's an even bigger moron to pass up working on a project with Jim.

Christ, this idiot just keeps sinking lower and lower.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Get out of my head. Seriously, I was thinking about posting that.

That's messed up.

It was me and poster sharing our respect for someone. The guy did write a comic and thats more than I can say for Olney.

[Magneto_X]

I can't BELIEVE he'd open up a revised blog with the same Action Figure garbage!!

Does he honestly think that nobody would find it and shoot it down AGAIN??

He has to use some tactic to get people to read his blog.

His "comic career" is is kaput now so I guess that's all he has to rely on for attention.

[OzBat!]

Hey, I said it first!Do I see a copyright or trademark notice anywhere? NooooOOOOOooooo! *thbbbbbbt* :p

[SUPERECWFAN1]

He has to use some tactic to get people to read his blog.

His "comic career" is is kaput now so I guess that's all he has to rely on for attention.

Theres always braggin about Orca and its accomplishments that many of us never heard of. :p

[colleen]

To be clear... Did you search for a DBA?

It COULD be (not likely) that another recognized company or Rick Olney (using his real, full name -- Richard, Rich, Rick or Patrick J.Olney if we're to believe it) did a DBA rather than incorporate and MAY not have been required to obtain a business license.

Just to expand on this...

I doubt very, very seriously that any municipality in this country would NOT require a business license for a publisher or for someone running a psuedo-charity out of his house. Regardless, the DBA should still be in the public records.

A self publisher might be exempt from requiring a business license due to first amendment issues. However, publishing other people's works almost always requires a business license. I speak from experience. This person is not only running a psuedo-charity or whatever ORCA is, but a publishing operation dealing with other people's works.

Moreover, it would be of use to check up on the local zoning regulations. Zoning can be very persnickety. If he is doing business from his home and does not have a zoning exception to do business from his home, he could be in serious trouble. Fines can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, even for home businesses.

Even if you do have a home business zoning exception, this strictly restricts the area you may use for business both inside and outside your home. If the business takes up more than one room, including the room used to store items used for the business, it's a violation. That room is usually considered a percentage of square footage of the house, in case someone tries to convert their grand ballroom into an office, which eats up a third of the housing allowance.

A home office can also violate mortgage agreements, rental agreements, and Homeowners Association agreements.


Worth checking.

If you live in a rural area like me, it's no problem, but I don't know of any city or suburb that doesn't have a laundry list of rules about zoning, many pertaining to home based businesses.



c

[Magneto_X]

Theres always braggin about Orca and its accomplishments that many of us never heard of. :p

Won't work *nearly* as well because of this thread.

To many people know about his deadbeat habits now.

[TomStillwell]

He has to use some tactic to get people to read his blog.

His "comic career" is is kaput now so I guess that's all he has to rely on for attention.

Hello!!! I'm Rick Olney.

You might remember me from such threads as "Rick Olney---Fibber or Mega-Giganta-Fibber?" or "Psuedo Wiccan with gun fetish looking for comic reading submissive with large trust fund."

[Matt Doc Martin]

Just to expand on this...

I doubt very, very seriously that any municipality in this country would NOT require a business license for a publisher or for someone running a psuedo-charity out of his house. Regardless, the DBA should still be in the public records.

A self publisher might be exempt from requiring a business license due to first amendment issues. However, publishing other people's works almost always requires a business license. I speak from experience. This person is not only running a psuedo-charity or whatever ORCA is, but a publishing operation dealing with other people's works.

Moreover, it would be of use to check up on the local zoning regulations. Zoning can be very persnickety. If he is doing business from his home and does not have a zoning exception to do business from his home, he could be in serious trouble. Fines can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, even for home businesses.

Even if you do have a home business zoning exception, this strictly restricts the area you may use for business both inside and outside your home. If the business takes up more than one room, including the room used to store items used for the business, it's a violation. That room is usually considered a percentage of square footage of the house, in case someone tries to convert their grand ballroom into an office, which eats up a third of the housing allowance.

A home office can also violate mortgage agreements, rental agreements, and Homeowners Association agreements.


Worth checking.

If you live in a rural area like me, it's no problem, but I don't know of any city or suburb that doesn't have a laundry list of rules about zoning, many pertaining to home based businesses.



c

Well, well, well....


I am calling St Judes in the morning, but this could also be a fun thing to look into.

Anyone? Bueller?
http://www.firsttvdrama.com/enterprise/images/teacher.jpg

[JTPencils]

JT, I really like your stuff. There's a great superhero feel to it.

If I ever need a penciller you'll definately be someone I'd consider as a great addition to any book.

Thanks Tom, I've heard great things about your writing! I'd look forward to such an opportunity.

[Magneto_X]

Just to expand on this...

I doubt very, very seriously that any municipality in this country would NOT require a business license for a publisher or for someone running a psuedo-charity out of his house. Regardless, the DBA should still be in the public records.

A self publisher might be exempt from requiring a business license due to first amendment issues. However, publishing other people's works almost always requires a business license. I speak from experience. This person is not only running a psuedo-charity or whatever ORCA is, but a publishing operation dealing with other people's works.

Moreover, it would be of use to check up on the local zoning regulations. Zoning can be very persnickety. If he is doing business from his home and does not have a zoning exception to do business from his home, he could be in serious trouble. Fines can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, even for home businesses.

Even if you do have a home business zoning exception, this strictly restricts the area you may use for business both inside and outside your home. If the business takes up more than one room, including the room used to store items used for the business, it's a violation. That room is usually considered a percentage of square footage of the house, in case someone tries to convert their grand ballroom into an office, which eats up a third of the housing allowance.

A home office can also violate mortgage agreements, rental agreements, and Homeowners Association agreements.


Worth checking.

If you live in a rural area like me, it's no problem, but I don't know of any city or suburb that doesn't have a laundry list of rules about zoning, many pertaining to home based businesses.



c

Do you know any site(s) I could go to for this type of stuff for anywhere in particluar, Colleen?

[Magneto_X]

Hello!!! I'm Rick Olney.

You might remember me from such threads as "Rick Olney---Fibber or Mega-Giganta-Fibber?" or "Psuedo Wiccan with gun fetish looking for comic reading submissive with large trust fund."

I didn't say it would make sense. :D

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Won't work *nearly* as well because of this thread.

To many people know about his deadbeat habits now.

He could always change the name to Olliefresh and claim this:


George Lucas personally named Rick Ollie after me and after donating thousands of comics to Skywalker Ranch , Lucas requested I found an organization called Olliefresh. :p

[OzBat!]

HEY!

It's a Grand Cherokee. Does that make a difference?

kdbDid you sign an NDA for that thing?

[JTPencils]

Olney's an even bigger moron to pass up working on a project with Jim.

Christ, this idiot just keeps sinking lower and lower.

Oh it wasn't a matter of passing up. It was a matter of "seeing the forest for the trees". I could tell early on that this just wasn't going to pan out. Sometimes wish I had spoken out earlier about it. But I would have been one small voice yelling in the canyon. It took Gail and her pals to really bring this to light. And I'm grateful that she did.

[Magneto_X]

JTT:

I'm glad you let when you did.

Otherwise you could be owed potentially *thousands* of dollars. :(

Not to mention all the time wasted for nothing.

[colleen]

Here is a good series of articles at Entrepreneur magazine to get you started on the zoning issue:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/homebasedbasics/zoning/archive115166.html

If you want to find out about zoning laws in your area, you must call or write your local city or county administrator. Do NOT get the information over the phone and rely on it. Get it IN WRITING. When I first started my home based business, I called twice and got two different answers.

I ran into problems with zoning when I was self publishing. I had to dance around a lot of problems, and even then my Homeowners Association kept changing the rules on me. Eventually, I simply sold my home and moved out.

A low income based home loan may forbid using the home for business, so there's another landmine you may have to deal with.

I would bet good money a certain person not only does not have a legal business, but has no zoning exception either.

One of the worst things a home based business can do is to have employees. That is almost always a no-no. Contractors who do not come to the home are not always a problem, but if they do, that's bad.

Even storing large amounts of comics in the house, if they are used for business, would be a violation. Storing them off site may also be a violation if the primary place of business is in the home.

Living in a rural area as I do now makes zoning a breeze. I no longer have to worry about these problems. But in the city, and I do mean in ANY city, you will have zoning issues. And violating zoning while running an unlicensed business...not good.


c

[JTPencils]

JTT:

I'm glad you let when you did.

Otherwise you could be owed potentially *thousands* of dollars. :(

Not to mention all the time wasted for nothing.

I'm glad as well. As for time wasted... as I was feverishly working up his covers... he was "reformatting" the scripts for the books. It took nearly another month for the scripts to show up. That was after waiting well over two months for contracts to arrive... etc etc etc. Basically, it was a rush if he really wanted something done right away (i.e. the Bin Laden cover)... other then that, it was a lot of "hurry up and wait". Which is common in the military... hey, maybe he really WAS in the Marines. Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[colleen]

Do you know any site(s) I could go to for this type of stuff for Boca Raton, Colleen?


You will need to contact the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce directly, but this site confirms that home based business and self employed people need to look into license and zoning requirements

http://www.bocaratonchamber.com/index.php?submenu=Relocation&src=gendocs&link=Licenses&PHPSESSID=1522ab9ea6cc81cd8b174bde4c70d256

[Blake Petit]

"Hurry up and wait"... my, that sounds familiar...

Colleen, you're an absolute gold mine of info here. :)

[Mike Bullock]

Hmmmm... look what I found... (http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=3704)

[THEDOC]

I got nosy...


Hmm...
Classmates (http://www.classmates.com/cmo/user/profile/index.jsp?regId=428270941)
Weird that he only lists his school through sixth grade, and no mention of military....

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

I did a little search of the US Copyright office's records ( www.copyright.gov ) and, as expected, could find no registration for any comic-retlated material under Rick or Richard Olney. He may claim copyright, but he never registered it.


I got to the CBG link and saw this:

1. Diamond buys Capital

For sheer shock value, no story of 1996 could top how the “Exclusivity Wars” abruptly ended one July day. Callers to Capital City Distribution, the second-largest distributor and the fourth-largest employer in the comics industry, were astonished to hear receptionists answering in the name of Diamond Comic Distributors, whose purchase of Capital had been finalized that morning.

Capital, an industry mainstay throughout the 1980s and 1990s, had fallen on hard times following Marvel’s decision to distribute its own products in 1995. DC, Image, and other publishers signed exclusive deals with Diamond, and, while Capital managed to sign Kitchen Sink and a number of smaller publishers to exclusive arrangements, it was unable to compensate for the lost volume.

Diamond, under increased scrutiny in its new status as the last remaining major distributor for comic books to the direct market, affirmed its commitment to carrying products of small publishers, and all former Capital exclusives returned to Diamond’s catalog. Diamond hired several of Capital’s employees (including co-owner John Davis) in the weeks that followed the Capital purchase.



The memories...:( the A-go-neee! I am sure now that "Rick" was behind this!

[TCJohnson]

"Hurry up and wait"... my, that sounds familiar...

Colleen, you're an absolute gold mine of info here. :)

I am putting her on my list of people not to make enemies with.

[Blake Petit]

Hmmmm... look what I found... (http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=3704)

Wonderfully said, Mike.

You should have put yourself on that list of comic industry class acts, though. ;)

I didn't know you'd done any work for Archie, though -- cool. Where that be found? (I'm that rare 20something who not only still reads the occasional Archie comic, but ADMITS it.)

[Matt Doc Martin]

I do not want to repeat anyone's work..especially Tom's, so I ask:

Has anyone followed up on the business angle? If not, I will contact Mohawk and the surrounding environs to see if I can get anything that way.

[colleen]

"Hurry up and wait"... my, that sounds familiar...

Colleen, you're an absolute gold mine of info here. :)



I'm sorry, but until you sign my NDA, I can't tell you anymore.


:evilsmile

I wrote a book about all this stuff years ago, by the way. That's why I remember it.

I also went through a hideous experience with my self publishing operation and my Homeowners Association, so I remember it all very well. I DID have a zoning exception, but my Homeowners Association tried to grandfather their rules to oust all home based businesses from the area.

Anyway, this stuff is good for the good guys to know for more reasons than one, and one of those is insuring yourself and your home based business. Some insurance companies won't give you a rider on your policy for your business without all of your legal papers in order. That means you need a license and a zoning exception.

An artist or writer has the option of getting a special type of insurance just for their inventory of work, but it can be expensive. If anyone wants to know about it, I will direct you to the info.


c

[Matt Doc Martin]

I am putting her on my list of people not to make enemies with.

OOoh...what does your list look like?

[colleen]

I am putting her on my list of people not to make enemies with.

I love it when people say that.

[Blake Petit]

OOoh...what does your list look like?

It's a piece of paper with "Colleen" written on it.

[TomStillwell]

I do not want to repeat anyone's work..especially Tom's, so I ask:

Has anyone followed up on the business angle? If not, I will contact Mohawk and the surrounding environs to see if I can get anything that way.

Followed up how? What's to follow up? The business doesn't exist.

Tightlip Entertainment is most likely a business checking/savings account in his wife's name. That's it.

[Mike Bullock]

Wonderfully said, Mike.

You should have put yourself on that list of comic industry class acts, though. ;)

Thanks, Blake. One person I am guilty of omitting was Colleen. Extremely talented and chock full 'o wonderful advise. What a combination. :)

As for me, if my words help one person sidestep the Tightlip minefield, it was worth every syllable.


I didn't know you'd done any work for Archie, though -- cool. Where that be found? (I'm that rare 20something who not only still reads the occasional Archie comic, but ADMITS it.)

My first Archie work isn't solicited yet and while I can tell you I did something, I can't tell you what it is... yet. ;)

[colleen]

Followed up how? What's to follow up? The business doesn't exist.

Tightlip Entertainment is most likely a business checking/savings account in his wife's name. That's it.

Does the name of the company appear on the check?

Some banks won't issue an account in a company name without a business license, though I know some do.

I know a guy who runs an operation out of his basement, often fills his living room with business stuff to ship, has people over to do work, lies to his Homeowners Association about what he does, creates traffic with big deliveries, has a website where he boldly claims to be a publisher/agent/writer/manager, does not have a license, managed to get a PO Box and a checking account, and does not have a zoning exception.

It can be done.

He's a big fat liar, so that's how this guy I know got away with it.

No, I'm not gonna report him. Not just now, anyway.



c

[Blake Petit]

My first Archie work isn't solicited yet and while I can tell you I did something, I can't tell you what it is... yet. ;)

Whoa, a top-secret ARCHIE project? NOW I'm intrigued! :)

I still love all things Archie. I've got a 12-page Betty and Veronica script I wrote somewhere around here, and if they ever bring back their superheroes again, I'll be knocking down their doors with a pitch for The Comet.

[THEDOC]

Does the name of the company appear on the check?

Some banks won't issue an account in a company name without a business license, though I know some do.

I know a guy who runs an operation out of his basement, often fills his living room with business stuff to ship, has people over to do work, lies to his Homeowners Association about what he does, creates traffic with big deliveries, has a website where he boldly claims to be a publisher/agent/writer/manager, does not have a license, managed to get a PO Box and a checking account, and does not have a zoning exception.

It can be done.

He's a big fat liar, so that's how this guy I know got away with it.

No, I'm not gonna report him. Not just now, anyway.



c



Gee sounds like "Rick" to me!

[Magneto_X]

You will need to contact the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce directly, but this site confirms that home based business and self employed people need to look into license and zoning requirements

http://www.bocaratonchamber.com/index.php?submenu=Relocation&src=gendocs&link=Licenses&PHPSESSID=1522ab9ea6cc81cd8b174bde4c70d256

Thanks, Colleen.

You've been a big help.

<<<---wants to be as smart as Colleen one day :D

[TomStillwell]

Does the name of the company appear on the check?

That will be hard to come up with since he hasn't paid anyone.:D

[Matt Doc Martin]

Followed up how? What's to follow up? The business doesn't exist.

Tightlip Entertainment is most likely a business checking/savings account in his wife's name. That's it.

I was wondering if it was worthwhile to try to nail him for violating zoning laws, is all.

[Blake Petit]

Well, they did bring down Capone for tax evasion...

[Magneto_X]

I wrote a book about all this stuff years ago, by the way. That's why I remember it.

What's your book called? Is it on Amazon?

I also went through a hideous experience with my self publishing operation and my Homeowners Association, so I remember it all very well. I DID have a zoning exception, but my Homeowners Association tried to grandfather their rules to oust all home based businesses from the area.

That's terrible. :(

Anyway, this stuff is good for the good guys to know for more reasons than one, and one of those is insuring yourself and your home based business. Some insurance companies won't give you a rider on your policy for your business without all of your legal papers in order. That means you need a license and a zoning exception.

An artist or writer has the option of getting a special type of insurance just for their inventory of work, but it can be expensive. If anyone wants to know about it, I will direct you to the info.


c

I'd like a link to the artist insurance thingee, please.

Yes, I'm getting technical. :D

[heystacy]

I hope Rick realizes that if he continues alienating all those around him he's going to be all alone in this world if he isn't already. Even for a loner like me I can't imagine life without experiencing it with those I love. It's in his best interest as business man and a human being to make what he's done right.

I think he is far beyond loner status. Bad business practice is one thing (which is awful in itself), but his attitude towards people who he owes money to and his postings are his own doing. He's a man who took pleasure in hurting others.

[Magneto_X]

Followed up how? What's to follow up? The business doesn't exist.

Tightlip Entertainment is most likely a business checking/savings account in his wife's name. That's it.

But wouldn't that be, I don't know *illegal*? :evilsmile

[Sarah Beach]

I gathered that much from his attempted " wittisisms ", Sarah.

A leech could beat him at scrabble.

...A leech on an IV drip.

Heheheheeeee. Because I'm assuming you know, Cam, that saline is DEADLY to leeches. Heheheheeh.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Heheheheeeee. Because I'm assuming you know, Cam, that saline is DEADLY to leeches. Heheheheeh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/TheMoreYouKnowLOGO.jpg

[colleen]

That will be hard to come up with since he hasn't paid anyone.:D


OK, now that's funny!


c

[colleen]

I'd like a link to the artist insurance thingee, please.

Yes, I'm getting technical. :D

Here's a link with w few quick places to do some looking about.

http://www.artisthelpnetwork.com/dataread.pl?DB=CR_SI&STATE=ALL&menu=ccomforts&order=psv+org+pub+per+web+pro

[colleen]

And here's a link with a list of grants, government organizations for artists, help networks, volunteer lawyers for the arts branches, copyright information, and other important goodies that you may want to bookmark.

http://art-support.com/artisthelp.htm

[JTPencils]

That will be hard to come up with since he hasn't paid anyone.:D

That's true. Plus it may be hard to spot the company name/logo/banner, or whatever, underneath the mustard stains and coffee rings. Seeing how he went through at least three CPA's (by my account... each blamed for "not sending out monies owed), I've got to assume they're not exactly top notch caliber. Most likely, they're on the same level as the mysterious nameless attorney. (Who, I was told, laughs hysterically when he's approached about any of this. I'm not kidding... we, the early TLE crew took to calling him "the laughing lawyer". Perhaps Hy E Nah... Esquire would've been a better moniker)

[NatGertler]

Lest Colleen's accurate comments scare anyone off, let me note that setting up a home business is not always going to be a big hassle. Setting up a DBA (Doing Business As) name, which you'll want to start calling yourself National Mega-Art Productions instead of Jill Schwegebe without incorporating, in my experience will run you less than $100 (a filing at the county offices and running an ad). You can check at your city hall about a home business license - I just got the annual business tax form, and I'd have to be doing around $200,000 a year in business before my tax would hit $100.
I'm not saying that things can't go wrong and can't get complicated... but it's certainly worth checking into what it would take to do things in the right way. It's better than just hoping you won't get caught.

Edited to add: I should have noted that the DBA filing (which the county calls a Fictitious Business Name) lasts for 5 years; that's not an annual fee.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Rick Olney: Let's see. Zombies are hot right now and who's the coolest zombie of all? Frankenstein!

Artist: He's not a zombie.

RO: Yes...he is. The Viet-Nam people I fought over in the Viet-Nam used their Viet-Nam voodoo magic to raise Frankenstein from the dead as a zombie. I won a Purple Heart for shooting down his plane in my Marine Harrier, which was named after me because of my beard.

Artist: I thought you received Purple Hearts for being wounded?

Artist: Harrier? That's an English jet, right?

RO: You civilian. You have no idea the really bad stuff we went through in Viet-Nam! The hookers actually made me pay up front! I still have nightmare about it!!!

Artist: Speaking of payment...

RO: Where were we? Yes, robots! Everyone loves Transformers! That shining example of comic industry ethics Pat Lee has made them huge again. People are buying up their toys like crazy.

I made toys big , you know. Before me no kids ever played with toys. Until I started my toys in the home program where I "bought" toys from stores and "gave" them to children, kids were playing with like cheese shredders and blow torches.

Artist: Is that why you have a van out front filled with toys?

RO: Oh, yes. I'll be "giving" those out later.

Artist: Can I get one for my neice? She's in a wheelchair.

RO: A wheelchair? That's all the toy she needs. Now, about Frankstein and Robots...HOLY HAPPY MEAL!!!

I have it! FrankenBorg. Half Frankstein zombie and half robot...all hot chick! She must be a hot stripper!!!

Artist: That's really a horrible idea.

RO: I don't pay you for ideas! Shut up and draw!!!

Artist: Yeah, and paying me...

RO: Wait, sign this!

Tom don't do this to me...I was laughing so hard I was in tears...lmao

JP

[Magneto_X]

Nat:

With any field you want to get into the more knowledge you have the better.

Exspecially the law side(s) of said business*.


* as Olney is discovering the hard way!

[Danny Donovan]

rural?

Colleen how far out are you? lol. I know you're local (I hail from Portsmouth) I thought you were up in Williamsburg these days, but I guess I thought closer to the newport news side. :)

[Darediva]

Just to expand on this...

I doubt very, very seriously that any municipality in this country would NOT require a business license for a publisher or for someone running a psuedo-charity out of his house. Regardless, the DBA should still be in the public records.

A self publisher might be exempt from requiring a business license due to first amendment issues. However, publishing other people's works almost always requires a business license. I speak from experience. This person is not only running a psuedo-charity or whatever ORCA is, but a publishing operation dealing with other people's works.

Moreover, it would be of use to check up on the local zoning regulations. Zoning can be very persnickety. If he is doing business from his home and does not have a zoning exception to do business from his home, he could be in serious trouble. Fines can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, even for home businesses.

Even if you do have a home business zoning exception, this strictly restricts the area you may use for business both inside and outside your home. If the business takes up more than one room, including the room used to store items used for the business, it's a violation. That room is usually considered a percentage of square footage of the house, in case someone tries to convert their grand ballroom into an office, which eats up a third of the housing allowance.

A home office can also violate mortgage agreements, rental agreements, and Homeowners Association agreements.


Worth checking.

If you live in a rural area like me, it's no problem, but I don't know of any city or suburb that doesn't have a laundry list of rules about zoning, many pertaining to home based businesses.



c

You are right about this, Colleen. Even I have to pay the city for a business license, and I have a mail-order business with absolutely no traffic through my residence. I'd much rather be legal and pay that fee they extort...uh...require from me every year than suffer the consequences.

[Sarah Beach]

<in Stephen colbert's voice> I called it!!! </in Stephen colbert's voice>

Interesting note that letter brings up of do you want to win a case with Olney? For the sake of argument, what if Olney pays your for services rendered either due to legal action or just because he feels bad, at this point do you want your name and your work associated with him? If the dust cloud settles in the best case scenario of everyone gets whats owned them, then he is free to publish your work and throw your name all over it for promotional purposes. Its something to think about if discussing things with an attorney.

In the film business, writers and directors have the right to remove their name from work, if they so choose. Writers usually have to designate a chosen pseudonym, directors are designated "Alan Smithee". I would think the same could be applied to comic book artists. I mean, I don't see any reason why not.

[Matt Doc Martin]

In the film business, writers and directors have the right to remove their name from work, if they so choose. Writers usually have to designate a chosen pseudonym, directors are designated "Alan Smithee". I would think the same could be applied to comic book artists. I mean, I don't see any reason why not.


"Pat Lee" it is!

[JTPencils]

In the film business, writers and directors have the right to remove their name from work, if they so choose. Writers usually have to designate a chosen pseudonym, directors are designated "Alan Smithee". I would think the same could be applied to comic book artists. I mean, I don't see any reason why not.

I thought comic book artists already did something like that. Under the pseudonym of "Manny Hans" or some such?

[Paul D. Storrie]

Tell me about it, Jim. When, oh when, will they hold a few major cons in New Orleans?

Sadly, the last major con in the Big Easy was Roger Price's Big Easy Con ... 1999 & 2000? I was a guest at both and had a terrific time.

PDS

[Comcman]

Rick's blog #2

"We'd load up the van, gas up, and head to any number of comic book related functions."

Proof of the existence of the Van of Justice.

[JTPencils]

Sadly, the last major con in the Big Easy was Roger Price's Big Easy Con ... 1999 & 2000? I was a guest at both and had a terrific time.

PDS

The last "major" con we had in this area was the weekend of the release of "Death of Superman" (if anyone can conjure up the exact date of that... thankee)... since then... *pffffffff*... there have been some events... but nothing of major significance.

(though I did have an interesting experience at that con involving a certain artist who shall remain ego inflated... if anyone's interested in hearing, PM me)

[DarrenCawsey]

http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/disp/0/03af0b421e802e3b05737a0f804abce6.jpg

The only thing about it is the press release that came with it...the most politically charged book of the decade or something. Yeah, hunting down bin Laden is politically controversial.

TIGHTLIP ENTERTAINMENT TELLS THE PULSE ...

Osama bin Laden's a Coward and in Hiding for a Good Reason


MOHAWK, NY- February 22, 2006- TightLip Entertainment is set to publish the most politically explosive comic book ever produced, Freedom 3 #1. Publisher Rick ***** released the comic book cover for Freedom 3. The image depicts the super hero Globe, a member of the United States Marine Corp secret unit Freedom 3, punching Osama bin Laden in the face.

In fact, the cover of Freedom 3 pays homage to the most recognized Captain America cover. The Joe Simon and Jack Kirby Captain America #1 cover (March 1941, National Comics) shows the red, white and blue clad Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face.

The Freedom 3 cover drives home the parallel between World War II's Adolf Hitler and today's al-Qaida's Osama bin Laden. "During this day, when times are just as turbulent as when the attack on Pearl Harbor led America into tough times; it becomes every American's responsibility to not lose sight of what makes freedom special", Publisher and writer Rick ***** said.


I don't want to get into the Politics of it because i know that this thread isn't the place for it, but does anyone think bringing back the uber-patriotic days of the 40's/50's into comics is really that good an idea.

This "Freedom 3" looks like nothing more to me than a deluded, gun-toting, wannabe tough guy trying to live out his juvenile fantasies of wartime heroics through a comic book.

I know has been a a popular feeling lately that a return to more Silver-Aged ideals in comic books would be a good thing (I'm personally of two minds about that) but does anyone really want to see a return to this kind of thing:

http://www.superdickery.com/images/other/cover.jpg :(

Does the word Propaganda have no meaning anymore in the States?
Disregarding politics, what about the inherent racism shown? I mean the days of the "Yellow-Peril" was no-ones finest hour. Or is it OK because we are talking about Arabs, and the demonization of this particular group of people isn't an issue?

I don't think an intelligent exploration of the patriotic era of superhero comic books isn't impossible or wouldn't be interesting (in fact "Red Menace" from Wildstorm is currently doing something very interesting along these lines, and is a good read IMO) but after reading Olney's nonsense, I just get a little irritated at what would obviously be such an inept handling of the issue (if it even attempted to and wasn't just filled with metaphorical flag waving) that it won't do the comics industry as a whole any favors at all.


So, sorry about the rant but am I the only one thinking like this?




---------------------

[JTPencils]

Proof of the existence of the Van of Justice.

Why is it when I read that Van of Justice thing, I instantly hear the announcer for "SuperFriends" in my head?

"Meanwhile.. back in the Van of Justice!!...

M: Wendy, I think Wonder Dog just tossed up a Happy Meal in the back seat!

W: Well what do you expect, brother dear??... it's been sitting under the seat for two weeks!

M: I wish we could afford new snacks... geeeeeee...

W: Well we could if we had just signed those NDA's!"

[DarrenCawsey]

By the way... coleen, excellent posts by the way. :)

Very informative, and interesting reads all.




---------------------

[Paul D. Storrie]

The city is long dry now, and a lot of areas (particularly the commercial areas) are back in shape. Not to say there isn't still a lot of work to do, but in a city that has relied predominantly on tourism dollars for its economic growth for the past three decades, such a thing could only be a benefit.

Plus there's the fact that there hasn't been a decent con since the 2000 Big Easy Con. There was supposed to be a 2001 con, but the hotel bumped them for (I swear to God) a Shriners convention, pissing off the organizers so much they decided not to come back.

(Remember, I'm a New Orleans boy.)

Hey Blake,

Whoops! Obviously you're well aware of the Big Easy Con, so my last post comes as no news to you.

Did we ever run into each other at the show? I'm not remembering, but I tend to get a bit frazzled after a day or two of conventioning.

By the way, I'm not sure it was a matter of the convention organizer being so pissed off that they decided not to come back (although I'm sure Roger wasn't too happy about the whole thing). I think the lost momentum for building the show, losing a year like that, and other hassles involved in doing it in New Orleans contributed.

PDS

[OzBat!]

Yayyy! I've got my post-per-page view maxed out at 40, and at 40 posts per page, I've just hit page 200! Yayyyyyy!!

[Danny Donovan]

I know has been a a popular feeling lately that a return to more Silver-Aged ideals in comic books would be a good thing (I'm personally of two minds about that) but does anyone really want to see a return to this kind of thing:

Does the word Propaganda have no meaning anymore in the States?
Disregarding politics, what about the inherent racism shown? I mean the days of the "Yellow-Peril" was no-ones finest hour. Or is it OK because we are talking about Arabs, and the demonization of this particular group of people isn't an issue?

Well removing politics from the issue because I could rail seven ways to sunday about how my country is going to hell in a handbasket by nutjobs with mesiah complexes, but, it's like saying that old Loony Tune cartoons aren't funny because a few of them, that were done in a time when there were no "racial sensetivities"

Or disregaurding Tom & Jerry's worth because of the few episodes that contained a "Gone with the wind-esque" black maid...

Same can be said for comics, yes, there were a few commie hating, bordering on offensive things that came out because it was done in an era where no one batted an eye to that sort of thing... But you also had things like The X-MEN, Fantastic Four, the "sci-fi'ification of DC Super-Heroes" under Julius Schwartz

Some great, bold ideas came forth in the silver age, and looking at society today, I can think of worse things for people to learn than 'with great power comes great responsibility'...

There's a lot of GREAT stuff coming out today, not as much as used to be, and not from the same places it used to come from... But, it's all playing to the same crowd. The silver age sensebility came from "every book is someone's first book" and there was an active attempt to hook the non fan, and turn them into a long time fan.

long term plans got thrown out the window ages ago, and we are in a cycle (at least from mainstream and mainline books) of event, after event, after event. 16 part 32 book cross over that will change the way you think about (insert title, company, or character) and then two months later change the way you think right back to the way you originally thought.

No need to throw the baby out with the bath water because of a few misguided people from another era. there are a lot of ways things can be reworked to capture the magic that captivated millions again.

but people would have to put short term profits aside for long term gains and that's not how we do things anymore.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

So, sorry about the rant but am I the only one thinking like this?




---------------------


I'm pretty much in the camp that its totally classless to think that we need Freedom 3 to find and beat Osama and Al-Queida ( spellin sorry.) I know its an imginary story but someone beat Olney to this and handled the subject better. Garth Ennis had it that Microchip in a grand return was working for the CIA. He offered The Punisher a shot at Osama. But Frank didn't do it...and it was done in a great manner I feel.

I know the people who worked on these books did their damnest to make them look good. To make the comics read good and its not meant to offend those who did the work. But can you imagine how piss poor this reads as ? Hell Captain America in an early issue of his 2002 revamp dealed with 9/11 as well.

Knowing Olney's lack of real talent , how bad was Freedom 3 ?

[Darediva]

"Creating" characters called Eagle, Globe, and Anchor...good god 'o' fish hooks! That would HAVE to have ol' Chesty spinning in his grave.

Say, since I was in the Navy, maybe I could do a character named Squid Vicious? Uh, no.

[THEDOC]

IGHTLIP ENTERTAINMENT TELLS THE PULSE ...

Osama bin Laden's a Coward and in Hiding for a Good Reason


MOHAWK, NY- February 22, 2006- TightLip Entertainment is set to publish the most politically explosive comic book ever produced, Freedom 3 #1. Publisher Rick ***** released the comic book cover for Freedom 3. The image depicts the super hero Globe, a member of the United States Marine Corp secret unit Freedom 3, punching Osama bin Laden in the face.

In fact, the cover of Freedom 3 pays homage to the most recognized Captain America cover. The Joe Simon and Jack Kirby Captain America #1 cover (March 1941, National Comics) shows the red, white and blue clad Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face.

The Freedom 3 cover drives home the parallel between World War II's Adolf Hitler and today's al-Qaida's Osama bin Laden. "During this day, when times are just as turbulent as when the attack on Pearl Harbor led America into tough times; it becomes every American's responsibility to not lose sight of what makes freedom special", Publisher and writer Rick ***** said.


I know "Rick" is a nut job but I didn't know Cap was a DC Comics. What issues of JSA ws he in? Did the JLA revive him from the piece of iceberg he was frozen in?
Was that a Pulse or "Rick" error.

[Larry Dixon]

Does the word Propaganda have no meaning anymore in the States?

We just call it "Fox News." Small words. Easy to spell.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

"Creating" characters called Eagle, Globe, and Anchor...good god 'o' fish hooks! That would HAVE to have ol' Chesty spinning in his grave.

Say, since I was in the Navy, maybe I could do a character named Squid Vicious? Uh, no.

I'm shocked he didn't name a character Sword , Fortitude or Honor eithor. ;)

[Danny Donovan]

I know "Rick" is a nut job but I didn't know Cap was a DC Comics. What issues of JSA ws he in? Did the JLA revive him from the piece of iceberg he was frozen in?
Was that a Pulse or "Rick" error.

I forget how it was worded in the original press release, it might have been a pulse thing because of the Joe Simon connection. I'm fairly certain I've seen it listed as Timely elsewhere.

[DarrenCawsey]

Some great, bold ideas came forth in the silver age, and looking at society today, I can think of worse things for people to learn than 'with great power comes great responsibility'...



Oh I totally agree with that. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not writing off the silver age, or any age for that matter. I definitely feel that current publishers should make some decent attempts to try and recapture some of the more magical aspect of previous era's work.

That said, I don't feel that there is anything magical about the blindly patriotic comic issues that I was thinking of. But maybe it was just the ham-fisted approach of peanut that was riling me so. Like I said I think "Red Menace" is doing pretty well exploring some of the issued I have with certain aspects of that eras books.




--------------------

[Magneto_X]

"Honor" isn't that bad.

Honor Harrington is a great character, for example.

[TCJohnson]

Nevermind.

[DarrenCawsey]

I think I must just be a pinko commie bastard :p


-----------------------

[SUPERECWFAN1]

"Honor" isn't that bad.

Honor Harrington is a great character, for example.

Can ya picture a charactor just named HONOR ! " Get Saddam , HONOR !! "

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I think I must just be a pinko commie bastard :p


-----------------------

Your character shall be called RED BASTARD. Because your a commie red darn it. :D

[Papergirl]

"Honor" isn't that bad.

Honor Harrington is a great character, for example.
Dammit. Now I have to dig out my Honor Harrington books and read them again!

...

Not that I object to this idea. It's just that I already have a pile of books to read!

~Bev

[Danny Donovan]

The Golden Age was a good story too! ;)

Nah I know what you were saying Darren, my schpeal was mostly a reaction to those that are close minded to things that aren't geared toward them. I've seen many a rail against what I would call "classic super hero" storytelling like Mark Waid, and Busiek produce. I mean Mark's Legion is by far a must read for anyone that really appreciates good team dynamics.

Even commies can love good storytelling! lol.

[Cam63]

We just call it "Fox News." Small words. Easy to spell.

Oooooh.... Good one ! :D

[Cam63]

Heheheheeeee. Because I'm assuming you know, Cam, that saline is DEADLY to leeches. Heheheheeh.

Leave my joke alone, woman !




Hey...another gift quote !

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Dammit. Now I have to dig out my Honor Harrington books and read them again!

...

Not that I object to this idea. It's just that I already have a pile of books to read!

~Bev

HEY! No complaining about my Honor...she rules dang it!

JP

[Gail Simone]

"a fiery fem with a touch too much"

Oh, my god, is he the worst writer in history?

IT COULD WELL BE!

"a fiery fem with a touch too much"

YUCK.

Jesus, he's untalented.

Gail

[Jack Zodiac]

I just got back from California! Quick, someone fill me in. Dick back yet?

[Gail Simone]

I say again, "a fiery fem with a touch too much."

Holy SHIT. That's one of the stupidest, clumsiest sentences I've ever read in my life. No WONDER his artists had to hold their noses drawing his crappy scripts.

"a fiery fem with a touch too much."

Ughhhhhhg! Jesus, it's BURNED into my BRAIN!

Now he can be known for being TWO kinds of reeky!

Gail

[Sparvid]

"...the members of Freedom 3 get handed an assignment no Marine would refuse; to hunt down and capture Osama bin Laden!"

What, is it fairly common for Marines to refuse assignments or something? :confused:

I thought comic book artists already did something like that. Under the pseudonym of "Manny Hans" or some such?

"Justin Thyme" does a book here and there.

[Blake Petit]

Hey Blake,

Whoops! Obviously you're well aware of the Big Easy Con, so my last post comes as no news to you.

Did we ever run into each other at the show? I'm not remembering, but I tend to get a bit frazzled after a day or two of conventioning.

By the way, I'm not sure it was a matter of the convention organizer being so pissed off that they decided not to come back (although I'm sure Roger wasn't too happy about the whole thing). I think the lost momentum for building the show, losing a year like that, and other hassles involved in doing it in New Orleans contributed.

PDS

We may well have run into each other there -- who knows? :D It was a looooooong time ago...

[Papergirl]

HEY! No complaining about my Honor...she rules dang it!

JP

Nonono! I wasn't complaining about Honor! She does, indeed, rule! I was complaining that I already have a ton of books I haven't read yet. And, at this rate, they may not get read for quite a while! :D

"a fiery fem with a touch too much"

Oh, my god, is he the worst writer in history?

IT COULD WELL BE!

"a fiery fem with a touch too much"

YUCK.

Jesus, he's untalented.

Gail

Holy shit, you're being generous. That's just... awful!

~Bev

[Mike Bullock]

I say again, "a fiery fem with a touch too much."

Holy SHIT. That's one of the stupidest, clumsiest sentences I've ever read in my life. No WONDER his artists had to hold their noses drawing his crappy scripts.



Oh come on, Gail, don't you know the #1 rule of solicit writing: "when in doubt, mix in old rock & roll lyrics?"

Examples:

Follow Black Canary in a life or death battle as she climbs the stairway to heaven!

Come sail away with Aquaman this summer!

Nightwing discovers that blood is higher than a mountain and thicker than water.

Watch as the wall crawler gives up web slinging to play that guitar on the MTV!

Will the X-Men ever be the same after Professor X learns to walk this way?

Be there as Maxwell's Silver Hammer falls on Invincible's head!

[Papergirl]

Oh come on, Gail, don't you know the #1 rule of solicit writing: "when in doubt, mix in old rock & roll lyrics?"

Examples:

Follow Black Canary in a life or death battle as she climbs the stairway to heaven!

Come sail away with Aquaman this summer!

Nightwing discovers that blood is higher than a mountain and thicker than water.

Watch as the wall crawler gives up web slinging to play that guitar on the MTV!

Will the X-Men ever be the same after Professor X learns to walk this way?

Be there as Maxwell's Silver Hammer falls on Invincible's head!

But, see, that would have shown at least a little bit of creativity on his part.

~Bev

[AaronJ]

Do you guys think that "Rick" finally talked to a lawyer? It seems interesting that he is this long away from here. Might someone have finally talked him down?

Or am I just being silly?

[Mike Bullock]

But, see, that would have shown at least a little bit of creativity on his part.

~Bev

Good point.

[Mike Bullock]

Do you guys think that "Rick" finally talked to a lawyer? It seems interesting that he is this long away from here. Might someone have finally talked him down?

Or am I just being silly?

Or maybe he finally TiVo'ed an episode of Justice.

[Papergirl]

Do you guys think that "Rick" finally talked to a lawyer? It seems interesting that he is this long away from here. Might someone have finally talked him down?

Or am I just being silly?

Oh, it's very possible he got a free consultation deal from a lawyer. However, I highly doubt he actually hired said lawyer, as most want a retainer fee, and I don't believe he has the money for it.

Give him time. He'll be back and up to his old tricks again. He can't resist for long.

~Bev

[AaronJ]

Or maybe he finally TiVo'ed an episode of Justice.

Oh man. See? There's way too much humor here for me to handle. :)

[AaronJ]

Oh, it's very possible he got a free consultation deal from a lawyer. However, I highly doubt he actually hired said lawyer, as most want a retainer fee, and I don't believe he has the money for it.

Give him time. He'll be back and up to his old tricks again. He can't resist for long.

~Bev

Gotcha.

Seems unlikely that he would have the cash for a retainer, I agree.

Maybe he sold the Van of Justice.

[Papergirl]

Good point.

I made sense prior to having my morning coffee?! :eek:


~Bev