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

[THEDOC]

personally I'd be very sad to see this thread close. It's done so much for so many, it'd be like I dunno, having to put down your favorite pet. :p

It has devolved many times. But you know it's like Gail says, this thing has become a creature in and of itself. I say leave it alone and use Unscrewed! as the repository for archiving legal cases. (which is what its for.)

This thread is also good for that very reason. We let Unscrewed stay a stable professional place and this is sort of a place where we can hang out and be ourselves! :)

Like I dunno a cop bar or something!


Maybe we should start a thread of other "Olney"'s we have dealt with in the industry.

[THEDOC]

Hi everybody, long time reader, first time writer. I really don't feel like going back the 10 or 20 pages to pull the quote but someone had asked if more could have been awarded in the lawsuit judgement.

Since the defendant was a no-show, the amount sought is automatically awarded to the plaintiff. However, on the other hand if he HAD shown up, with the evidence against him the judge could and probably would award the maximum amount in Florida small claims of $5,000 without it being asked for citing interest accumulated on the debt owed.

While I congratulate the plaintiff on the win of the suit... I can't help but feel let down by the defendant cutting his losses and taking the easy way out by not showing up for court. I would have liked to see a much larger judgement be awarded as I had to deal with an eerily similar scenario for web site creation, maintenance, and graphic design..oddly enough with someone with the same initials that pulled a lot of the same underhand things I've read about here (not paying people, running events for charities and not donating any of the money collected to said charity, etc etc)



Yo Zin, How are you doing? Warn our UCG about ol Rick.

[rummblestrips]

QUICK QUESTION

If Rick is going to Pittsburgh Comic-con, the only reason he would be going is to get guests for MMC or to "hire" talent for his publications, right?

Has Mike and Renee been warned about this guy? They're good people and have always supported the little people at their cons. I doubt they would want a guy like him attending and causing problems.

[The DarkMind]

Yo Zin, How are you doing? Warn our UCG about ol Rick.

Doing good Doc, I'll certainly put the word out to John and Ami.
Just read your sig...am I to assume the older me got scammed by this guy?

[Kurt Busiek]

Surprisingly enough, YOR did respond quickly. He is correct on ONE point. I did forget to include the invoice form with my initial contact, but have since resent, WITH the invoice attached.

Just give him the two weeks you said you'd give him, and then sue.

He'll dance the "my nonexistent lawyers will have to look into that when they're through with their Happy Meals" dance for as long as people let him.

kdb

[MacQuarrie]

I found this thread a couple nights ago, via some Googlicious serendipity.

I've read through the whole thing. My eyes are very tired. But it seems to be a story with a happy ending. Congratulations--with a side of awe!--to those of you who actually took the time to address the issue.

Which means, as a matter of fact, all of you. You stood up to a bully, and you stood together.

I hate bullies and bullyism. As a kid I didn't have the guts to stand up to them. I stood aside when they picked in others. In that--I disgraced myself.

It doesn't matter, not really, if in some sense the bully "can't help it". He can look at the facts, acknowedge his conduct, make amends and not excuses, and demonstrate that he cares and is trying.

Sometimes--yes, it really does matter who started it.

I've dropped in because I'm also doing what I can to fight a bully.

I'm not connected to the comics industry, don't know some of the terminology in this thread, and have no insight with respect to the legal issues involved. I'd never heard of your Rick Olney until two days ago. Yet I recognized him.

Because in my microcorner of the multiverse--boys series books (ie, Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, etc)--we have our own version, who involves himself under many pseudonyms, insults, rants, disparages, bars, blocks--and is allowed to get away with it because no one has the time or energy to devote to making forceful answer.

Given your experience of Mr. Olney and the statement, noted more than once, that he makes use of sockpuppets and pseudonyms...

Do any of the following names ring a bell?

Hank Heyman
Bob Finnan
Tom Ippolito
Jerry Abbot (aka David Wayne Sims)
(Joseph) Cal Deal

--stating clearly that the appearance of a name on this list means only that I've run across it in some context on my internet wanderings with regard to this matter.

You have my admiration and my thanks.

Scott Dickerson
Tom Swift Lives! fan fiction

Welcome, Scott.

If I may be so bold, I think that eventually the Unscrewed site is going to have to expand beyond just focusing on TightLip. There are a lot of other publishers out there doing the same sort of things, and we need to shine a light on them when they crawl out of their holes. Eventually we may need to expand beyond the narrow realm of comics, and call attention to the same sorts of abuses in the book and music publishing industries.

As such, it might be a good idea for you to write a brief article about your experience with your weasel, so we can post it at some point.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Gee ECW, you think he might be related to Paul?

It would be funny in a twisted way. :p

[KevinTBrown]

Momma got off the phone with our attorney a little while ago.

Believe me, I do so wanna talk.

Believe me.

But knowing Olney's reading this, I am sworn to silence.

Y'see, this is what happens when you're truly 'lawyered up': your attorney -- who isn't on a crack team -- advises you to maintain silence about any and all details about any and all potential cases.

I really shouldn't be saying this much, but I wanna know I'm sitting behind the desk and being creative after making Porkbelly squirm.





Doc 'Squeal' Absurd

Now inquiring minds want to know..... :p

But knowing Olney is squirming and more is all the more pleasurable, even in not knowing the details.

[CutterMike]

It's like dealing with some sort of grotesque automaton, there's just nothing there except a limited set of responses and behaviors...

I'm still playing catch-up (You folx are *KILLING* me, BTW!), so sombody's probably pointed out that what you seem to be saying here is that he couldn't pass the Turing test.

That is just so, so sad.

[Koben Kelly]

Over the years, I've discovered more than a few people whom I suspected were arseholes were revealed to be complete arseholes after they got a few drinks in them.

Umm... Mel Gibson? Besides the fact that he rambled on like a paranoid looney about The Jews when being arrested for extreme DUI, he had the misogynistic impulse to refer to the female officer as... wait for it... Sweet Tits.

Inhibitions removed, apparently.

[Kurt Busiek]

The whole imaginary-yet-real-to-the-child concept is lifted both from Bill Watterson's 'Calvin and Hobbes' and Mike Kunkel's 'Herobear'

...which are themselves influenced by earlier uses of the concept, including A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh" and Crockett Johnson's "Barnaby" and "Harold and His Purple Crayon."

kdb

[JTPencils]

Just give him the two weeks you said you'd give him, and then sue.

He'll dance the "my nonexistent lawyers will have to look into that when they're through with their Happy Meals" dance for as long as people let him.

kdb


Kurt, thanks for the support. I'm NOT stopping this... but I want to tread properly, so as to not give him even the slightest foothold.


Rick finally got around to answering my last email to him (in regards to the "alleged invoice" thing).

RO writes...

Mr. Taylor,
Should you be paid, it'll be in the form of a company pay check from our bank. We don't pay work-for-hire talent any other way. Refuse it, and it'll again be a matter of more time you'll be held up in having the matter resolved. Meanwhile, you should undestand that TightLip Entertainment never hired your studio. We hired Jim Taylor. As such as standard signed hold harmless relesase will be needed from you to process your pay-out. Thank you.


First of all... should I be paid? I don't think there's even a question there. I did the work, I will get paid. Secondly, a company pay check? How do I know there's funds in that account? Paying anything by a check is dicey at best... I feel I'm within my rights to ask for a money order or bank check. Also, I never stated that he hired my studio. As the sole proprietor of Wet Inc Studio, (and the only name on the invoice)... it's ME getting paid. As to this whole "hold harmless" release, uhh... he already owes me. What the hell is that supposed to be about? I don't want to go off on a rant with this. Any thoughts?

[Kurt Busiek]

First of all... should I be paid?

Of course.

Secondly, a company pay check? How do I know there's funds in that account?

If you get a check, cash it. If it bounces, sue.

As to this whole "hold harmless" release, uhh... he already owes me. What the hell is that supposed to be about? I don't want to go off on a rant with this. Any thoughts?

Don't jump through any hoops. If he insists you sign other things, he's just trying to delay further. You're not required to sign anything more -- and certainly not a "hold harmless," since he's already hermed you by non-payment -- and it doesn't matter what company policies he makes up.

If he doesn't cough up within two weeks, sue. Ignore the bullshit he tries to bury things in.

kdb

[Blake Petit]

Okay, we've got quite a few professionals and semi-professionals in the comic book industry. Could we get a show of hands -- how many of you have ever been asked to sign a "standard" hold harmless release before? Kurt? Gail? Tony? Bueller?

[Reverend Smooth]

What possible reason can there be for "cleansing" French-Canadians from 21st Century Canada? What does the party think you were going to do? Do bilingual street signs make them feel impotent or something?Yes.
I'm sure there's some long-standing historical/cultural reason behind this, but it sounds like someone running a party for the sole purpose of "cleansing" Britain of the Welsh - bloody daft.Yessir.

The only acceptable canadian culture to them was white anglo culture.

[MacQuarrie]

I'm not sure if this had been brought up somewhere, but given the recurrent theme here, I have to wonder why the creators have not banded together, pooled their resources, and filed a class action lawsuit.

Granted a multitude of small claims lawsuits resulting in judgements against Olney are more enjoyable to watch unfold, a large scale thing like a class action would be sure to get the job done and send a stronger message to the scumbags lurking in the industry that we as creators are not going to stand for these type of business dealings any longer.

I'm sure money is a large part of a class action not being filed, but if there are as many people that have been wronged as there appear to be it could probably only run about $10 per person to file the suit. The main expense then would be lawyer fees (but you can always include those costs in the amount of the lawsuit).

Hell, it almost makes me wish I was one of the many screwed over since I have free legal services through my employer now. I would have been happy to start a class action and let everyone jump on board:D

Small claims is actually more effective.

First, class action is an "all the eggs in one basket" scenario; everyone wins or loses together.

Second, it gives the defense another approach. They can attempt to demonstrate that the "class" is not really a class. Since each individual's experience with the defendant may be significantly different, they can move to have the suit dismissed, in which case everyone has to file separately anyway.

Third, the legal costs are significantly more. $200-300 and hour more, and add on hours of discovery and depositions and a fortune in travel expenses for the attorney(s) to run all over the country and to other countries collecting evidence.

Fourth there's the matter of jurisdiction. Where would the case be filed? Individual small claims cases can be filed wherever the plaintiff lives, with the burden of travel on the defendant. With plaintiffs from all over, the case will have to be filed in New York, requiring all plaintiffs to travel there and stay fro the duration of the trial.

On the other hand, small claims is surprisingly effective. Scott filed his suit in Mid January and he has a judgment in hand six weeks later. Another half-dozen or so and Olney is in bankruptcy court, his financial life utterly destroyed. A lien can hang over his head for years, and a garnishment can snatch every penny he earns as soon as it comes in.

There's a very effective program to clean up dangerous neighborhoods, called Safe Streets NOW, and it works entirely by means of small claims suits. If thirty neighbors each sue a slumlord for $5000, that adds up fast ($150,000). The slumlord has no choice but to settle and concede to whatever the neighbors demand.

Anyone who sues Olney and doesn't really NEED the money can work out a settlement with him: write off the debt on condition that he never again attempt to publish a comic or put on a convention, and if he does, the collection will be enforced immediately. Since we know he hasn't got any money, we have a Sword of Damoclese we can hang over his head for the rest of his livfe, and we don't have to give 35% of it to an attorney.

[THEDOC]

Doing good Doc, I'll certainly put the word out to John and Ami.
Just read your sig...am I to assume the older me got scammed by this guy?

No that is for Tim as in Doc_Absurd of Unscrewed Fame, your older version and Alex Nino were to go to an MMC back in '04 I think and Rick wanted them to appear but he made me do the calling though he would ommunicate for final arraingements. Tim didn't feel good about going but as I had recommened Rick he was OK, next thing I know Tim and Alex clear their schedules and haven't heard from Rick, after I finally got ahold of RO he tells me it's canceled and left me to call and tell them. Should have known then he was a chicken-Sh*T.
Lets just say Tim and Alex weren't too please at him and me somewhat (for a short while) as he never communicated with them.

[MacQuarrie]

Yes.
Yessir.

The only acceptable canadian culture to them was white anglo culture.

That explains why my great-grandmother's family left, I think. Her name was Berubé, and according to family stories, she was french-canadian. Why she married an englisnman (Witham, actually Puritan stock) is anybody's guess. But it holds with my family tradition, that every one of my ancestors was chased out of someplace else.

[Larry Dixon]

Okay, we've got quite a few professionals and semi-professionals in the comic book industry. Could we get a show of hands -- how many of you have ever been asked to sign a "standard" hold harmless release before? Kurt? Gail? Tony? Bueller?

In 23 years and counting, working for pretty near every size company and level of pay, as a writer, artist or designer? Absolutely never, by anyone.

[Kurt Busiek]

Okay, we've got quite a few professionals and semi-professionals in the comic book industry. Could we get a show of hands -- how many of you have ever been asked to sign a "standard" hold harmless release before? Kurt? Gail? Tony? Bueller?

Never.

I've signed one document that said I accepted the payment it covered as an acceptable payment for past debts, and I wouldn't sue over any other debts on that book accrued up to a specified date, but that was (a) very non-standard (basically, the company was unable to account for foreign moneys coming in prior to a particular date, so the check they were sending me was for a guess at the right amount, a guess that I approved as acceptable), and (b) I signed it when I got the check, not before.

kdb

[THEDOC]

Welcome, Scott.

If I may be so bold, I think that eventually the Unscrewed site is going to have to expand beyond just focusing on TightLip. There are a lot of other publishers out there doing the same sort of things, and we need to shine a light on them when they crawl out of their holes. Eventually we may need to expand beyond the narrow realm of comics, and call attention to the same sorts of abuses in the book and music publishing industries.

As such, it might be a good idea for you to write a brief article about your experience with your weasel, so we can post it at some point.

I back that. I know there is at least one guy out there from the 90's who screwed some real good guys.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Of course.



If you get a check, cash it. If it bounces, sue.



Don't jump through any hoops. If he insists you sign other things, he's just trying to delay further. You're not required to sign anything more -- and certainly not a "hold harmless," since he's already hermed you by non-payment -- and it doesn't matter what company policies he makes up.

If he doesn't cough up within two weeks, sue. Ignore the bullshit he tries to bury things in.

kdb

Kurt Busiek speaks truth.

The clock is ticking, Rick.

Pay up willingly or have it taken from you.

Hope your lawyer had his fill of Happy Meals, as your allowance is now spoken for for the next several years.

[depizan]

It's nice to hear that Olney is getting what's coming to him. After reading this thread, it's nice to imagine him sitting on the curb while everything he owns is repossessed to cover his debts. (Not going to happen, but fun to imagine.) So, congratulations to Scott Reed and the other person who won their suits against him, and may there be many more.

I still can't believe the lunatic actually came back and posted here again. He's not only a crook, he's one who's under the influence of something more mind-altering than alcohol...or there's something seriously wrong with what passes for his mind. I also can't believe he thinks anyone would buy tickets to his con after reading the MMC website. Oh, yeah, ranting about how industry pros are out to get you is great advertising, and lots of people want to shell out 25$ for a con that doesn't list its location or guests barely four months out. Never mind that anyone who decides to check out his rant is going to end up here - and discover just how bat-shit insane he is.

Keep up the good work guys! :)

[Blake Petit]

In 23 years and counting, working for pretty near every size company and level of pay, as a writer, artist or designer? Absolutely never, by anyone.

Never.

I've signed one document that said I accepted the payment it covered as an acceptable payment for past debts, and I wouldn't sue over any other debts on that book accrued up to a specified date, but that was (a) very non-standard (basically, the company was unable to account for foreign moneys coming in prior to a particular date, so the check they were sending me was for a guess at the right amount, a guess that I approved as acceptable), and (b) I signed it when I got the check, not before.

kdb

That's what I figured. I just thought it should be stated for posterity. Thanks guys.

("Standard" hold harmless agreement my ass...)

[THEDOC]

Kurt, thanks for the support. I'm NOT stopping this... but I want to tread properly, so as to not give him even the slightest foothold.


Rick finally got around to answering my last email to him (in regards to the "alleged invoice" thing).

RO writes...

Mr. Taylor,
Should you be paid, it'll be in the form of a company pay check from our bank. We don't pay work-for-hire talent any other way. Refuse it, and it'll again be a matter of more time you'll be held up in having the matter resolved. Meanwhile, you should undestand that TightLip Entertainment never hired your studio. We hired Jim Taylor. As such as standard signed hold harmless relesase will be needed from you to process your pay-out. Thank you.


First of all... should I be paid? I don't think there's even a question there. I did the work, I will get paid. Secondly, a company pay check? How do I know there's funds in that account? Paying anything by a check is dicey at best... I feel I'm within my rights to ask for a money order or bank check. Also, I never stated that he hired my studio. As the sole proprietor of Wet Inc Studio, (and the only name on the invoice)... it's ME getting paid. As to this whole "hold harmless" release, uhh... he already owes me. What the hell is that supposed to be about? I don't want to go off on a rant with this. Any thoughts?


I would be concerned on signing soimething that will hold him harmless like passing a bad "company" check.

[JTPencils]

My response to YOR's latest attempt at being his own shyster...

"Mr Olney,

It is not a matter of "should I be paid". The work was accepted, it will be paid for. No "should" about it.

I will at this time, accept a company check. I will forewarn you that if there is any problems cashing said company check, there will be further litigation.

Whereas, myself, Jim Taylor (sole proprietor and participant of Wet Inc Studios) was the person who produced the work for TightLip Entertainment, it's not a matter of a "studio vs individual" being recognized for payment. You hired Jim Taylor, on that point I agree. That I am now billing you under the umbrella of a Wet Inc Studio banner/logo is a non issue.

In regards to your requirement of a "hold harmless statement". I do not need to sign anything more, whereas you are required to pay for materials produced. Harm has already been inflicted by your woefully slow response in meeting your obligations to pay. There is nothing more I am required to sign other then the company check you stated you would pay me with.

J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio"

I'm sure he's up and reading it right now... as for me? I'm gonna hit the sheets. Some of us have real job's to face tomorrow.

[Jessica Drew]

I've been reading this thread since its inception but have yet to chime in because I know none of the parties involved, and I'm neither a professional writer nor artist.

But now, I feel I must say

CONGRATULATIONS

to those who won their suits today.

And to those who've suits forthcoming, I wish you well in reclaiming the payment that is rightfully--and lawfully--yours.

And a big HUZZAH to all those here (Waid, Busiek, Martin, Shaw!, and--of course--Mrs. Simone [and others here as well]) who've helped those in need. It's so refreshing to read about people who behave in the same upstanding manner as the upstanding super heroes they write about.

[THEDOC]

My response to YOR's latest attempt at being his own shyster...

"Mr Olney,

It is not a matter of "should I be paid". The work was accepted, it will be paid for. No "should" about it.

I will at this time, accept a company check. I will forewarn you that if there is any problems cashing said company check, there will be further litigation.

Whereas, myself, Jim Taylor (sole proprietor and participant of Wet Inc Studios) was the person who produced the work for TightLip Entertainment, it's not a matter of a "studio vs individual" being recognized for payment. You hired Jim Taylor, on that point I agree. That I am now billing you under the umbrella of a Wet Inc Studio banner/logo is a non issue.

In regards to your requirement of a "hold harmless statement". I do not need to sign anything more, whereas you are required to pay for materials produced. Harm has already been inflicted by your woefully slow response in meeting your obligations to pay. There is nothing more I am required to sign other then the company check you stated you would pay me with.

J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio"

I'm sure he's up and reading it right now... as for me? I'm gonna hit the sheets. Some of us have real job's to face tomorrow.

Amen to that!

[Reverend Smooth]

That explains why my great-grandmother's family left, I think. Her name was Berubé, and according to family stories, she was french-canadian. Why she married an englisnman (Witham, actually Puritan stock) is anybody's guess. But it holds with my family tradition, that every one of my ancestors was chased out of someplace else.It's part of why I moved to the US. I couldn't get a job in my own hometown and I had no future there. It's improved in the last six years with business coming in from the outside (they don't care as long as you are bilingual and educated), but that was way after I left.

Her name IS french, I can tell you that much. I could try to do some genealogy stuff online on french sites if you give me enough info.

If she was acadian, they were historically neutral towards both france and england, and were reasonably mellow regarding coexistence as long as their way of life wasn't taken away from them (though the english did try and somewhat succeed). So her being ok with an anglo doesn't surprise me. I ended up with two of them, after all. XD

[DarrenCawsey]

Just letting everyone know that I have won a lawsuit this morning that was filed against Rick Olney dba Tightlip Entertainment. Olney did not heed the court summons that was delivered to him by the Herkimer Sheriffs dept on January 11, 2007, resulting in a win today by default of his no-show in court.

For those unaware of my case, I sued Rick for 2 unpaid invoices totaling over $2,400.00. Rick acknowledged and then attempted to avoid responsibility to these debts. I made every attempt to settle the matter with him outside of court, to no avail. He paid my efforts with insults, public defamation of character, lies, accusations and threats.

I won't be publicly responding here about this, beyond this post. The reason for this is that I have already invested quite a few hours over the last several months in dealing with him via email, and monitoring his online activity in this and other forums. The stress this has caused me and my family cannot be understated. I simply want to move forward at this point and pursue collecting the debt now that the trial is over.

Filing a lawsuit in small claims court is easy. For those who are in a similar situation, but hesitate to take action, just call your local county clerks office and ask for the forms needed to file a small claims lawsuit. Some places even have online forms. You won't need legal representation. The filing fee was $155.00 in my case, but it will likely vary state by state, and according to the amount you are suing for. In the state of Florida, I was able to file the lawsuit here, because this is the state where the services were rendered. I then had the Herkimer County Sheriffs office deliver the summons to Olney, which cost $25.00.

The only challenging aspect of this was in preparing evidence for the judge. I had several months worth of evidence, in the form of emails which had to be organized and printed out, (and the work itself, in the form of original art and digital files) and then quite a lot of work was involved in preparing my case. I also had to print out and organize all of the original art created for Olney, along with printed copies of the site design and associated graphics.

Without Mark Waid's generosity, it would have likely taken me far longer to actually file the lawsuit. Although I had my paperwork ready, I was still scrambling to make up for the loss of income, and each time I was sure I was ready to file, some bill would take precedence. I am a full-time freelancer, so when a client doesn't pay for a big project, I'm suddenly in a lot of trouble, because I had to turn down other paying work in order to meet his deadlines.

If you were Olney'd, and have more questions about the filing process, please PM me. I'm happy to help out however I can.

Lastly, thanks to Matt Martin and Papergirl, for driving up to show their support this morning.



Yay and Double-Yay!! :D

I have been smiling to myself all day at work over this, people think I got laid last night. :o

I add my congratulations to everyone else's Scott. There is obviously still work ahead in getting some money out of him but hey, you can feel proud you stood up for yourself.

By the way on the money front, working in the corporate collections department of a major bank in the pacific I have had some experience with getting blood out of a stone before, and (while things will obviously be different in the U.S. but...) he does have to pay you now.

Normally after getting Judgment we would give the Debtor 30-90 days (90 days would be the very, very maximum) and if they have still not paid up by then we can proceed with Bankruptcy proceedings. :evilsmile
<hmmm, do I hear the sound of pants being soiled?>




oh and QFT:

Of course.



If you get a check, cash it. If it bounces, sue.



Don't jump through any hoops. If he insists you sign other things, he's just trying to delay further. You're not required to sign anything more -- and certainly not a "hold harmless," since he's already hermed you by non-payment -- and it doesn't matter what company policies he makes up.

If he doesn't cough up within two weeks, sue. Ignore the bullshit he tries to bury things in.

kdb


God I man-love Kurt.

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

[THEDOC]

It's part of why I moved to the US. I couldn't get a job in my own hometown and I had no future there. It's improved in the last six years with business coming in from the outside (they don't care as long as you are bilingual and educated), but that was way after I left.

Her name IS french, I can tell you that much. I could try to do some genealogy stuff online on french sites if you give me enough info.

If she was acadian, they were historically neutral towards both france and england, and were reasonably mellow regarding coexistence as long as their way of life wasn't taken away from them (though the english did try and somewhat succeed). So her being ok with an anglo doesn't surprise me. I ended up with two of them, after all. XD

I think all us french-canadians (or decendants) should get together at a con.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. That is really shameful.

[Reverend Smooth]

I think all us french-canadians (or decendants) should get together at a con.I think we should. :D Make it a mini version of the big acadian convention that happens up north. But it'll have to wait another year or two for me to go, I need a climate-controlled RV to travel, and inconveniently cannot go into any building because of chemicals.

But it would be a cool thing to organise for people of french-canadian descent in general. Yay ethnic pride. :3
Sorry to hear of your troubles. That is really shameful.It's ok. Not moving to the US means I never would have met my husband and wife. They're worth it.

[CutterMike]

Yes EVEN wrestling fans...

besides, though I am not a fan of current wrestling, I am a die hard old school fan from the days of Hulk Hogan and Rick Savage, etc...

You had to say it, didn't you? You just *HAD* to say it?!!?

...There ain't been a REAL champion since Bruno Sammartino!

(Hell, I even remember when André the Giant was a BAD GUY!)

...Yes... I'm old...

*sigh*

[bert]

wow. . this made my day (and I've had a tough day. . not as tough as one peaNut. .but tough nonetheless).

Congrats on the legal win.

people like peaNut deserve everything they have coming.

Karma's a real bitch. . .

[Sarah Beach]

Jim, regarding the method of payment...

You know what? I don't think that Olney has the right to specify the method of payment. I think that right belongs to the party that provided the service and/or work. You were perfectly within your rights to specify that payment MUST be in bank check or money order.

Consider the number of vendors that refuse certain credit cards. Just as many others specify bank check or money order.

In point of fact, the only method of payment that a vendor/service provider cannot really refuse is CASH. You will note that on bills it is stated that it is legal tender for any and all debts within the United States.

The reason most billers/vendors say "don't send cash" is simply because if a passer-by sees an envelope in the mail obviously filled with cash, and they steal the mail & the money, you have no record or recourse for recovering the money (whereas checks can be stopped, and credit card payments denied).

So... you've given him back a little bit of ground by saying you'll accept a "company check". Because consider: so far, no one has turned up records that he has a checking account for TightLip (assets searches have been started, and I believe Tom indicated that he only found ONE checking account, and it had RO's wife's name on it, not his).

My recommendation? If he delays payment (and he probably will), PLEASE revert back to your original requirement of bank check/draft or money order.

Now: the above has been my speculation based solely on the practices I've observed around me and some applied logic.

But really, think about it: You go to the store and want to buy some computer supplies. The store says "I need $XX in cash or drawn on a credit card." There's no way you can answer this by saying "I don't pay in cash or credit cards. You will be paid in a shipment of fresh oranges from my orchard, organically grown." It's just not going to fly (or rather, it might, but only if the store owner doesn't really care about the money and has some extreme preference for fresh oranges and he agrees to accept it.

DO NOT LET HIM BULLY ANYONE INTO ACCEPTING PAYMENT ACCORDING TO HIS CHOSEN METHOD. YOU CHOOSE HOW YOU WISH TO BE PAID!

(Dang! And now I'm flashing on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, wherein Shylock insisted on what was supposed to be a metaphorical form of payment - "a pound of flesh". Portia outsmarted him from actually cutting into his victim to take that pound (and thus probably killing the man) by saying he could have his pound of flesh, but he had to do it without taking any blood, since that had not been mentioned (hence, not covered) by the original contract.

There you go! Let great literature inform and educate you!)

[Crowley]

RIck is likely reading this and crying in front of his computer monitor...

again.

[Darediva]

*waves at Bert*

Hey, Bert!

Good news from the homefront here, too. A friend brought home a Metal Men comic for me, and I want to run a couple of ideas by you in the next day or so.

[wishlish]

Kurt, thanks for the support. I'm NOT stopping this... but I want to tread properly, so as to not give him even the slightest foothold.


Rick finally got around to answering my last email to him (in regards to the "alleged invoice" thing).

RO writes...

Mr. Taylor,
Should you be paid, it'll be in the form of a company pay check from our bank. We don't pay work-for-hire talent any other way. Refuse it, and it'll again be a matter of more time you'll be held up in having the matter resolved. Meanwhile, you should undestand that TightLip Entertainment never hired your studio. We hired Jim Taylor. As such as standard signed hold harmless relesase will be needed from you to process your pay-out. Thank you.


First of all... should I be paid? I don't think there's even a question there. I did the work, I will get paid. Secondly, a company pay check? How do I know there's funds in that account? Paying anything by a check is dicey at best... I feel I'm within my rights to ask for a money order or bank check. Also, I never stated that he hired my studio. As the sole proprietor of Wet Inc Studio, (and the only name on the invoice)... it's ME getting paid. As to this whole "hold harmless" release, uhh... he already owes me. What the hell is that supposed to be about? I don't want to go off on a rant with this. Any thoughts?

Tell him that bounced checks will result in a substantial returned check fee. Say, 50%. Heck, offer to reduce your fee by 10% if he agrees to pay by money order or certified check. He isn't going to pay anyway.

As for the name of the business, can't he make it out to J. Taylor DBA Wet Inc. Studio?

Heck, it's not like he's going to pay. He can dance all he wants, but we know how the song ends.

[bert]

*waves at Bert*

Hey, Bert!

Good news from the homefront here, too. A friend brought home a Metal Men comic for me, and I want to run a couple of ideas by you in the next day or so.


Hiya Dd !

ooo.. more ideas?

I liked what you showed me, but you prolly figured out that I'm open to pretty much anything, as long as it's got those three logos on it :)

can't wait.

[wishlish]

The auction for the Kurt Busiek piece is going to reach a gazillion dollars based on this alone:

http://i18.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/8e/c8/31f7_1.JPG

That's Kurt Busiek's autograph, people! AND the book is also autographed by Alex Ross! Open your checkbooks! (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21QQhtZ-1)

Oh my- I almost missed this on the JLA/Avengers auction (a true rarity on its own, as it's out of print and a beautiful book to boot):
http://i11.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/8e/c8/cad7_1.JPG

[JTPencils]

Jim, regarding the method of payment...

You know what? I don't think that Olney has the right to specify the method of payment. I think that right belongs to the party that provided the service and/or work. You were perfectly within your rights to specify that payment MUST be in bank check or money order.

Consider the number of vendors that refuse certain credit cards. Just as many others specify bank check or money order.

In point of fact, the only method of payment that a vendor/service provider cannot really refuse is CASH. You will note that on bills it is stated that it is legal tender for any and all debts within the United States.

The reason most billers/vendors say "don't send cash" is simply because if a passer-by sees an envelope in the mail obviously filled with cash, and they steal the mail & the money, you have no record or recourse for recovering the money (whereas checks can be stopped, and credit card payments denied).

So... you've given him back a little bit of ground by saying you'll accept a "company check". Because consider: so far, no one has turned up records that he has a checking account for TightLip (assets searches have been started, and I believe Tom indicated that he only found ONE checking account, and it had RO's wife's name on it, not his).

My recommendation? If he delays payment (and he probably will), PLEASE revert back to your original requirement of bank check/draft or money order.

Now: the above has been my speculation based solely on the practices I've observed around me and some applied logic.

But really, think about it: You go to the store and want to buy some computer supplies. The store says "I need $XX in cash or drawn on a credit card." There's no way you can answer this by saying "I don't pay in cash or credit cards. You will be paid in a shipment of fresh oranges from my orchard, organically grown." It's just not going to fly (or rather, it might, but only if the store owner doesn't really care about the money and has some extreme preference for fresh oranges and he agrees to accept it.

DO NOT LET HIM BULLY ANYONE INTO ACCEPTING PAYMENT ACCORDING TO HIS CHOSEN METHOD. YOU CHOOSE HOW YOU WISH TO BE PAID!

(Dang! And now I'm flashing on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, wherein Shylock insisted on what was supposed to be a metaphorical form of payment - "a pound of flesh". Portia outsmarted him from actually cutting into his victim to take that pound (and thus probably killing the man) by saying he could have his pound of flesh, but he had to do it without taking any blood, since that had not been mentioned (hence, not covered) by the original contract.

There you go! Let great literature inform and educate you!)

Sarah, wise words. But (unlike Rick) I won't go back on what I said for now. If his "company check" bounces... there WILL be further litigation, make no mistake about that. If it comes to that, I will then state that nothing will be accepted OTHER then cash. Cash on the barrel head. No checks, no money orders, nothing but a handful of dead presidents (and one ambassador, and a secretary of the treasury... always hate how they get forgotten). I'm TRYING to be at least a bit amicable in this matter. So now the ball's in his court. It may delay me getting paid a bit (if the check bounces)... but it won't be the end of my quest to get what's rightfully mine. It'll just push it back a bit. By that time, he will have already lost the case as far as "IF he's going to pay"... it'll be a matter of "HOW" he's going to pay. But I thank you for your words. We'll see how it shapes up.

[Paul Smith]

If for no other reason than Matt showed up and we didn't, he gets to wear whatever he wants.

It takes an Ultra Mega Giganta Uber Wussie (and I mean that in a nice way:D) to care about how "badass" they look. No true BADASS (note the lack of quotes) gives a rat's patootie what some UMGUW thinks about his @#$*! tie clasp! Especially one he can use to poke out someone's eye.

All hail Mad Doc Martin, business ninja at large!

Oh yeah, congratulations, Scott and a big thumbs up to Waid, Simone, Doc Absurd, Papergirl, Stillwell, Shaw! Donovan and anyone else who helped turn this snowflake into the avalanche it's become.

Edit: D'oh! and Sarah Beach too!

[Danny Donovan]

ANOTHER CLAIM BUSTED!

I just recieved an e-mail via Myspace by SHI creator Billy Tucci telling me to let everyone know HE IS NOT IN FACT, AND NEVER WAS A FRIEND OF RICK OLNEY.

In fact he says he never even spoke to him outside of one show about five or six years ago at the Pitt con and that was only to turn him down for an appearance at his convention.

He is in fact:

DONATING WORK TO THE UNSCREWED AUCTION.

Also he wants to clarify HE DOESN'T LIVE IN CALIFORNIA! lol. Apperently not a fan of the left coast. So everyone please remember Billy is not a Cali guy. ;)

So there you have it, another claim disproved by Rick Olney.

I will repost Billy's message to me when he gives me permission to. I would hate to copy and paste it without his okay.

[Danny Donovan]

I got an e-mail from Billy Tucci, and name-checked by Paul Smith.

This is a good day.

Also Jim, if you do get such a check. don't deposit it. Cash it out. Then deposit the cash. That way if the check is bad, the bank will persue him (and let me tell you they are MEAN about that.) I have done this on a number of occasions when I didn't trust that there would be the funds available from the check I was given, and not wanting to jepoardize my account anymore than my... um, giving nature already does.

Sure enough the check I was given bounced like Rick's favorite superball. But I didn't get burned, since I cashed it out, the bank pursued it and from what I heard got the money PLUS fees.

Now I am not sure if it'll work for everyone. I have an awesome bank and the teller's like me so sometimes they do stuff that they shouldn't to help me out of a bind. :)

[NatGertler]

Umm... Mel Gibson? Besides the fact that he rambled on like a paranoid looney about The Jews when being arrested for extreme DUI, he had the misogynistic impulse to refer to the female officer as... wait for it... Sweet Tits.I suggest that you remove that horrible and blatant libel about Mel Gibson. This accomplished actor and director did not refer to a female officer at his DUI as "Sweet Tits", and to even suggest that is demeaning and rude.


He did, however, refer to her as "Sugar Tits".

[Ronée]

New to the site, but I learned about this from comixtreme. I've spent the last 2 hours looking over this whole thing, and I have to say... this Rick fella is a loon. Just thought I'd put that out there, though its apparent that's not an uncommon sentiment here.*waves at WM* welcome welcome, nice to see someone from my hometown so to speak. lol.

[neko onna]

Jim,

You shoudl not have to sign ANYTHING least of all a Hold harmless agreement..that is just more posturing..it is meaningless..he owes you money for services rendered..plain and simple..it really is that easy. He is basically trying to get you to sign away your legal opportunity should his check bouce.

hold harmless

In a contract, a promise by one party not to hold the other party responsible if the other party carries out the contract in a way that causes damage to the first party. For example, many leases include a hold harmless clause in which the tenant agrees not to sue the landlord if the tenant is injured due to the landlord’s failure to maintain the premises. In most states, these clauses are illegal in residential tenancies, but may be upheld in commercial settings.

[Ronée]

RIck is likely reading this and crying in front of his computer monitor...

again.I hope he is wearing those "Oops I crapped my pants" undergarments....

[Ronée]

I hope he is wearing those "Oops I crapped my pants" undergarments...."I'm wearing them, and I just did.."

[Danny Donovan]

I hope he is wearing those "Oops I crapped my pants" undergarments....


Oh Saturday Night Live, when you were funny. How I miss you.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

ANOTHER CLAIM BUSTED!

I just recieved an e-mail via Myspace by SHI creator Billy Tucci telling me to let everyone know HE IS NOT IN FACT, AND NEVER WAS A FRIEND OF RICK OLNEY.

In fact he says he never even spoke to him outside of one show about five or six years ago at the Pitt con and that was only to turn him down for an appearance at his convention.

He is in fact:

DONATING WORK TO THE UNSCREWED AUCTION.

Also he wants to clarify HE DOESN'T LIVE IN CALIFORNIA! lol. Apperently not a fan of the left coast. So everyone please remember Billy is not a Cali guy. ;)

So there you have it, another claim disproved by Rick Olney.

I will repost Billy's message to me when he gives me permission to. I would hate to copy and paste it without his okay.






And to the shock of no one...this was proven true. :p

[Sarah Beach]

I suggest that you remove that horrible and blatant libel about Mel Gibson. This accomplished actor and director did not refer to a female officer at his DUI as "Sweet Tits", and to even suggest that is demeaning and rude.


He did, however, refer to her as "Sugar Tits".

You know what? Since he's apologized left, right, up and down for the whole incident, why not we just leave it out?

Which brings me to another point: the "truth in wine" discussion.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions. Period. We all of us inhibit things that are no longer part of "who we are" as adults. Things that may have been grilled into us as children, but which as adults we've chosen to reject. Is there anyone here who isn't aware that if they got totally drunk, and then were provoked (by whatever circumstance, right or wrong), they too could spew out some surprisingly awful stuff? Stuff they would never say when sober.

Being drunk doesn't always show people as they "really are". Sometimes all it shows is how they "really could be".

Me, I think it's a stupid activity, getting drunk. But then I grew up Methodist (abstaining) in a family with a history of diabetes. Not much drinking at all.

That said, Olney drunk (I'm accepting that he was drunk, although his level of control is certainly debatable) is a mean, nasty, foul pig. Of the worst sort.

[Gail Simone]

If for no other reason than Matt showed up and we didn't, he gets to wear whatever he wants.

It takes an Ultra Mega Giganta Uber Wussie (and I mean that in a nice way:D) to care about how "badass" they look. No true BADASS (note the lack of quotes) gives a rat's patootie what some UMGUW thinks about his @#$*! tie clasp! Especially one he can use to poke out someone's eye.

All hail Mad Doc Martin, business ninja at large!

Oh yeah, congratulations, Scott and a big thumbs up to Waid, Simone, Doc Absurd, Papergirl, Stillwell, Shaw! Donovan and anyone else who helped turn this snowflake into the avalanche it's become.

Edit: D'oh! and Sarah Beach too!


Probably don't need to say it, but I am a pathetic Paul Smith fan.

Even moreso now!

Thanks for visiting here, Paul. You are ALWAYS WELCOME.

Gail

[TonyIsabella]

Okay, we've got quite a few professionals and semi-professionals in the comic book industry. Could we get a show of hands -- how many of you have ever been asked to sign a "standard" hold harmless release before? Kurt? Gail? Tony? Bueller?

I've never been asked to sign such a thing.

Tony

[Larry Dixon]

"You know what that makes us?"

"Big damn heroes."

"Ain't we just."

-----------

Nah. In the Olneyverse, the fact that none of us ever in our lengthy careers signed such a thing only means that we were never REAL professionals.

[CutterMike]

He's using the Royal "We", as in "We are not amusigated vis a vis your allegedly contended dispute for, ah, Our, um, disparigated.. ah...civil claim-suits."

I seem to recall my father saying that the only people allowed to speak of themselves as "we" plural were editors, royalty, and people with tapeworms.

(This was the same man who had no problem with telling someone to their face that they were "as useless as teats on a bull".)

[NatGertler]

Okay, we've got quite a few professionals and semi-professionals in the comic book industry. Could we get a show of hands -- how many of you have ever been asked to sign a "standard" hold harmless release before? I don't claim to have memorized every piece of paper I've signed over the years for the dozens of publishers I've worked with, but I certainly don't recall signing any such thing.

[Gail Simone]

ANOTHER CLAIM BUSTED!

I just recieved an e-mail via Myspace by SHI creator Billy Tucci telling me to let everyone know HE IS NOT IN FACT, AND NEVER WAS A FRIEND OF RICK OLNEY.

In fact he says he never even spoke to him outside of one show about five or six years ago at the Pitt con and that was only to turn him down for an appearance at his convention.

He is in fact:

DONATING WORK TO THE UNSCREWED AUCTION.

Also he wants to clarify HE DOESN'T LIVE IN CALIFORNIA! lol. Apperently not a fan of the left coast. So everyone please remember Billy is not a Cali guy. ;)

So there you have it, another claim disproved by Rick Olney.

I will repost Billy's message to me when he gives me permission to. I would hate to copy and paste it without his okay.







Another Olney claim smashed to bits.

Damn. Well done.

I have to say, I always felt Billy was way, way too decent a guy to fall for Rick's bs.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I've never been asked to sign such a thing.

Tony

Me, either.


Gail

[Danny Donovan]

Another Olney claim smashed to bits.

Damn. Well done.

I have to say, I always felt Billy was way, way too decent a guy to fall for Rick's bs.

Gail

Thanks. :)

And Billy is a helluva guy.

You should all know he's rather annoyed that Rick inferred he was associated with MMC or any of his dealings.

And I've never heard of a "Hold harmless clause"

certainly not in my dealings.

[MacQuarrie]

Tell him that bounced checks will result in a substantial returned check fee. Say, 50%. Heck, offer to reduce your fee by 10% if he agrees to pay by money order or certified check. He isn't going to pay anyway.

As for the name of the business, can't he make it out to J. Taylor DBA Wet Inc. Studio?

Heck, it's not like he's going to pay. He can dance all he wants, but we know how the song ends.

In California, a bounced check can be charged triple damages.

[willtupper]

I just had to stop in here and say...

You know who I want to be now, when I grow up?

All of you.

Robin Gail (or rather, not "robbin'" Gail. Or anyone else, ever, anymore!) and her Merry (Wo)Men of YABS Forest. Taking down Dick Olney, a.k.a. Sheriff NOT-paying-ham!

Get your money. All of you. Get your money and Rick Olney will be a *shining* example of what makes the comic book industry great. Taking care of one another, and the desire to weed out all the stinky weeds in the big, fun backyard of comicbookdom :). You guys (and girls) RULE!

[CutterMike]

Also Jim, if you do get such a check. don't deposit it. Cash it out. Then deposit the cash. That way if the check is bad, the bank will persue him (and let me tell you they are MEAN about that.)

<snip>

Now I am not sure if it'll work for everyone. I have an awesome bank and the teller's like me so sometimes they do stuff that they shouldn't to help me out of a bind. :)

If your bank won't do that, and he DOES use a TLE company check (big "IF", I know) does you town have a branch of one of the commercial check-cashing companies in it? THEY have lawyers, and occasionally legbreakers, to collect monies owed them. (They generally won't cash a personal check, but a pre-printed "payroll" check shouldn't be a problem.)

...Just a thought...

[MacQuarrie]

If your bank won't do that, and he DOES use a TLE company check (big "IF", I know) does you town have a branch of one of the commercial check-cashing companies in it? THEY have lawyers, and occasionally legbreakers, to collect monies owed them. (They generally won't cash a personal check, but a pre-printed "payroll" check shouldn't be a problem.)

...Just a thought...

Those places charge a hefty fee, and they will usually call the bank to verify funds before they cash a check. Your best bet is to take the check to a branch of the bank it's drawn on and cash it. If they tell you there are insufficient funds or the account is closed or any other reason why the check can't be cashed, ask them to put it in writing.

Then go back to small claims court and sue for fraud, using the letter from the bank as evidence. In many states, passing a bad check is a criminal offense. If that's the case in your state, call the police and swear out a complaint.

When you go to court on the lawsuit, ask the judge for maximum punitive damages as allowed by your state. When you go to court on the criminal case, take a stack of printouts of Matt's evidence files as proof that it was wilful and deliberate fraud on Rick's part.

Nail him hard.

[Darediva]

I'm working up my certificate for the high bidder for a custom embroidery for my contribution to the auction. Here is the authentication seal:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6250/noscrewsjh6.png (http://imageshack.us)

Does that pass inspection?

[Danny Donovan]

I'm working up my certificate for the high bidder for a custom embroidery for my contribution to the auction. Here is the authentication seal:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6250/noscrewsjh6.png (http://imageshack.us)

Does that pass inspection?

Oooh that is awesome! Can we use that in other places? I'd love to shrink it down a bit and put it in a sig when I post on other MB's to go along with the unscrewed url. :)

[Darediva]

Be my guest. Least I could do to help the cause.

[G-Spot]

Just letting everyone know that I have won a lawsuit this morning that was filed against Rick Olney dba Tightlip Entertainment. Olney did not heed the court summons that was delivered to him by the Herkimer Sheriffs dept on January 11, 2007, resulting in a win today by default of his no-show in court......

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A BIG congrats on it! And kudos to Mark Waid as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LKet's keep the wheels of justice (not the van, mind you) rolling!

[MacQuarrie]

I like it a lot.

Can we also use it as an icon without the ribbon?

[JamesRitcheyIII]

Be my guest. Least I could do to help the cause.

That is freakin' RIGHTEOUS BAD-ASS!!!

:D

[Darediva]

I like it a lot.

Can we also use it as an icon without the ribbon?

Sure. Let me give you a link with one that has no ribbon. Be right back with it.

[MacQuarrie]

You rock.

Hey, we should work up some banner ads to promote the UNSCREWED site. Everybody can add them to their blogs or MySpace or whatever. This seal would make a great link button.

Anybody want to take a crack at some banners?

[Darediva]

I'll be your huckleberry. What do you want the banners to say?

No Screws logo:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9726/noscrewslogogd5.png (http://imageshack.us)

[G-Spot]

First of all, congratulations to all involved in the first of hopefully many judgements to be smote upon The Stinky One!



Hi, Glen, long time no read! I miss the old trivia games!

Ah, yes, it was back in '99 or '00 (or someyear around there) when the wife and I and faithful Siberian Husky Nadja made a leisurely and lovely RV trip from the cornfields of Indiana into the wilds of Pennsylvania, ending up at that year's PittCon. Guests such as Al Williamson, Denis Kitchen, Mike Kaluta, Evan Dorkin, and others were the lure for our attending, but another aspect was that Rick Olney, with whom I'd had a myriad of cyber-altercations at Comicon.com and had become intrigued as to just how nuts this putz was, had announced that there would be an O.R.C.A. panel at the convention. Color us there!

Despite a dearth of information available at their rarely-attended-to table (never saw Olney there on my few passes by) and, as I recall, no edification in the con program, I managed to locate the correct room as the previous panel was letting out. Oddly, as I wandered to the back of the room to get a much-needed glass of water, I realized that no one else was coming in. At the front of the room (one, by the way, about the size of a small classroom) stood, as I was soon to discover, Rick Olney, his sidekick Dennis Kiniger, and a few others in the O.R.C.A. "brain" trust. I sat about halfway back, not wanting to get too intimate (though still blissfully unaware of his hygenic issues), took a drink from my glass and wished it was Scotch.

The next twenty or thirty minutes were interminably boring, with Olney pontificating to me directly about the wonders of O.R.C.A., blah blah blah; no one else said a flippin' word. When he got to the part about signing up and contributions, I politely declined and got the hell out of there.

The rest of the con and our trip was great, and when I got home I wrote a long essay (much longer than this - you should be thanking me for sparing you that account) which I posted at Comicon.com's messageboards. There I found Olney attempting to spin the panel as a triumphant success. That hot-air balloon got burst damned quick.

Anyway, the observations by Scott Shaw and others regarding Olney's posting patterns are spot on. I don't believe he was drunk during this last meltdown, either...I've seen it played out on at least a dozen occasions. Every time it's been incredibly amusing to watch this pantload self-immolate. But even though it's not been very funny this time, there is the very gratifying possibility that this will be the last time.

Here's hoping.

Hey Buck!!!!!!!! It's always a pleasure reading your posts, no matter how long!

Yeah, I remember him tlaking up that panel, then you popping his balloon! That was a treat! I mean, I was a friend of his at that time, and even I didn't go to that thing. Kudos for you sitting thru it. And didn't he challenge you to a fight at Pitt once? I wonder if he'll show this year, and be waiting in the lot for anyone, after today?

Anywho...I'll probably be restarting the trivia contests late spring on Joe Quesada's board again, since the space is still mine. I hadn't much time for a bit to do it, but I've been getting a few requests here and there, so now that life is settling down, and I'm getting back into the swing of things on the comic business end, I think I'll take another stab at it.

Thanks for remembering, and hopefully our paths cross soon!

Oh...and beacuse of your talking about taking the RV to Pitt that year, since then we've always taken ours, instead of shelling out for rooms. I mean really, $15 (now) a night for electric hook-ups, instead of $100/night for a room?!?! That's a no-brainer! And we have the water tanks, shower, and kitchen. Now if only the weather would co-operate once so we could have the much-planned, oft canceled, parking lot cook-out party! :D

Take care Buck!!!

[Reverend Smooth]

What size banners?

[Darediva]

That was my next question, Rev!

[MacQuarrie]

What size banners?

I'd go with a few of the standard sizes: http://www.webpencil.com/bannersizes.htm

Copy: whatever comes to mind as long as it hits the theme and includes the unscrewedcomic.com url. No direct references to TightLip, Olney, Orca, etc. We're not even mentioning him by name in the press releases.

[MacQuarrie]

I'll be your huckleberry. What do you want the banners to say?

No Screws logo:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9726/noscrewslogogd5.png (http://imageshack.us)

Awesome. You do indeed rock.

[Danny Donovan]

It would be best to have different sized banners for different things.

A small message board appropriate banner like 680x480?

And perhaps a larger one for websites and site ad trade offs. I was thinking about making a personal contribution by buying a months advertisement on some heavy traffic web comic sites so I dunno maybe something slightly larger?

[Darediva]

I'd go with a few of the standard sizes: http://www.webpencil.com/bannersizes.htm

Copy: whatever comes to mind as long as it hits the theme and includes the unscrewedcomic.com url. No direct references to TightLip, Olney, Orca, etc. We're not even mentioning him by name in the press releases.

Thanks! Very helpful. And heavens no, I wouldn't give him the pleasure.

[MacQuarrie]

Here's one at 125 x 125. I think it would make a nice link button.

[Darediva]

Here's one at 125 x 125. I think it would make a nice link button.

Works for me. This may have to wait until the morning, but I'll be back on it. Unlike Danny, I have to sleep a little once in a while. ;)

[G-Spot]

Great idea for the banners!

I'll gladly post/link one on my Comics/My Space pages, as well as a few mess-boards I post to, as well as a sig-line.

[Hybrid2]

I think we should. :D Make it a mini version of the big acadian convention that happens up north. But it'll have to wait another year or two for me to go, I need a climate-controlled RV to travel, and inconveniently cannot go into any building because of chemicals.

But it would be a cool thing to organise for people of french-canadian descent in general. Yay ethnic pride. :3
It's ok. Not moving to the US means I never would have met my husband and wife. They're worth it.

Wonder if there's any con in Montreal...

husband and wife? :eek: :confused:

[Danny Donovan]

Works for me. This may have to wait until the morning, but I'll be back on it. Unlike Danny, I have to sleep a little once in a while. ;)

lol. "But Rachel.. I never sleep.." ;)

I never sleep much. I have too much to do. Best I get is a couple hours nap every now and then.

Wonder if there's any con in Montreal...

husband and wife? :eek: :confused:

She's a double dipper!

There's some of us out here without ONE signifigant other, and she's got two! no fair!

[Reverend Smooth]

I don't want one position, I want ALL POSITIONS.

[Danny Donovan]

I don't want one position, I want ALL POSITIONS.

Rock on Rev! ;)

Don't mind us bitter lonely folk. (and by that I speak only for myself. lol)

[Larime]

Rock on Rev! ;)

Don't mind us bitter lonely folk. (and by that I speak only for myself. lol)

As her husband, I can officially say you aren't missing much! :D

[Reverend Smooth]

As her husband, I can officially say you aren't missing much! :DShuddup! Get back to the kitchen and get me some pie!

[JamesRitcheyIII]

I think all us french-canadians (or decendants) should get together at a con.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. That is really shameful.

Makes me wanna listen to Leonard Cohen and read Jack Kerouac--both genetically linked to the Canadien French.

Wait--I'm doing that already!

[Reverend Smooth]

Edit: Eh, I tried.

[Danny Donovan]

Aww, it's annoying when all the regular people go to bed. lol.

Too damn quiet. :p

[Reverend Smooth]

Notseepies yet?

[Paul Smith]

I'll be your huckleberry. What do you want the banners to say?

No Screws logo:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9726/noscrewslogogd5.png (http://imageshack.us)

Holy @#$&*!

That rocks!

[Paul Smith]

Hope these might be useful. The original files are twice this size; you could reduce by 50% if you need to. I could probably add text or something alongside small versions for link stuff if you want.

I could prolly blow these up for print on tshirts if you went there. Or buttons/pins/whatever, or...

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdred.png http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewedsilver.png

If you use, credit me, of course.

Seriously beautiful but... those aren't screws, they're hex bolts.

[Reverend Smooth]

Seriously beautiful but... those aren't screws, they're hex bolts.
My reference came from pictures of steel screws, mans. I was, like, bolts are screws? (They have more visual impact.) T_T

Removed the images anyway. Can do another try tomorrow, I have the file saved in layers.

[JTPencils]

Jim,

You shoudl not have to sign ANYTHING least of all a Hold harmless agreement..that is just more posturing..it is meaningless..he owes you money for services rendered..plain and simple..it really is that easy. He is basically trying to get you to sign away your legal opportunity should his check bouce.

Thanks Neko. Nope, the only thing I"m going to sign is the check he say's he'll be paying by. I'm going to just cash it out, and that'll (hopefully) be the end of my dealings with Senor Stinky. Besides... if he pays me (which he WILL), why would he need any sort of release? What am I going to try to go back to him for after that? What further business would I WANT with him? Want me to back off and never hear from me again YOR... pay me, and I'll just walk away. End of story.

[JTPencils]

Those places charge a hefty fee, and they will usually call the bank to verify funds before they cash a check. Your best bet is to take the check to a branch of the bank it's drawn on and cash it. If they tell you there are insufficient funds or the account is closed or any other reason why the check can't be cashed, ask them to put it in writing.

Then go back to small claims court and sue for fraud, using the letter from the bank as evidence. In many states, passing a bad check is a criminal offense. If that's the case in your state, call the police and swear out a complaint.

When you go to court on the lawsuit, ask the judge for maximum punitive damages as allowed by your state. When you go to court on the criminal case, take a stack of printouts of Matt's evidence files as proof that it was wilful and deliberate fraud on Rick's part.

Nail him hard.

Mac, noted and quoted. Thanks much!

[Charles RB]

The only acceptable canadian culture to them was white anglo culture.

I don't blame them because wow, white French culture, that's just totally different to anglo culture. There's certainly no similarities caused from common history and geography and religion at all, or a language with many words similar to English, or the same principles of democracy and what the hell? MY BRAIN HURTS! :(

[Danny Donovan]

Notseepies yet?

lol. nope!

Well yeah, but I'm waiting on Tom & Sarah to sign off on the PR piece so I can start pimping it.

Plus I have a few projects I'm hammering on...

And I have to go to the bank this morning...

And I think I can fly around the planet backwards really fast and save JFK.. no wait, that was silly when superman did it..

:)

I never sleep much, like I said, a few hours here and there. Rest of the time it's doing 100 other things for people ^_^ and multi tasking...

Work, play with the CBR thread.. work, take on the world champion on my wwe game I rented. :p

^_^

[Reverend Smooth]

I don't blame them because wow, white French culture, that's just totally different to anglo culture. There's certainly no similarities caused from common history and geography and religion at all, or a language with many words similar to English, or the same principles of democracy and what the hell?
I know, I know. It seemed like most of them just wanted an excuse not to be bilingual because 'zomg french is soooo hard' etc.

(Though you know how it can get between catholics and protestants too, so.)

Re: High Octane Danny: VROOOOM.

[OzBat!]

HA! From Rick's MMC Guests page:The June 2007 guest roster for the Mighty MiniCon being held on the 23rd & 24th of June will be posted April 15th. No new guests will be added after that date. Thank you.Yes folks, you will have a massive 5 weeks, if the guest list interests you, to book hotels and arrange travel and all that crap!

Unbelievable. Especially from a guy who thinks that taking over a year to pay people for work rendered isn't long enough!

[JTPencils]

lol. nope!

Well yeah, but I'm waiting on Tom & Sarah to sign off on the PR piece so I can start pimping it.

Plus I have a few projects I'm hammering on...

And I have to go to the bank this morning...

And I think I can fly around the planet backwards really fast and save JFK.. no wait, that was silly when superman did it..

:)

I never sleep much, like I said, a few hours here and there. Rest of the time it's doing 100 other things for people ^_^ and multi tasking...

Work, play with the CBR thread.. work, take on the world champion on my wwe game I rented. :p

^_^

Danny, I'm going to assume that caffeine is your friend?

[Charles RB]

It seemed like most of them just wanted an excuse not to be bilingual because 'zomg french is soooo hard' etc.


Force them to live in Wales. Not only is everything written bilingual by law, the Welsh language vaguely resembles the alien languages from the Cthulhu Mythos.

[Danny Donovan]

I know, I know. It seemed like most of them just wanted an excuse not to be bilingual because 'zomg french is soooo hard' etc.

Re: High Octane Danny: VROOOOM.

lol. yes! VROOOOOM!

God bless caffine!

French is hard! All language is too hard! I've always said anything you need to say you can do it by grunting and pointing.

except on the intarwebz. I guess language comes in handy there.

DAMN LOGIC!

[JTPencils]

HA! From Rick's MMC Guests page:Yes folks, you will have a massive 5 weeks, if the guest list interests you, to book hotels and arrange travel and all that crap!

Unbelievable. Especially from a guy who thinks that taking over a year to pay people for work rendered isn't long enough!

That's ok Oz, if his rep spreads any further... his guest list is going to look like

"Come meet the guy that was standing next to the janitor that actually got to empty out the trash barrels of Jeff McQuick' class room... McQuick... the 12 year old genius penciller behind the much anticipated book "Girls aren't so icky"... Available soon from TLE!"

[Danny Donovan]

That's ok Oz, if his rep spreads any further... his guest list is going to look like

"Come meet the guy that was standing next to the janitor that actually got to empty out the trash barrels of Jeff McQuick' class room... McQuick... the 12 year old genius penciller behind the much anticipated book "Girls aren't so icky"... Available soon from TLE!"


Don't forget the flying sea mammals.

[AIPman1]

Here's one at 125 x 125. I think it would make a nice link button.

I saved that, I will run it on the Dimestore homepage in the Kick Start newsletters, linked to Unscrewed. Very cool. We need to get the Unscrewed site as much constant exposure as we can. Everyone should put up that logo as a link on their sites.

[Paul Smith]

My reference came from pictures of steel screws, mans. I was, like, bolts are screws? (They have more visual impact.) T_T

Removed the images anyway. Can do another try tomorrow, I have the file saved in layers.

Crap ... now I feel like a big meanie.

Technically, you're correct. It's the hex head that says, "bolt" to me. Change the six sided head to a round head or flat head with a single groove (from this angle a Phillips, Allen, Torx hole wouldn't show) Maybe taper the underside of the head.

Seriously though, it's beautiful.

[Danny Donovan]

Crap ... now I feel like a big meanie.

Technically, you're correct. It's the hex head that says, "bolt" to me. Change the six sided head to a round head or flat head with a single groove (from this angle a Phillips, Allen, Torx hole wouldn't show) Maybe taper the underside of the head.

Seriously though, it's beautiful.

*gasp* paul smith picks on women! :p

[Reverend Smooth]

Crap ... now I feel like a big meanie.

Technically, you're correct. It's the hex head that says, "bolt" to me. Change the six sided head to a round head or flat head with a single groove (from this angle a Phillips, Allen, Torx hole wouldn't show) Maybe taper the underside of the head.

Seriously though, it's beautiful.
I'll do it later today. z.z

[Reverend Smooth]

*gasp* paul smith picks on women! :pArtists gotta have thick skins, mans. I goseepies now.

[Danny Donovan]

Artists gotta have thick skins, mans. I goseepies now.

Yes but writers don't!

That's why I run to the shame closet at the drop of a hat! ;)

Sleep tight! :)

[Reverend Smooth]

<33333 You too, when you do.

[JTPencils]

Don't forget the flying sea mammals.

I thought those were the big raffle giveaways? All proceeds to be donated to Sea World of course.

[Paul Smith]

*gasp* paul smith picks on women! :p

Crap ... now I'm a pwned meanie.

Everybody hates me, nobody loves me, I'm gonna goget a pac lawyers and sue you're unchecked asre cover ... I'm a marine dammit.

[Gail Simone]

Crap ... now I feel like a big meanie.

Technically, you're correct. It's the hex head that says, "bolt" to me. Change the six sided head to a round head or flat head with a single groove (from this angle a Phillips, Allen, Torx hole wouldn't show) Maybe taper the underside of the head.

Seriously though, it's beautiful.

Who knew that genius artist Paul Smith could be so CRUEL and HEARTLESS?

That's it, I'm starting a new thread:

PAUL SMITH--HEARTLESS OR MEGA-GIGANTA HEARTLESS?

:)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Crap ... now I'm a pwned meanie.

Everybody hates me, nobody loves me, I'm gonna goget a pac lawyers and sue you're unchecked asre cover ... I'm a marine dammit.

Snort!

:)

Gail

[JTPencils]

Crap ... now I'm a pwned meanie.

Everybody hates me, nobody loves me, I'm gonna goget a pac lawyers and sue you're unchecked asre cover ... I'm a marine dammit.

Ok Paul, now that line is pure Olney. You've captured his wit, his pathos... or his pathetic if you prefer... and here I thought I had his style down. You've certainly overshadowed me sir!

[Paul Smith]

Who knew that genius artist Paul Smith could be so CRUEL and HEARTLESS?

That's it, I'm starting a new thread:

PAUL SMITH--HEARTLESS OR MEGA-GIGANTA HEARTLESS?

:)

Gail

And you have violated my super secret nda. Open the courtroom doors! I have CAUSE!

Oh, wait, nevermind, it's just gas.

[JTPencils]

Who knew that genius artist Paul Smith could be so CRUEL and HEARTLESS?

That's it, I'm starting a new thread:

PAUL SMITH--HEARTLESS OR MEGA-GIGANTA HEARTLESS?

:)

Gail

Personally Gail, I think you need a new thread

"RICK OLNEY -- BROKE OR MEGA-GIGANTA BROKE"

[Danny Donovan]

Crap ... now I'm a pwned meanie.

Everybody hates me, nobody loves me, I'm gonna goget a pac lawyers and sue you're unchecked asre cover ... I'm a marine dammit.

You liabled me!

Everyone sees it! I'm being attacked by a "professional" that's anything but! How dare he say words in the english language that may or may not have anything to do with me!

You're all witnesses!

Everyone knows I am an astute legal mind in the realm of civil law!

Also, I've challened six midgets to a knockdown drag out battle royale in a McDonald's parking lot. They're all conspiring against me too! Damn those little bastards!

I heard one talking about my lucky charms. THEY'RE HARASSING MY CEREAL! I MUST PROTECT MY HOME!

[Danny Donovan]

<33333 You too, when you do.

Thank you!

I bet anything I'll be in the middle of a sentence and then....

zzzzzzzzzz qwerty zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Dreadstar]

Also Jim, if you do get such a check. don't deposit it. Cash it out. Then deposit the cash. That way if the check is bad, the bank will persue him (and let me tell you they are MEAN about that.) I have done this on a number of occasions when I didn't trust that there would be the funds available from the check I was given, and not wanting to jepoardize my account anymore than my... um, giving nature already does.

Wise words. I've done this myself on occasion.

HOWEVER! In today's world, banks have been cutting back on their exposure to those situations. It might be tough to cash anywhere but at a branch of his bank, where they will know immediately whether or not it's rubber, or at *your* bank, who MAY use your account as a sort of lien against the funds.

[Darediva]

Holy @#$&*!

That rocks!

Thanks guys. Please feel free to use this however you might like.

Thought I'd get some sleep, but the tornadoes and hail are headed my way and I might have to duck and cover in the next hour or so.

~~~waves at Danny, fellow insomniac

[Dreadstar]

I'll be your huckleberry. What do you want the banners to say?

No Screws logo:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9726/noscrewslogogd5.png (http://imageshack.us)

Now all you need is one of those sweet Viking sewing machines with the PC software hooked up to your computer and you can embroider Polo shirts for everyone.

Hell, all you need is to find someone who HAS one. I'll bet you can get them for a fair price online.

[Darediva]

So happens that I have one of those nice Viking machines!;) Anybody game? I don't have the digitizing program, as all I do is free motion embroidery, but I might be able to get a friend to digitize it for me.

[Danny Donovan]

Thanks guys. Please feel free to use this however you might like.

Thought I'd get some sleep, but the tornadoes and hail are headed my way and I might have to duck and cover in the next hour or so.

~~~waves at Danny, fellow insomniac

*waves*

How can we sleep when there's so many interesting things going on? ^_^

[Darediva]

Now all you need is one of those sweet Viking sewing machines with the PC software hooked up to your computer and you can embroider Polo shirts for everyone.

Hell, all you need is to find someone who HAS one. I'll bet you can get them for a fair price online.

I'm sure you mean the shirts. Yeah, I have a good source for shirts, because I do brailled t-shirts as another sideline.

www.brailletshirts.com :cool:

[Dreadstar]

I'm sure you mean the shirts. Yeah, I have a good source for shirts, because I do brailled t-shirts as another sideline.

Yep. Keyboard engaged, mind still half a liter short of caffeine.

[Danny Donovan]

I'm getting around to hitting the usual suspects (and the not so usual ones) but I thought I'd post this here, if anyone wants to spread the word or just print it out and leave it with your LCS.

Mac gave me an official title! I'm important now! :)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --

Auctions to benefit exploited creators

UNSCREWED!, the organization created by comics creators, fans, and retailers to combat illegal and unethical practices by a would-be publisher, today announced a benefit auction to provide relief to the artists and writers exploited by that company. Since its inception in January, UNSCREWED! has grown quickly, amassing support from top name talents in the comic book industry, as well as many who are just begining their careers. Full reports of all Unscrewed! activities can be found at the website: http://www.unscrewedcomic.com (http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/)

The group was formed in early January of this year in response to the publisher's unethical business practices. After one writer's story was brought to light by an online journalist covering the comics business, several other creators came forward with shockingly similar stories of uncompensated work and threats of both physical violence and legal prosecution. UNSCREWED! grew out of a desire to assist the injured parties and to hold the publisher accountable.

While UNSCREWED! was forming, comics writer Mark Waid stepped forward to personally finance legal action against the publisher. Tom Stillwell, writer-publisher of Spinner Rack Comics' HONOR BRIGADE and comics fan Matt "Doc" Martin provided research and supporting evidence, with the result that two court judgments have recently been awarded to artists who filed suit.

With legal redress firmly underway, UNSCREWED! has turned its attention to the first of their relief efforts, the UNSCREWED! Auctions, with a starting line-up of 17 items available via eBay, including one-of-a-kind and rare items from the top names in comics. The first wave of auction items can be seen at http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21 (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21)

UNSCREWED! media representative Danny Donovan had this to say about the auctions taking place: "It is just amazing to see our community standing strong in the face of something like this. For the longest time we've been thought of as a closed off, insular industry, but with UNSCREWED! we're proving that we're a community. When one person is wronged by the actions of an unscrupulous individual and [that individual] is left unchecked, they are able to do it again to someone else. By taking a stand we place the power back into the hands of those who create."

The first series of UNSCREWED! Auctions includes original art by acclaimed cartoonist Scott Shaw! of his characters from Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew; individual headshots of Captain Carrot, Fastback, Little Cheese, Pig Iron, Rubber Duck, Yankee Poodle, American Eagle, and Alley-Kat-Abra. At the New York Comic-Con last weekend, DC Comics announced a new three-issue miniseries, CAPTAIN CARROT: THE FINAL ARC, to be drawn by Shaw! from a script by Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison. Donovan explains, "before DC releases their brand new epic mini series, you can own a piece of history, drawn and signed by the artist, Scott Shaw! And if that’s not enough you can also own a piece of PRE-history," referring to a headshot of beloved animated icon Fred Flintstone, a character that has been a major part of Shaw's career over the last three decades. Starting bids for each portrait are set at $25.

Famed writer Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans; Crisis of the Infinite Earths; creator of Blade) has contributed autographed full comic scripts from his current series, NIGHTWING, issues #125-127, along with the published corresponding issues (with art by Dan Jurgens) also signed by Wolfman. Bidding on this one of a kind piece of comic book memorabilia begins at $20.

A page of original art from Tom Bedland’s popular and critically acclaimed, award winning comic, “TRUE STORY, SWEAR TO GOD” has been donated by the author. This piece is from the original self published version of the currently being published by IMAGE COMICS. Complete with autograph by prolific artist/writer Tom Beland, the bidding on this stunning piece of art begins at $200.

Kurt Busiek has donated an extremely rare deluxe hardcover edition of his award-winning series MARVELS, which launched artist Alex Ross to super-stardom. It is an artist’s proof and not available anywhere else but UNSCREWED! Signed by both Busiek and Ross, the book features a second autograph by Busiek with a special message for UNSCREWED! Bidding starts at $80.

Busiek has also donated what Donovan describes as "a must have for any fan of super-heroes," a very rare boxed two-volume hardcover edition of the JLA/AVENGERS crossover. Volume One contains the complete mini-series with introductions by Stan Lee and the late Julie Schwartz, along with character and creator biographies, while Volume Two is a compendium featuring George Pérez's 21 pages pf pencils from the aborted 1983 crossover; the initial plot for the current mini-series and every character, place, and incident used in the mini-series carefully annotated by Pérez and Busiek. As with the MARVELS auction, this item comes signed by writer Kurt Busiek along with a very special message to the supporters of UNSCREWED! Bidding begins at $85.

Artist Jamal Igle, of FIRESTORM and NEW WARRIORS fame, has donated a signed piece of original art from MARVEL ADVENTURES: SPIDER-MAN #14. Fully penciled and inked, Bidding starts at: $50. "This piece is a must have for webheads, and a great way to kick off the countdown to Spider-man 3!" remarks Donovan.

As new items are added to the auction list, notices will be sent to the media and posted on the UNSCREWED! website.

In addition to the auctions, UNSCREWED! has begun a second relief effort, the Unscrewed! Anthology, with stories and art from some of the best and brightest artists and writers in the field. Legendary X-MEN artist PAUL SMITH contributes a special two page story which joins a host of stories collected in one volume, with proceeds going to help creators in need.

For the full story and mission statement of UNSCREWED! please visit their website at http://www.unscrewedcomic.com. (http://www.unscrewedcomic.com./) The website will be bringing webcomics online in the coming weeks. Parties interested in contributing work to the site please visit the UNSCREWED! website for submission guidelines.

Donovan closes out with these remarks: "As always I want to thank our gracious contributors and supporters in this important movement. The outpouring of submissions, one-of-a-kind items, and overall support is very much appreciated. Fan, Creator, Retailer alike, we thank you for that."

[Cam63]

So its true! This "Gail" person has been lying to us about her name all this time!?! How dare she keep her real name from the scrutiny of the public eye and prance about with some smart-sounding pseudonym? The utter gall of the woman! If she's even really a woman...

Sheesh. Forget the guy's business practices, I'm disappointed in him just on the strength of his arguments.

A five year old could whip him at Scrabble, so don't be too disappointed.

[Cam63]

Just letting everyone know that I have won a lawsuit this morning that was filed against Rick Olney dba Tightlip Entertainment. Olney did not heed the court summons that was delivered to him by the Herkimer Sheriffs dept on January 11, 2007, resulting in a win today by default of his no-show in court.

For those unaware of my case, I sued Rick for 2 unpaid invoices totaling over $2,400.00. Rick acknowledged and then attempted to avoid responsibility to these debts. I made every attempt to settle the matter with him outside of court, to no avail. He paid my efforts with insults, public defamation of character, lies, accusations and threats.

I won't be publicly responding here about this, beyond this post. The reason for this is that I have already invested quite a few hours over the last several months in dealing with him via email, and monitoring his online activity in this and other forums. The stress this has caused me and my family cannot be understated. I simply want to move forward at this point and pursue collecting the debt now that the trial is over.

Filing a lawsuit in small claims court is easy. For those who are in a similar situation, but hesitate to take action, just call your local county clerks office and ask for the forms needed to file a small claims lawsuit. Some places even have online forms. You won't need legal representation. The filing fee was $155.00 in my case, but it will likely vary state by state, and according to the amount you are suing for. In the state of Florida, I was able to file the lawsuit here, because this is the state where the services were rendered. I then had the Herkimer County Sheriffs office deliver the summons to Olney, which cost $25.00.

The only challenging aspect of this was in preparing evidence for the judge. I had several months worth of evidence, in the form of emails which had to be organized and printed out, (and the work itself, in the form of original art and digital files) and then quite a lot of work was involved in preparing my case. I also had to print out and organize all of the original art created for Olney, along with printed copies of the site design and associated graphics.

Without Mark Waid's generosity, it would have likely taken me far longer to actually file the lawsuit. Although I had my paperwork ready, I was still scrambling to make up for the loss of income, and each time I was sure I was ready to file, some bill would take precedence. I am a full-time freelancer, so when a client doesn't pay for a big project, I'm suddenly in a lot of trouble, because I had to turn down other paying work in order to meet his deadlines.

If you were Olney'd, and have more questions about the filing process, please PM me. I'm happy to help out however I can.

Lastly, thanks to Matt Martin and Papergirl, for driving up to show their support this morning.

*Wipes away a tear*

That's beautiful, mate.

[NatGertler]

husband and wife?Remember, the plural of "spouse" is "spice".

[KevinTBrown]

Remember, the plural of "spouse" is "spice".

Yep.

And I'm quite envious of Rev in having it work for her...

[NatGertler]

Yes folks, you will have a massive 5 weeks, if the guest list interests you, to book hotels and arrange travel and all that crap!Ummm, you may want to check your calendar again; you seem to be missing a month. (Or has Australia switched to the decimal calendar?)

[Charles RB]

Remember, the plural of "spouse" is "spice".

I thought it was speece.

As her husband, I can officially say you aren't missing much! :D

Well, you would say that so we don't envy you.

It's not working.

[singoalla]

Re: Auction

Before I place a bid on anything: Will you ship outside the US? Will you accept payment any other way than paypal? For example, the CBLDF let's their buyers pay by going to the donate page and leaving a donation of the price on the item you buy. Money orders? Bank checks? VISA?

[SteveForbes]

You know what? Since he's apologized left, right, up and down for the whole incident, why not we just leave it out?

Which brings me to another point: the "truth in wine" discussion.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions. Period. We all of us inhibit things that are no longer part of "who we are" as adults. Things that may have been grilled into us as children, but which as adults we've chosen to reject. Is there anyone here who isn't aware that if they got totally drunk, and then were provoked (by whatever circumstance, right or wrong), they too could spew out some surprisingly awful stuff? Stuff they would never say when sober.

Being drunk doesn't always show people as they "really are". Sometimes all it shows is how they "really could be".

Me, I think it's a stupid activity, getting drunk. But then I grew up Methodist (abstaining) in a family with a history of diabetes. Not much drinking at all.

That said, Olney drunk (I'm accepting that he was drunk, although his level of control is certainly debatable) is a mean, nasty, foul pig. Of the worst sort.


I've been drunk. HORRIBLY drunk. So drunk that I don't remember my ex-wife driving us home. (she wasn't drunk, because she was pregnant at the time.)

When I drink, I think that damn near everything is funny. I find everything amusing, anyway, but when I drink, things become FUNNY. So I'm always laughing. (You guessed it! I have a humorous disposition.)

I also like the wimmins. I love to flirt, and can find something beautiful (or at least nice) about almost any woman. There are few women that are just so scary that even the dark isn't dark enough.

I also retain enough control (you guessed it! I'm a self-control freak!) to NOT say any and every little thing that pops into my mind. Doing that around women who aren't drunk would get me slapped, and doing it around men would get me funny looks.

I don't drink to loose control. I barely drink as it is. However, I do drink to loosen up a bit, and for the most part, I do it in the safety of my own home. When I go out to drink, I have my wife come pick me up so I don't drive.

I have only driven drunk ONCE, and it scared the crap outta me. Reaction times were slow, and an accident could have easily happened. I drove pretty slowly, and got to my destination in one peice. I vowed from that day forward that I would never do that again, and I haven't. That is truly one of the most dangerous things I've ever done.

So, what am I saying?

Everyone's not like me, I know. However, I do my best to maintain both my control and a modicum of decency when I drink. I don't say off the wall crap. Basically, except for having the courage to flirt a little more (Ronee, where you at, girl?), I don't change that much. Oh, and I laugh. Don't forget the laughing.

-(doing his best to be responsible) llama

[Danny Donovan]

Message from Billy Tucci on the Rick thing. Please remember, Billy approached me about this. I didn't go asking questions or anything.

Just so no one from the peanut gallery could say I e-mailed him and said anything and took his words out of context. Billy e-mailed me first, and these are his exact words:


Hi Danny,
Beau Smith, Chuck and Gail brought the Rick Olney crap to my attention. I did a search on mine and his names and this thread came up:

http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:1NdcYM2HoQsJ:forums.comicbookresour ces.com/showthread.php%3Fp%3D4442165+rick+olney,+tucci&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=safari

I know it's long but I want you to know that I don't know Rick outside of meeting him once at the Pittsburgh Comic Con 5 years ago or so. He had asked me to do his show but I couldn't.

I hope folks out there aren't thinking I'm in on this as Rick and I aren't friends and we've only met once or maybe twice to my recolection. From what I hear it's a real shitty situation and I don't like to see anyone get screwed. I'm actually going to put something into the auction to help those who've gottten screwed some help. Anyway, please let me know if folks out there think I'm associated with this in anyway. I'd like to clear the air. I also don't live in California -- I fucking hate those people there!
All the best and I appreicate your help,
Billy


I wrote him a nice e-mail back thanking him for the kind words and letting him know how much I enjoy his work and how greatful we are to have something of his in the auction. I mention some of the posts from prior to the drunken meltdown...

Remember when Rick said he expected to have Billy Tucci at his next con? (I forget if he said '07 or '08...

well...

Anyway, if you can just let everyone know that Rick and I are just passing aquaintences at past cons that would be great. I'm doing the auction so that will hopefully let everyone know where I stand. As for his show, I never did one and hadn't heard that I was doing 2007, but again, it looks like he doesn't even have a venue for it. Man, that's weird ain't it? Anyway, I'm off to Greece for a con and a little vacation and will return next weekend. I hope you have a great week and I'll speak to you soon. Again, thanks for your time and help here!
Billy


Bugger's off to greece for a week! Oh the life of a successful comics professional. Something that a certain sea mammal will know nothing about.

Safe journey Billy! Look forward to hearing from you when you get back.

:)

So there you have it. Completely, totally, deflated.

[Danny Donovan]

Re: Auction

Before I place a bid on anything: Will you ship outside the US? Will you accept payment any other way than paypal? For example, the CBLDF let's their buyers pay by going to the donate page and leaving a donation of the price on the item you buy. Money orders? Bank checks? VISA?

I'm sure Bev would have a better answer so please wait for her to get up/in/online. ;) (at this point in my semi concious state I don't even know what bloody time it is) but as far as I know we have credit card capabilties via pay pal. So VISA would work.

Tom is the man mailing them out so he'll have to let you know. I don't think he'd care as long as you were willing to pay whatever extra it costs to get it across the pond to you, but I'll let him speak for himself! ^_^;

Forgive me I'm excitable. This is FUN!

[SteveForbes]

Shuddup! Get back to the kitchen and get me some pie!

ROFL (visions of Cartman dancing in my head. Thanks!)

Call me crazy, but I think I can handle two wives.

I just have to find another woman who's similar to my present wife. Who knows- maybe in a couple of years.

-(he really IS crazy) llama

[DocAbsurd]

Diva, do you have an image of just that screw alone?

Reason I'm asking is because MacQ came up with a great design for our title, and the only change I recommended was adding a screw in place of the '!' in 'UNSCREWED!' That screw would be exactly the image I was looking for.

Lance has mentioned several times about making magnets for various things. That ribbon'd be absolutely beautiful as a magnet.

Do me a solid, Diva, and post that image over the UNSCREWED! site. I wanna get a discussion going on that.




Doc 'Threaded' Absurd

[SteveForbes]

And you have violated my super secret nda. Open the courtroom doors! I have CAUSE!

Oh, wait, nevermind, it's just gas.

ROFLMAO

-(needs an oxygen tube) llama

[SteveForbes]

Put that screw on a shirt, and I'll wear it.

Right now, Paper Dragonz has plans on going to the SDCC. We're just waiting to see if we can get a table. (Waiting lists suck.) If we go, then I'll be wearing the shirt on one of the days.

If we don't go, then I'll go as an individual and wear the shirt.

Make the shirt, and I'll wear the shirt.

-(even) llama ('s need t-shirts)

[Danny Donovan]

Put that screw on a shirt, and I'll wear it.

Right now, Paper Dragonz has plans on going to the SDCC. We're just waiting to see if we can get a table. (Waiting lists suck.) If we go, then I'll be wearing the shirt on one of the days.

If we don't go, then I'll go as an individual and wear the shirt.

Make the shirt, and I'll wear the shirt.

-(even) llama ('s need t-shirts)

I was playing around with making buttons! :)

I'll see if I can throw together a nice looking shirt for you see what you think.

Any color preference? :p

[Matt Doc Martin]

GOOOOOOODDDDDD morning everybody!

So, how can I help tweak Rick today?

And nice job proving ANOTHER one of RICK OLNEY'S LIES!



Remember, kids: If you lie, that makes you a liar.

Thus, RICK OLNEY IS A LIAR!

[JTPencils]

YOR was up early today I guess....

Here's his latest attempt at intimidation.

He goes back and forth between my last email and his own... I won't edit though, so you can try to understand his "thought" process...

He states.


" Mr Olney,

It is not a matter of "should I be paid". The work was accepted, it will be paid for. No "should" about it.


Mr. Taylor,
Your contarct outlined specific requirements, which you seem to have forgotten.

I will at this time, accept a company check. I will forewarn you that if there is any problems cashing said company check, there will be further litigation.


I'll accept that you are wary, although you have no need to be. I would, however caution you fro making public statements against my company and leading in support of your negative actions regarding defamation. Again, it is my opinion that you really should speak with an attorney and show said attorney copies of your contract and non-disclosure agreement. Both are dated with specific understandings.

Whereas, myself, Jim Taylor (sole proprietor and participant of Wet Inc Studios) was the person who produced the work for TightLip Entertainment, it's not a matter of a "studio vs individual" being recognized for payment. You hired Jim Taylor, on that point I agree. That I am now billing you under the umbrella of a Wet Inc Studio banner/logo is a non issue.


I am not involved with any connection to "Wet Inc Studios" , as I never had a contract with Said entity. I have no idea if Said company is legal, nor do I have Said compny's tax EIC number. No such umbrella exists, and again I advise you to seek the opinion of an attorney.

In regards to your requirement of a "hold harmless statement". I do not need to sign anything more, whereas you are required to pay for materials produced. Harm has already been inflicted by your woefully slow response in meeting your obligations to pay. There is nothing more I am required to sign other then the company check you stated you would pay me with.

J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio


You're not getting paid without a signed hold harmless statement.. This document will be coming to you directly from my attorney, where after he's gotten it back, you'll get your check released. You were always aware and in full agreement of the conditions to your work-for-hire arrangement with my company. Your pencil work was slow and not representative of needing the assistance your friend, Jeff.

The real legal activities have not begun as yet, Mr. Taylor. Small Claims Court 'wins' are overturnable simply because certain steps are not taken by amateur attempts to present one side of a case action. It is the lowest rung on the legal determination ladder. Await the letter of release and handle it as you see fit. No further communication with me is necessary. Thank you. "

I am going to respond later, when I have time to craft a letter of reply that makes sense. Not that it matters. His grasp of English, both written and spoken, is probably just as bad as each other.

[TomStillwell]

Re: Auction

Before I place a bid on anything: Will you ship outside the US? Will you accept payment any other way than paypal? For example, the CBLDF let's their buyers pay by going to the donate page and leaving a donation of the price on the item you buy. Money orders? Bank checks? VISA?

The auction is set up to take money orders and cashier's checks as well as paypal. I'm pretty sure paypal allows people with credit cards to use their service without having an account.

Yep, I'll ship outside the US.

[Guapo Méndez]

The real legal activities have not begun as yet, Mr. Taylor. Small Claims Court 'wins' are overturnable simply because certain steps are not taken by amateur attempts to present one side of a case action. It is the lowest rung on the legal determination ladder. Await the letter of release and handle it as you see fit. No further communication with me is necessary. Thank you. "



His utter contempt for the Small Claims court should be shared with his next Small Claims judge.

"Mr. Olney, is this your opinion?"

If he shows up, that is.

[Charles RB]

I am not involved with any connection to "Wet Inc Studios" , as I never had a contract with Said entity. I have no idea if Said company is legal, nor do I have Said compny's tax EIC number.

But... you are the company because you're self-bloody-employed, why doesn't he just send you a cheque made payable to you if this bothers him? It's a really lame stalling tactic he's using here.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Well, if Rick OLney, proven liar, sends you a hold harmless FROM HIS ATTORNEY, maybe teh return address will give some clue to his/her identity.

Nah...that won't happen.

We all know he is talking out his ass.

Ignore him on the hold harmless. If he sends it, keep it. But the only thing for you to sign is the back of a check/money order. He now has less than two weeks to remit to you. Hold him to that date, then begin legal action. We all know that it doesn't take as long to begin, have, and end unlike what Rick claims he is doing.

Scott gave him plenty of time to pay, Rick ignored and or threatened him, now Rick lost a HUGE judgment and has to pay everything PLUS interest.

If he avoids paying you, he is in for the same thing.

DO NOT sign ANYTHING he asks you to until you have CASHED a check and collected the money (THEN deposit it), and then, only sign it if you feel like it.

My suggestion? Make copies of it on real soft tissue paper and use it to wipe your ass. Because that is exactly what it is worth.

[Matt Doc Martin]

His utter contempt for the Small Claims court should be shared with his next Small Claims judge.

"Mr. Olney, is this your opinion?"

If he shows up, that is.

I actually brought printouts of said "respect" that Olney has with me to Scott's trial. And if things had NOT gone as well as they did (read; RICK LOSES, BABY!) that would have been mentioned in an attempt to get him held in contempt by me. As it turns out, Scott got everything he wanted and then some, so it was not needed. The posts are here and available for anyone (JT) to use, or I will send copies. And if I go to another trial, I will bring them, his threats, any additional rantings of his that are relevant....and a Happy Meal.

I love the court system and how OPEN it is to the public.

[Danny Donovan]

YOR was up early today I guess....

Here's his latest attempt at intimidation.

He goes back and forth between my last email and his own... I won't edit though, so you can try to understand his "thought" process...

He states.


" Mr Olney,

It is not a matter of "should I be paid". The work was accepted, it will be paid for. No "should" about it.


Mr. Taylor,
Your contarct outlined specific requirements, which you seem to have forgotten.

I will at this time, accept a company check. I will forewarn you that if there is any problems cashing said company check, there will be further litigation.


I'll accept that you are wary, although you have no need to be. I would, however caution you fro making public statements against my company and leading in support of your negative actions regarding defamation. Again, it is my opinion that you really should speak with an attorney and show said attorney copies of your contract and non-disclosure agreement. Both are dated with specific understandings.

Whereas, myself, Jim Taylor (sole proprietor and participant of Wet Inc Studios) was the person who produced the work for TightLip Entertainment, it's not a matter of a "studio vs individual" being recognized for payment. You hired Jim Taylor, on that point I agree. That I am now billing you under the umbrella of a Wet Inc Studio banner/logo is a non issue.


I am not involved with any connection to "Wet Inc Studios" , as I never had a contract with Said entity. I have no idea if Said company is legal, nor do I have Said compny's tax EIC number. No such umbrella exists, and again I advise you to seek the opinion of an attorney.

In regards to your requirement of a "hold harmless statement". I do not need to sign anything more, whereas you are required to pay for materials produced. Harm has already been inflicted by your woefully slow response in meeting your obligations to pay. There is nothing more I am required to sign other then the company check you stated you would pay me with.

J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio


You're not getting paid without a signed hold harmless statement.. This document will be coming to you directly from my attorney, where after he's gotten it back, you'll get your check released. You were always aware and in full agreement of the conditions to your work-for-hire arrangement with my company. Your pencil work was slow and not representative of needing the assistance your friend, Jeff.

The real legal activities have not begun as yet, Mr. Taylor. Small Claims Court 'wins' are overturnable simply because certain steps are not taken by amateur attempts to present one side of a case action. It is the lowest rung on the legal determination ladder. Await the letter of release and handle it as you see fit. No further communication with me is necessary. Thank you. "

I am going to respond later, when I have time to craft a letter of reply that makes sense. Not that it matters. His grasp of English, both written and spoken, is probably just as bad as each other.

I call bullshit on 90% of that.

Except where he calls you Mr. Taylor because that is your name. Everything else is pure crap.

The bit where he's not sure how "legal" YOUR studio is? that's a riot. For one, if he DID file EIC then dear sweet jesus, he'd have even more problems on his hands. I mean is he claiming employees on his taxes? And if so, claiming for funds paid to employees and not paying employees is tax fraud.

Again that's just me following the logic ball to it's conclusion. The hold harmless thing is just another dodge.

At this point, what in gods name could ANYONE say about him that he hasn't cemented WITH HIS OWN ACTIONS?

While I credit him with actually speaking with a civil tone. His grasp on business is lacking.

[Karl J. Barnes]

YOR was up early today I guess....

Here's his latest attempt at intimidation.

He goes back and forth between my last email and his own... I won't edit though, so you can try to understand his "thought" process...

He states.


" Mr Olney,

It is not a matter of "should I be paid". The work was accepted, it will be paid for. No "should" about it.


Mr. Taylor,
Your contarct outlined specific requirements, which you seem to have forgotten.

I will at this time, accept a company check. I will forewarn you that if there is any problems cashing said company check, there will be further litigation.


I'll accept that you are wary, although you have no need to be. I would, however caution you fro making public statements against my company and leading in support of your negative actions regarding defamation. Again, it is my opinion that you really should speak with an attorney and show said attorney copies of your contract and non-disclosure agreement. Both are dated with specific understandings.

Whereas, myself, Jim Taylor (sole proprietor and participant of Wet Inc Studios) was the person who produced the work for TightLip Entertainment, it's not a matter of a "studio vs individual" being recognized for payment. You hired Jim Taylor, on that point I agree. That I am now billing you under the umbrella of a Wet Inc Studio banner/logo is a non issue.


I am not involved with any connection to "Wet Inc Studios" , as I never had a contract with Said entity. I have no idea if Said company is legal, nor do I have Said compny's tax EIC number. No such umbrella exists, and again I advise you to seek the opinion of an attorney.

In regards to your requirement of a "hold harmless statement". I do not need to sign anything more, whereas you are required to pay for materials produced. Harm has already been inflicted by your woefully slow response in meeting your obligations to pay. There is nothing more I am required to sign other then the company check you stated you would pay me with.

J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio


You're not getting paid without a signed hold harmless statement.. This document will be coming to you directly from my attorney, where after he's gotten it back, you'll get your check released. You were always aware and in full agreement of the conditions to your work-for-hire arrangement with my company. Your pencil work was slow and not representative of needing the assistance your friend, Jeff.

The real legal activities have not begun as yet, Mr. Taylor. Small Claims Court 'wins' are overturnable simply because certain steps are not taken by amateur attempts to present one side of a case action. It is the lowest rung on the legal determination ladder. Await the letter of release and handle it as you see fit. No further communication with me is necessary. Thank you. "

I am going to respond later, when I have time to craft a letter of reply that makes sense. Not that it matters. His grasp of English, both written and spoken, is probably just as bad as each other.

This is beyond denial to..well,I'm not sure where. Looks like some more teeth pulling is in order for Mr. Olney to get him to pay up. Too bad this thread couldn't have come out early,like when this big mess started, maybe things could have been settled then. RO is busy digging his hole that I'm surprised that his new residence isn't somewhere outside of Peking.

[JTPencils]

But... you are the company because you're self-bloody-employed, why doesn't he just send you a cheque made payable to you if this bothers him? It's a really lame stalling tactic he's using here.

One of many lame stalling tactics Charles... believe me.

Guapo... yes, I'm sure any judge would like to know of YOR's contempt for them being the "lowest rung" of the judicial ladder. As for "one side of a case action", hah! He had the opportunity to show up and present his side. He opted not to. Instead, he chose to remain cowering (and no doubt sweating profusely) up in his hovel in Mohawk, and let the chips fly where they may. Not showing up is a loss by default, yes... but a loss none the less. By not showing, you're basically saying (in abstentia) "the plantiff's right, and I don't have a leg to stand on, so I'm not even going to show up"... So that's the end of that. Oh he can appeal, but that's not easy to do. Most small claim's decisions are pretty solid. He can whine all he wants. Hmmmmmm... I won't get paid unless I sign a (useless and unnecessary hold harmless) eh? States that right out... to me, that's thinly veiled blackmail. "I owe you, I know I owe you, but unless you sign this needless paper, I'm not paying you..." Good move YOR. Just made this whole case SO much easier.

Again, I'm waiting until later to respond back to him, but he's no doubt here reading anyhow. (That's right YOR, I posted your email to me... I'm covering my tracks here).

Everyone wave to the peanut.

[DaveRothe]

From the Desk of Banner & Hulk Associates

Dear Mr. Reck Oweme,
We have recently tried to collect owed monies from you for services rendered by our client, Dave Rothe, for a logo he produced for you. You have not tried to resolve this in a timely manner and THAT MAKE HULK ANGRY!!! HULK NO LIKE WHEN YOU TRY TO CHEAT FRIEND! So if you'd kindly remit a payment then we can put this matter completely behind us. HULK NO LIKE WHEN PUNY MAN TRY TO CHEAT HIM! YOU SEND HULK MAGIC PAPER TO GET SHINY COINS TO PLAY WITH! IF NOT TRY TO MAKE GOOD, HULK BRING BEFORE TINY ROBED MAN WITH WOODEN GAVEL AND BIG DESK. HULK AM SENDING CRAYON TO SIGN MAGIC PAPER TO GET SHINY COINS. HULK BE WAITING. Please make no further attempts to provoke or anger us or I will have no choice but to turn this case over to my associate Mr Hulk. Please don't make him angry. You might not like him when he's angry.

Sincerely,
David B. Banner

Reply from Mr. Oweme

Deer Mishter Banner,
I and my kumpany WhiteLip Entertanemunt only hired the services of Mr. Rothe's drawing hand. I em knot going to pay the rest of his body funds for "supposed" works kumpleted by just his hand. Whitelip Entertanemunt will issue no Chex or Party mix until you have kindly signed the release form for said lo-... lo... uh, that big name thingy on the comic cover. I prefer to just deal with the direct parties involved.
Sinnceeeerlee, Hic!
Reck Oweme
Whitelip Ent.
Reply from Banner & Hulk Associates

Dear Mr. Oweme,
Said letter about dealing with just Mr Rothe's hand is utterly preposterous. HULK TAKE OVER HERE AND SAY "TALK TO DAVE'S HAND CAUSE HIS EARS AIN'T LISTENING! RAAAAR!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

All of the above events and names and characters in the above posting is purely fictitious. Any similarities between the names of persons living or dead is purely coincidental. In other words this is all strictly for comedic purposes.

[JTPencils]

I call bullshit on 90% of that.


More like 97%... but who's counting?

When I send my response later, be assured, I'll post it here as well. I appreciate you all being patient with me (by posting these). And your excellent suggestions of what step to take next.

13 Days and counting YOR. Send the check. If it takes going to court, I'm going to ask for cash or a money order. And I'd be well within my rights to do so.

[NatGertler]

You're not getting paid without a signed hold harmless statement.. Well, you've done the work and signed the contracts required to be paid. Tell him you're willing to do the work of signing a "hold harmless" statement... for a fee of $10,000, payable in advance, no corporate or personal checks accepted.

But it's good to have on record his statement that he does not intend to pay you.

[SteveForbes]

I was playing around with making buttons! :)

I'll see if I can throw together a nice looking shirt for you see what you think.

Any color preference? :p

Let's go with the basic white shirt, so that everything else pops out.

-(white is the new black) llama

[KevinTBrown]

The auction is set up to take money orders and cashier's checks as well as paypal. I'm pretty sure paypal allows people with credit cards to use their service without having an account.

Yep, I'll ship outside the US.

If I win, I'll just walk over and pick it up from you. :D Save the shipping charge then....

[Danny Donovan]

I'll try to put something together. I actually have an idea that might look pretty cool.

[Dreadstar]

JT, I *do* have one thing that I agree with Big Pussy on:

If he indeed sends you a hold harmless of some sort, *do* seek an attorney. I seriously get a scam vibe from it. It's a catch-22 thing. "I'm not going to pay you unless you sign this saying that you're not going to sue me. Then after you sign it, I don't have to pay you, because I needn't fear a lawsuit." You may well be able to get an attorney to adjust the wording so that you're protected.

Personally, I'd just wait for the time limit to expire and sue him in small claims. You are under no obligations to sign anything as it's my opinion that the validity of the first contract is not dependant upon it.

So, what I'm getting from this is that he's going to refuse to pay the cases won in small claims, and force the claimant to go to a collection agency.

If this is the case, be sure that the collection agency you use files full reports to the credit beureau, and make sure that both his and his wife's names are on the findings.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Yeah, I'd definitely not sign that "hold harmles" stuff. It wasn't a condition of the original work agreement, so he can't legally require it now.

Legal question - If a person refuses to pay damages assigned in small claims, does that person by not paying open him/herself up to contempt of court charges?

[Matt Doc Martin]

I actually brought printouts of said "respect" that Olney has with me to Scott's trial. And if things had NOT gone as well as they did (read; RICK LOSES, BABY!) that would have been mentioned in an attempt to get him held in contempt by me. As it turns out, Scott got everything he wanted and then some, so it was not needed. The posts are here and available for anyone (JT) to use, or I will send copies. And if I go to another trial, I will bring them, his threats, any additional rantings of his that are relevant....and a Happy Meal.

I love the court system and how OPEN it is to the public.

To add:

Another great quote to use is how he gleefully disregarded a jury summons, because "what business does the government have in telling him to serve?"

[MacQuarrie]

Now all you need is one of those sweet Viking sewing machines with the PC software hooked up to your computer and you can embroider Polo shirts for everyone.

Hell, all you need is to find someone who HAS one. I'll bet you can get them for a fair price online.

My uncle has one. He peddles clothing at Irish fairs on the east coast. Hmmm....

[MacQuarrie]

So happens that I have one of those nice Viking machines!;) Anybody game? I don't have the digitizing program, as all I do is free motion embroidery, but I might be able to get a friend to digitize it for me.

Don't they read vector files, like EPS or Adobe Illustrator?

[neko onna]

Yeah, I'd definitely not sign that "hold harmles" stuff. It wasn't a condition of the original work agreement, so he can't legally require it now.

Legal question - If a person refuses to pay damages assigned in small claims, does that person by not paying open him/herself up to contempt of court charges?

I think if it keep adding up with each court victory..eventually he could be facing jail time for not paying..especially if he is guilty of tax fraud on top of everything else.

[Danny Donovan]

I believe the exact quote was:

"I got a jury duty notice in the mail today, you know what I did with it? I balled it up and threw it right in the trash can!"

There might have been a few expliteves I missed. But that was basically it.

it's funny, he only seems to have any respect for the legal system when it suits him.

much like his ability to answer questions. It's fine if it's about "all the fun you can have at the MMC" or "flying aquatic creatures"

But if you ask anything pertinent, you're a stalker, plebe, or troll.

[Matt Doc Martin]

I believe the exact quote was:

"I got a jury duty notice in the mail today, you know what I did with it? I balled it up and threw it right in the trash can!"

There might have been a few expliteves I missed. But that was basically it.

it's funny, he only seems to have any respect for the legal system when it suits him.

much like his ability to answer questions. It's fine if it's about "all the fun you can have at the MMC" or "flying aquatic creatures"

But if you ask anything pertinent, you're a stalker, plebe, or troll.

I have a copy of that.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

What would be funny if the next case happened under the same judge. I bet that guy would be thinking " Did this guy pay anyone ? "

[AIPman1]

Right now, Paper Dragonz has plans on going to the SDCC. We're just waiting to see if we can get a table. (Waiting lists suck.) If we go, then I'll be wearing the shirt on one of the days.
-(even) llama ('s need t-shirts)

I was talking to Cary and he mentioned to me that Fallen Justice was most likely going to be coming out through Nifty Comics, you might want to catch up with him on that. I know the reason, but am not at liberty to say for him.

[Kozemp]

Olney's letter to JT snipped

Wow.

Just... wow.

What a fucking douchebag.

In case you're reading, Rick, I mean you. You are the fucking douchebag. JT is a guy you ripped off, and are continuing to rip off. Because you're a fucking douchebag.

Also, you're stupid. "Lowest rung on the legal determination ladder?" That isn't the dumbest thing you've said, but it's damn close. You don't know anything about anything.

You give humans a bad name.

JLK
embarrassed to be theoretically the same species

[Corrina]

I think if it keep adding up with each court victory..eventually he could be facing jail time for not paying..especially if he is guilty of tax fraud on top of everything else.

Maybe. But we don't have debtor's prisons anymore, so the law would possibly not support it. Since state laws govern, they would vary from state to state, so you'd have to get an local attorney's opinion, but I suspect not.

What might happen, though, is getting court foreclosures on his property to pay off debt or garnishing of his paycheck or his wife's paycheck, if she's deemed liable since she was co-owner of Tightlip. That's another legal step, and, again, I think state laws rules, so the steps could be different in each case.

Personally, I think getting a court to garnish Ms. Olney's paycheck (as legal owner, she has some responsiblity) or confiscation of property by authorities is the only way anyone is getting paid, sadly.

From his record with Tightlip, his record with MMC, and his record on ebay, he seems to have a very long record of avoiding paying anyone, ever. And it's a pattern I would guess persists with his other bills, unless his wife or others pays those bills.

One thing, though, this judgment will end up on his credit report and possibly Barbara Olney's, if the court judgment is against the Tightlip partnership that he then dissolved.

Musing....I'd be interesting to see what his current credit report looks like but I would guess that's confidential.

[SteveForbes]

I was talking to Cary and he mentioned to me that Fallen Justice was most likely going to be coming out through Nifty Comics, you might want to catch up with him on that. I know the reason, but am not at liberty to say for him.

On it. Thanks. :)

-llama

[Coppervale Studio]

You know, if he pays a debt that he's already admitted owing, then there's no NEED for a 'Hold Harmless' agreement - because there wouldn't be anything for the creator to claim.

[T Sterling]

YOR was up early today I guess....

The real legal activities have not begun as yet, Mr. Taylor. Small Claims Court 'wins' are overturnable simply because certain steps are not taken by amateur attempts to present one side of a case action. It is the lowest rung on the legal determination ladder. Await the letter of release and handle it as you see fit. No further communication with me is necessary. Thank you. "

I am going to respond later, when I have time to craft a letter of reply that makes sense. Not that it matters. His grasp of English, both written and spoken, is probably just as bad as each other.

The information below may be useful to those who have had their day in court. Please note that the following is very general information, and based on Canadian law and procedures at that - terminology may differ in the U.S. and specific points may vary from State to State, but I expect that the general concepts will be somewhat applicable. Your local small claims court will likely have some informative brochures to assist, not to mention Mssrs. Stillwell, McMahon, etc. who will be better informed than me. For the purposes of enforcing a judgment against a New York resident with New York assets, you will need to know that State’s procedures regardless of where you obtained the original judgment.

Enforcing Small Claims Judgments, Generally

1. You may need to ‘register’ the judgment with a superior court or some other local authority. This allows the issuance of a writ (or other court document – I will refer to it as a “writ”) that proves you have the legal right to pursue the Defendant’s property.
2. Once you have a registered writ, you can use that document to start collection proceedings. There are a number of different avenues available, several of which described below. All of these proceedings are usually done by, or together with, a “Sheriff” or “Bailiff” or some other authorized enforcement officer.
3. A lien can be issued against the title / deed to a house and then proceedings initiated to sell the house. Proceeds from the sale will first go to all registered lien-holders, including you. Remainder will go to home-owner.
4. Similarly, liens can issue against other personal property (i.e. non-real estate), such as a car, furniture, electronics - even a comic book collection. Anything of value can be seized and sold at auction.
5. Garnishee Summons issue to the Defendant’s debtors. Everyone seems quite familiar with the idea that the Defendant’s wages can be garnisheed if the summons is served on his employer, but the summons can also be delivered to, say, the Defendant’s bank if you can identify a bank account. Anyone who owes the Defendant money can be legally compelled to pay you first. The hard part is finding the Defendant’s debtors. [Jargon can confuse. When owed wages, you are a creditor of your employer, who in turn, is your debtor. A bank account is also a debt, owed by the bank (debtor) to you (creditor).]

Small Claims Judgments from other States

I will use the recent Florida judgment as an example. Again, the concepts and terminology may be different in New York and Florida.

1. Reminder - Regardless of where you obtained judgment, if the Defendant and his property are in New York, that is where collection steps must be taken.
2. There will likely be a necessity to have the Florida judgment “recognized” in New York State. I understand that the American Constitution may make this easier than it is in Canada. In Canada, it is a relatively simple matter of registration with the local court clerk, unless challenged by the Defendant.
3. VERY generally, the Defendant may challenge recognition of the Florida judgment on two grounds: (i) Did not receive notice. Seems evident that service upon the Defendant of the Florida proceeding was easily proved. (ii) The Florida court did not have proper jurisdiction. Defendant will have almost no chance, here. Especially if, say, there exists some written evidence that the Defendant is simply contemptuous or dismissive of the jurisdiction of small claims courts in general. Hmmm, wonder if anybody could find something like that …?
4. Once the Florida judgment is registered in New York (if such is necessary), then the Florida judgment is enforceable as if a New York judgment. See above.

A quick Google search of “new york state small claims court enforcement” turns up several useful results. Happy hunting!

[neko onna]

^ I love this guy!

[Matt Doc Martin]

The information below may be useful to those who have had their day in court. Please note that the following is very general information, and based on Canadian law and procedures at that - terminology may differ in the U.S. and specific points may vary from State to State, but I expect that the general concepts will be somewhat applicable. Your local small claims court will likely have some informative brochures to assist, not to mention Mssrs. Stillwell, McMahon, etc. who will be better informed than me. For the purposes of enforcing a judgment against a New York resident with New York assets, you will need to know that State’s procedures regardless of where you obtained the original judgment.

Enforcing Small Claims Judgments, Generally

1. You may need to ‘register’ the judgment with a superior court or some other local authority. This allows the issuance of a writ (or other court document – I will refer to it as a “writ”) that proves you have the legal right to pursue the Defendant’s property.
2. Once you have a registered writ, you can use that document to start collection proceedings. There are a number of different avenues available, several of which described below. All of these proceedings are usually done by, or together with, a “Sheriff” or “Bailiff” or some other authorized enforcement officer.
3. A lien can be issued against the title / deed to a house and then proceedings initiated to sell the house. Proceeds from the sale will first go to all registered lien-holders, including you. Remainder will go to home-owner.
4. Similarly, liens can issue against other personal property (i.e. non-real estate), such as a car, furniture, electronics - even a comic book collection. Anything of value can be seized and sold at auction.
5. Garnishee Summons issue to the Defendant’s creditors. Everyone seems quite familiar with the idea that the Defendant’s wages can be garnisheed if the summons is served on his employer, but the summons can also be delivered to, say, the Defendant’s bank if you can identify a bank account. Anyone who owes the Defendant money can be legally compelled to pay you first. The hard part is finding the Defendant’s debtors. [Jargon can confuse. When owed wages, you are a creditor of your employer, who in turn, is your debtor. A bank account is also a debt, owed by the bank (debtor) to you (creditor).]

Small Claims Judgments from other States

I will use the recent Florida judgment as an example. Again, the concepts and terminology may be different in New York and Florida.

1. Reminder - Regardless of where you obtained judgment, if the Defendant and his property are in New York, that is where collection steps must be taken.
2. There will likely be a necessity to have the Florida judgment “recognized” in New York State. I understand that the American Constitution may make this easier than it is in Canada. In Canada, it is a relatively simple matter of registration with the local court clerk, unless challenged by the Defendant.
3. VERY generally, the Defendant may challenge recognition of the Florida judgment on two grounds: (i) Did not receive notice. Seems evident that service upon the Defendant of the Florida proceeding was easily proved. (ii) The Florida court did not have proper jurisdiction. Defendant will have almost no chance, here. Especially if, say, there exists some written evidence that the Defendant is simply contemptuous or dismissive of the jurisdiction of small claims courts in general. Hmmm, wonder if anybody could find something like that …?
4. Once the Florida judgment is registered in New York (if such is necessary), then the Florida judgment is enforceable as if a New York judgment. See above.

A quick Google search of “new york state small claims court enforcement” turns up several useful results. Happy hunting!

Quoted for truth and awesomeness!

And yes, Rick OLney is WELL aware he was served, regardless of what lies he tells here. Unless he wants to call the sheriff a liar.

Which may open a whole 'nother can of worms.

Scott's next step, as told by the judge, is indeed to have it go through the courts in NY, which is a very easy task.


Rick lost big time yesterday. But worse news awaits him....mark my words.

[Stressfactor]

BTW Mister Martin (yes, they call him MISTER Martin), since Rick didn't show up to claim the Happy Meal did you at least keep the toy?

[Kurt Busiek]

I'm working up my certificate for the high bidder for a custom embroidery for my contribution to the auction. Here is the authentication seal:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6250/noscrewsjh6.png (http://imageshack.us)

Does that pass inspection?

That looks great.

Aside from the embroidery project, Unscrewed should sell T-shirts of that...

kdb

[Flamebird]

Quoted for truth and awesomeness!

And yes, Rick OLney is WELL aware he was served, regardless of what lies he tells here. Unless he wants to call the sheriff a liar.

Which may open a whole 'nother can of worms.

Scott's next step, as told by the judge, is indeed to have it go through the courts in NY, which is a very easy task.


Rick lost big time yesterday. But worse news awaits him....mark my words.


Why do I keep hearing the music from "JAWS" when I read that? :evilsmile

[Michael P]

Who knew that genius artist Paul Smith could be so CRUEL and HEARTLESS?

That's it, I'm starting a new thread:

PAUL SMITH--HEARTLESS OR MEGA-GIGANTA HEARTLESS?

:)

GailI'd be more worried about what his Nobody's up to...

[Matt Doc Martin]

BTW Mister Martin (yes, they call him MISTER Martin), since Rick didn't show up to claim the Happy Meal did you at least keep the toy?

Absolutely! It is a roaring dinosaur.


Rick missed out....

[Matt Doc Martin]

Why do I keep hearing the music from "JAWS" when I read that? :evilsmile

I doubt Rick believes me....despite the preponderance of evidence presented so far. How many cases need he lose before he realizes he is well and truly fucked?

[illustrationelectric]

I must admit I have been a lurker here for sometime, and while I am not a creative in the comic field I do work in illustration and design. I got into my field because of my love of comics and while I have moved on to other areas of illustration I have always maintained my love comics and the medium. As a creative my worst nightmare is what has happened here and looking back I can see where I dodged some Onley’esque bullets.

I want to congratulate all the folks who have begun to or have executed their rights as creatives to be paid for their work. By doing this you are protecting the integrity of all creatives not just comic book creators. My thanks. I would like to offer my services as a designer once the unscrewed book begins production if you require someone for layout--all I would need is some decent time in advance---PM me or contact through my site if you require any help, I only wish my offer could be as generous as Mr. Waid’s.

Has anyone posted warnings on sites like penciljack or other illustration forums? I think this might be a good idea as there such an amazing pool of talent out there who are hungry for work that might get caught up in this same kind of amateurish TightLip crap. I just can't imagine what kind of filth would do this to people in the name of comic appreciation.

In conclusion Mr. Olney you are complete and total disgrace to a wonderful medium as well as a group of honorable, talented and dedicated professionals that span far and wide beyond this board.

I wish all of you with pending cases the best of luck, your strength and unity in this whole debacle is inspiring.

Regards
www.illustrationelectric.com

P.S

My apologies for any Onley'esqu typos---lol

[Kozemp]

I doubt Rick believes me....despite the preponderance of evidence presented so far. How many cases need he lose before he realizes he is well and truly fucked?

Three, hot dammit, three!

Oh, wait... that's how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop.

Figure's probably still accurate, though.

JLK
ooh, I have a bag of those in my desk

[Kurt Busiek]

I am going to respond later, when I have time to craft a letter of reply that makes sense.

Don't argue with him. Just remind him that he has two weeks from receipt of your invoice to pay, or you'll sue. Then do it.

Arguing wastes your time, and shifts the issues to what he wants to shift them to -- the idea that you need to wait for his lawyer to send you something. There is no lawyer, and you don't need to wait.

kdb

[SteveForbes]

That looks great.

Aside from the embroidery project, Unscrewed should sell T-shirts of that...

kdb

See? That's what I'm saying!

I'd wear that shirt at cons.

-(gimme a t-shirt) llama

[Kozemp]

See? That's what I'm saying!

I'd wear that shirt at cons.

-(gimme a t-shirt) llama

Speaking of cons, is anyone planning to go to WW Philly? It would be nice to have a little Unscrewed thing go on here.

JLK
chocolate flavor tootsie roll pops = not that great

[Coppervale Studio]

Don't argue with him. Just remind him that he has two weeks from receipt of your invoice to pay, or you'll sue. Then do it.

Arguing wastes your time, and shifts the issues to what he wants to shift them to -- the idea that you need to wait for his lawyer to send you something. There is no lawyer, and you don't need to wait.

kdb

That post was pithy, smart, and to the point. Who do you think you are, Kurt Bu...

..


Ah, never mind. Carry on.

[Kurt Busiek]

I'll be your huckleberry. What do you want the banners to say?

No Screws logo:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9726/noscrewslogogd5.png (http://imageshack.us)

Minor design nitpick:

Once you remove the ribbon, which creates a lot of diagonal "weight," you might want to rotate the screw until it's at a 90-degree angle with the slash-bar-thing. With the ribbon, the diagonal's so strong that it looks right to line the screw up with it; without the ribbon, that "weight" isn't there any more.

Just a thought.

kdb

[singoalla]

The auction is set up to take money orders and cashier's checks as well as paypal. I'm pretty sure paypal allows people with credit cards to use their service without having an account.

Yep, I'll ship outside the US.

~dashes off to bid bid bid~

see rick, when you have MONEY you can BUY things LEGALLY! and not get sued. :D

[Danny Donovan]

Oh I just have to share this.

I was trying to get to the unscrewed website. But I'm tired and I typed http://www.unscrewed.com instread of http://www.unscrewedcomic.com

And this is what came up:

Olney came up twice! :p Even the internet is out to get him. http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/dannydonovan3/funny.jpg

[KevinTBrown]

I doubt Rick believes me....despite the preponderance of evidence presented so far. How many cases need he lose before he realizes he is well and truly fucked?

Oo, oo, oo, oo, oo!!!! Me! I know the answer! Pick me!!


The answer is:
ALL OF THEM!!!

:evilsmile

[Sarah Beach]

Jim, regarding invoicing him.....

His garbage about the studio name and the company entity and all that is bullshit. Reiterate again, that TLE & RO hired Jim Taylor, the invoice is for Jim Taylor and remittance should be made out to Jim Taylor.

And then add that, for the purposes of this communication, the Wet Inc Studios name & logo is just decoration, so he can stop obsessing about it.

And then insist on payment in the form you prefer, and don't back down.

(I'd stopped at a 7-Eleven this morning to pick up something for lunch, and a little store-front restaurant beside it had a sign in the window saying "Cash Only". So there I was reminded again that it is the service provider who gets to determine the method of payment.)

Oh, and if you were "work for hire", you don't have to wait for a "company paycheck". The doofus can't have it both ways. :D

[Flamebird]

Oh I just have to share this.

I was trying to get to the unscrewed website. But I'm tired and I typed http://www.unscrewed.com instread of http://www.unscrewedcomic.com

And this is what came up:

Olney came up twice! :p Even the internet is out to get him. http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/dannydonovan3/funny.jpg

OMG!!! I just did the same thing about 2 minute ago- HOw freakin FUNNY!:D

[Danny Donovan]

Hey Steve,

I threw this together really quick. It's simplistic but it should do the trick.

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=unscrewed.112575751

I decided to put together an unscrewed! cafe press thing for myself to get some quick convention wear if I find myself heading to any particular location, or in the case of my up coming mag interview anything where I'm getting a photo taken that's going out to a lot of people, something to wear or flash.

But if anyone wants to use it the stuff I put in there it's all good. It'll be set at base prices so I don't make a dime from it.

Maybe once we start getting other things in I'll try to do something fancier....

[Blake Petit]

I think a line of "Unscrewed" convention apparel is a great idea. I'd totally love a shirt like that... if I could get it in black. Just my color scheme, that's all. :D

(Hint. Hint.)

[Matt Doc Martin]

I'm getting around to hitting the usual suspects (and the not so usual ones) but I thought I'd post this here, if anyone wants to spread the word or just print it out and leave it with your LCS.

Mac gave me an official title! I'm important now! :)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --

While UNSCREWED! was forming, comics writer Mark Waid stepped forward to personally finance legal action against the publisher. Tom Stillwell, writer-publisher of Spinner Rack Comics' HONOR BRIGADE and comics fan Matt "Doc" Martin provided research and supporting evidence, with the result that two court judgments have recently been awarded to artists who filed suit.



HOLY SHIT!!! I just read this thoroughly! I am honored to be named, but not deserving. EVERYONE here has worked well together to do him in. (And I have NOTHING on the work Tom Stillwell has done)


If I make it to CAPE, will I need a table?;)

[Reverend Smooth]

Yep.

And I'm quite envious of Rev in having it work for her...
Truthfully, it does take a good deal of work when there are three egos in the house, honest, swift and direct communication is essential or it all breaks down.

[Danny Donovan]

Truthfully, it does take a good deal of work when there are three egos in the house, honest, swift and direct communication is essential or it all breaks down.

Sounds like someone is in dire need for my friend Erika's invention the "clue by four" gaurenteed to knock sense into (or out of as the case may be) anyone. :p

[the4thpip]

I believe the exact quote was:

"I got a jury duty notice in the mail today, you know what I did with it? I balled it up and threw it right in the trash can!"

There might have been a few expliteves I missed. But that was basically it.

it's funny, he only seems to have any respect for the legal system when it suits him.

much like his ability to answer questions. It's fine if it's about "all the fun you can have at the MMC" or "flying aquatic creatures"

But if you ask anything pertinent, you're a stalker, plebe, or troll.

We're talking about a guy who orders comics from a store COD knowing that he has no C when the D happens. He does not live in the real world.

[Scott Dickerson]

1) What I'm missing, and would really like to see, is some characteristic response by Olney. He was brave enough to post here prior to the judgment. Nothing now? If he posts elsewhere, I hope someone will announce same.

2) If this has already been noted, apologies--after the first few hours, I started to lose focus...

Remember that witty rejoinder of his, to the effect that when Gail leaves Oregon, the state goes down several inches?

Wasn't it supposed to be a chop about the "weight" nonsense?

But if an obese person were to leave an area--the downward pressure on that area is eased. Therefore the area should buoy upward, not descend.

Unless he's suggesting that Gail projects some sort of antigravitational field that vanishes when she crosses the state line.

Or is "go down" some kind of sexual reference? --If so, it's not clear how what he's saying is something negative. Ya know?

Scott Dickerson
Tom Swift Lives! fanfiction site

[Danny Donovan]

I think a line of "Unscrewed" convention apparel is a great idea. I'd totally love a shirt like that... if I could get it in black. Just my color scheme, that's all. :D

(Hint. Hint.)

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=unscrewed.112588363

They don't do the golf shirts in black yet. I'm gonna look around see where else I can make things....

But this is something for a start!

I need more stuff to work with! lol.

HOLY SHIT!!! I just read this thoroughly! I am honored to be named, but not deserving. EVERYONE here has worked well together to do him in. (And I have NOTHING on the work Tom Stillwell has done)


If I make it to CAPE, will I need a table?;)

Matt, you are awesome. I wish I had the time and space to name everyone. And you know what? by the time we're done, we may.

I think THAT would make a cool shirt. a design like the wall of rememberence of all of our names on it. Marking the day we all stood up and said "Oh no you di'n't. oh no you did NOT just try that." ;)

Or somthing more stirring.

But you and Tom ARE instrumental to all of our work here. Much like Bev and Sarah, and those who had nothing more to gain than seeing a bully exposed for what they really are. THAT is what this community is all about. THAT is what makes this business special.

I mean face it. very few of us, if any, have met face to face, some of us haven't met until this very moment, and it's been a bonding experiance with some very awesome people. But everyone has taken a stand shoulder to shoulder to say "we will not tolorate this behavior ever again. There are more of us than you, you will not run roughshot over us because we are united."

Long story short (I'm rambling 'cause I'm tired.) YOU ROCK MATT!

And yes, you should have your very own table.

if there's ever a handfull of us going to a show we should all pitch in and get an unscrewed booth together. :)

[Dreadstar]

And yes, you should have your very own table.

if there's ever a handfull of us going to a show we should all pitch in and get an unscrewed booth together. :)

Do it for Pittsburgh and I'll man the table for half of a day.

[NatGertler]

Remember that witty rejoinder of his, to the effect that when Gail leaves Oregon, the state goes down several inches?Actually, what he said made even less sense than that, as he talked about the state's sea level changing.

It was blithering. No sense can be expected.

[Blake Petit]

Ooooh, the t-shirt RULES. :checks school board payment schedule to decide when to order:

[Sarah Beach]

1) What I'm missing, and would really like to see, is some characteristic response by Olney. He was brave enough to post here prior to the judgment. Nothing now? If he posts elsewhere, I hope someone will announce same.

2) If this has already been noted, apologies--after the first few hours, I started to lose focus...

Remember that witty rejoinder of his, to the effect that when Gail leaves Oregon, the state goes down several inches?

Wasn't it supposed to be a chop about the "weight" nonsense?

But if an obese person were to leave an area--the downward pressure on that area is eased. Therefore the area should buoy upward, not descend.

Unless he's suggesting that Gail projects some sort of antigravitational field that vanishes when she crosses the state line.

Or is "go down" some kind of sexual reference? --If so, it's not clear how what he's saying is something negative. Ya know?

Scott Dickerson
Tom Swift Lives! fanfiction site

Scott - when he received the first summons, he did manage about 2 weeks of not posting anywhere that we could find. We knew he lurked in various places, but he didn't post. So he might "go silent" for a while.

And sad to say, I think I actually tracked his joke about Gail - I believe (without going back to look), he said that the shoreline of the state would go down (as you said, due to the land rising). It was a rather poor attempt at insults, I thought.

[Danny Donovan]

1) What I'm missing, and would really like to see, is some characteristic response by Olney. He was brave enough to post here prior to the judgment. Nothing now? If he posts elsewhere, I hope someone will announce same.

2) If this has already been noted, apologies--after the first few hours, I started to lose focus...

Remember that witty rejoinder of his, to the effect that when Gail leaves Oregon, the state goes down several inches?

Wasn't it supposed to be a chop about the "weight" nonsense?

But if an obese person were to leave an area--the downward pressure on that area is eased. Therefore the area should buoy upward, not descend.

Unless he's suggesting that Gail projects some sort of antigravitational field that vanishes when she crosses the state line.

Or is "go down" some kind of sexual reference? --If so, it's not clear how what he's saying is something negative. Ya know?

Scott Dickerson
Tom Swift Lives! fanfiction site

The same guy who likened my career to a super bounce ball that went higher and higher, and meant it to be an insult.

[SteveForbes]

Hey Danny.

I like the shirt, but I was thinking more like a t-shirt with the ribbon HUGE on it- either the front or the back.

I'd still wear that, but it's a bit formal for a con, dontcha think?

-(shirted) llama

[SteveForbes]

Ooooh, the t-shirt RULES. :checks school board payment schedule to decide when to order:

OOOOHHHH!!!! That's nice!

Now, I have to get permission from the mrs before I can order!

But that's nice!!!!!

-llama

[DarrenCawsey]

Don't argue with him. Just remind him that he has two weeks from receipt of your invoice to pay, or you'll sue. Then do it.

Arguing wastes your time, and shifts the issues to what he wants to shift them to -- the idea that you need to wait for his lawyer to send you something. There is no lawyer, and you don't need to wait.

kdb

^Needs to be reiterated as is absolutely true.


Keep correspondence with him short and sweet.

Don't get caught up in arguing with him as a) it's pointless to argue with a diseased chimp, and b) he's just trying to confuse the issue.


He owes you money. He has two weeks to pay. If he doesn't, you'll see him in court.



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

[SteveForbes]

^Needs to be reiterated as is absolutely true.


Keep correspondence with him short and sweet.

Don't get caught up in arguing with him as a) it's pointless to argue with a diseased chimp, and b) he's just trying to confuse the issue.


He owes you money. He has two weeks to pay. If he doesn't, you'll see him in court.



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

Well, given recent experience, you won't actually SEE him, but the air will be there.

Same thing, right?

-llama

[Danny Donovan]

Thanks Blake!

All of this stuff will stay up there indeffinately. if I need to make more of the same type of shirt I'll just open up more free stores. :p

You know one thing I'd like to get for con give-aways are some custom fortune cookies taking all of Rick's bon mots he's posted here and begining them with

Con-doofus say: "insane ramblings about whatever"

http:/www.unscrewedcomic.com

It'd be funny!

I'm a marketing genius!

I know where to get those things cheap'ish too! The store I nearly broke my back helping the other day (because I'm too nice for my own good) ordered a ton for their grand opening.

They owe me! lol.

Dreadstar, Pittcon is coming up too quickly to plan for that. At least on my end of things. Perhaps some of the other guys who are heading that way anyway could set up shop with you up there!

Sadly my travel plans are in limbo until I find out about an advance on something I have coming up.

;)

[DarrenCawsey]

By the way, I would totally buy a cap (trucker I'm thinking) with that unscrewed logo on it. :)

Harder to do than a polo, but cool nonetheless.


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

[Danny Donovan]

Steve, I'll get a plain white t-shirt designed for you by this evening.

Darren, one trucker hat coming up this evening as well..

Ain't it always the way? the one time you find a product everyone wants and it's for charity!!! lol. Ah well. no worries. I'm glad I can do a little extra for the cause.

:)

Damnation I'm going to have to admit I'm human now and nap. lol.

[DarrenCawsey]

Well, given recent experience, you won't actually SEE him, but the air will be there.

Same thing, right?

-llama


Yeah, but in a way isn't that a good thing?

I mean the less that your eyes are assaulted with his dodgy visage the better.


And hey just because he is too much of a coward to show his face in a courtroom, doesn't mean that he won't finally conjure up a lawyer. On second thoughts though...



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

[Sparvid]

If it comes to that, I will then state that nothing will be accepted OTHER then cash. Cash on the barrel head. No checks, no money orders, nothing but a handful of dead presidents (and one ambassador, and a secretary of the treasury... always hate how they get forgotten).Benjamin Franklin: "Give us our independence, Homer!"
Homer: "Yes, president Franklin!"
Franklin: "I, err, was never president. I invented some kind of stove..."


(Finally caught up! I didn't check out this thread for maybe three days, and suddenly I was over 100 pages behind!)

[Sparvid]

1) What I'm missing, and would really like to see, is some characteristic response by Olney. He was brave enough to post here prior to the judgment. Nothing now? If he posts elsewhere, I hope someone will announce same.It wouldn't make any sense at all for him to start posting again in this thread!

So he'll be back any second now...

[JTPencils]

Don't argue with him. Just remind him that he has two weeks from receipt of your invoice to pay, or you'll sue. Then do it.

Arguing wastes your time, and shifts the issues to what he wants to shift them to -- the idea that you need to wait for his lawyer to send you something. There is no lawyer, and you don't need to wait.

kdb

I'm not wasting any more time Kurt. This was my last and final email to him. Next is filing with the court.

But I did respond, with facts, to let him know where I stand one last time.

"J. Taylor
Wet Inc Studio
March 1, 2007
Mr Olney,

I shall no longer indulge you in verbal jousting of particulars that you feel are pertinent here. It is unproductive, as well as futile, to do so.

I will state for the record however:

An invoice for my services was sent to you, which you acknowledge receiving.

*Said invoice was for services by Jim Taylor. That is me, and the banner/logo is inconsequential. Wet Inc Studio is my own creation, and I am the sole proprietor. There is no confusion to be had as to whom the payment is owed.

*Your propensity to overwhelm germane issues with the mention of your attorney, while not directly supplying the name or contact information for said solicitor, reaches near legendary proportions. Repeated attempts have been made to garner information in regards to your representation by an attorney. Your insistence on vague and obtuse answers, beggars even the most reasonable person to question the existence of such an individual. The efficacy of these comments then, ebbs with each pronouncement of contact from said alleged attorney.

*A hold harmless agreement will not be signed, nor is it required to be signed by me . Payment in question is for services rendered, and accepted by you Rick Olney of TIghtLip Entertainment. Since you have already stated that you refuse to pay me unless such a document is signed, I will have to assume you are stating you are intending to be in default of your debt.

*You presently have 13 days remaining on the deadline I have set forth to correct this situation. In that time, you have the option of remittance for the debt in the form of a check, as has been agreed upon in our previous email exchange. However, if this matter requires us to appear before a magistrate in court, I will at that time request that any award to me be paid in cash/money order/bank check as per my original statement and invoice.

The decision is yours. Time has run it's course on this issue.

J. Taylor"

[Matt Doc Martin]

I just sent a message to my imaginary St Judes representative Jen Joy again with ALL of Rick's contact info and copies of his posts denying her existence.

Hopefully she will get back to me soon.

[Stressfactor]

I hope no one minds but I brought the Marv Wolfman Nightwing scripts and issues at auction to the attention of the Nightwing forum on the DC Message Boards. I figure the Wingnuts might be interested.

[Gail Simone]

1) What I'm missing, and would really like to see, is some characteristic response by Olney. He was brave enough to post here prior to the judgment. Nothing now? If he posts elsewhere, I hope someone will announce same.

2) If this has already been noted, apologies--after the first few hours, I started to lose focus...

Remember that witty rejoinder of his, to the effect that when Gail leaves Oregon, the state goes down several inches?

Wasn't it supposed to be a chop about the "weight" nonsense?

But if an obese person were to leave an area--the downward pressure on that area is eased. Therefore the area should buoy upward, not descend.

Unless he's suggesting that Gail projects some sort of antigravitational field that vanishes when she crosses the state line.

Or is "go down" some kind of sexual reference? --If so, it's not clear how what he's saying is something negative. Ya know?

Scott Dickerson
Tom Swift Lives! fanfiction site



Trying to understand a Olney insult is like trying to dance with a mule. It's hard to accomplish and not that beautiful when you finally do figure it out.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I hope no one minds but I brought the Marv Wolfman Nightwing scripts and issues at auction to the attention of the Nightwing forum on the DC Message Boards. I figure the Wingnuts might be interested.

Well done. And how cool of Marv was it for him to do this?

Gail

[Danny Donovan]

Trying to understand a Olney insult is like trying to dance with a mule. It's hard to accomplish and not that beautiful when you finally do figure it out.

Gail

"It's like a mule with a spinning wheel, no one knows where he got it and damned if he knows how to use it."

I miss Phil Hartman.

[OzBat!]

HA! From Rick's MMC Guests page:Yes folks, you will have a massive 5 weeks, if the guest list interests you, to book hotels and arrange travel and all that crap!

Unbelievable. Especially from a guy who thinks that taking over a year to pay people for work rendered isn't long enough!Ummm, you may want to check your calendar again; you seem to be missing a month. (Or has Australia switched to the decimal calendar?)Good to see my maths is utterly crap at midnight with the flu.

Apology to Rick: I got that wrong. It's closer to 9 weeks.

Never mind that every other convention of repute has their venue and guest list tied up half a year beforehand.

[SteveForbes]

Steve, I'll get a plain white t-shirt designed for you by this evening.

Darren, one trucker hat coming up this evening as well..

Ain't it always the way? the one time you find a product everyone wants and it's for charity!!! lol. Ah well. no worries. I'm glad I can do a little extra for the cause.

:)

Damnation I'm going to have to admit I'm human now and nap. lol.

You get some rest.

If (more like, when) I get permission, I'll buy the black tee and the white one. It's for a good cause. My wife'll love it.

(Yes, she's been following this through me. She can't believe him, either. As a matter of fact, she's SO protective of me [reminds me of Momma Absurd] that she would have taken YOR to court MUCH earlier than this. On certain things, I fear my wife.)

-(will be shirted soon) llama

[Sarah Beach]

I hope no one minds but I brought the Marv Wolfman Nightwing scripts and issues at auction to the attention of the Nightwing forum on the DC Message Boards. I figure the Wingnuts might be interested.

:D

Now, why would anyone mind that? Well, except someone wanting to bid on them? Heh.

[Stressfactor]

I also TRIED to post something about the auction on the Newsarama boards but for some reason I can't get it to work. If someone else wants to give it a try please do.

Broken Frontier put the Unscrewed Auction information on their front page.... Just so you know... Word is getting out!

[TomStillwell]

I hope no one minds but I brought the Marv Wolfman Nightwing scripts and issues at auction to the attention of the Nightwing forum on the DC Message Boards. I figure the Wingnuts might be interested.

Not at all!

Get out and spread the word, folks!

We've already had a hot bidding war over Kurt Busiek's JLA/Avengers donation.

[Danny Donovan]

I also TRIED to post something about the auction on the Newsarama boards but for some reason I can't get it to work. If someone else wants to give it a try please do.

Broken Frontier put the Unscrewed Auction information on their front page.... Just so you know... Word is getting out!

BF is one of the (umpteen gazillion) places I sent the release too. So everyone be on release hunt and let us know where you find it. ;)

I sent it to Matt as well. When I get some rest I'll post it on the talk boards if Matt doesn't add it to the news section. He's funny about what gets on the "news section" front page. Even that little strip of links on the left hand side.

Personally I think THIS has a bit more reader interest but it's Matt's site.

[Reverend Smooth]

Et voila!

Fine arts screws for your, um, unscrewing pleasure.

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdredsmall.png http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdsilversmall.png

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdredmed.png http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdsilvermed.png

I have a bigger version of these that could be used for magnets, pins, t-shirt, etc.

[Matt Doc Martin]

BF is one of the (umpteen gazillion) places I sent the release too. So everyone be on release hunt and let us know where you find it. ;)

I sent it to Matt as well. When I get some rest I'll post it on the talk boards if Matt doesn't add it to the news section. He's funny about what gets on the "news section" front page. Even that little strip of links on the left hand side.

Personally I think THIS has a bit more reader interest but it's Matt's site.

You aren't talking about me, are you? I got an email from you I just did not understand at all...

[SteveForbes]

Those are beautiful!

I HAVE to get you to do some work for me. HAVE TO!

-(needs a project NOW) llama

[Tegan]

They don't do the golf shirts in black yet. I'm gonna look around see where else I can make things....

Do a cafepress mini-button and I'll add it to my collection.

[Reverend Smooth]

Those are beautiful!

I HAVE to get you to do some work for me. HAVE TO!

-(needs a project NOW) llamaXD;;;; I should be around.

[Darediva]

Diva, do you have an image of just that screw alone?

Reason I'm asking is because MacQ came up with a great design for our title, and the only change I recommended was adding a screw in place of the '!' in 'UNSCREWED!' That screw would be exactly the image I was looking for.

Lance has mentioned several times about making magnets for various things. That ribbon'd be absolutely beautiful as a magnet.

Do me a solid, Diva, and post that image over the UNSCREWED! site. I wanna get a discussion going on that.




Doc 'Threaded' Absurd

Sorry to be so long in posting this, but honestly, I just woke up. Was up most of the night watching a horrible line of storms coming our way, and the catnap I was able to take did not last. I'll do that for you, sure.

[khuxford]

BF is one of the (umpteen gazillion) places I sent the release too. So everyone be on release hunt and let us know where you find it. ;)

I sent it to Matt as well. When I get some rest I'll post it on the talk boards if Matt doesn't add it to the news section. He's funny about what gets on the "news section" front page. Even that little strip of links on the left hand side.

Personally I think THIS has a bit more reader interest but it's Matt's site.

To let you behind the current, Matt's kinda busy this week. He was at NYCC and he'll be covering Wonder-Con, too...so he might not be able to prioritize press releases so much this week. If it isn't on in the first day or two, don't take that as necessarily an indication that he won't at all.

[Sarah Beach]

You aren't talking about me, are you? I got an email from you I just did not understand at all...

I think he was referencing Matt of Newsarama in that particular instance.

As for his email to you -- I have no idea about the contents, but.... think of Danny as Hammy in Over the Hedge, with no sleep. That might explain at least part of it.

(Danny, I say that with affection! ;) )

[Kurt Busiek]

We've already had a hot bidding war over Kurt Busiek's JLA/Avengers donation.

Woohoo!

So far I'm in the lead for auction money generated -- but that fiend Beland is close behind! And all it'd take is a few more bids for Shaw! to pass us both!

Bid up, folks!

kdb

[Darediva]

Don't they read vector files, like EPS or Adobe Illustrator?

I have one that is not updated from the old floppy to the new interface, as I don't have the $$ to do it. (I actually am certified to work on Viking Machines, but the dealer in town went under, and therefore that opportunity to upgrade got past me.)

I think they do read that if you have the new USB upgrade and the digitizing software. It's possible that I could have someone else digitize it for me and load it to floppy where I could get it to run on my machine.

As to t-shirts...I have an excellent screen printer I work with in town, and could make arrangements with them to screen things for us. I believe the minimum order is 12 shirts, and they are much more reasonable than cafepress or the online places, and pretty fast, too. I ship things everywhere already, so the shipping is not a big problem either. I already have a paypal account and could process the shipping through there online.

Let me know what you guys would like to do. I'm available to move on it.

[Reverend Smooth]

For shits and giggles, and because my taglines have the subtlety of a brick to the head:

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewedbannergrey.png

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewedbannerpink.png

For the girly disgruntled creator, I suppose.

[Papergirl]

For shits and giggles, and because my taglines have the subtlety of a brick to the head:

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewedbannergrey.png

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewedbannerpink.png

For the girly disgruntled creator, I suppose.
Me likey!

*steals them to use on her livejournal!* :D

~Bev

[Darediva]

Et voila!

Fine arts screws for your, um, unscrewing pleasure.

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdredsmall.png http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdsilversmall.png

http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdredmed.png http://www.hollowcomic.com/danielle/unscrewdsilvermed.png

I have a bigger version of these that could be used for magnets, pins, t-shirt, etc.

Very nice! It's painfully obvious now that I only have owned PhotoShop Elements for about six months. And, kb, you are right about the rotation of the screw element. I didn't tinker with it much after I did the ribbon thing.

I went with bright, colorful and fairly flat graphics to go with the comic book theme, and to simplify screenprinting if someone wanted to do that. Fewer colors=less expense for setup.

Your banners rock, Rev!

[Reverend Smooth]

Me likey!

*steals them to use on her livejournal!* :D

~Bev
XD;; I'm reverendsmooth there, too, if you feel like giving credit.

[Papergirl]

Me likey!

*steals them to use on her livejournal!* :D

~Bev
Okay, folks. I'm about 30 pages behind on this thread. Stop posting so I can catch the hell up, dammit! :p

~Bev

[Papergirl]

XD;; I'm reverendsmooth there, too, if you feel like giving credit.
Most definitely! I'll add you and post a little note so you know it's me! :)

~Bev

[Reverend Smooth]

Most definitely! I'll add you and post a little note so you know it's me! :)

~Bev

Yay! ^_^

And thanks, darediva. <33 Your banner's good, got that retro comic feel.

[TomStillwell]

Woohoo!

So far I'm in the lead for auction money generated -- but that fiend Beland is close behind! And all it'd take is a few more bids for Shaw! to pass us both!

Bid up, folks!

kdb

A friend of mine was the leading bidder on the JLA/Avengers books until it became too rich for his blood.

Now he's itching to see what Mark Waid donates.