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

[OzBat!]

He's not worth a paragraph to those of us who are merely bystanders, but for every victim or potential victim, shredding his lies publicly is worth food on the table, rent paid, or christmas paid for...

It's worth it!


EDIT: and YUP! Olney has definitely achieved one good thing, gathering so many creators and good people in one spot! Of course, it only worked because he wasn't involved in organising it!

[Matt Doc Martin]

Really, it is all for the children.

[Gail Simone]

I'm becoming less and less surprised. And more and more convinced that my first flippant evaluation is far closer to the mark than I wanted to think.

Hey ho. At least I'm gaining all these new friends and acquaintences! Maybe I should start asking how many will be at Wizard World LA in March & in San Diego this summer.

I know! I think if we had a "Rick Olney Non-Fans" convention, it would outpull the MMC by a factor of thousands! ;)

Gail

[Larry Dixon]

This thread may be the most successful convention Rick Olney's ever initiated.


-snurk gasp wheeze- Daaaaaammmnnn! Thank you for that comment. :) That was delicate and subtle, like a fine stiletto between lower ribs.

[Lester C.]

As much as I can understand it, I feel those very few of us that have advocated bodily harm against Rick are in error. His way is to use force or the threat of force to elicit the behavior he wants from others. Let's not fall into the same self-destructive petty vile behavior that Mr. Olney engages in otherwise we become worse than he is for we are not the same as him but worse due to our hypocrisy.

[TCJohnson]

But it's not that pro's expect to have everything paid for. It's that when a promoter PROMISES to cover certain things to get you out to a show, you expect him or her to live up to that promise. If I make a deal with a con organizer that I'll cover my own travel if meals and a hotel room are provided, then that's what I expect. If I'm expecting a certain outlay of my own cash, and that multiplies because a promoter reneges, I'm liable to be pretty pissed off about it.


OH, that I completely understand. I was just wondering if all cons promised the same thing that Rick Olney promised...and I guess not. :)

[Matt Doc Martin]

As much as I can understand it, I feel those very few of us that have advocated bodily harm against Rick are in error. His way is to use force or the threat of force to elicit the behavior he wants from others. Let's not fall into the same self-destructive petty vile behavior that Mr. Olney engages in otherwise we become worse than he is for we are not the same as him but worse due to our hypocrisy.

Who advocated bodily harm? No threats were issued here, or anywhere else from what I have seen, in comparison to the threats "Dick" has issued multiple places.

[TomStillwell]

I think a theme song is in order.

We are the duped...we are the cheated...

Olney's a crazy ass douchebag who overheated...

There's a choice he's making...to piss away his life...

It's time we make that scumhole pay, just you and I...

[Matt Doc Martin]

I think a theme song is in order.

We are the duped...we are the cheated...

Olney's a crazy ass douchebag who overheated...

There's a choice he's making...to piss away his life...

It's time we make that scumhole pay, just you and I...

We are the Yabs....We are the readers
We are the ones who go to the cons
And hate the cheaters

[Scott Shaw!]

I'm really struck by how similar some of those old, old threads are...Olney's behavior is exactly the same. It's creepy! Even the same nonsensical insults he THINKS are zingers...it's just weird. Gail

>Ahem!< You shouldn't be all that surprised, Gail, ol' amiga. Remember the warnings a certain Hawaiian-shirt-wearing cartoonist shared with you 'way back when you first accepted his invitation to the Mighty Mini Con? I'm not saying "I told you so"...but now you know I wasn't exaggerating. He's SPECTACULARLY damaged.

I've watched Rick Olney run his "weird" Internet message board routine over and over and over some more since the late 1990s (!), apparently without any repercussions.

Now do you understand why I've participated in this thread, and want to help those that he screwed to get payment -- if not time -- they lost dealng with this self-serving loon? The fact that Reek arrogantly thinks he can get away with this stuff really pushes my buttons, as you've seen.

Oh, and hi, Tony Isabella, "America's favorite comic book writer"!

Aloha,

Scott!

[MacQuarrie]

This thread puts me in mind of one of the very first conventions I ever attended.

Phantasmicon '79 was a science-fiction, fantasy, horror and comics con held in downtown Los Angeles at the Bonaventure Hotel (the building that looks like five mirrored cylinders, used in several sci-fi TV shows and movies including Buck Rogers). It was a lot of fun, and as a fan, I have no idea what went on backstage except for what was said onstage.

The whole thing was organized and put on by a 19-year-old kid. He had to use his mom's credit card to make reservations, and it was stated that there were several points where the whole thing almost fell apart. But the kid was smart enough to pick up the phone early on and ask for help and advice from Bjo Trimble, the Mother of Star Trek Fandom. He said that she helped so much that he decided to make her a Guest of Honor. Based entirely on what the pros in attendance had to say, it seems the kid pulled it off, everyone got whatever they were promised, and it was an extremely successful, well-attended show, marred only by some graffiti in one of the glass elevators.

My point? If you're honest and up-front with people, and have the good sense to ask for and take advice from people with experience and knowledge, even a 19-year-old kid without a car of his own can put on a successful convention. Lacking those qualities, a man of 50 can't.

[Gail Simone]

As much as I can understand it, I feel those very few of us that have advocated bodily harm against Rick are in error. His way is to use force or the threat of force to elicit the behavior he wants from others. Let's not fall into the same self-destructive petty vile behavior that Mr. Olney engages in otherwise we become worse than he is for we are not the same as him but worse due to our hypocrisy.

Yeah, truthfully, while I haven't seen anyone here actually threaten physical harm, let's just make a couple rules here, please.

1) Anyone who makes fun of the Marines is a jerk. Please don't do it. I get that Rick may not be the best example but I see no reason at all to disparage a person's military career. It's just not cool.

2) No threats of violence will be tolerated, period. If he threatens you, save it, call the police, whatever. Do not respond in kind. Period.

3) No bashing family members. That's jerkwad behavior, and the fact that Rick sinks to that level so easily should be a good sign for those of us with souls not to take that route.

Those are the rules, please. If you can't follow them, please take it elsewhere.

Best,

Gail

[TCJohnson]

I know! I think if we had a "Rick Olney Non-Fans" convention, it would outpull the MMC by a factor of thousands! ;)

Gail

So you mean there is 1,000 of us?

[Cully Hamner]

This thread may be the most successful convention Rick Olney's ever initiated.

Dude, that's hilarious!

[TonyIsabella]

Hey, James, Scott and everyone else.

And Scott, the official title is "America's most-beloved comic-book writer and columnist." Always in quotes. Because that's the joke.

I did try to give up the title last year, even opened the floor for nominations in CBG. Got no takers.

Clearly it is too dangerous a job for anyone but me. :)

Tony

[Gail Simone]

Hey, James, Scott and everyone else.

And Scott, the official title is "America's most-beloved comic-book writer and columnist." Always in quotes. Because that's the joke.

I did try to give up the title last year, even opened the floor for nominations in CBG. Got no takers.

Clearly it is too dangerous a job for anyone but me. :)

Tony

OH MY GOD.

I just realized.

OLNEY IS THE ANTI-TONY!


Tony's the Most Beloved Comic Book Writer and Columnist, and OLNEY is the Most Hated Man In Comics!


No WONDER they're locked in a life and death eternal struggle!

OLNEY IS DARK TONY!


Gail, suddenly frightened

[Crowley]

I wish J-Bolt would weigh in...

[Cully Hamner]

Anyone who makes fun of the Marines is a jerk. Please don't do it. I get that Rick may not be the best example but I see no reason at all to disparage a person's military career. It's just not cool.

Not being coy, Gail, but did I miss someone actually making fun of the Marines? I've noticed a few folks (including myself, briefly, in one post) pointing out the disparity that Marines are devoted to honorable behavior, and that Reek's actions don't live up to the organization to which he professes membership at every opportunity. That doesn't disparage the Marines at all, and it doesn't even diparage Reek's active service (which ended 30+ years ago).

But as they say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." I don't think it's disrespectful to the Marines to point out that, in being a habitual liar and fraud, he's not living up to that. He brings his service up constantly to bolster his credibility, and that makes it fair game for rebuttal.

Besides, the guy called me a communist.

But hey, it's your forum, and we'll all abide by your rules. I just like to preach is all. :)

[Erik Burnham]

OH MY GOD.

I just realized.

OLNEY IS THE ANTI-TONY!


Tony's the Most Beloved Comic Book Writer and Columnist, and OLNEY is the Most Hated Man In Comics!


No WONDER they're locked in a life and death eternal struggle!

OLNEY IS DARK TONY!


Gail, suddenly frightened

You're frightened? I'm the one who just pictured a Claremont/Byrne version of that image! I'm not frightened, I'm scarred! (;

[TCJohnson]

1) Anyone who makes fun of the Marines is a jerk. Please don't do it. I get that Rick may not be the best example but I see no reason at all to disparage a person's military career. It's just not cool.


If any of my comments about Rick are taken as an attack on marines in general, I absolutely did not intend it that way, at all.

[Gail Simone]

Not being coy, Gail, but did I miss someone actually making fun of the Marines? I've noticed a few folks (including myself, briefly, in one post) pointing out the disparity that Marines are devoted to honorable behavior, and that Reek's actions don't live up to the organization to which he professes membership at every opportunity. That doesn't disparage the Marines at all, and it doesn't even diparage Reek's active service (which ended 30+ years ago).

But as they say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." I don't think it's disrespectful to the Marines to point out that, in being a habitual liar and fraud, he's not living up to that. He brings his service up constantly to bolster his credibility, and that makes it fair game for rebuttal.

Besides, the guy called me a communist.

But hey, it's your forum, and we'll all abide by your rules. I just like to preach is all. :)



No, I get it, it's just I hope no one actually crosses the line. For all we know he served admirably and I'd rather not see people throwing rocks at that.

His behavior now, yes, would appall every Marine I know.

But I would hope that speculation regarding past service is kept to a minimum.

Gail

[Cully Hamner]

No, I get it, it's just I hope no one actually crosses the line. For all we know he served admirably and I'd rather not see people throwing rocks at that... I would hope that speculation regarding past service is kept to a minimum.

Agreed. No one has yet, and we should keep it that way.

[bert]

Wow, Gail - did he really just call you old? (er?)

I've seen good convention planning and bad. I was a guest at one in Dallas in 2000 (UncommonCon) that was run by a good guy (former retailer) and it was a well-intentioned, financial disaster for them..

But man, the minute I got there, I felt TAKEN CARE OF. That went a LONG way towards my feelings about the organizers.


wow, Mr. Owens, this post brought back some WONDERFUL memories.

myself and Jeff Slick (tho he doesn't post that much anymore, he lives in Houston, and used to be quite the regular here on CBR) met up in Dallas and shared a room for the first (and only) Uncommon*con.

We knew right away the con would be a disaster -- it was on THANKSGIVING weekend, it was at the Dallas/Ft.Worth airport, it was cold as hell in the exhibitor hall. . . and I had the time of my life.

the lack of attendees couldn't have been great for the guests/dealers, but it made it feel like a family event. Everyone had such a great time!

so many good memories:

-- buying the Starchild TPBs, and you drawing an incredible sketch on the inside of the front cover.

-- hanging out in the Hotel Bar w/ all of the Babylon 5 guests, drinking, and playing table shuffleboard.

-- the Opening Night banquet, where attendees got to eat a nice dinner w/ one of the guests at each table (I believe our table's guest was Pat Tallwell from Babylon 5).

-- being able to get my paws on the limited edition hardcover Bratpack trade, with a sketch by Mr. Veitch himself on the inside of Dr. Blasphemy calling me out.

-- watching the joy in Slick's face as he bought the MASSIVE "From Hell" trade from Mr. Eddie Campbell

-- being in the costume contest, and actually winning first place for "humorous" (a nice airbrushed Batgirl painting (Alicia Silverstone version :() and tix to next year's Uncommoncon (oops!).

yeah, it obviously lost so much money they didn't try again. . but it was such a great time, and everyone, guests/dealers/fans seemed to have a great time!

[GCom]

If Mr. Olney is at the Pitt Comicon this year, someone snag me and point him out to me. I'm curious.



With Tolerance For Wanting To See The Face...

GCom

[Coppervale Studio]

-snurk gasp wheeze- Daaaaaammmnnn! Thank you for that comment. :) That was delicate and subtle, like a fine stiletto between lower ribs.

He really needs to hotlink to the thread. I mean, he can legitimately claim responsibility for starting what me, my apprentices, my actual lawyer, and the Schwan's Frozen Food guy who came to the door while I was typing, call 'Olney's Con 2007'.

And it's almost his ideal: Gail Simone. Chuck Dixon. Mike Netzer. Colleen Doran. Tony Isabella. James Owen. Kurt Busiek. Mark Waid. Scott Shaw! Cully Hamner. Larry Dixon. That guest list ROCKS.

We volunteered to participate. There are NO travel costs. We all like our accommodations. And have you LOOKED at the pageviews?!?

And as for food, I've got this stash of stuff I snuck out of Cully's fridge when he was in the bathroom. So I'd say all in all, this convention is one for Rick's resume.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I just wanna say from reading that comicon.com link I feel more sadness for Rick. I mean wow.....from the guy claiming to be an FBI Agent to the posters suddenly showing up in that thread. It just blew my mind.

Did the TCJ Forums have the same reaction as well ?

[TCJohnson]

OLNEY IS DARK TONY!


Gail, suddenly frightened

And his next creation will be White Sunshine! DC's Last White Superhero!

Don't worry, eventually Winick will turn him into a likable character.

[Sarah Beach]

OH MY GOD.

I just realized.

OLNEY IS THE ANTI-TONY!


Tony's the Most Beloved Comic Book Writer and Columnist, and OLNEY is the Most Hated Man In Comics!


No WONDER they're locked in a life and death eternal struggle!

OLNEY IS DARK TONY!


Gail, suddenly frightened

You made me start laughing so much I ended up coughing!

Shades of truth!

[the4thpip]

Hey, James, Scott and everyone else.

And Scott, the official title is "America's most-beloved comic-book writer and columnist." Always in quotes. Because that's the joke.

I did try to give up the title last year, even opened the floor for nominations in CBG. Got no takers.

Clearly it is too dangerous a job for anyone but me. :)

Tony

Maybe in a globalized fan community, it's time to change the title to "the worlds most-beloved comic-book writer and columnist?"

I <heart> Tony Isabella.

[JadeDragon]

OY GEVALT!

When I first came to CBR in 1999 I saw a link to some silly nonsense going on at another website called Comicon.com. What I saw in the gutters there was appaling! I couldnt NOT look! What I saw was Rick Olney pretending to be a champion for comics, then flaming people, threatening physical violence, and then finally lawsuits. I was in shock that anyone that proclaimed to love comics could be so evil.

Cut to 2006 or so. I have bounced in and out of CBR for the last 8 years. When I saw that "OrcaFresh" was posting here I looked into it and noticed it was that same Rick Olney from the old days at Comicon. I kinda hoped he had changed and was a nice person now.

NO SUCH LUCK!

SO sorry to hear he has abused the kindness of other talented folks who love comics enough to spend their lives contributing to them. Often we who love comics are willing to work in that field even tho the money is tight. My hat is off to those willing to stand up and not take abuse any more. I moved to Los Angeles 7 years ago to work in comics and since then bopped around various Hollywood industries like theatrical animation, video game advertising, conceptual art and movie key art. Im actually going back to comic work this year starting at Top Cow.

Ive had my share of NDA's shoved under my nose and I have to reiterate what other learned peeps have said...NEVER sign a contract after the fact. Its illegal and immoral. Its usually the way a bad person tries to bind you to something legally beneficial to them when they know they have you under a barrel because you need them to pay you. Its the work of scumbags. Plain and simple.

MANY heartfelt kudos to Gail, Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid and the super justice coallition of professionals here that have been such a positive force regarding this situation. My heart goes out to every creator in this thread directly or indirectly involved. And to all the cool peeps of CBR who have responded to the call for attention to this cause.

Hope you all get compensation for all the time spent dealing with this obvious "Ass Bag". Love that new term!

Best!~~~Patrick

[Cam63]

Never put your dick in the spellchecker, that's what I always say.

Howy, I think you may have just made it into your own Digest.

In my time, it was " Never put your old feller on a choppin' block in a room fulla axemen. "

Modern times... Modern times...

[Cam63]

I just could not resist.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/SP32-20070104-192933.jpg


I am a bad monkey. Should I give him the local phone number?

They will never take me alive!

Moron.

How about Ned Kelly's " Ah, well... I suppose it would come to this. Such is life. " ?

[OzBat!]

As some have noticed, the "UNSCREWED!" anthology now has it's own working thread (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=158792), so it doesn't get buried under the rest of this stuff!

[Cam63]

If any of my comments about Rick are taken as an attack on marines in general, I absolutely did not intend it that way, at all.

The same goes for me.

[OzBat!]

Billy Crystal should probably be given a reprieve, too.

[Paul McEnery]

Ah, if everyone here who got their knickers in a twist about a minor publishing disaster could get just as excited about the mess of the environment or this country's political horror....

[Cam63]

I think Billy was hospitalised from " being hanged upside down way too long " related injuries, Oz.

[Cam63]

Ah, if everyone here who got their knickers in a twist about a minor publishing disaster could get just as excited about the mess of the environment or this country's political horror....

Your wisdom is greatness, Sir.

[Gail Simone]

Ah, if everyone here who got their knickers in a twist about a minor publishing disaster could get just as excited about the mess of the environment or this country's political horror....

We have lengthy threads on both subjects all the time. Go be condescending elsewhere.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Your wisdom is greatness, Sir.

Yes, I'm certain he never got involved in a lengthy thread that wasn't about baby seals.

Jesus.

Gail

[DungeonmasterJim]

Oy, I just got home from work and I'm like 10 to 15 pages behind. Except I need sleep BADLY! So there's another 8 hours and then it's back to work for another 12.

Is there anyway to form a highlight reel or something?

Doesn't Gail live on the west coast? Why in the heck is she up at 4:30am? Or do I have the wrong time zone. It's 7:31am EST here as I write this and I see her logged in!

And make sure to play golf now and by the Callaway HX tour ball today! It's my night job in case you couldn't guess.

DM Jim

[Typo Lad]

Ah, if everyone here who got their knickers in a twist about a minor publishing disaster could get just as excited about the mess of the environment or this country's political horror....
Hey Paul, remember that time I PMed you to ask why you were being a douche?

Yeah, I'm skipping the PM this time.

Stop being a binary thinker, okay?

One can be concerned with the big picture and the small picture as well.

Olney screwed people. This thread is to make people aware of it.

We have other threads for making people aware of the other evils in the world.

Just because there are bigger problems out there doesn't mean we ignore the small ones.

Have a good day and please be careful when you dismount from your high-horse. I'd hate to see you slip and get a concussion from the chip on your shoulder.

[TCJohnson]

Doesn't Gail live on the west coast? Why in the heck is she up at 4:30am? Or do I have the wrong time zone. It's 7:31am EST here as I write this and I see her logged in!


just an FYI, she once told me she does a lot of her best writing after midnight.

[Gail Simone]

I do almost ALL my writing at night. First, it's quiet, second, I'm an insomniac.

Working on fixes to ATOM as we speak, actually.

Gail

[PatrickG]

She not only has a pseudonym, she has a pseudotimezone. Duh!

She's really in the Pacatlantoceanic Time Zone where it's eleventeen o'thirty B.C.E.

It sometimes creates deadline confusion, particularly when editors from the 1960s wind up getting e-mailed scripts from Gail.

[OzBat!]

Jesus did lengthy threads about baby seals? How did I miss that one? It was one of those gnostic gospels, wasn't it?

[ChrisMRich]

Yes, I'm certain he never got involved in a lengthy thread that wasn't about baby seals.

Jesus.

Gail


Kipling was already standing up for the baby seals more than a hundred years ago.

Lots of people all over the world are still standing up for the baby seals, and a thread on a comics fansite community won't save them now.

On the other hand, you're doing good work in an areas where you /can/ accomplish something on a fansite.

Besides, and I say this with the towering ego of one of the most hopelessly geeky fanboys ever to walk the Earth, criminals (because let's face it, making people work for you and not paying them for their work is a crime and lying about it and slandering those you've wronged to protect your criminal ass leaves you open to civil liability) masquerading as publishers are bad for the whole industry.

And we all know the industry is so wonderfully healthy that it can sustain a lot of that degree of damage. Yeah. Uh huh.

He should avoid comics fansite communities if discussions about comics aren't meaningful enough for him. :)

[Typo Lad]

Jesus did lengthy threads about baby seals? How did I miss that one? It was one of those gnostic gospels, wasn't it?
It was in The Book of Serindipity, which was removed from Canon due to the fact that it contradicts some passages in Revelations.

[the4thpip]

Jesus did lengthy threads about baby seals? How did I miss that one? It was one of those gnostic gospels, wasn't it?

According to Rush Limbaugh, Jesus did threads about navy seals.

[OzBat!]

According to Rush Limbaugh, Jesus did threads about navy seals.Well, now we know the topic of Olney's next blog at least!

[matterconsumer]

Welcome Tony I and other new readers!

Anyone making it through the entire thread deserves some sort of recognition :)

Now that the Atom is getting fixed does this mean that there won't be any more of them???

[rummblestrips]

Hey Joanne, Glad to see you. Misssed you at WW this year. You were so right about Rick. I apologize for any doubts about that.

Thanks Lance, that means a lot, believe me. I remember how many people from the SPA suddenly didn't talk to me at conventions anymore after the Rick thing, and I knew he had gotten to a lot of people. But telling you what a terrible person he was didn't seem appropriate as MAYBE he wasn't evil to you.. I guess I was wrong there.
Thanks again

[AIPman1]

I remember how many people from the SPA suddenly didn't talk to me at conventions anymore after the Rick thing

There were MANY members who stopped participating in the SPA when this came down. Hopefully we'll see more healing amongst the "factions" that formed due to the tug of war of truth we got into. It's all so moot now, to anyone that has seen any part of the Tightlip non payment saga.

It's taken years to get Lance and I back on track, Tim and I have begun talking...there is hope for the world! I think we can get the SPA completely back on track, even if it's a matter of calling co-op work between groups. IF/ICC...in the interum I have grown quite fond of and close to the CAG (Comic Artists Guild) - Keith Murphy's effort. Phil Clark introduced us, and then formed a CAG West when he moved from NY to California, and we started promoting the CAG as a place for creators to meet other local creators, and there's now more chapters. Anyway, between all these groups, each with their slight different perspective, working together makes us ALL stronger. Building a true culture in the USA and beyond (I wrote for the UK's Rough Guide to Small Press on the internationalization of the publishing network) where there is support for those that want to be writers and artists and publishers and retailers of comics, that is versatile and responsive, well, the common goal is greater than any part.

Uh....coffee....and then back to work on Self Publisher! #50...

[Showman]

I've been reading but not responding so far. (Hi Rick! I know you're reading)

When I'm not making funny books, I'm a police officer.

Matt Doc Martin:
As far as I know "harrassing" someone isn't against the law. If you haven't made any type of explicit threat of harm to Rick then he can't get you for communicating threats either. By the same token, his telling you he has something for you when you see him at a convention isn't a real threat either. Its way too vague.
Most (if not all) states do have some sort of stalking statute in place, but unless you've done something more than a couple of snide emails or MySpace messages to him, I don't you're gonna qualify. Especially when he has the option to block you from contacting him anymore.
Having said that....even if he did get a magistrate in New York to issue a warrant against you, the most he might get is a misdemeanor charge (based on the little you've communicated here, unless he lies about what has been said/sent to him). Being a misdemeanor, I know of no organization who's going to foot the bill to extradite you from Florida to New York to be tried.
So, in other words, don't sweat it.


And yes, I've butted heads with Rick as well in the past. Good news for me though was that it was a relatively small amount of money and I waited for payment before giving him the work. When payment Wasn't made within a reasonable amount of time (over a year) I was able to sell it to other people.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Thanks Lance, that means a lot, believe me. I remember how many people from the SPA suddenly didn't talk to me at conventions anymore after the Rick thing, and I knew he had gotten to a lot of people. But telling you what a terrible person he was didn't seem appropriate as MAYBE he wasn't evil to you.. I guess I was wrong there.
Thanks again

My guess is the more this goes on, the lonelier man "Dick" will become...well, save for the voices in his head.

[Matt Doc Martin]

I've been reading but not responding so far. (Hi Rick! I know you're reading)

When I'm not making funny books, I'm a police officer.

Matt Doc Martin:
As far as I know "harrassing" someone isn't against the law. If you haven't made any type of explicit threat of harm to Rick then he can't get you for communicating threats either. By the same token, his telling you he has something for you when you see him at a convention isn't a real threat either. Its way too vague.
Most (if not all) states do have some sort of stalking statute in place, but unless you've done something more than a couple of snide emails or MySpace messages to him, I don't you're gonna qualify. Especially when he has the option to block you from contacting him anymore.
Having said that....even if he did get a magistrate in New York to issue a warrant against you, the most he might get is a misdemeanor charge (based on the little you've communicated here, unless he lies about what has been said/sent to him). Being a misdemeanor, I know of no organization who's going to foot the bill to extradite you from Florida to New York to be tried.
So, in other words, don't sweat it.


And yes, I've butted heads with Rick as well in the past. Good news for me though was that it was a relatively small amount of money and I waited for payment before giving him the work. When payment Wasn't made within a reasonable amount of time (over a year) I was able to sell it to other people.


My changing my location to "Alcatraz Island" aside, I wasn't terribly concerned. I have a friend who is a cop in NYC, and another in NH. "Dick" is a blowhard, nothing more.

[EdContradictory]

"Dick" is a blowhard, nothing more.

Right. I mean, anyone heard from a lawyer, yet?

The fact that he started a new blog for his worthless con and is trying desperately to pretend nothing has happened just screams desperate and pathetic.

[EdContradictory]

But there is an entire world of non-comic reading people out there that would enjoy a comic-book if they only knew they existed. Well, the Mighty MiniCon is that kind of event! We expose the un-exposed!
Does any sane person actually think low readership is attributable to other people not knowing comics actually exist?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Right. I mean, anyone heard from a lawyer, yet?

The fact that he started a new blog for his worthless con and is trying desperately to pretend nothing has happened just screams desperate and pathetic.

Hey now!!!! That has stuff from as recently as 2003!!! A little respect is due, I think. And look how much Gail is smiling!


MMC= We may not be relevant, but we know revisionist history!

[Gail Simone]

I've been reading but not responding so far. (Hi Rick! I know you're reading)

When I'm not making funny books, I'm a police officer.

Matt Doc Martin:
As far as I know "harrassing" someone isn't against the law. If you haven't made any type of explicit threat of harm to Rick then he can't get you for communicating threats either. By the same token, his telling you he has something for you when you see him at a convention isn't a real threat either. Its way too vague.
Most (if not all) states do have some sort of stalking statute in place, but unless you've done something more than a couple of snide emails or MySpace messages to him, I don't you're gonna qualify. Especially when he has the option to block you from contacting him anymore.
Having said that....even if he did get a magistrate in New York to issue a warrant against you, the most he might get is a misdemeanor charge (based on the little you've communicated here, unless he lies about what has been said/sent to him). Being a misdemeanor, I know of no organization who's going to foot the bill to extradite you from Florida to New York to be tried.
So, in other words, don't sweat it.


And yes, I've butted heads with Rick as well in the past. Good news for me though was that it was a relatively small amount of money and I waited for payment before giving him the work. When payment Wasn't made within a reasonable amount of time (over a year) I was able to sell it to other people.


Good lord, another one.

Did Rick Olney ever pay ANYONE?

This goes way, way beyond some temporary health problem into a full-blown pattern of deception going back years. That is just so repulsive.

BLEAH.

Bring on some baby SEALS.

Gail

[Typo Lad]

Dear Mr. Olney.

Please stop exposing yourself.

Thank You.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Jesus did lengthy threads about baby seals? How did I miss that one? It was one of those gnostic gospels, wasn't it?

It was all about getting them to turn the other cheek so they wouldn't see the clubs coming, I think.

And how tasty they are, of course.

[TCJohnson]

Dear Mr. Olney.

Please stop exposing yourself.

Thank You.

Ok, that one really made me laugh out loud.

[Gail Simone]

And, I open my email and have yet ANOTHER person stiffed by Rick.

Guys, listen.

I no longer believe Rick ever had any intention of paying anyone. The pattern is simply too established, too deeply, going back years.

I've gotten a ton of emails from people who have not yet come forward, either because they fear Rick's NDA's, or because they still have some dim hope that he'll pay some portion of what he owes.

You signed the NDA's. You still got stiffed. The NDA excuse is all just Olney bullshit. He did not pay you, HE was the one who broke the agreement.

I believe it's time for you all to come forward. Keeping quiet about Olney's abusive, dishonest practices only allows the possibility that he could do it again, however remote.

I feel for you. I kept quiet for a long time because I felt strongly that dealing with that "man" simply wasn't worth it.

But a lot of people may be suing Rick soon, or taking other legal actions, and it can only help to have the full extent of his dishonesty known. At some point, I feel the creative community owes it to the rest of the group to come forward with their stories for those reasons.

While I appreciate the kind words, don't you think it's time to chime in? No one's asking you to say anything but the truth in your own words, however you see it.

I am completely appalled that, as many people as have shown up here saying they've been cheated, there are so many more who have yet to come forward. You know who you are. I hope you'll consider it.

Best wishes,

Gail

[mroakley]

Well, this thread has CERTAINLY been intriguing. I remember quite well all the "The world's out to get me" discussions I had with Rick.

My name is Martin Oakley, and I commented twice to Rich Johnston on this entire debacle.

I've taken a hiatus from comics due to this crap, and also due to the "one quart shy of a crank case" comment that Rick threw at me. I'm sick of seeing this stuff happening, and sick of being screwed over.

A few comments to different posters:

DOCABSURD: E-mail me if you want, I'd enjoy talking with you again Tim. I forget who else contacted me when I left Rick's employ, but I remember you were one of them.

MARK WAID: You are most certainly a knight in shining armor to many of the creators screwed over. I am only owed $300, and taking from that the $100 I actually (yes I admit) owe Olney, I'm more than happy to declare everything even. It's not worth a small claims court battle for $200 + court costs. I've said my piece.

GAIL AND RONEE: Thank you both for being so stand up about this situation.

IAN: E-mail me man, it's been too long.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are able to do things like this in the comic book industry. Hell, I was nearly one of them but got out before I racked up too many bills. I owe one person money from my failed publishing venture, and he and I have made payment arrangements. Joe, if you're reading, you'll get the money on the 13th of January (this month).

I'm not sure why I decided to post, I said most of what I had to say in the LiTG column a few weeks back. I'm just glad that this is getting attention, so that more people will NOT become screwed by Olney.

Take care all, I'll respond if I can.
--Martin R. Oakley

[TCJohnson]

And, I open my email and have yet ANOTHER person stiffed by Rick.

Guys, listen.

I no longer believe Rick ever had any intention of paying anyone. The pattern is simply too established, too deeply, going back years.

I've gotten a ton of emails from people who have not yet come forward, either because they fear Rick's NDA's, or because they still have some dim hope that he'll pay some portion of what he owes.

You signed the NDA's. You still got stiffed. The NDA excuse is all just Olney bullshit. He did not pay you, HE was the one who broke the agreement.

I believe it's time for you all to come forward. Keeping quiet about Olney's abusive, dishonest practices only allows the possibility that he could do it again, however remote.

I feel for you. I kept quiet for a long time because I felt strongly that dealing with that "man" simply wasn't worth it.

But a lot of people may be suing Rick soon, or taking other legal actions, and it can only help to have the full extent of his dishonesty known. At some point, I feel the creative community owes it to the rest of the group to come forward with their stories for those reasons.

While I appreciate the kind words, don't you think it's time to chime in? No one's asking you to say anything but the truth in your own words, however you see it.

I am completely appalled that, as many people as have shown up here saying they've been cheated, there are so many more who have yet to come forward. You know who you are. I hope you'll consider it.

Best wishes,

Gail

Just because this thread is so jubled with stupid jokes (including all of my jokes), threats and other stuff, maybe we should start a website with just stories of people who got screwed by Olney. A format similiar to the creators response section of WiR. A place where people can state the facts without worrying about Olney derailing it with a meltdown.

[PatrickG]

Does any sane person actually think low readership is attributable to other people not knowing comics actually exist?

To an extent, I'd agree. I know plenty of people who say, "They still publish those things?"

You have to seek them out to find them and so if you want to capture the casual reader market, it does become an issue of awareness.

However, an awareness campaign isn't what you need to do in order to bring back impulse buys.

What you need is a cheap product placed directly under the nose of a casual reader that screams, "Buy me!"

[Matt Doc Martin]

Just because this thread is so jubled with stupid jokes (including all of my jokes), threats and other stuff, maybe we should start a website with just stories of people who got screwed by Olney. A format similiar to the creators response section of WiR. A place where people can state the facts without worrying about Olney derailing it with a meltdown.

And take away from the fun of this thread? No thank you!

[TCJohnson]

MARK WAID: You are most certainly a knight in shining armor to many of the creators screwed over. I am only owed $300, and taking from that the $100 I actually (yes I admit) owe Olney, I'm more than happy to declare everything even. It's not worth a small claims court battle for $200 + court costs. I've said my piece.

I understand where you are coming from, but just a thought: I think one of the reasons Olney has been esculating is because people are saying it is not worth it so he can get away with it. If he thinks he can get away with it because others say it is not worth it, he might do it to others. If he knows what the consequences are, maybe he won't do it to others.

Just a thought, deffinitely wouldn't blame you at all if you said you were just tired of the whole thing.

[TCJohnson]

And take away from the fun of this thread? No thank you!

Oh, not in replace to this thread, in addition. This is too addicitng.

[AIPman1]

I've been reading but not responding so far. (Hi Rick! I know you're reading)

When I'm not making funny books, I'm a police officer.

Matt Doc Martin:
As far as I know "harrassing" someone isn't against the law. If you haven't made any type of explicit threat of harm to Rick then he can't get you for communicating threats either. By the same token, his telling you he has something for you when you see him at a convention isn't a real threat either. Its way too vague.
Most (if not all) states do have some sort of stalking statute in place, but unless you've done something more than a couple of snide emails or MySpace messages to him, I don't you're gonna qualify. Especially when he has the option to block you from contacting him anymore.
Having said that....even if he did get a magistrate in New York to issue a warrant against you, the most he might get is a misdemeanor charge (based on the little you've communicated here, unless he lies about what has been said/sent to him). Being a misdemeanor, I know of no organization who's going to foot the bill to extradite you from Florida to New York to be tried.
So, in other words, don't sweat it.
Let me shed a bit more light on this. A few years back, this guy that runs a review website came into the SPA site and was being weird. He started telling people how much better his site was than ours, and bla bla, then eventually crossed the line and started calling names at people that told him that he wasn't winning any friends doing what he was doing. I had to ban him. That's when things got bad with the guy. He started posting blogs about me, my family, and really being an ass, calling us censors etc. Then he crossed another line and threatened not just me, but my wife, if we went to the SPACE show. When I refused to respond to him in any way as he was demanding in the blog, he threatened to come to my house to get his satisfaction. In no uncertain terms, it was a threat.

It wouldn't have been so scary, but I tracked his IP address to Columbus where the show is held, which was only a few hours drive away. We printed out everything. I called the police, and told them what was going on with this guy. I was told that they had to hand such things off to the FBI because it was the Internet that was used to pass the threats. Fine. I turned over my materials, and waited. Nothing. I called, asked what was up. They'd get back to me.

To this day, I don't know what happened. The threats dissapeared from online, I never responded in public to them. We actually SAW the guy at the SPACE show, but he walked away. We had people ready to intervene. My wife was scared he'd try something when she was alone, so we made sure she never was. But nothing happened, and I refused to be scared. But the point here is, even with clear evidence of a threat made, the chances of the FBI doing something is slim...but the important factors: Don't respond to threats, past "I'm taking that to the police"...and ACTUALLY DO IT. I don't know if the person was served notice by the police to cease and desist, I like to think so.

Oh, and for those who are wondering the WHO and what site: It was a "Whitey" who runs "optical sloth" - which is online still. I can say that because I still have copies of the proof to back that up. I haven't had any contact with him since...but he still seems to be getting small pressers to send him stuff...which - well, maybe he's not evil to those people...

I wouldn't worry too much about Rick sending the police. He was all over my case that he had the IRS looking into my business and I was going to be audited in one of our post-booting skirmishes, well, I knew I was straight so I didn't worry about it, whether the IRS looked or not I don't know, that was 2 tax seasons ago...I think he was just trying to scare. And that's likely all he did saying he was going to the police about you. The most I would imagine is an officer shows up to talk to you and make sure you don't contact Olney again. Which is good advice to anyone.

[EdContradictory]

To an extent, I'd agree. I know plenty of people who say, "They still publish those things?"

You have to seek them out to find them and so if you want to capture the casual reader market, it does become an issue of awareness.

However, an awareness campaign isn't what you need to do in order to bring back impulse buys.

What you need is a cheap product placed directly under the nose of a casual reader that screams, "Buy me!"
Right. It's the price of the books.

I'm sure there are some who don't realize comics are published, but I don't think it's a major factor in the lack of readership. I mean Borders has comic racks. WalMart has some comics stocked. Some 7-11s and grocery stores, too.

But when a comic costs the same as a magazine and the magazine is nicer looking and has more content...

[AIPman1]

It's really another topic, but more people will buy more comics when they become new fans of a new property they like. It's the basic theory we've tested in the past couple years in Small Press Idol. Put the ideas out there, let the public vote on which they like, then, the winner is the one that sells the best. People get a vested interest in seeing their favorites continue...and new titles have been born.

Sell the idea there is something new they may like, and make it easy to follow, and you have new people reading new comics...not more people reading the same old Spiderman, which...in trying to expand and mature a marketplace, is essential.

Have you guys seen this years SPI guidelines? Help spread the word!

http://www.dimestoreproductions.com/smallpressidol/idol07/index.html

[the4thpip]

Did Rick Olney ever pay ANYONE?


Gail

Now there is a t-shirt waiting to be made!

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Now there is a t-shirt waiting to be made!

I DID WORK FOR RICK OLNEY AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT.

Can hear the bus rolling out as many will run and make these shirts to sell at cons now. :p

[TomStillwell]

I DID WORK FOR RICK OLNEY AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT.

Can hear the bus rolling out as many will run and make these shirts to sell at cons now. :p

No, no.

I WORKED FOR RICK OLNEY AND HE STILL HASN'T PAID FOR THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

No, no.

I WORKED FOR RICK OLNEY AND HE STILL HASN'T PAID FOR THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT.

No...how about.,....


I WORKED FOR RICK OLNEY AND HE STILL HASN'T PAID ME FOR THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT UNLESS I SIGN A NDA .

[Mike Bullock]

I DID WORK FOR RICK OLNEY AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT.
THAT I PAID FOR MYSELF!



That makes it sound like he actually compensated someone for work performed. It should read:

I DID WORK FOR RICK OLNEY AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT,
THAT I PAID FOR MYSELF!

[MacQuarrie]

Ah, if everyone here who got their knickers in a twist about a minor publishing disaster could get just as excited about the mess of the environment or this country's political horror....
If somebody involved in the environment or politics would behave in as astonishing a fashion as Olney, you bet your bippy we'd talk about it.

Okay, Bush has been coming close, but he isn't having a spectacular meltdown like this. Man, that would be fun to watch.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Now there is a t-shirt waiting to be made!

Well, since you mentioned it...


http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin.98717507

http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin.98717508

http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin

[Typo Lad]

Matt:

Do Olney victims get some percent of the sales?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Matt:

Do Olney victims get some percent of the sales?


Doesn't that beat the point of being screwed over as the shirt says ? :p

[Matt Doc Martin]

Matt:

Do Olney victims get some percent of the sales?

I will donate EVERY dime I clear + $1 per shirt to any fund/whatever for victims. Should I increase price as well on them?

EDIT: Ok...every shirt that sells will sell for $3 above base cost. I will donate an additional $1 per shirt as well. So that means every shirt that sells gets $4 donated to the cause. I WILL POCKET NOTHING!!!

[Typo Lad]

I like Matt!

[Matt Doc Martin]

I like Matt!

I am actually not very likable.

But I try to do the right thing.

[TCJohnson]

I am actually not very likable.

But I try to do the right thing.

I was just thinking, I like him as long as I never get on his bad side ;)

[Typo Lad]

I am actually not very likable.

But I try to do the right thing.
I'm evil myself, but only to the deserving.

[EdContradictory]

Matt, can I see your 501(c)?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Matt, can I see your 501(c)?

I am going to come to your HOUSE, chop down your DOG, and have sex with your TREES.

Booga-booga.

[Typo Lad]

have sex with your TREES.


Ow. Splinters!

[Mike Bullock]

Well, since you mentioned it...


http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin.98717507

http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin.98717508

http://www.cafepress.com/mattdocmartin

I'd wear one in a heartbeat, but I won't pay to wear it, that'd be too much like cutting off my nose...

[Showman]

Guys, listen.


I believe it's time for you all to come forward. Keeping quiet about Olney's abusive, dishonest practices only allows the possibility that he could do it again, however remote.

I feel for you. I kept quiet for a long time because I felt strongly that dealing with that "man" simply wasn't worth it.

While I appreciate the kind words, don't you think it's time to chime in? No one's asking you to say anything but the truth in your own words, however you see it.

I am completely appalled that, as many people as have shown up here saying they've been cheated, there are so many more who have yet to come forward. You know who you are. I hope you'll consider it.

Best wishes,

Gail





When Rich Johnston first started reporting on this, I contacted him with my story just to lend credence to what he was being told about Rick's behavior. I didn't go "on the record" since I don't have emails from 5+ years ago and the forum where the situation was openly discussed and hotly debated has gone kaput (it was at www.figma.com and the threads were from late 2001 to 2002) I have nothing other than my own recollection and version of events.

As I said before it was a small amount of money, but here's my story....


In 2001 ( I can't narrow it down anymore than that) Rick frequented the "Launchpad" section of the message boards at www.figma.com. He'd been around for a few months and was tolerated and hadn't really had a big flame up with anyone. I knew nothing of him other than his posts there.

He contacted me by email stating that he wanted to buy a couple of pin-ups I had listed for sale on my personal web site. The two pics together might have cost about $40. He said he also wanted to commision a picture from me as a gift for a friend. He told me he wanted something specific involving a female superhero in the nude.

I didn't then and still don't normally do those type pics (and didn't really want to do it), so I quoted him a price of $100, which I figured he'd balk at. With me being a complete unknown at the time (now I'm a semi-unknown) I thought he'd never agree to it.

Well, he did, so I went ahead and did the work since he agreed to the price I quoted him. I don't recall any NDA's being involved. I completed the pic and sent him a low rez scan for approval and he said it was fine and he'd send payment. Altogether for the three it might have been $130 to $150. I don't recall exactly.

I went out and bought the packaging and packed it all up and waited for the check. After a couple of months, Rick told me that he had the check and would get it right out. A couple more months go by and he then gives me the old "the check is in the mail" excuse. It was a blatant lie. The check never arrived.

After more months go by, I get the excuses about how he changed email addresses and didn't get my mailings and either he or his son had been sick, so I should be forgiving and understanding etc.

Rick, made a return to the figma.com forum and did clearly state that he had been untruthful and should have paid myself (and a couple others money for stuff he asked for from them, but that's their story to tell) and he did offer to make good. At that point, I'd been out right lied to and jerked around, so I refused to provide him my mailing address. I told him I did not want his money anymore. Trying to make amends well after a year past the point that the work had been completed was unacceptable. In his eyes, this made me the asshole I'm sure. I'll live with that.

I later sold all of those pieces to other people at shows so I made some of the money back that I thought would be coming from him. There are at least two other people from the same forum who Rick told he would buy stuff from and he never sent payment or he ordered stuff COD and then failed to pay for when it was delivered. One of them told his story to Johnston as well but I doubt he will pop in here to share it.

As I said, this was all 5 years or so ago at this point. Rick knows how I feel about him and yet he sent me at least 2 friend requests on MySpace as well.






To Ronee:

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

[TCJohnson]

He said he also wanted to commision a picture from me as a gift for a friend. He told me he wanted something specific involving a female superhero in the nude.


For a friend, right. Ew...not surprising but...ew.

[Gail Simone]

For a friend, right. Ew...not surprising but...ew.

He asked for models to pose suggestively in tight clothes for photos on his myspace page.

Just sayin'.

Gail

[PatrickG]

By the way...

I don't think $100 for a piece of art is necessarily a balkable amount, even from an unknown and especially with a specialty item depicting something an artist doesn't normally do.

When I did my ashcan last year, the going rate seemed to be $50 a page for pencils and $50 a page for inks.

Name pros get considerably more.

I hate citing these kinds of numbers because it either puts publishing a comic well out of my price range or makes me look bad for seeking lower prices.

As it stands, I had numerous colorists from other countries willing to work for one third or less of what their English speaking counterparts would work for and I feel somewhat guilty about how close I was to taking them up on that.

The solution I came up with was to hire American flatters who had done TPB restoration work and paid them more per page than they were getting at DC, subcontracting for colorists. I'm not sure it was the best move for the finished product in some respects but:

1) I feel strongly about not undercutting fair trade pricing for artistic services.

and

2) I don't have a lot of disposable income. I was able to afford San Diego through a combination of insurance money from relatives dying and saving up. I had to work a whole summer to pay for five pages of art.

I'd love to self-publish a comic. But I'd need to rely on people content to settle for mostly backend pay or find a way to get around $12k in financing.

The fact that Olney was able to take such blatant and reprehensible shortcuts is startling... and I hope it catches up with him.

[Matt Algren]

He asked for models to pose suggestively in tight clothes for photos on his myspace page.

Just sayin'.

GailFinally I have an opening to say this. It was really creepy to go to his daughter's myspace page and see posts from her FATHER with that logo.

Creepy.

[Typo Lad]

He has a daughter?

Someone bred with him?

Really?

Hnh.

Then again, if someone married me...

[Showman]

Sorry I didn't do this before, but my name is Rich Stahnke and I'm the creator of "Furious Fist of the Drunken Monkey". I've had some work appear in a variety of small press books.

I contributed a couple pages of art to a book called "The Unusual Suspects" being released by Top Cow and is in the January Previews. I hope everyone will check it out and order it, as the proceeds benefit the Hero Initiative. The writer on the project is Dan Wickline.

I already had an account here that I created years ago so I used that instead of one bearing my real name.

[TCJohnson]

He has a daughter?

Someone bred with him?

Really?

Hnh.

Then again, if someone married me...

According to his myspace profile, he has five children and three grandchildren and has been married for 31 years.

[Typo Lad]

Wow.

So it's not like he's some punk kid or something.

This is someone who, age-wise anyway, is an adult.

That blows my mind.

I mean, I was 18 when I started my own comic company and G0d knows I did some stupid things... but I was 18 and people cut me slack.

But to be at least in your upper 40s and basically have no honor?

How does someone survive that long?

[amboy00]

He asked for models to pose suggestively in tight clothes for photos on his myspace page.

Just sayin'.

Gail
Ya. How else do you get MySpace friends?

What?

[TCJohnson]

Wow.

So it's not like he's some punk kid or something.

This is someone who, age-wise anyway, is an adult.

That blows my mind.




Again going by his myspace.com profile, he is 52.

[MartinRedmond]

I used to be nice to people like that too. I would take pity for the underdog and start ups. It's not worth it. They don't even appreciate the fact you're trying to be courteous.

[MartinRedmond]

Ya. How else do you get MySpace friends?

What?
Nice pics, Thanx 4 the add

Myspace friendship oh so important.

[Showman]

By the way...

I don't think $100 for a piece of art is necessarily a balkable amount, even from an unknown and especially with a specialty item depicting something an artist doesn't normally do.



At that time, I don't think I'd ever been published anywhere and him paying me $100 for a pic I thought was astounding. It would be like going to your neighbor and saying hey, draw me a picture and I'll give you $100.

I'm still a nobody, and I don't charge huge amounts for pictures still, but at the time it seemed like a ridiculous amount to ask for. Of course, any price is acceptable if actually paying isn't in the cards.

[Typo Lad]

Again going by his myspace.com profile, he is 52.
Hnh.

Thanks for the info. I never go to myspace

[MartinRedmond]

I'd love to self-publish a comic. But I'd need to rely on people content to settle for mostly backend pay or find a way to get around $12k in financing.

The fact that Olney was able to take such blatant and reprehensible shortcuts is startling... and I hope it catches up with him.

Or you could just be honest and tell people up front they won't get paid. I doubt publishing some no name indie with no ad revenue earns much profit...

[Sarah Beach]

My name is Martin Oakley, and I commented twice to Rich Johnston on this entire debacle.

I've taken a hiatus from comics due to this crap, and also due to the "one quart shy of a crank case" comment that Rick threw at me. I'm sick of seeing this stuff happening, and sick of being screwed over.

I have to say, not even knowing you, but having a few friends who have to cope with being bipolar, that his "crack" was one of the nastiest things I've seen. Especially in this day and age, when the general populace is coming to understand the condition better. I commend you for your restraint in commenting in public about his insult.

Best of luck to you in moving forward!

[G-Spot]

Well, I've been directed here by friends, and tho' I never "lost" any money to Rick, I can show a pattern of what he does to people. Now I really should have known better than to deal with him, since I had been privy to his various meltdowns on Comicon, and even after meeting him in person, I was a little leery, but I like to believe in the good in everyone, and I was doing this for a charitable organization, and not Rick himself.

A few years ago, Rick wanted to buy some comics off of me for ORCA. I gathered a long box of various titles/publishers, and gave him a price of $100 and the shipping costs. He contacted me thru one of his many emails with a mailing address, and I shipped it off. And I waited.

(Now one thing I was smart about, since knowing of his online reputation, I sent the box C.O.D. with a confirmation, meaning he had to sign for it.)

A few weeks went by, and I had emailed him if he got the box, and no replies. Another week goes by, still no replies, and nothing from the Post Office. After a month I talk to my Post Office and they track it to the PO in New York, and tell me it's been sitting there, after 3 tries to deliver, and they were going to be returning any day now.

I email Rick again, and this time he replies, saying I sent it to the wrong address, he never got any notice it was in, and he still wants the box. I reply that I sent it to the address he gave me (along with his email of it attached) and he never replies to that. I call my PO and tell them to keep it in NY for a few days more, that it's going to be picked up.

Flash forward two weeks, and still no payment or replies to my emails. Finally I get ahold of him thru a different email from a mess-board, and he tells me again that he still wants it, his email had changed and he never got my notices, and that the PO it was at was miles away and he would have to make a special trip. I say fine, and again, wait.

Finally after two more weeks of him not replying, I tell my PO to have it sent back. I get it back a few days later, and it's date/time stamped with the various time they tried to deliver it, along with copies of the notices they left. It was never brought up again by him to me, in the few times we "talked," again.

Needless to say, I never dealt in a business transaction with him again.

I've had some run-ins with him a various times, and the last time I "spoke" to him we had a battle over something he said online, that I replied to, that he didn't like. He then went and edited/deleted my posts on his mess-board to make me look like the bad-guy, and came over to the Figma boards were he proceeded to attack others and myself, and get himself banned there, after many discussions by the boards moderators over action on him. He then threatened lawsuits to the people who ran Figma (like he does with everyone else) and every month he would email them to let him back on. One time they relented, and he went right back to the attacks, and was banned permanently. And yet again, he begged to be let back in. I remember one discussion on the matter where he was asked why he wanted back to a place he trash talked, and where nobody liked him. But that's his M.O.

Anywho...the guy is not to be trusted, not to be believed, and hopefully karma will take hold and one of his many "illnesses" will make it so he can never post on the internet again.

He's still a loon with delusions of grandeur. It's just a shame that many of his emails I deleted, and many of the threads on various boards had been deleted, cause there was some really funny, troubling, and telling things there.

That's my story.

[Matt Doc Martin]

And the hits keep coming.

[TomStillwell]

I used to be nice to people like that too. I would take pity for the underdog and start ups. It's not worth it. They don't even appreciate the fact you're trying to be courteous.

Yeah, that's right. We totally don't.:rolleyes:

How could you not, what with all the bigness and pity being thrown around.

[TomStillwell]

Or you could just be honest and tell people up front they won't get paid. I doubt publishing some no name indie with no ad revenue earns much profit...

If you want to be a complete dick, why not do it on your own dime. Thanks.

[singoalla]

And the hits keep coming.

It's like watching some sort of trainwreck in slow motion. Every time you blink another thing breaks.

Here it gets worse with every page. I just want to peer through my fingers at the disaster.
Seems like there are dozens of people saying he's just plain loopy. By now I'd be worried attending any con he'd go to. Restraining order, someone?

uuhh.. and from wiki:

Diagnostic criteria, Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

At least five of the following are necessary for a diagnosis (as with many DSM diagnoses, they must form a pervasive pattern;..):

1. has a grandiose sense of self-importance
2. is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by other special people
4. requires excessive admiration
5. strong sense of entitlement
6. takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. lacks empathy
8. is often envious or believes others are envious of him or her
9. arrogant affect.

[Paul McEnery]

Hey Paul, remember that time I PMed you to ask why you were being a douche?

Yeah, I'm skipping the PM this time.

Stop being a binary thinker, okay?

One can be concerned with the big picture and the small picture as well.

Olney screwed people. This thread is to make people aware of it.

We have other threads for making people aware of the other evils in the world.

Just because there are bigger problems out there doesn't mean we ignore the small ones.

Have a good day and please be careful when you dismount from your high-horse. I'd hate to see you slip and get a concussion from the chip on your shoulder.

All I'm saying is that the dogpiling is a bit unseemly, and a bit out of proportion.

I've gotten stiffed by publishers myself. I've seen publishers start out with good intentions, get out of their depths, vamp in the hope things will clear up, get even more out of their depths, panic, get delusional, and start yelling crazy paranoid things so they don't have to face the facts.

It's not a totally uncommon story.

Sure, Olney needs to be exposed before he stiffs anyone else. Sure people might want to organize to sue him (though in my experience you're unlikely to get as much out of the deal as you lose pursuing the case). And sure, Olney should man up about the situation and take care of what business he can.

I just hate it when things get a bit "burn the witch", that's all.

[Sarah Beach]

It is interesting how reluctant we are to say this about someone, but in this case, I think it is called for.

The man is evil.

He gets his pleasure from instilling anxiety and fear in others, even in the most petty of ways. Consider Joanne's reaction to dealing with him, the feeling queezy, and not wanting to go to cons because she might encounter him. The way he uses NDAs to intimidate people into silence, when talking with others would be a healing catharsis for them. The general toxicity of the soul he creates in just talking crap at people.

The man is a sociopath.

From The Sociopath Next Door (by Marth Stout)

THIRTEEN RULES FOR DEALING WITH SOCIOPATHS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

1: The first rule involves the bitter pill of accepting that some people literally have no conscience.

2: In a contest between your instincts and what is implied by the role a person has taken on - educator, doctor, leader, animal lover, humanist, parent -- go with your instincts.

3: When considering a new relationship of any kind, practice the Rule of Threes regarding the claims and promises a person, and the responsiblities he or she has.
One lie, one broken promise, or a single neglected responsibility may be a misunderstanding instead. Two may involve a serious mistake. But three lies says you're dealing with a liar, and deceit is the linchpin of conscienceless behavior. Cut your losses and get out as soon as you can.

4: Question authority.

5: Suspect flattery.
Compliments are lovely, especially when they are sincere. In contrast, flattery is extreme and appeals to our egos in unrealistic ways. It is the material of counterfeit charm, and nearly alwyas involves an intent to manipulated. Manipulation through flattery is sometimes innocuous and sometimes sinister. Peek over your massaged ego and remember to suspect flattery.

6: If necessary, redefine your concept of respect.

7: Do not join the game.
Intrigue is a sociopath's tool. Resist the temptation to compete with a seductive sociopath, to outsmart him, psychoanalyze, or even banter with him.

8: The best way to protect yourself from a sociopath is to avoid him, to refuse any kind of contact or communication.

9: Question your tendency to pity too easily.

10: Do not try to redeem the unredeemable.

11: Never agree, out of pity or for any other reason, to help a sociopath concel his or her true nature.
"Please don't tell," often spoken tearfully and with great gnashing of teeth, is the trademark plea of thieves, child abusers -- and sociopaths. Do not listen to this siren song. Other people deserve to be warned more than sociopaths deserve to have you keep their secrets. If someone without conscience insists that you "owe" him or her, recall what you are about to read here: "You owe me" has been the standard line of sociopaths for thousands of years, quite literally, and is still so.

12: Defend your psyche.
Do not allow someone without conscience, or even a string of such people, to convince you that humanity is a failure. Most human beings do possess conscience. Most human beings are able to love.

13: LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE..

*****

I know that was long, but after the length of this thread, I felt it needed to be laid out. We've now seen enough evidence to make it clear that there is precious little reason for anyone to continue playing his game. As Gail said: stop being afraid.

And in support of this thread being this long, and of value, there is a very REAL CATHARSIS in stepping up, speaking about what happened to you and GETTING IT OUT OF YOUR system. Every moment you stay silent is another moment you live with his poison in your psyche.

Look around here, and see what healing is going on. Relationships being restored. New friendships being found. People finding out about the good work and craftsmanship of others who had slunk to corners after being psychically battered by Olney.

It's a new year. Throw away the old garbage.

Whew. Okay, enough of the sermon. :)

[Matt Algren]

Finally I have an opening to say this. It was really creepy to go to his daughter's myspace page and see posts from her FATHER with that logo.

Creepy.
See attached. 's all I'm sayin'.

[singoalla]

See attached. 's all I'm sayin'.

That's just soooooooooo wrong. Seen in the wrong context. S'all I'm saying...

[TonyIsabella]

Just a few quick comments:

Yes, I was photographed smiling at that Mighty Mini-Con. Of course, the photo is cropped so you can't see who was doing what to me at the time. :)

Seriously, the main reason I agreed to do the con was because it was a chance for a road trip with my son and because lots of good friends were going to be there as well.

Rick agree to pay for my motel room, pay my mileage, and maybe pay for some meals. He did pay for my motel room...or somebody did. He gave Eddie and I some lunch tickets which we used at the show. I let him slide on the mileage because I could tell he was losing his or somebody's shirt on the show. So I can't say my one "business" dealing with him was a bad one. I got what I wanted out of the show, then Eddie and I went to Cooperstown for a nice dinner, a good night's sleep, and a wonderful morning at a virtually empty Baseball Hall of Fame.

It's every other kind of dealing I've had with Olney that's been awful. I have barred him from my message board. I denied his dozen requests to be added to my "MySpace" friends list. With the exception of one response on Dixon's board, I ignore him...save for enjoying watching him do more damage to himself with his every comment.

However, in the name of sanity, I think Gail should close this thread when it hits 500 pages. :)

Tony

[Matt Doc Martin]

See attached. 's all I'm sayin'.

GAH!!!!!!!!

[Gail Simone]

"However, in the name of sanity, I think Gail should close this thread when it hits 500 pages. "

NEVER!

Maybe.

Gail

[Sarah Beach]

"However, in the name of sanity, I think Gail should close this thread when it hits 500 pages. "

NEVER!

Maybe.

Gail

Oh, come on. 500 pages? Think of the download time. What you could do is close this one and open a "new volume" for continuing. :evilsmile

[the4thpip]

I could post 300 pages of naked rugby players.




















No, I would not run out of photos. :o

[kadymae]

Just some thoughts ... and I'll admit I haven't read the whole thread (only 45 pages in at this point.)

1) CBLDF only deals in First Amendment issues. If you've been stiffed by Tightlip or any other publisher, they cannot help you. (It's not part of their 503c charter.)

2) If you are owed, there is an organization that you can turn to, if there is a chapter in your state.Volunteer Lawyers for The Arts (http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=lawyers+for+the+arts&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8) . If that link doesn't work, google "Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts".

3) Unless I'm mistaken, Tightlip is an NY corporation, so if you live in NY (or close enough to travel to the county where Tightlip is licenced, cheaply) and you're owed up to $5000, I suggest Small Claims Court (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/smallclaims/startingcase.shtml). (This site is NYC specific as far as locations, but the rules they cite for how to start the case, etc., apply statewide.)

Unless I'm misreading the site, NY Small Claims Law allows for (a) Default Judgement (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/smallclaims/vacatingjudgment.shtml). (If the plaintiff shows and defendant doesn't -- they lose.) and (b) Execution/Garnishment (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/smallclaims/collectingjudgment.shtml).

---
This does not guarantee that you'll see money, even if you get a notice for execution/garnishment.

However, if you do get an execution/garnishment, you can make sure that the various credit agencies have the information there is an Execution/Garnishment against the corporation or individual.

(Death of 1000 papercuts and all that.)

[TomStillwell]

I think another purpose this thread serves is to put the shady on notice while at the same time letting creators know that the industry has their backs.

Imagine you are trying to break into comics and your first experience is with a person like Olney. It's very likely that will be your last experience as you chuck your dream to work in comics.

Working in the industry is hard enough without worrying some slime will take advantage of you.

Let's put our foot down here. On Olney's neck.

[Jack Zodiac]

And . . . what exactly happened to that anticipated 2 day con?

Oh, I remember; this cover (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/covercopyscaled.jpg) I spent months on. Included many characters from various small press creators to highlight the SPA members. Before the meltdown.

If it's any consolation, Doc, that cover looks fuckin' awesome.

Jack "Givin' ya' Props" Zodiac aka Jack "Stealin' yer Schtick" Zodiac

[Jack Zodiac]

This thread may be the most successful convention Rick Olney's ever initiated.

Heh! Someone oughta' print this entire thread out when it's done, engrave that quote on a rock, tie the thread to it and chuck it through Rick's front window, just to show him how big a success he finally became at gathering comic book creators.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Heh! Someone oughta' print this entire thread out when it's done, engrave that quote on a rock, tie the thread to it and chuck it through Rick's front window, just to show him how big a success he finally became at gathering comic book creators.

He'd be in the VAN.

[Jack Zodiac]

If Mr. Olney is at the Pitt Comicon this year, someone snag me and point him out to me. I'm curious.

People still go to PittCon? I figured Mike would've sailed that boat into a rock by now.

[Jack Zodiac]

I like Matt!

I love Matt. He's climbin' the mancrush ladder towards Busiek, Morrison, and Waid. :p And I'd definitely buy that shirt.

I'd also love to contribute to the UNSCREWED! anthology, even if only in prose, to help all the poor folks Rick's royally screwed over the years.

[Night Swordsman]

That's pretty funny, actually.

Because I know the Pacific Northwest is nothing like that, with your loggers and your sasquatches and your grunge bands hoping for a resurgence. (;

You forgot the Monster Truck matches and Endless stream of Retirement Homes. Ick.

[Jack Zodiac]

He has a daughter?

Someone bred with him?

No offense to the kid or anything, but... I bet he "shed" her. Y'know, like a Gremlin. He probably spilled a glass of water on his foot and poof!

According to his myspace profile, he has five children and three grandchildren and has been married for 31 years.

Okay... maybe it was a pitcher of water.

[AIPman1]

If it's any consolation, Doc, that cover looks fuckin' awesome.

Jack "Givin' ya' Props" Zodiac aka Jack "Stealin' yer Schtick" Zodiac

you shoulda seen the t-shirt I put together for the show with everyone's characters as if they were in a line-up, remember that Tim? I can't find a copy of it on computer, I probably have it on disc somewhere....

[Night Swordsman]

You're frightened? I'm the one who just pictured a Claremont/Byrne version of that image! I'm not frightened, I'm scarred! (;

Does this mean that Dark Olney is going to fly out into space and eat a entire planet of Broccoli Aliens? :p

[Jack Zodiac]

And the hits keep coming.

I wish he'd show up again to post. This is like a game show.

"Rick Olney, This Is Your Life!

Behind this curtain, we have a very special guest. Tell me if you recognize this voice!

'I sent you an original piece of art a couple of years ago you never paid me for.'

That's right, Rick, it's some other guy you fucked over! Now, tell me if you recognize this voice!

'Rick, I mailed you a box of comics for your organization that never arrived because you kept ducking the delivery guy.'

You got it, Rick! Another guy you fucked over!"

[matterconsumer]

I just hate it when things get a bit "burn the witch", that's all.

Then fight the burning of witches on an appropriate thread.

[Jack Zodiac]

I just hate it when things get a bit "burn the witch", that's all.

Yeah, but at least this "burn the witch!" scenario has a nice, heaping side of "help the poor people the witched fucked over." I'm a vindictive bastard, so this thread would be just as awesome if it were solely about demeaning this jerkoff, but I like the idea of other creators and fans helping small-time creators who fell victim to unfortunate circumstance.

Like how everyone was so eager to donate after Lea's house burned down.

[Ogdred]

Anyone remember the Mr. Show sketch where Bob and David play the guys who have their own little charity that competes with the "Make A Wish" foundation? The bit where Bob has promised the little girl in the hospital that Michael Jackson would come visit her and then waits around with the family for hours before finally saying, "well...looks like he's not coming. Sorry...." The thread about Olney's charity scheme to play middleman for those wanting to donate their comics to the Salvation Army reminded me of that sketch.

[Dreadstar]

I think another purpose this thread serves is to put the shady on notice while at the same time letting creators know that the industry has their backs.

Imagine you are trying to break into comics and your first experience is with a person like Olney. It's very likely that will be your last experience as you chuck your dream to work in comics.

Working in the industry is hard enough without worrying some slime will take advantage of you.

Let's put our foot down here. On Olney's neck.

Truly, I think the best possible destination would be when Olney asks a new up-n-comer to come to his con and have the up-n-comer say to him:

"Olney? Oh yeah, I've heard of you! Sure, I'll come. But I'll expect money up front and a pre-paid hotel room and the round trip ticket in my hands first. Thanks!"

[Matt Doc Martin]

I wish he'd show up again to post. This is like a game show.

"Rick Olney, This Is Your Life!

Behind this curtain, we have a very special guest. Tell me if you recognize this voice!

'I sent you an original piece of art a couple of years ago you never paid me for.'

That's right, Rick, it's some other guy you fucked over! Now, tell me if you recognize this voice!

'Rick, I mailed you a box of comics for your organization that never arrived because you kept ducking the delivery guy.'

You got it, Rick! Another guy you fucked over!"


No worries. He will show up again.

Hey, "Dick"! *waves* Wanna buy a shirt? And remember...it isn't slander if you didn't actually pay me. Did you pay me, "Dick"? Did you pay anyone?

[Night Swordsman]

ZOMG! I am actually CAUGHT UP on this thread again! I stop reading it last morning/early afternoon and come back this morning to find over a DOZEN new pages of insanity to read thru.

This thread gets my vote for best YABS thread. It starts with a tragedy and a wrong needing righted,and so many talented people get together to do JUST that.


But..i have a question...Has someone banned Orcafresh yet? He has not posted back in awhile,which is not like him.

[Coppervale Studio]

I don't hate Rick. Not even close.

And I don't think he's evil.

I don't want to demean or belittle him.

But...

Exposing what's gone on? No problem. Shoring up proof of his actions (or inactions)? No problem. Supporting people who have been injured or damaged or threatened by him? AB-SO-LUTELY no problem.

Like I said earlier, attitude counts. For a lot. And a man should stand up.

If he screwed up some things - well, it happens. But you know what? If Rick had stood up, admitted it, offerd sincere apologies instead of threats, and basically made an effort to try to make even the smallest reparations...

None of us would have been left with anything to criticize without looking petty ourselves.

But everyone can see the direction he chose to take. And telling people they CAN'T be paid because they're not buckling to his threats...

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Olney Con 2007 will last exactly as long as he wants it to - because shutting it down (by simply doing what he said he'd do) is an option that was always his to choose. And still is.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Is it just me or were the forums down briefly?

[Matt Doc Martin]

ZOMG! I am actually CAUGHT UP on this thread again! I stop reading it last morning/early afternoon and come back this morning to find over a DOZEN new pages of insanity to read thru.

This thread gets my vote for best YABS thread. It starts with a tragedy and a wrong needing righted,and so many talented people get together to do JUST that.


But..i have a question...Has someone banned Orcafresh yet? He has not posted back in awhile,which is not like him.

He won't get banned unless he goes WAY the hell off. He has not yet. Besides...what would this thread be without the entertainment "Dick" provides?

[Sarah Beach]

Is it just me or were the forums down briefly?

Not just you. I only got access again just moments ago. And I've been trying a while. ("What do you mean I haven't been doing my work? It's research!" :) )

[shanejayell]

Something odd happened. Still, we're back!

[Matt Doc Martin]

("What do you mean I haven't been doing my work? It's research!" :) )

Ah....You are a psychiatrist!

[AIPman1]

down for hours actually.

I dont want this to sound accusatory...but when Rick was actively "after" me, my forums would do the same thing...like a DOS attack. I was never able to get the web host to provide the truth about what was going on. but things would go down for no appearant reason, then come back.

It's just curious.

[Jack Zodiac]

Is it just me or were the forums down briefly?

If briefly means "frequently over the course of about three hours," then yes.

[Matt Doc Martin]

down for hours actually.

I dont want this to sound accusatory...but when Rick was actively "after" me, my forums would do the same thing...like a DOS attack. I was never able to get the web host to provide the truth about what was going on. but things would go down for no appearant reason, then come back.

It's just curious.

I doubt he has the talent.

I thought maybe he came on, announced plans to pay everyone back, and the internet cracked in half.

[Jack Zodiac]

I thought maybe he came on, announced plans to pay everyone back, and the internet cracked in half.

Nah, that'd require Hell to freeze over, and near as I can tell my AC hasn't kicked on.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

If it was something , Jonah would likely post something and tell about a problem with the forums. Odds are they had to do a purge as usual. ;)

[TCJohnson]

"However, in the name of sanity, I think Gail should close this thread when it hits 500 pages. "

NEVER!

Maybe.

Gail

You need to close it before that. Just as a reminder that it is CBR policy to close threads that reach 5,000 posts. It becomes too much of a strain on the server.

[OzBat!]

Guys, Olney's family is OFF LIMITS. No ifs, buts, or wherefores.

[Matt Algren]

Guys, Olney's family is OFF LIMITS. No ifs, buts, or wherefores.Just to clarify, I have nothing against his fambly. His logo, though, comes off a tad inappropriate at times.

[AIPman1]

I doubt he has the talent.

doesn't have to have been HIM, just someone he told to do it...just sayin...

Does this happen at this site often? Forums down then back?

[OzBat!]

Not usually, we've been really stable for a long time now. I believe we're currently under a huge Spam attack, which is slowing down the servers. Defences are holding though!

[DocAbsurd]

you shoulda seen the t-shirt I put together for the show with everyone's characters as if they were in a line-up, remember that Tim? I can't find a copy of it on computer, I probably have it on disc somewhere....

You mean this one (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/MMCT-Shirt02.jpg)?




Doc 'Archived for Posterity' Absurd

[Sarah Beach]

You mean this one (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/MMCT-Shirt02.jpg)?




Doc 'Archived for Posterity' Absurd

That's a cool, cute piece (if one could cut out the promotional stuff at the top). Even without knowing anything about the specific characters. It just kind of makes me grin.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Not usually, we've been really stable for a long time now. I believe we're currently under a huge Spam attack, which is slowing down the servers. Defences are holding though!

I hope CBR can ward off the evil known as Spam. Its nice to see a forums without pop ups ect ect.

[TCJohnson]

Not usually, we've been really stable for a long time now. I believe we're currently under a huge Spam attack, which is slowing down the servers. Defences are holding though!

Maybe that is Olney....if it has happened to other boards.

[AIPman1]

check this: http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17

[Matt Doc Martin]

I'm waiting for the day when terrorism actually extends to pukes that spam and waste their creative energies at performing negative acts against others on the Internet. The day will come.


Wow.

The man is certifiable.

[THEDOC]

Oh, I remember; this cover (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/covercopyscaled.jpg) I spent months on. Included many characters from various small press creators to highlight the SPA members. Before the meltdown.

And notice how candid all those guests look as they're caught unaware, looking up suddenly and holding their books like they normally do in everyday life.




Doc 'Say "Limburger"' Absurd

Hey is that Nino's ULDM in the second row left????

[AIPman1]

You mean this one (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/MMCT-Shirt02.jpg)?




Doc 'Archived for Posterity' Absurd

Doc A - you're the bomb!!! Thanks! I spent hours arranging that image from individual images!!!

"class of 2004" meaning those that learned that MMCs get cancelled...

[Sarah Beach]

What gets me is his constant use of the phrase "the hobby and business of comics". It's like "rue the day". Who talks like that?

And as far as the IRS is concerned, there's a very REAL difference between a "hobby" and a "business".

Heh.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

check this: http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17


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

http://taic.livejournal.com/40680.html

[THEDOC]

Thanks Lance, that means a lot, believe me. I remember how many people from the SPA suddenly didn't talk to me at conventions anymore after the Rick thing, and I knew he had gotten to a lot of people. But telling you what a terrible person he was didn't seem appropriate as MAYBE he wasn't evil to you.. I guess I was wrong there.
Thanks again


Well he showed his true colors quick enough and I gave him two chances. Don't apologize you WERE right I just didn't listen. Live and learn. Hope to see you on SPA again. Maybe stop by IF.

[Gail Simone]

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

http://taic.livejournal.com/40680.html

Aw, that's a shame. I think Blake seems like a very nice guy.

Hope he can take the book to a legitimate publisher at some point.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

check this: http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17

Is anyone here a member of that forum?

Gail

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Aw, that's a shame. I think Blake seems like a very nice guy.

Hope he can take the book to a legitimate publisher at some point.

Best,

Gail

Yeah I wonder what he's thinking about now ? Be cool if he would drop by. Judgin from the blog he had such high hopes for it.

[Sarah Beach]

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

http://taic.livejournal.com/40680.html

Gee, it sounds interesting. Is this still entangled with TLE? (I'm hoping not. He deserves better.) I don't recall it being one of the titles RO's was touting as upcoming from TLE last month (the touting, that is).

[THEDOC]

There were MANY members who stopped participating in the SPA when this came down. Hopefully we'll see more healing amongst the "factions" that formed due to the tug of war of truth we got into. It's all so moot now, to anyone that has seen any part of the Tightlip non payment saga.

It's taken years to get Lance and I back on track, Tim and I have begun talking...there is hope for the world! I think we can get the SPA completely back on track, even if it's a matter of calling co-op work between groups. IF/ICC...in the interum I have grown quite fond of and close to the CAG (Comic Artists Guild) - Keith Murphy's effort. Phil Clark introduced us, and then formed a CAG West when he moved from NY to California, and we started promoting the CAG as a place for creators to meet other local creators, and there's now more chapters. Anyway, between all these groups, each with their slight different perspective, working together makes us ALL stronger. Building a true culture in the USA and beyond (I wrote for the UK's Rough Guide to Small Press on the internationalization of the publishing network) where there is support for those that want to be writers and artists and publishers and retailers of comics, that is versatile and responsive, well, the common goal is greater than any part.

Uh....coffee....and then back to work on Self Publisher! #50...

Yeah a lot of healing but enough of the past stuff between all of us NOW we look into the future as a united front with different viewpoints as long as we are all doing comics like Jerry Bails would had wanted.... cause the Future is now! Any CAG members in my neck of the woods?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Is anyone here a member of that forum?

Gail

Are you planning mischief?

[DocAbsurd]

Hey is that Nino's ULDM in the second row left????

Yup. I went thru the effort of contacting each creator and getting their permission to use their character in a 'wall of fame'. I even sent them a sketch of the picture so I could get their approval. It was supposed to be used for the MMC 2004 venue, where the SPA members would be 'honored guests' (the 'honor' would be being part of the mob screwed over by Tricky).

Again, another non-payment issue. Along with the 3 months I acted as PR for the MMC site. Yeah, he sucked me into that position, too; I forgot all about it until I found the emails he sent me.




Doc 'Does That Title Come with a Lollipop?' Absurd

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Gee, it sounds interesting. Is this still entangled with TLE? (I'm hoping not. He deserves better.) I don't recall it being one of the titles RO's was touting as upcoming from TLE last month (the touting, that is).

I just saw the link with a search. The premise sounds really interesting and with the Minx line at DC favoring young girls , he would be a good addition there. Hopefully he finds a place for it.

[OzBat!]

I'd say let it go, that JAZMA post is over 8 months old and nobody replied to it then, either.

[Night Swordsman]

Are you planning mischief?

Gail IS the Mischief Queen. :p

ALL that is needed to be said.

[Sarah Beach]

Blake is on ComicSpace. Just sayin'.

Blake M. Petit (http://www.comicspace.com/blakemp/)

[Gail Simone]

Are you planning mischief?

Not at all, just wondering!

Gail

[JeffreyWKramer]

doesn't have to have been HIM, just someone he told to do it...just sayin...

C'mon, the guy isn't bright enough to string together three coherent sentences. He's just a douchebag, not Dr. Doom.

Seriously, y'all are being paranoid. Of all the things in the world to be afraid of, ORCAbreath rates somewhere toward the bottom of the list, below ladybugs, baby birds and gentle breezes.

[TCJohnson]

He is also on comixtreme.com

[Gail Simone]

I'd say let it go, that JAZMA post is over 8 months old and nobody replied to it then, either.

Really?

Eight months old?

Who were the 'terrorists' (snork!) eight months ago?

Gail

[THEDOC]

down for hours actually.

I dont want this to sound accusatory...but when Rick was actively "after" me, my forums would do the same thing...like a DOS attack. I was never able to get the web host to provide the truth about what was going on. but things would go down for no appearant reason, then come back.

It's just curious.

I was telling Tim the same thing last night. But mine was mostly jest....still/

[Sarah Beach]

Really?

Eight months old?

Who were the 'terrorists' (snork!) eight months ago?

Gail

OMG, that's right! I thought he was slinging that at Dixonversers and Gail's "plebes", slinging it "freshly". But obviously not. Heh.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Blake is on ComicSpace. Just sayin'.

Blake M. Petit (http://www.comicspace.com/blakemp/)

Hmmm.....maybe someone that knows him better should ask him about the series. I hope he finds some place for it.

[Gail Simone]

I'd say let it go, that JAZMA post is over 8 months old and nobody replied to it then, either.

It says it was posted two months ago on the top...am I missing something?

Gail

[TCJohnson]

It says it was posted two months ago on the top...am I missing something?

Gail

Yeah, but it is part of your charm

[Matt Doc Martin]

Really?

Eight months old?

Who were the 'terrorists' (snork!) eight months ago?

Gail

If you don't buy TightLip comics...the terrorists win!

If there ARE no TightLip comics, the Trolls and Stalkers won.

If the Trolls and Stalkers win, .....I ran out of stuff.

[Sarah Beach]

No, Gail's correct.

The Jazma post is dated 11/04/2006. But he talks about the events of "the summer" as if they were two weeks prior.

The LiveJournal bit from Blake is dated 7/17/2006.

[THEDOC]

Yup. I went thru the effort of contacting each creator and getting their permission to use their character in a 'wall of fame'. I even sent them a sketch of the picture so I could get their approval. It was supposed to be used for the MMC 2004 venue, where the SPA members would be 'honored guests' (the 'honor' would be being part of the mob screwed over by Tricky).

Again, another non-payment issue. Along with the 3 months I acted as PR for the MMC site. Yeah, he sucked me into that position, too; I forgot all about it until I found the emails he sent me.




Doc 'Does That Title Come with a Lollipop?' Absurd
Have you shown Nino your version of ULDM, it looks mavelous.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Well, well, well...look what I got:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/docmartin72/SP32-20070105-205835.jpg


I only share this bit to protect the identity of who it is, but yet another poor, unfortunate soul is among us.

[TCJohnson]

Well, yeah, she is right about that but in general she is missing something. We just laugh and move on.

If you guys are interested in Blake Petit's writing, click here (http://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Heroes-Blake-Petit/dp/1591291453/sr=8-1/qid=1168048796/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0393199-9184923?ie=UTF8&s=books).

[OzBat!]

No, Gail's correct.

The Jazma post is dated 11/04/2006. But he talks about the events of "the summer" as if they were two weeks prior.Ahh, there's my problem then. In the REST of the civilized english-speaking world, just not the USA, dates are rendered day-month-year. See the logical progression? :p

[TCJohnson]

...Commie.

[Matt Algren]

Ahh, there's my problem then. In the REST of the civilized english-speaking world, just not the USA, dates are rendered day-month-year. See the logical progression? :pYou probably use periods instead of colons when you show time too, ala '9.06'.

>>>shudder<<<

[DocAbsurd]

BTW, Gail, I also got an email from another person who had 'dealings' with Tricky. They're absolutely flooding in now, like when the host on a radio show hits a topic everyone can identify with.

And I'm remembering so many things.

Like when he started 'commissioning' convicts for dirty pitchers. Your tax dollars at work.

Or when he was openly asking for 'adult' models to pose for some undisclosed project for TLE.

How he kept offering to buy collections so he could 'donate' the comics to various organizations. I'd be curious to find out how many organizations actually benefited from such donations.

How everyone who spoke against him was a 'stalker', while his venomous defenses on forum after forum was entirely justifiable.

I can't believe I let so many flags go off without seeing the warnings.




Doc 'Memmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm-ries' Absurd

[Trevor Frick]

You mean this one (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k141/DocABsurd206/MMCT-Shirt02.jpg)?




Doc 'Archived for Posterity' Absurd

That looks sweet, DocA. I never saw it finished. It seems like years(3 or 4 i think) since that was done.

[Matt Doc Martin]

How everyone who spoke against him was a 'stalker', while his venomous defenses on forum after forum was entirely justifiable.






Doc 'Memmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm-ries' Absurd

I miss being a troll, a queer, and a fanboy.

[Blake Petit]

Well, yeah, she is right about that but in general she is missing something. We just laugh and move on.

If you guys are interested in Blake Petit's writing, click here (http://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Heroes-Blake-Petit/dp/1591291453/sr=8-1/qid=1168048796/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0393199-9184923?ie=UTF8&s=books).

Thanks for the plug, TC. :)

As for the rest of you guys -- I'm actually genuinely touched by those of you who've expressed concern for my little project. I haven't gotten into this debate publically, and I don't intend to, but I just had to register my surprise and gratitude that I've even been thought of here. ;)

[OzBat!]

You probably use periods instead of colons when you show time too, ala '9.06'.I'm also really fond of forward slashes... 6/01/07!

[AIPman1]

Is anyone here a member of that forum?

Gail

i have been a while, but it looks to have changed recently. I know a couple people involved with the people's comic book newsletter...in passing...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Thanks for the plug, TC. :)

As for the rest of you guys -- I'm actually genuinely touched by those of you who've expressed concern for my little project. I haven't gotten into this debate publically, and I don't intend to, but I just had to register my surprise and gratitude that I've even been thought of here. ;)

I actually saw your blog doing a Google search linked with TLE. The premise sounds good , have you tried talking with DC about their new line ? I'd bet they would like it. :)

[bert]

Is it just me or were the forums down briefly?

hmmm. . maybe Jonah didn't sign a NDA, and so Olney sicced the Internet Police on CBR

[Magneto_X]

I actually saw your blog doing a Google search linked with TLE. The premise sounds good , have you tried talking with DC about their new line ? I'd bet they would like it. :)

But wouldn't giving his property he loves to a company like DC be a bad thing?

Wouldn't they own most of the rights and/or keep it forever? :confused:

[SUPERECWFAN1]

But wouldn't giving his property he loves to a company like DC be a bad thing?

Wouldn't they own most of the rights and/or keep it forever? :confused:

I thought the new line would be a creator owned line for DC. If not then , thats cool. Theres always Icon at Marvel. ;)

[Blake Petit]

Believe me, guys, if I knew anyone at Marvel OR DC, I'd have been talking to them for a VERY long time already. :LOL:

(Really, I've got a couple of ideas for Justice League Unlimited I think they'd LOVE...)

[Matt Doc Martin]

Believe me, guys, if I knew anyone at Marvel OR DC, I'd have been talking to them for a VERY long time already. :LOL:

(Really, I've got a couple of ideas for Justice League Unlimited I think they'd LOVE...)

"Dick" is close personal friends with Stan Lee.

And 1000 people on MySpace.

[Blake Petit]

Hey, who among us DOESN'T have 1000 close personal MySpace friends?

[Larry Dixon]

Gail is not the Mistress of Mischief, she is the Mistress of DEBT! Just play City of Heroes with her! (shows the portrait of Gail face down in a Crey hallway)

*laugh*

Love you Gail. We miss you over on the game. And Howard Porter too, it's been months since I heard from him.

Anyway, on-topic, a bully is a bully. A Marine in training calling someone a "plebe" as an _insult_ misses the point: they, too, are future Marines just like you, and so you're only insulting yourself & being a contemptible bully by calling someone a 'plebe' in malice. It reveals much, I think. It'd be like black belts sneering at the white belts---it would only bring shame to all involved, because you are all on the same path.

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

[bert]

Hey, who among us DOESN'T have 1000 close personal MySpace friends?

I have never EVER even been on Myspace

but I have lots of Bare-buddies from Bear.com.

does that count?

[howyadoin]

I miss being a troll, a queer, and a fanboy.It's never too late, Matt.

[Blake Petit]

I have never EVER even been on Myspace

but I have lots of Bare-buddies from Bear.com.

does that count?

I don't even know what that means, but I find it incredibly frightening.

[AIPman1]

"Dick" is close personal friends with Stan Lee.


I rode an elevator with Stan Lee once. I think that means he's my Dad!!!!

[Corrina]

Yeah? I rode on an elevator once with Nora Roberts!

And she was smoking!

(I didn't complain. I was too busy watching over several coolers of booze.)

Really, it's good I've never been to a comic con. Save I'll never get a chance to meet all you great people.

[Jack Zodiac]

Hey, who among us DOESN'T have 1000 close personal MySpace friends?

I don't! I even deleted that one pushy asshole who makes you his friend automatically. Who the hell does he think he is?

Gail is not the Mistress of Mischief, she is the Mistress of DEBT! Just play City of Heroes with her! (shows the portrait of Gail face down in a Crey hallway)

Pfft! I figured out the maximum debt cap for every level on that game three months in. Hell, they only implemented debt badges because I bragged about my ridiculous debt all the time. I had the first three inside of a week.

Love you Gail. We miss you over on the game. And Howard Porter too, it's been months since I heard from him.

Wow, Porter plays? I've met Hickman in-game, and I know Waid plays, or used to. And you and Mercedes and Gail. I wonder how many other creators are video game nerds, too.

[Matt Doc Martin]

It's never too late, Matt.

I bite anything that is put in my mouth.

I can't even eat lollipops. I am like that Tootsie Pop commercial. 1-2-3 *crunch*

But i still do have 3 billy goats gruff as my mortal enemies...

[Matt Doc Martin]

I rode an elevator with Stan Lee once. I think that means he's my Dad!!!!

I think Stan Lee had sex with my mom. Are we related now?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Hey, who among us DOESN'T have 1000 close personal MySpace friends?

I have 10 I believe but I honestly haven't updated the whole thing since I 1sy logged on it in May. :p

[shanejayell]

I have 13 on myspace.
*lol*

[Blake Petit]

Well now I just feel like a Friendwhore. :D

(Please friend me.)

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I have 13 on myspace.
*lol*

Cleary we are not loved. Because we lack over having 1,000 My Space friends !

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Well now I just feel like a Friendwhore. :D

(Please friend me.)

I'll do it one day I get some time. Plus learn how to do it as I've had my more computer savy family members do it for me. Because...ME NOT KNOW SHINY THING. ;)

[Coppervale Studio]

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

That's the best piece of advice Rick could glean from this entire happening.

He has managed to get a TREMENDOUS abount of the WRONG KIND of publicity. And be it for publishing, or conventions, or charity projects - I don't think he'll be able to find anyone in the industry who won't be aware of how he conducts himself.

And consider themselves duly warned, by his own actions and words.

[THEDOC]

I rode an elevator with Stan Lee once. I think that means he's my Dad!!!!
Saw Lee at Marvel Productions while visiting a friend. My eldest when we were at the SDCC in 1981 almost got stepped on by Jim Shooter, does that count?

[TCJohnson]

Well now I just feel like a Friendwhore. :D

(Please friend me.)

Well, I would have but..don't know if I like the idea of having you as a friendwhore........

[GCom]

People still go to PittCon? I figured Mike would've sailed that boat into a rock by now.

Well, this coming year (2007) will be the first year in 13 that I won't be setting up in any respect. And it's "in my backyard."

You sound like you know something I don't...



With Tolerance For Number Based Decisions...

GCom

[EdContradictory]

I'd say let it go, that JAZMA post is over 8 months old and nobody replied to it then, either.

I wondered what happened to the spazzy reviewer from SBC. He seems to have started his own site.

[Jack Zodiac]

Well, this coming year (2007) will be the first year in 13 that I won't be setting up in any respect. And it's "in my backyard."

You sound like you know something I don't...

Nah, I'd just been to almost every PittCon since it started, first as a consumer, then as a retailer. I've known Mike for years, and I just think he's a crappy businessman. The last few conventions I bothered attending were bone dry for big name talent, save Michael Turner (who'd go every year, no matter what) and Perez, who was pluggin' JLA/Avengers at the time.

Also, Marty was there every year, and he and his wife were the only reason I went back those last couple years, just to make sure the old man was still doing well. :(

[wishlish]

This is the best thread ever to read at 3 AM while on morphine and oxycodone.

Just saying.

[Cam63]

A Marine in training calling someone a "plebe" as an _insult_ misses the point: they, too, are future Marines just like you, and so you're only insulting yourself & being a contemptible bully by calling someone a 'plebe' in malice. It reveals much, I think. It'd be like black belts sneering at the white belts---it would only bring shame to all involved, because you are all on the same path.

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

http://aca.mq.edu.au/AdrianBrown/fieldwork%202004/images/copper%20mine%20shaft.jpg

Yeah, you'll be laughing out the other side of your mouth when the bugger finds gold.

[Jack Zodiac]

http://www.sitefights.com/community/spirit/jackzodiac//olney.jpg

[Sarah Beach]

Jack, that SOOOOOOOOO has to be the cover for the bound print out of this thread!!!!

[Cam63]

I'm also really fond of forward slashes... 6/01/07!

I find them a little cheap and too easy.

[DungeonmasterJim]

Tales of The Spooky -- Okay, so you know that Death can often influence time and space, accomplishment or state of being, right? Well, this is one book that won't die! Yes, despite the various troubles of REAL death's complicating the debute of Wheezy's pride and joy ... we'll have this book, consisting of 10 - 6page stories by some of the best known storyteller's creating comics along with our gruesome host, Brian "Wheezy" Hornois of Sci-Fi channels' GHOST HUNTERS fame, ready to roll late spring of 2007. And, because we dragged our casket a little later than we had hoped; You can expect lots of pleasant and gruesome surprises!


Some of the Ghost Hunters guys are doing a public appearance at my local mall in about 2 weeks. I should ask this Hornois guy if Olney ever paid him.

DM Jim

[Mike Bullock]

Is anyone here a member of that forum?

Gail

http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17

Yes.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17

Yes.

It says under his name " Moderator " . So I suspect that post will be deleted soon. ;)

[Mike Bullock]

It says under his name " Moderator " . So I suspect that post will be deleted soon. ;)

That's okay. I can repost it. Richard Vassuer is the site owner and a good guy, so I certainly don't need to worry about being banned.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Sadly, the only one that likely will see it will be "Dick", but it is good fun anyway. Huzzah, fellows!

[Matt Doc Martin]

Well, prior to YOUR action of trolling the Internet in this matter to publicly smear my name and company -- You were due to be paid just as soon as I was given the legal go-ahead by my attorney.

It now seems as you want to sink yourself deeper, and join those talents that have legal actions being taken against them for legal breach of contract. Initially, this all started on Chuck Dixon's message board -- Which, no longer has the threads archived, but my attorney has certified, time stamped copies of them saved. Dixon broke his NDA and, as is suspected "Gail Simone" came to his aid in trying to discredit and humiliate me publicly by using troll tactics. This isn't a legal matter of comic book talents being cheated. It is a matter of to what lows you can stoop to. Frankly, I'm ashamed for you. Contrary to what is said on CBR, I'm going to let your post here remain. It helps substantiate my points of contention in this legal matter. In not wanting to wait until my attorney contacts you regarding your monies due with a release date, you have taken to making a game of this. And, now further complicated your part in this mess. Congrats! See, Mike... factually, you do not even have all the facts to this matter. Yet you willingly throw yourself into the fray. Your mistake.



Regards,
~Rick
TightLip Entertainment

Well, "Dick" DOES still come around.

Want a shirt, "Dick"?

[Gail Simone]

"Well, prior to YOUR action of trolling the Internet in this matter to publicly smear my name and company -- You were due to be paid just as soon as I was given the legal go-ahead by my attorney.

It now seems as you want to sink yourself deeper, and join those talents that have legal actions being taken against them for legal breach of contract. Initially, this all started on Chuck Dixon's message board -- Which, no longer has the threads archived, but my attorney has certified, time stamped copies of them saved. Dixon broke his NDA and, as is suspected "Gail Simone" came to his aid in trying to discredit and humiliate me publicly by using troll tactics. This isn't a legal matter of comic book talents being cheated. It is a matter of to what lows you can stoop to. Frankly, I'm ashamed for you. Contrary to what is said on CBR, I'm going to let your post here remain. It helps substantiate my points of contention in this legal matter. In not wanting to wait until my attorney contacts you regarding your monies due with a release date, you have taken to making a game of this. And, now further complicated your part in this mess. Congrats! See, Mike... factually, you do not even have all the facts to this matter. Yet you willingly throw yourself into the fray. Your mistake.



Regards,
~Rick
TightLip Entertainment"


I'm still laughing at this lying deadbeat's logic. Two of the MANY, MANY people he's cheated come forward on the Jazma board, and he blames THEM for him being a lying cheating deadbeat.

RICK! We KNOW YOU'RE READING.

NO ONE IS SCARED OF YOUR LAWSUITS.

WE HAVE MOUNTAINS OF EVIDENCE AGAINST YOU. You have NOTHING BUT YOUR DELUSIONS.


What a weirdo.

By the way I just got a letter from someone who knows Rick very well with some surprising information about his financial situation. They've given me permission to forward it but not to print it here. If you're considering legal action, and I hope you will, let me know and I'll forward the letter and contact information.

Gail

[TomStillwell]

It now seems as you want to sink yourself deeper, and join those talents that have legal actions being taken against them for legal breach of contract.

Wouldn't, I don't know, NOT PAYING PEOPLE, be the singular breach of contract?

[Gail Simone]

Where is the LOGIC in his stupid posts, I wonder?

If the pros coming forward saying they were cheated is why NO ONE (not even those who kept quiet) is getting paid, how in the world does that explain the many months between the PROMISED PAY DATE and Chuck coming forward?

The guy cheated SO MANY PEOPLE and he's been doing it for years.

But no, it's all Mike and Scott and Chuck who ruined it for everyone, according to Rick.

RICK! Go ahead and SUE!

Not only do I have provable emails from you for TWO YEARS OF LIES, but I have dozens, yes, DOZENS of your lying emails to people you've cheated, including close friends and TLE associates, AND your repulsive (and poorly written) insults about porn and other topics. Not to mention many incidents of you physically threatening people. The judge will LOVE those.

How's that small claims case against you going, by the way?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Wouldn't, I don't know, NOT PAYING PEOPLE, be the singular breach of contract?

Not in Rick's world...he honestly turns everything around so that it's everyone ELSE's fault for demanding the money he promised and contracted to pay. Same as he tried to make ME feel guilty for wanting the money back that I spent out of my own pocket because, you know, going to Herkimer for a crappy, amateurish disaster of a con is such a DELIGHT that I should consider it a VACATION.

Guy's from the moon, this we know. But man I hate to see him call people like Scott, Chuck,Val and Mike, people with more integrity than Rick can even CONCEIVE, liars. That just grates.

Gail

[Matt Doc Martin]

By the way I just got a letter from someone who knows Rick very well with some surprising information about his financial situation. They've given me permission to forward it but not to print it here. If you're considering legal action, and I hope you will, let me know and I'll forward the letter and contact information.

Gail

Awwww....Now I am curious.

[Gail Simone]

Now he locks the thread.

My god, what a chickenshit move.

What a coward. Every time I think I can't get more disgusted with him, he stoops to another level.

Bring your lawsuit on, Rick. I look forward to you explaining the MOUNTAIN of threats and lies you've issued, from some of your former closest associates, all of whom are DISGUSTED with you.

You always think you're winning, somehow, when the rest of the world is shaking their heads thinking, "My god, what a delusional clown."




Gail

[Gail Simone]

I think Jazma ought to reopen that thread. I don't know much about them, but they always seemed like a decent site and I can't imagine they're cool with a lying deadbeat threatening creators and then locking the thread so they can't respond.

Gail

[Matt Doc Martin]

Now he locks the thread.

My god, what a chickenshit move.

What a coward. Every time I think I can't get more disgusted with him, he stoops to another level.

Bring your lawsuit on, Rick. I look forward to you explaining the MOUNTAIN of threats and lies against you.

You always think you're winning, somehow, when the rest of the world is shaking their heads thinking, "My god, what a delusional clown."




Gail


But...but...how will people support Tightlip there?

[DocAbsurd]

Now I can see why he admires Stan Lee so much; I've never seen someone who can sling so much hype about projects that effectively dead in the water.

I know for a fact that most of his original talent has abandoned ship for more lucrative assignments. We also know that TotS #1 is tied up in legal ramifications. And we all know what kinda legal ramifications.

So he goes and announces plans for 2007.

That's akin to losing the Stanley Cup and immediately bragging about how you're gonna take it next year. After your coach, goalie and top 10 players put themselves up for trading. And the auditorium you play at closes.

He fecking delusional.

What lying exactly did we do here?

We called him out non-payment. He admitted to that.

We posted his threats via email. He did that.

We disproved everything his 'attorney' advised him with simple research.

And he's insulted just about everyone here by name.

So where're the lies?

'Defamation' only happens when untruths are spread, and he's admitted to much of what we've said.

Personally, our attorney is still waiting for legal notification.




Doc 'My Attorney's Bigger Than Your Attorney' Absurd

[orcafresh]

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

[Matt Doc Martin]

He's back!!!!!!!