Content Theft and Rules of Engagement

[BuyHawkeye]

It finally happened to my work. I follow the threads where content gets ripped off and it always steams me. Now I am asking for help.

My Site: http: //www. buyhawkeye. com/foreclosure.php

The rip-off site: http: //www. melissawhite. com/Foreclosure_vs_Short_Sale/page_1928213. html

I scanned a few threads looking for concrete action and didn't find what I was looking for. I'll post it to my blog on REW if we can get together a standard course of action to solve this problem. Here are the steps I intend to take after I post this:

1. Contact both the agent and the web host demanding action in a specific time frame (by close of business tomorrow).
2. If no satisfaction, then I will report her to her broker.
3. If no satisfaction, report the Broker to the State's real estate commission (GREC--in our case).

I found the theft of my content because of a link-back search. She didn't bother to remove my "contact us" link!

What else am I missing? Like I said, if I can get a logical flow together then I will post it on my blog for future reference. I appreciate the help.

[satxproperty]

Hi David,

I don't know about Georgia, but typically, here in Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission could care less about what happens between agents. They are more or less concerned with protecting the public.

You might try your board of Realtors, afterall it is an ethics violation. Morgan is putting together a response he has obtained from the legal department at NAR and I guess will be publishing more info on it soon.

See this thread:
http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/thread22416.html

[kid disco]

I guess I don't think this is as big of a deal as you guys do... Just contact the agent and see what's up before you spend any more valuable time stressing over other courses of action.

[NealRM]

Normally I would say to go after the thief, However in this case the site is so poorly done that I would not worry about a few paragraphs. She is doing herself more harm than good with that site.

[Bigtoe]

I sent an email to the agent demanding immediate removal of my content or legal action would follow. She apologized and removed it.

[BuyHawkeye]

This is the response I got:

I am in receipt of your email and accusation regarding Theft of Content on your web page. I have someone that writes content for my website. Before any content is removed from my page at:

http: //www. melissawhite. com/Foreclosure_vs_Short_Sale/page_1928213. html

I would like proof that your content is unique content or copy written. You are accusing me of Theft of Content and I do not take that lightly. If you can prove that your content was placed on your site prior to my site, or that you have content that is protected by copyright, then I will most certainly oblige with your requests immediately upon receiving proof that substantiate your allegation.

I will wait for your reply and I will contact my web provider. I am contacting my Attorney and giving notice of this matter as well, should we need to move forward legally.


Cordially,
(name removed)

[kid disco]

Does she know that she's linking to you?

[Smuck]

Too funny! Apparently, the Realtor is unaware of The Way Back Machine.

[BuyHawkeye]

Too funny! Apparently, the Realtor is unaware of The Way Back Machine.

Yeah, I checked it. My content shows all the way back to when I switched over to an REW site (but no further). Her's doesn't show a history.

[Smuck]

Does she know that she's linking to you?

This is getting REALLY funny now! Ok, more sad than funny, but ridiculous nonetheless. I wonder how Melissa will explain the 'contact us' link?