As you’re no doubt already aware, my biggest pet peeve is content theft. I think there’s nothing worse than lazy website owners or bloggers who feel it’s ok to steal someone’s work, especially if they’re hoping to profit. Every time I blog about content theft, I receive a flurry of emails and comments asking how I find my stolen content. The world wide web is a big place. Surely it’s like finding a needle in a haystack, isn’t it?
Actually it’s not too difficult to know if someone is ripping off your content. It requires a little time on your part, but if you want to keep your words off of other people’s websites, you’ll find it worth the trouble.
Copyscape: Copyscape allows you to enter the URL of your post or webpage and then scans the web for duplicate copy. Keep in mind you can only use the free service several times per month, after that you’ll have to pay.
Technorati, pingbacks and trackbacks – This is the reason you should always link to a past post or article. Technorati will list all of the blogs linking to you. If there’s a link to your blog inside an article and someone rips it off, it’ll appear in the sites that link to you. Also, if you request pingbacks for your blog, you’ll get one when someone steals something you wrote that links back to a past piece of content.
Google: Google your title or a few choice sentences and see what comes up. Make sure to put it between quotes so a search will only yield those that are an exact match.
It’s a shame we have to troll the Internet to find out if our content is stolen. Until this isn’t a problem anymore, we really don’t have too much of a choice. At least there are simple ways to check for our content on other blogs and websites. Don’t take content theft lightly, let the people who steal your words know you’re going to do everything within your power to have the situation rectified. They may think twice about stealing again.
Discuss…
- Deb
Vote for Celebrity Cowboy in the Dirt 100!
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August 22nd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I just lucked out and saw it in an RSS feed in iGoogle. Turns out nobody was stealing from me, but I just got lucky. Never thought about getting it stolen before.
It’s something I am taking more serious now as I become a better writer.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
There was bloodbath last time my content got stolen (”last time” because it has happened to me SO many times before).
I’m used to checking my articles on various duplicate content checkers. It’s just that everytime I do catch an offender, it really saddens me since that does not only devalue my content but also my opinion of other people in general.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:53 pm
The work that I have online, that is still mine, is not my best stuff. I’m not too worried about it being ripped off.
Having said that, Deb might make me paranoid, so I’ll start doing some cursory checks to see. It’s worth trying once in a while.
Perhaps an unusual word, such as “omniscience”, would help in the searches. Something like that once in a while might make google more useful.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
One other thing that I would suggest is the use of Google Alerts, google.com/alerts, as a means of automating much of the process, by inputting key sentences into your alerts, you’ll get emailed when a suspicious site emerges. Saves you from having to search yourself.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had such a problem with this. If there’s anything that I can do to help, please let me know. I’ll gladly do what I can.
Take care and good luck!
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:51 pm
I have used google as Deb suggested to find plagiarizers of others people work but not my own.
These are good ideas and I will definitely be using copyscape.
I am paranoid about listing my sources and I think that is a good thing when writing, I havn’t looked at it much for my work since I am a beginner.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:14 am
I have to say, I am tired of writing for people who do not steal from my blogs, they steal from me. This just happen again and I quickly posted the content as mine on the web immediately.
I was asked to write articles for someone that I had worked with on a fee site before and the first payment was do and he disappeared. This is a lot of money for me not to mention my time.
This is starting to be a habit for people to ask for a writer and then just disappear. I started a blog about article scammers and now it seems everyone is doing the same. Sad, since my site was becoming popular with many writers.
One success I had was with a woman from India who told me that my articles were horrible and she was not paying for garbage. I was so mad that I waited for a week or so and took all 10 articles and ran a COPYSCAPE on them and lo and behold, there they were word for word on someones website.
I then used WHOIS to find the site owner and I emailed them stating they were using stolen articles. Beleive it or not they replied back with concern, since they had paid for the articles.
The next day I was paid by the theif and asked how could I do that, her customer had called her and had a fit. She lost the customer and blamed me. I WILL TAKE THE BLAME. Do not steal my articles and nobody loses anything.
It is becoming an ongoing problem that needs to stop. There are real good people out there that really want good writers, but now how do you judge? Everyone will suffer because of others.
Thanks for letting me vent.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:24 am
I think I know your web site, Pam. I’ve even seen your post about the scammer.
I agree, it’s become very hard nowadays to tell which people are scammers and which are not. But I’ve always believed that there’s always a risk involved in freelancing anyways - it’s only a matter of forming a sound judgment and being able to act accordingly.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:26 am
wow pam, you’re story makes me so mad! well count me in as paranoid too, i’m going to start using copy scape!
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:27 am
Is asking for an agreement or contract any help with this? I’m new to freelancing and you all sound much more experienced…paranoid is the word!
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
A contract is always essential, but almost unenforceable if the publisher ups and disappears. Best to 1) get a contract and 2) only work with established companies. (For new clients, I tend to ask for 50% of my fee up front, but that’s the marketing side of my work and may not pan out in article writing.)
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:05 am
I think it would be easy for established writers to ask for 50 upfront payment but for someone such as me with less than one year experience, that’ll be a tad difficult. It’s the trust issue — there are clients I don’t trust and there are clients who don’t trust me. I’m talking about one time-gigs, of course.
I have, however, worked for companies who’ve paid me upfront before.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:18 am
Hey, Jonathan Bailey! Thank you for that heads-up about Google Alerts! I’ll start using that immediately.
I am quite fortunate. No one’s stolen from me that I’m aware of.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:31 am
I also started requesting 50% up front with new clients. For ongoing gigs such as blog and article writing, I ask for a week’s worth (or a set amount) of pay before I start work on the project. Interestingly, since instituting this policy, I’ve had several potential clients suddenly and inexplicably decide to “go a different direction” after I explained my policy. Good riddance, is all I can say!!
I don’t bother with contracts for content articles or copywriting anymore. As long as your agreement is all in writing via email, it’s virtually the same thing. JUST DON’T MAKE YOUR ARRANGEMENTS OVER THE PHONE — and if the client insists, run the other way, and fast! Only scumbags who plan to say they never agreed to anything will insist on “working out the details” over the phone.
I also recommend researching new clients before you begin working with them. For example, run a WHOIS on their website or ask for their address and phone number. If they are legitimate they won’t mind sharing it with you. Be especially careful if they have a free email address and no website, because you won’t be able to track them unless you get (and verify) alternate contact information first!
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
^That is so true. People start to show their true colors when it’s time to settle payments.
Start talking of numbers and they’re gone like the wind.
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I never get as much as 50% for a retainer. I think 25% is the best I’ve managed.
It sounds to me as though on-line gigs, where you don’t meet a real human, have very different rules than going over to see Carlos on the West Side (as an obscure example). Real people you either know or know their clan don’t stiff you.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Well, “real people” can still “stiff you” so if you do know them or are connected with them somehow you can at least track them down.
The number one rule: Always get alternative contact information!
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:49 pm
OK. I have to ask because I just saw this and I may be getting duped. Is anyone else writing for LCP? It’s articles for different magazines and I signed a contract but not getting paid until next month. If anyone has info please let me know.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Because I’m owed a good amount of money I have stopped submitting articles at this point. No website, but person gave me phone numbers for alternate ways to get ahold of her. I’m gunshy at this point and since just beginning this job…afraid of no money. I hope I havn’t screwed myself now for next month’s writing. In a pickle.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Is anyone else just starting out and gone through this?
August 24th, 2007 at 7:17 am
Hi Micah,
I’ve been contacted by LCP too (but didn’t write for them as I was too busy with other projects). Based on my (very limited) experience, magazines, generally, pay after some time has passed, some even after the issue has gone in print. What say the more experienced writers in the board? Could anyone enlighten us on this matter?
It’ll be great if you tell us if and when you’ve been paid, Micah.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Hi Mariella,
I have looked them up and all I found was a different job posting. I looked up the publisher who was on my contract and didn’t find squat on that either. This is a difficult position because it’s the best paid job I have recieved thus far.
Honestly, I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing at this point but simply afford to be spending my time writing for something that I may not get paid on. Too much financial need in my position right now.
My tip off was the free e-mail account as someone suggested to look for and getting a “twitch” in the beginning.
Last year I made the mistake of having an international buyer with a retail website that I was doing, and lost a great deal of money.
Call me a cynic but I just can’t afford to be a chump.
I’d like to hear other peoples viewpoints on this also.
August 24th, 2007 at 8:02 am
The ad about paying 50.00 for 500 word articles is the company I’m talking about. It is a different person doing the ad this time. I was asked for 1500 word count for that amount of money.
August 24th, 2007 at 9:22 am
I was also asked for 1,500 words. Did they also ask you for an “article package” (text + proof of research like menus or business cards of people you’ve interviewed)? Anyways, I think they’ve asked for 500words in their new ad because they have a deadline today (aug 24) and still lack a gazillion number of articles to fill their magazines.
I’m sorry I can’t give you more info on them. I tried checking on them before I even considered their offer but found nothing at all. Were you the one who posted in ONLINE WRITING JOBS about them? They owe you such a large amount of money…
August 24th, 2007 at 9:31 am
I don’t know about the posting on Online Writing Jobs that you mean? I have been all over the net lately so not sure. Where can I go look at that?
I was asked for sources but I didn’t interview anyone.
August 24th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Go here: http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/jobbank/
And look at the pending ads. Someone named Nicole Braddock is asking about Hope (whom I’ve been in contact with) and Roger of LCP Media. She also signed a contract and also can’t find anything on the Web about them. She said she did $500 worth of work for the company.
August 24th, 2007 at 9:49 am
My content question is a little different, but I would appreciate any feedback or thoughts you’d like to share.
After a few years as a staff writer at the regional paper, I left to begin freelancing. Since then, I’ve been writing for them steadily,which has been great, because I pretty much work as much as I want to and write whatever I want,
At that time,(seven years ago) I signed what my lawyer brother-in-law tells me is an incredibly poorly-written contract.
According to the contract -and my editor’s instistances-they own exclusive rights only for the first three days after publication, after that, it’s all mine.
However, we began publishing a magazine last year, and they recently passed one of my stories on to the Assocaited Press, which was great, and it ran all over the state.
I’m wondering if I should be getting some sort of payment since it was after the three days and it ran so many places.
I don’t want to sour my relationships at the paper, and I certainly want them to continue passsing my work on to the AP.
Also, I’m also wondering if I should be contacting some of the other outlets (such as the AP, since I have the contact person)myself to offer them the story for publication after the three day period.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Robin C.
August 24th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Robin –
I’m not exactly sure, because I don’t do much newspaper writing, but I think AP pays for stories. If they do, then whatever money they paid for it is technically yours, assuming your local paper was only buying first-time rights from you.
August 24th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Micah –
If your contract said you won’t be getting paid until next month (or until publication, or whatever) you may be jumping the gun by getting militant about it now. However, it also sounds like you have good reason to be concerned, particularly considering what Mariella found about that writer who is owed $500.
Honestly, Micah, you need to do this kind of research BEFORE getting involved with a company. Refusing to do any further work for them when you already agreed to the work and the payment schedule is only going to make you look really foolish — and if they are legit, it’s going to make you look like a jacka**.
However, I think it sounds like there is sufficient reason to think they are not legit. For one thing, almost every legit publisher is going to have a website and a traceable email address. For another, it sounds like someone may have already been screwed.
There is very little actual action you can take right now if your contract says you won’t be getting paid until next month. What I would do is give it two weeks from when you are supposed to get paid, and then send them a letter saying they have two weeks to pay up before you start taking action. If they don’t pay by that deadline, approach Angela Hoy at WritersWeekly.com and see if she will investigate the company for her Whispers and Warnings section. Since there are others having similar problems, she will probably be more than happy to, as it would prove this company is intentionally scamming writers.
In the meantime, start networking with this Nicole person and anyone else you can find who is working for the company, whether or not they are having problems getting paid. Strength in numbers!
August 24th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Very sound advice.
Micah>> Have you read the contract? I’ve signed contracts with reputable companies before who don’t pay until 6 months after your piece gets published. However, I’ve never expected to be paid sooner than that because the terms were explicitly stated. So it could only be 1) it wasn’t written in your contract 2) you didn’t read your contract 3) you signed a vague and poorly-written contract like Robin did.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
It’s too bad no one has mentioned the real story here. LCP is brand new, we are launching 36 new magazines in September and writers were told upfront that they would be paid by certified check the week of launch (Sept. 20th.) Now I can understand no one wanting to get in over their head with one company until it’s proved itself, that’s reasonable, but to post doubts without even meeting the initial commitment is absurd and hurts the company. Nicole Braddock did dig and is now satisfied and is now writing for us. So please don’t post negativity when there is none proven. Just protect yourself . . . don’t get in over your head and if you feel it necessary, dig, but don’t be negative without reason.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Hope –
No one is posting negativity. Micah posted his concerns and asked for our advice — there is nothing wrong with that. Several of us voiced concerns about the lack of a web presence — there is nothing wrong with that, either.
I think it is also worth mentioning that Micah stated in another thread on this site that he did, in fact, complete the work for which he was contracted.
What I can’t stand is a client or publisher showing up on a forum and hinting that a writer has no right to voice his or her opinions. I don’t think Micah did any more to hurt the company than you just did. If you had instead left a message sympathizing with Micah, offering to speak with him about his concerns, and reiterating that all writers will be paid on time as promised, I think your message would have come across as much friendlier and more sincere.
As it stands, your message makes me a little more nervous on Micah’s behalf. A startup company launching 36 new magazines, all at the same time? That sounds to me like a recipe for financial disaster — and it’s the writers who pay the price for bankrupt publishers.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
To be clear “Micah” did not fulfill her obligation. She committed to articles and deadlines and then backed out at the last minute and left me short. I am a writer as well so I very well know the trenches and don’t just voice my opinion as part of the publication team now.
I’m sorry I wasn’t as sympathetic as you would like; however, if the concerns were brought to the company they could have been addressed, instead I am losing writers over unfounded “feelings.” That is why I posted here so the whole truth could be known.
August 25th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Yes I did do what the contract specified. I backed out of new ones when it dawned on me how much I was owed. As I have said already, I’m a newbie and in NO WAY whatsoever am I trying to paint anything wrong with the company. I was asking and fearful of getting duped as I have said before, since it has happened to me before. I have based my “feelings” on my experience only, and was asking more experienced writers for their expertise. I have gotten that and appreciate it.
Thank you Katharine for your comments. I appreciate them very much.
August 25th, 2007 at 12:10 am
Hope –
I don’t think the concerns about LCP’s lack of web presence are unfounded at all.
Micah –
Would you contact me?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I too have been sending LCP articles. I knew of the payment date and was OK with it. Then I started seeing warnings regarding POTENTIAL nonpayment. I’m very relieved Hope chose to address these issues. I’m sure many people are breathing a little easier.
Kathy
P.S. Love this website. Lots of valuable information.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Okay, guys I was reading this thread and wanted to chip in. I always read, but never comment. This, however is close to my heart and I know I should.
Okay, I dug. Am I satisfied? No. I will be satisfied when I get my check which I am hoping and praying that I will. I am never every fully satisfied until I see those dollar signs $$$.
Anyway, I have been in contact with Hope and I can only hope (no pun intended) that they pay up! Yes it was me who posted on Online Writing Jobs and I can’t figure out how to delete my post. I don’t want to put negative info out on a company, but realize that sometimes when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I have been burnt. Haven’t we all, even a little bit?? This is alot to me. I needed this money to move, so I hopped on without thinking. Those who say they have gotten paid have given me hope, but I am trying to be realistic. Shoot, if I get paid they will have a regular in me
It does make me feel alittle better that they are trying so hard to defend themselves. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed and much success to you, LCP! Our checks depend on it!!
September 6th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Hi Nicole,
I feel the same way! Hate to be paranoid or negative about a company but I too have been burned and I know what you mean. I have e-mailed Hope asking about the difference in the time of launch and have recieved no reply. I also read in the contract I need to send an invoice and I did that also…No reply.
I jumped in too, happy to be working.
Good luck to all of us and the company.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Nicole,
Who told you they have been paid? For What? And When? Just curious as I too have written for LCP. Hope did reply the last time I contacted her and said next week they would be starting work for next issues. We’ll see.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
She has an away message on her email saying there will be a delay in response due to the fact that they are launching 37 mags and that things are taking longer (email–not payment). I have not heard back from her yet though; I hope I do soon!
I would really like my fears to be unfounded but right now it’s looking a bit 50-50 if you know what I mean
As far as people being paid, I contacted a woman who I saw had LCP in her client list on her portfolio and she said she hoped they would pay, but that I was not the first to contact her. She did another type of media work…who knows,maybe she is reading this post!
Anyway, Hope herself told me that at the time she had bene working for the company for six mos. and that so far they had been paying her…I am sure I was among the first to question and now this has become a huge issue!
I hope it is for nothing!
Here’s to hopin!!
Happy Writing!
Nicole
September 7th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I knew LCP was crap when they wanted people to interview experts, send contact info for all of these people, and all for the great price of $50 for 1500 words.
September 7th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Maybe they’re not full of crap. I dunno about you guys, but I will feel plenty stupid (albeit HAPPILY stupid) if I get paid!!
Let’s try to be positive about this, shall we??
September 7th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Hope sent me a reply to an e-mail I sent yesterday. It says… Yes she needed an invoice, yes there is a delay in release, but no delay in payment. We’ll see. I’d think by this time with all the rumors going around if it was a scam she wouldn’t be replying to anyone. I sure wouldn’t.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Okay, I have written for them — sent in only 2 articles. I don’t consider it “too good to be true” since they aren’t paying much at all. I just looked at it as an opportunity to get clips. If this is a scam they have worked very hard on it. If they have very few if any writers on staff, and have little overhead, only paying $50 at most for articles — well, they could make money on the magazines…maybe.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Has anyone heard from LPC lately? It’s almost due date for payment and it would sure come in handy right about now.
September 19th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I heard from Hope the other day. she was mentioning that she will probably be sending out more articles for this. I’m owed $550 (£275) for the articles I’ve done and seeing this stuff does get me a little twitchy, but I think benefit of the doubt is in order for now.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
More articles?
The benefit of the doubt is all fine and good, but I would still not do any more work until you are paid for what you’ve already done.
September 20th, 2007 at 7:27 am
I know it, and I’m not going to. I’ve got other work to get on with anyways. to be honest, whats really annoying is that if this turns out to be a scam, I’ve been using the fact that I thought I was gonna get published as a reference on my CV.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Hey everyone,
I just read a long comment on http://www.writerbeware.com . I don’t how to link it but it’s under the LCP article, just click on comments to see the latest post.
It is quite informative.
It may appear our worries are for good reason.
September 26th, 2007 at 11:39 am
We completed a large number of articles for Hope Hunt and LCP. Today Hope sent me an email apparently stating LCP is not paying for anything because of the following rather unbelievable reason - because their own contract didn’t say what they wanted it to?
This company appears to be totally and utterly unethical, although I will of course retract my words if this turns out to be unfounded.
Dear Writer,
On behalf of the Laray Carr Company, I would like to thank you for the article(s) you
have submitted to be published in our magazine publication(s).
Unfortunately, we will not be using your work in our publication(s) because of the
misunderstandings that arose in the current writers’ contract, and the contract’s
inability to express the clear operating terms for usage of articles submitted by
freelance or contributing writers.
To verify our working procedures, we abide by industry standards when working with
writers who submit article(s) for review to be published in any of our magazine
publications. I would like to clarify our policies and procedures for writers who choose
to submit articles to our company
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:46 am
The last few posts here make incredible sense now that i look back. i, without ever having to give any samples or supply a resume was asked to interview STARS in the film and music industy as if i was an insider?!?!? that did, as i look back on conversations with my wife who was also ripped off by them, we would wonder ‘how can they ask for these kind of article, to just pick the ones you want, as if we work for like, entertainment tonite or the like…’ that should have been the BELL that rang off. There were other signs as well. Always saying how much they were LOVING our work…’keep it coming’, etc. never any edits, at least from us. just the word count mattered. we love to write and have been freelancing for some time, but we usually, as most others do, will get something back asking for or showing how, an article needs to be, or could be, changed to meet specific requirements and such. NEVER… gave you a bit of ‘wow, i must really be good’ type of feeling. But if you look back further, this happened as shown on other sites, back in March of ‘07. same thing, same people. Now i ask, what can THEY gain from US? Our written work? I say not exactly; because the work i did was time related to release dates of dvds, movies, etc. to use them at some later point would be ‘old news’… so then, the question came up, ‘what did or could they have gained from us’? how about any and all personal information that we were asked to give? the selling of names, addresses, phone numbers, ss numbers and more, has long been a lucrative black market worldwide… in other words, are our identities being stolen and sold ?? will our credit reports start showing weird things? will we start being bombarded with senseless emails and snail mail?? if not, then what was the point of what was done? in hindsight, it was really foolish of us to have believed this nice, calm speaking, ‘c’mon gang we need more’, type of confidence person… we fell for it hook line and sinker…. 30 PLUS REAL magazines… and some very odd titles ta boot…well. going to be watching how this plays out. I think there may be some real bad stuff going on here. you do not have to hide behind anonymity as those involved have said elsewhere, due to fear of persecution, refusing to give REAL contact information and not replying to simple email requests.. UNLESS you have and are doing wrong.
October 3rd, 2007 at 8:20 am
interiew PROFESSIONAL sports figures????? singers, record company execs??? with what kind of writers and their experience did this LCP, and HOPE think were being dealt with??? they had NO clue whatsoever of our abilities to take on such HEAVY handed work.. if we could, we surely would NOT be doing it for 50 bucks a pop!! to interview REAL stars of screen and music and stage??? and get …huh… $50.00 when in the real world, that work would get the lucky ones thousands!!! gimme a break.. that should have been the RED FLAG OF ALL RED FLAGS. you cant get out from that one o ‘defenders of hope and such’. because it would be insane to even try and explain it!
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am
just want to say ‘thank you’ for being one of the best resources for freelance writers everywhere.
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
how sad this entire LCP-Hope Hunt and all others involved in this apparent twisted scam, how shameful a deceit this has become. within days and even before, the now infamous letter of denial was received and circulated, there were already intenet boards and blogs filling up with heated debates surrounding this. what a disgrace to all this has become. all we can do, is protect our personal information from getting into the wrong hands. check check and recheck those we may be interested in working with. SEARCH THE BOARDS AND FORUMS; thanks to some great ones, we know better now and will serve to help others
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:02 pm
oy, vey, I got duped by Hope Hunt and LCP, as well. Better Business Bureau has “LCP Productions” listed as a business in So. California that offers data entry and transcription services. BBB has little info, but notes one unanswered complaint. Wish I’d been smart enough to go to BBB before I worked for LCP — they owe me $250.
Anyway, just for fun, I answered Hope’s email to me with the “not gon’na pay” form letter that we all received. Here is the answer Shadra Bruce sent me:
LCP used right of first refusal to return all rights to all articles to the writers in light of the delay in launching the publications. If you are still interested, please submit the work and I will see that it gets to the assigned editor.
Yeah, right, fool me once…
October 21st, 2007 at 11:24 pm
I apologize for anything I said while under contract with LCP. I, too, am one of the many “fools” who worked diligently for this company under the assumption that we were creating something fabulous. At this point, not only have I not been paid, but I have received threats from Roger Owens/Quincy Carr that I will be sued by his “company” for telling people the truth on the blogs–that I never received payment and that I discourage anyone from working for this company without full knowledge of the risk they take. The company owes me at least $7000 that I know I will never see — but I am sorry I didn’t catch on sooner and help more people. Most of us have filed complaints with the FBI and I encourage any of you to do the same. An email address has been set up as well, victimsoflcp@gmail.com, where you can send copies of your contracts and other information to be provided to the authorities. At this point, I am still trying to get an attorney to follow up on behalf of all of us…but since there’s likely no money to be recovered, most attorneys are not willing to help. My words to the writers remain true — LCP DID exercise right of first refusal by sending you that letter, and you can seek publication elsewhere and you DO maintain copyright of your work…I have been able to get two of my features published elsewhere, and I am confident (having edited for six of the magazines) that most of this work is publishable. Should any writer want a copy of their edited article, and wrote for Centerstage, Certified, Urban Wedding, Urban Bride, Urban Flair, or Popular Travel, I will gladly provide you with a free copy of your edited work, which may give you an edge to getting published. I can be reached at desertchild71@yahoo.com.