Well, this will be my last posting to this board, and to my blog. The Bengals, who won't acknowledge bloggers as a legitimate news source and have denied every request by any blogger for media credentials, has threatened to sue stripehype.com for using "copyrighted material". They claim using pictures of players with their Bengals jersey in our header was infringement of their copyright. However, in the properties of the image, we indicate that where appropriate, all rights reserved by the Cincinnati Bengals, or gave credit to websites where PUBLIC DOMAIN images were used.
We were also giving away an autographed Ben Utecht Jersey on June 1st. However, since the promotion said "Win a Cincinnati Bengals Ben Utecht Autographed Jersey" we were told we were infringing upon the name "Cincinnati Bengals". A privately bought jersey, autographed by a player on his own time, was copyright infringement. I guess if you sell something on EBAY that says Cincinnati Bengals, you better watch out.
Bloggers aren't legitimate media outlets, but using the words Cincinnati Bengals to describe a jersey is a legitimate target for the threat of a lawsuit. Funny thing is, we've been in touch with Media Director Jack Brennan off and on for three months, having asked for his input on the site, asking for any comments, and yet his only reply that was that the Bengals did not grant media credentials to bloggers. I will state, however, in Mr. Brennan's defense, he did offer to be a reference for me when I contacted player's representation looking for interviews. I do appreciate that. I did send Mr Brennan an email this morning that was harsh, and he was a gentleman in his response. He states that the PR dept has nothing to do with the legal department, in which I agree. However, I don't agree that the Bengals have a one voice policy, as Marvin Lewis states. The PR department has a voice of "bloggers aren't really that important to us" and the legal department has a voice that says "we want your money, we'll threaten you, the small independent blogger and try to scare you".
For the record, fansided.com owns the site stripehype.com. I was a volunteer fan blogger. They took down the images and otherstuff as quickly as they received the letter, without attempting to defend the use of the imagery. Had I truly had full technical control, that stuff would still be up and the Bengals could spend all the time they wanted trying to sue.
Good luck supporting a team that had a lousy draft (watch the videos of rookie camp and see ole fatboy in the 99 costume go through drills, and tell me they picked a solid player. (He put forth NO effort in drills, when compared to his fellow teammates). Ya'll keep swallowing the Koolaide they're giving ya. I'm gonna go root for a team that actually tries to get better, makes solid free agent deals, and drafts like they want to win.
Go Browns!
The lead blogger David is pissed. Here is what he wrote from another board.
The lead blogger David is pissed. Here is what he wrote from another board.
The lead blogger David is pissed. Here is what he wrote from another board.
