John Heidenry and Brett Topel are plagiarists and lawyers suck, too

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

An update on the update: Basically, I was told the offending publisher refused to issue a public apology even if we asked for NO MONEY. Instead, they'll pay us off and take the book out of circulation - since in any settlement there is no admission of liability (hurray for our judicial system!). Of course I'm free to ignore this settlement and get my own lawyer, have the offending publisher drop their settlement and go through a long legal battle to get basically the same thing.

I've never been sadder to receive a lump sum of money in my life. But at the very least I know I was in the right. Too bad those authors will write more books without anyone ever knowing of their past deed.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

Does your agreement with the offenders have a confidentiality requirement?

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

Congratulations...
Buy some beer and pour a little on the curb in memory of your homies (or your now-dead and non-forthcoming apology).

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

That's what I was thinking. If not, feel free to spout off at will. We'll all be eagerly awaiting the goods.

Even if you are sworn to secrecy, it's good you're getting something. I'm glad the fight was worthwhile.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

I'm fighting for no confidentiality agreement. I'm not hopeful (since they could have just issued a blanket apology and not paid a cent to me). So I guess I might have to spout off - but off the record. We'll see.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

Congrats on the victory, but the publisher would much rather pay you off than admit to plagiarism. If they do that, they open themselves up to myriad other liabilities in the future - and perhaps the past - because they will be an acknowledged offender.

Take the money. In the business world, it means "Sorry" without actually saying it.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

Trust me, I unfortunately understand that. If I do get some money out of this, I told my wife I'm not putting it towards our mortgage or some bill - I'm going to spend it on something which when I look at it, will remind me that I was vindicated, at least in some fashion.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

Big-screen TV. High-def. ;D

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

If only: 1. It was that much money; 2. I already didn't have one

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

One of the best places to spout off might be right here. It's amazing how many people read this site. Maybe you can out the bad guys without outing yourself.

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

It'd be worth it. I PM'd some peope about it a while back and have no problem doing that with anyone else until I know if I have to sign a confidential agreement or not. If not, then look out!

 

Re: Is this plagiarism? What would you do? (UPDATE - VICTORY!, sort of)

probably a stupid thought if your settlement is not even enough for a nice TV but you could donate it to a j-school and earmark it toward a scholarship or to add to an endowed chair for whoever teaches journalism ethics. plenty of kids would be happy even with a few hundred bucks off tuition.