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Author Topic: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com  (Read 107557 times)

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Offline rayvjr

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #50 on: February 28, 2007, 12:55:45 pm »
I have read all of your replies.  I will tell you that yesterday afternoon I received a phone call from someone identifying themselves as "Giovanni" from Poz Magazine.  I had recently issued a Press Release for the website in an effort to get more members.  I thought Poz Magazine was reaching out to interview me, as I had done two earlier newspaper interviews.  I was excited about the possibility of being interviewed by Poz Magazine.  When I reached "Giovanni" I was informed that Poz Magazine had seen the press release and the someone identified as "the Boss" had contacted Giovanni to inform me that we were infringing on their Trademark and would I change it to thinkpos.com.  I was caught off guard, and questioned how Poz Magazine could feel that they owned the three letters poz in any form.  I was offered a subscription to the magazine and I told them I would have to get back to them.  This is my last post.  I did post on this website a few times, in fact, I invited Mr.Peter Staley to justtestedpositive.com, and he visited it.  I note that I thought we were on the same side at the time from Mr. Staley's response, which was:

    Re: (No subject)
« Sent to: rayvjr on: December 16, 2006, 12:01:05 PM »     

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nice job on the new website!  And thanks for the links to our forums and poz.com/aidsmeds.com!

Peter

I did change the name when we went to the more Social Web Community Type Website.  I didnt want to alienate people who had been poz for a long time.  I don't recall posting about thinkpoz.com here.  I think someone else did, and I may had made some comments to their post.  I am a member on this website and I don't understand why people are so upset about me telling others about the site...dont we share information of this type?  I've seen numerous links to websites here.  However, I dont think that is the issue.  So, you have my side.  Hopefully they will not follow through and take any legal action, but if they do, so be it.  Hopefully, they will realize that the two sites are different, just as the names Poz Magazine and thinkpoz.com are different.  Well, I don't wanna be on this site anymore.  Goodbye.

Offline Joe K

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #51 on: February 28, 2007, 01:38:00 pm »
The creation of a website with the word poz in it, would create no confusion between the site and POZ magazine.  While I commend Ray on his efforts (and I just joined the site), I am very confused on how S&S could even construe that they somehow own the word "poz".  The term has been in use for so long that like Moffie said, the word has become part of the public domain.  S&S can copyright and TM their own magazine and website, but surely they have no power to force anyone to drop the term poz from an endeavor that is not trying to create confusion between a site name and this site, nor POZ magaine.

However, we do not have all the facts and until we do, we are just barking at the moon.

Offline Longislander

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #52 on: February 28, 2007, 01:41:46 pm »
I'm a member of Rays site, just not too active as yet, because it takes too many hours to get through the 'chatting' threads here!

They are completely different and offer something not offered here. They actually go hand in hand for those of us looking for support, friendships, medical information, services, etc.

Does Martha Stewart own the word 'Living' ??
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #53 on: February 28, 2007, 01:47:06 pm »



Islander (may I call you that... Long just does not sound right) ;) :D 

   I do not know about Martha, but I think Joe DiMaggio owns the word 'Cancer".

   Your friend Skeewie...

   
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #54 on: February 28, 2007, 02:56:18 pm »
Again, this was a phone call from someone claiming to be with poz magazine.  And all they did was ask if he would change it.  They didnt threaten legal action from what I read.  I would think they make this call dozens of times to try and minimize those with a name similar to theirs.  Happens every day in the business world.  Again, I doubt this goes ANY further than a simple call that said hey would you mind changing it.  To which Ray said no, so "Giovanni" says to his boss, its a no go sir, now what did you need me to do this afternoon regarding blah blah blah.

Im sure it wont escalate into the big legal drama of the first post.  While it may SEEM rude, it is a fairly common business practice.  As hard as Ray as worked on his site and getting the word out, the people that started POZ and AIDSMEDS were there once too.  Do they not deserve the same respect for what they have built?

Two sides, always two sides.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Jerry71

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #55 on: February 28, 2007, 03:24:35 pm »
bump ;D

Offline ACinKC

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LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline David_CA

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #57 on: February 28, 2007, 03:45:08 pm »
So why have there been no responses from anybody from Poz, the original Aidsmeds (Tim and Peter), or the mods?  Curiouser and curiouser...


David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #58 on: February 28, 2007, 03:47:58 pm »
I would say because they dont have to comment.  This probably ISNT a big deal outside of Ray's world.  It certainly won't affect what is going on in here.  We can raise all the conspiracy theories we want.  But none of us know whats going on.

Two sides, always two sides.  (maybe i can trademark that)
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Ann

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #59 on: February 28, 2007, 04:00:46 pm »
I haven't commented because I'm just as much in the dark about this as anyone else; therefore, I have no comment to make.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline David_CA

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #60 on: February 28, 2007, 04:02:42 pm »
I would say because they dont have to comment.  This probably ISNT a big deal outside of Ray's world.  It certainly won't affect what is going on in here.  We can raise all the conspiracy theories we want.  But none of us know whats going on.

Two sides, always two sides.  (maybe i can trademark that)

Well DUH, of course they don't have to comment.  The mods, Peter, or Tim usually do comment when there are a number of posts expressing concerns about this website.  There is no conspiracy theory here, but usually, somebody steps in to set the record straight.  Two sides, of course.  I think all most are asking for is to hear the other side. 

D
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline David_CA

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #61 on: February 28, 2007, 04:03:11 pm »
I haven't commented because I'm just as much in the dark about this as anyone else; therefore, I have no comment to make.

Ann


Thanks, Ann (I mean that seriously).

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline thunter34

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #62 on: February 28, 2007, 04:20:18 pm »
This whole deal only got started around 12:30 this morning.  I suggest that Tim Horn and Peter haven't responded yet because they have lives outside of here and haven't been on the site since this has been up...and that one, the other or both will make any necessary statements once they do.

AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #63 on: February 28, 2007, 04:26:11 pm »
Hmmmmm an intelligent and well thought out reply.  Is this kind of thing even ALLOWED on this site?!!?


Excellent points Timmy!
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #64 on: February 28, 2007, 04:30:29 pm »
This whole deal only got started around 12:30 this morning.  I suggest that Tim Horn and Peter haven't responded yet because they have lives outside of here and haven't been on the site since this has been up...and that one, the other or both will make any necessary statements once they do.



Has anyone thought that maybe they're just as in the dark as the rest of us? They work for POZ.com/S&S; they have bosses above them. Does the head of any of the corporations any of you work for tell you every time they make a phone call? Thought not!

Just sayin...

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline J.R.E.

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #65 on: February 28, 2007, 04:40:53 pm »

As so many have already stated, we certainly don't have all the facts. I am sure this thread is being monitored quite closely. I would like to see a response from POZ.com on this issue.

Ray, good luck in your endeavors !! I reallly mean that. If by some chance laws suits come about, it could certainly bite someone in the ass, and I am not talking about Ray's.

Perhaps this thread will be read in the "Overheard in the forums" in a few days !!    ::)



Good luck Ray----------------Ray

Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Cliff

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #66 on: February 28, 2007, 05:09:32 pm »
I'm not convinced this is a big issue.  S+S asked politely and even suggested a new name (plus a free subscription)....as opposed to images of lawyers threatening lawsuits, which was the imagine I had before.  S+S do have a trademark on "Poz", since it's the name of their magazine.  That doesn't mean they "own" the word, anymore than Apple Computers "own" the word Apple (which is trademarked by them).  It just means that the word identifies their product from all others.  You have to actively protect a trademark, or else you lose it.  If you don't attempt to prevent others from using your trademark, then it is assumed that you don't care if everyone uses it (worse case scenario...someone starts another magazine called Poz).  Peter was nice enough to go to Ray's website and even gave a compliment.  It doesn't sound like he's upset that Ray used aidsmeds to advertise the website.

Offline srmn98

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #67 on: February 28, 2007, 05:26:58 pm »
The absurdity of suing an HIV positive man for creating a website that helps people with a HIV diagnosis makes me nauseous. Is the point of aidsmeds.com not to help people with HIV find information and connect with those in similar situations?  Is it possible for HIV positive folks to have too much support? My answer is an adamant NO.

There are roughly 40 million HIV positive people worldwide. It is my estimation that those 40 million as well as those who love them don’t give a shit about trademarks, copyrights, money, or website hits. What I and many others like me give a shit about is surviving with HIV, helping others survive with HIV, and finding a way to be an activist to both reduce stigma and further treatment/cure options in this world.

HIV might be about money to the drug companies. HIV might be about money to some lawyer for poz.com, poz magazine, or aidsmeds. But finding support is certainly priceless for those of us that live with this virus.

I cannot imagine how any person with a personal connection to HIV, or for that matter, any person with an ounce of compassion, would want to shut thinkpoz.com down.

We live in a difficult world. I ask the owners of aidsmeds.com, poz.com and poz magazine to put their thoughts into perspective. To me it is not an issue of trademark law, it is an issue of basic human decency.

www.thinkpoz.com helped and continues to help me survive and come to terms with my diagnosis in the most difficult period of my life. That is more powerful than any trademark. Enough said.

erika





Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #68 on: February 28, 2007, 05:29:41 pm »
The absurdity of suing an HIV positive man for creating a website that helps people with a HIV diagnosis makes me nauseous. Is the point of aidsmeds.com not to help people with HIV find information and connect with those in similar situations?  Is it possible for HIV positive folks to have too much support? My answer is an adamant NO.

There are roughly 40 million HIV positive people worldwide. It is my estimation that those 40 million as well as those who love them don’t give a shit about trademarks, copyrights, money, or website hits. What I and many others like me give a shit about is surviving with HIV, helping others survive with HIV, and finding a way to be an activist to both reduce stigma and further treatment/cure options in this world.

HIV might be about money to the drug companies. HIV might be about money to some lawyer for poz.com, poz magazine, or aidsmeds. But finding support is certainly priceless for those of us that live with this virus.

I cannot imagine how any person with a personal connection to HIV, or for that matter, any person with an ounce of compassion, would want to shut thinkpoz.com down.

We live in a difficult world. I ask the owners of aidsmeds.com, poz.com and poz magazine to put their thoughts into perspective. To me it is not an issue of trademark law, it is an issue of basic human decency.

www.thinkpoz.com helped and continues to help me survive and come to terms with my diagnosis in the most difficult period of my life. That is more powerful than any trademark. Enough said.

erika

If you read EVERYTHING and not just the first post its pretty clear so far that no one is trying to shut it down.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #69 on: February 28, 2007, 05:43:04 pm »
Cliffie nailed this one right on it's little drama queen head.

S+S owns a trademark, "poz".

They are required to defend that trademark or they lose it.

Some joker starts a similar operation on the net with the name poz.

S+S fulfill their legal obligations and defend their trademark.

Fuss ensues.

Now I'm not a member of this "thinkpoz" outfit. Social networking sites make me think of places like Myspace with all those horrid tacky pages. Besides a large number of my online mates are here in the AIDSMEDS forums. I did visit the thinkpoz site, but the first thing I noticed was that it seems to be Flash based and Flash sux so I didn't go any further.

Don't get me wrong, I not interested in defending S+S and Poz.com. I don't have to, they can do that for themselves. I'm largely indifferent towards them and their staff. Like I said before, I'm here because my mates are here. But I don't think this Ray character is being entirely upfront with us here.

He's represented this whole affair as if some nasty big corporation is trying to rub out a little community based website in pursuit of the almighty dollar. Now that this has spun out some it appears that Ray has gilded the lilly somewhat. He hasn't been sued, he's been asked to change the name of his site.

MtD

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #70 on: February 28, 2007, 05:46:48 pm »
I did visit the thinkpoz site, but the first thing I noticed was that it seems to be Flash based and Flash sux so I didn't go any further.

omg... I did that *SO* many times previously when the originator of this thread would post about his web site.  It's like I'm allergic to Flash, much less a Flash-based IM service.  It's so yahoo.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #71 on: February 28, 2007, 05:50:25 pm »
Well, I don't wanna be on this site anymore.  Goodbye.

So you come in, stir up this shit storm and just blow out the door?!?  If that doesnt reek of drama queenish behavior then I don't know what does.

Im sorry, I was with you somewhat until I re-read your post.  It seems you didnt come here to garner a better understanding of what was going on. But rather to stir up the aforementioned shit storm and then hightail it back to your comfort zone.  And that is just wrong.  But if I recall we have seen this sort of behavior from you before if I'm not mistaken.

Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=6246.msg69846#msg69846
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=6246.msg69827#msg69827
But you came back within 3 days.

And as for you not promoting your site..
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8320.msg99071#msg99071
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8360.msg99810#msg99810
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8841.msg109506#msg109506
here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=9051.msg110807#msg110807

Just sayin...  Little too much drama for me.
« Last Edit: February 28, 2007, 05:57:57 pm by ACinKC »
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #72 on: February 28, 2007, 05:59:21 pm »
Dear All,

For those who have wondered by you haven't heard from Peter, Tim, Ann and me, there's nothing mysterious about it. Peter is away this week on a very well earned vacation. Tim is at this very moment in flight from Los Angeles where he had been attending the Retroviral Conference, where there was some exciting news about two new meds. Info is already up on the site about it and I expect there will be more details when he gets back to town.

Neither Ann or I have any information about this issue. Like some others have said I'm just waiting until we get a fuller picture of what's up. I will say I don't think we have the full story...yet, and until we do it's all speculation and that's not a good place to hang out in. 



Andy Velez

Offline Longislander

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #73 on: February 28, 2007, 06:01:01 pm »
hmm, so Peter's off somewhere in a Speedo ( or less)  ;) :D ;D
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #74 on: February 28, 2007, 06:15:34 pm »
So you come in, stir up this shit storm and just blow out the door?!?  If that doesnt reek of drama queenish behavior then I don't know what does.

Im sorry, I was with you somewhat until I re-read your post.  It seems you didnt come here to garner a better understanding of what was going on. But rather to stir up the aforementioned shit storm and then hightail it back to your comfort zone.  And that is just wrong.  But if I recall we have seen this sort of behavior from you before if I'm not mistaken.

Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=6246.msg69846#msg69846
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=6246.msg69827#msg69827
But you came back within 3 days.

And as for you not promoting your site..
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8320.msg99071#msg99071
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8360.msg99810#msg99810
Here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=8841.msg109506#msg109506
here... http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=9051.msg110807#msg110807

Just sayin...  Little too much drama for me.

My impression exactly.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline iana5252

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #75 on: February 28, 2007, 06:17:51 pm »
It is POZ's policy not to conduct legal business in a public forum.

Thank you for your feedback.

Best,
Ian
POZ GM
POZ.com | HepMag.com | CancerHealth.com | RealHealthMag.com | TuSaludMag.com | SaneMag.com

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #76 on: February 28, 2007, 06:20:10 pm »
Oooooooo now it gets all cloak and dagger!  How exciting!
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #77 on: February 28, 2007, 06:23:47 pm »
Count down to thread lock, anyone?

In T minus . . .

MtD

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #78 on: February 28, 2007, 06:27:25 pm »
Only if he comes back.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline aupointillimite

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #79 on: February 28, 2007, 06:30:35 pm »
Being the little Nancy Drew that I am... I did find this in the Terms of Service.

10. LINKS, ADVERTISING AND THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Links to other websites may be provided in the Service. Certain Smart + Strong branded services may be provided by third parties. Smart + Strong will not be responsible for the availability of such external sites or third-party services, and does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, service, product, or other material on or available from such external sites, AIDSmeds.com, or third parties or for any damages caused by or in connection with such content, advertising, service, product or other material available from such sites or third parties.


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Nothing that would seem to be germane to this situation... but seeming isn't meaning.

I'd like to know everything that's going on, personally... before passing judgment or even having an opinion on this.
Your tastebuds can't repel flavor of this magnitude!

Offline edfu

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #80 on: February 28, 2007, 06:37:44 pm »
Ian, is it POZ's policy to do nothing to help control a shit-storm in the public forum their corporate parent owns?  I guess "legal business" doesn't include "terms of membership" and "terms of use," which are the epitome of legalese in this public forum.  
"No one will ever be free so long as there are pestilences."--Albert Camus, "The Plague"

"Mankind can never be free until the last brick in the last church falls on the head of the last priest."--Voltaire

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #81 on: February 28, 2007, 06:48:17 pm »
Ian, is it POZ's policy to do nothing to help control a shit-storm in the public forum their corporate parent owns?  I guess "legal business" doesn't include "terms of membership" and "terms of use," which are the epitome of legalese in this public forum. 

Hardly a shit-storm my dear. More of a fart in a small room.

MtD

Offline RapidRod

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #82 on: February 28, 2007, 06:52:59 pm »
Ian just stated that they don't conduct legal business in the public forum. Nor would any other company. I don't think anything is wrong with that. I thought it was a very nice way to tell everyone to mind their own business. It doesn't have anything to do with us as forum members.

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #83 on: February 28, 2007, 06:53:26 pm »

  Has anyone ever seen this Ray cat and Eldon at the same time ;) :D?

 
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline edfu

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #84 on: February 28, 2007, 06:55:33 pm »
Semantics, definition, and opinion, Matty, just like I know your definition of and opinion about addiction differ from mine.   I was actually quoting ACinKC from above, anyway.    
"No one will ever be free so long as there are pestilences."--Albert Camus, "The Plague"

"Mankind can never be free until the last brick in the last church falls on the head of the last priest."--Voltaire

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #85 on: February 28, 2007, 06:59:02 pm »
Semantics, definition, and opinion, Matty, just like I know your definition of and opinion about addiction differ from mine.   I was actually quoting ACinKC from above, anyway.   

I couldn't agree more babe. The word "shit-storm" always reminds me of the infamous "Should I Disclose" threads we had back in the old days.

Now THEY were shit-storms. :D

MtD

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #86 on: February 28, 2007, 07:11:37 pm »
Semantics, definition, and opinion, Matty, just like I know your definition of and opinion about addiction differ from mine.   I was actually quoting ACinKC from above, anyway.    

Thank you for giving the appropriate credit.  We dont want to get into another plagairism debate.

LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #87 on: February 28, 2007, 07:14:04 pm »
We dont want to get into another plagairism debate.


Speak for yourself.  :P

MtD

Offline jyngfilm

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #88 on: February 28, 2007, 07:20:44 pm »
the only way to beat a lawyer is to die with nothing...sorry ray
<
>~jordon
munchausen by proxy is not an out in my case

Offline david25luvit

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #89 on: February 28, 2007, 07:56:43 pm »
Toto....this ain't Kansas no more. 
It"s the land of POZ...............
and perhaps that's not such a good thing after all.

Only time will tell...................
In Memory of
Raymond David McRae III
Nov. 25, 1972- Oct. 15, 2004
I miss him terribly..........

Offline Sean Strub

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #90 on: March 01, 2007, 12:06:22 pm »
Sean Strub here. I would like to provide some history on the trademarking of the brand "POZ".  I started developing POZ magazine in 1993.  I am no longer a shareholder in the company; however, I am an advisory editor to POZ.

I was originally going to call the magazine PlusLife, but then I heard my (also HIV positive) friend, Matt Levine, refer to a mutual friend as "a pozzie" and I thought, bingo, "POZ" is what we would call the magazine.  I had not previously ever heard of anyone being referred to as "poz" nor had Stephen Gendin, my business partner, or the others  involved with launching the magazine.
 
We knew then nor know now of no previous occasion when the word POZ was used in print in reference to a person with HIV, prior to the publication of the first issue of POZ in the spring of 1994.  In fact, the early press coverage of the magazine's launch often included journalists (including from the GLBT community) asking us what the word POZ meant and how we came up with the name.   

Some people in the AIDS community, when they heard the name, confused us with P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Wonderful Support) a nonprofit in Los Angeles that helps people with HIV take care of their pets.  Their brand was a near-homonym to ours, but to many people in the community it was better known.  When they heard of POZ magazine, they thought it was a publication from P.A.W.S.

Since we started POZ, we have provided millions of free copies of the  magazine to people with hiv. I started the magazine with my own money; it was always financially precarious and run on a shoestring budget, even after I managed to attract some outside investors. 

When we sold the company and the new owner subsequently teamed up with AIDSmeds, POZ was able to expand its website and provide numerous free services through our online network, from the treatment expertise and information on AIDSmeds to the connections in POZ Personals and POZ Mentor. We are proud of what the POZ brand means to people with HIV--trusted, reliable, honest information about the epidemic--and it needs to be protected.

You may recall the lessons learned from how ACT UP's "brand" has been used.  "ACT UP" was not trademarked and anyone can use it however they choose.  But when one group, ACT UP/San Francisco, embraced a radically different agenda than the other ACT UP chapters, it caused confusion.   While the ideal of letting anyone use a brand however they choose is attractive, it is not practical for an enterprise that is trying to establish a level of trust with its audience.

We trademarked the name POZ because we had to protect what it meant and what we were building.  Without protecting the brand, we could not  have gotten the investors or financing we required over the years.  We could not have established the reputation that we have.

If we fail to protect our trademark rights, anyone could use it  however they want. Given the multitude of agendas surrounding the  epidemic, that could quickly dilute the POZ brand to a point where it becomes meaningless.  Any pharmaceutical company could use it, for  example.  Those with an agenda dangerous to people with HIV could use it. 
 
We do not want others to create confusion, intentionally or not, for readers of the magazine or users of our sites who are seeking information from POZ.  I  recognize that the word has become part of the vernacular--something I did not foresee 13 years ago when we named the magazine--and is part of the community.  But when a company doing work similar to POZ  (ie: information and connection to the HIV community) and using our trademarked name, it is confusing to people and it's trading on a brand we built and are obligated to protect.
 
We are not singling out any one website nor are we interested in closing anyone down. We simply ask that our trademark be respected in recognition of 13 years of free services, information and connection we have built for the HIV community. 

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #91 on: March 01, 2007, 12:16:35 pm »
There we go.  The OTHER side of the story as I have been waiting for.   Seems fair to me.   And it makes sense to me.  Let the panty bunching COMMENCE!
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Longislander

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #92 on: March 01, 2007, 01:07:08 pm »
I completely understand the points made by Sean and congratulate him on a tremendous job with the magazine. Everything he said makes perfect sense.

I still don't think that thinkpoz.com, a chat room for HIV people would be interpreted by anyone to have any connection to POZ Magazine. Same goes for POZMATCH.com, an HIV dating site. ( I joined both pozmatch and Poz personals, so they're obviously not related-lol)

Hopefully both parties can sit down together and realize they're not working against each other at all.

Peace~
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #93 on: March 01, 2007, 01:13:34 pm »
That isnt the point.  The point is they HAVE to defend it.  Or they lose the trademark.  The fine line they have to walk in regards to how vigorously they defend it is the real story. 

But, I think all of this was caused by Ray and his initial the sky is falling post.  Uncalled for.  TOTALLY uncalled for.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Longislander

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #94 on: March 01, 2007, 01:20:26 pm »
All of what was caused by Ray? The reactions in the thread? Ray felt his website was threatened, and he posted it. Guess what, his sky may have been falling.

I also am not convinced POZ magazine owners are going to fight him , as they obviously haven't fought the other sites ( or didn't win). But he felt his site/wallet was in jeopardy. Somewhat reasonable, though some of the reactions to his post were not.
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #95 on: March 01, 2007, 02:05:54 pm »
Yeah guess I could have phrased that better.  Im having an OFF moring.  Check out my post in off topic, you'll see.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Longislander

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #96 on: March 01, 2007, 02:14:48 pm »
HAHA, I've already been there~~  ;D ;D
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline David_CA

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #97 on: March 01, 2007, 02:27:42 pm »
All of what was caused by Ray? The reactions in the thread? Ray felt his website was threatened, and he posted it. Guess what, his sky may have been falling.

I also am not convinced POZ magazine owners are going to fight him , as they obviously haven't fought the other sites ( or didn't win). But he felt his site/wallet was in jeopardy. Somewhat reasonable, though some of the reactions to his post were not.

Very well said. What's important to one person may not be important to another.  I can't remember when I first heard the term 'poz', but it sure wasn't in relation to a magazine or website.  It was used to refer to a person who was sick (he had AIDS) and was... poz.  He died in '96, so it had to be sometime before then.

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline ACinKC

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #98 on: March 01, 2007, 03:56:02 pm »
Even though I could have phrased it better, the fact doesnt change that Ray came here with the agenda to stir the pot, and then he left in a huff.  This is a pattern with him.  And I personally just dont like it. 
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline aupointillimite

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Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #99 on: March 01, 2007, 03:57:24 pm »
Even though I could have phrased it better, the fact doesnt change that Ray came here with the agenda to stir the pot, and then he left in a huff.  This is a pattern with him.  And I personally just dont like it. 

This does seem to be sort of a hit and run post.
Your tastebuds can't repel flavor of this magnitude!

 


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