Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 02:29:22 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37612
  • Latest: testABC
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772944
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 160
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 2
Guests: 125
Total: 127

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com  (Read 107544 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #100 on: March 01, 2007, 04:03:12 pm »


    What are the odds that he'll be back?  I say the odds are 1-3 days and that is just signing on...  Come on RAVY baby I got some money riding here!!  Come to PAPA!!
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #101 on: March 01, 2007, 04:09:06 pm »
Come on baby!  Let it riiiiiiide!  Let it riiiiiiiide!!!

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 thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #102 on: March 01, 2007, 04:10:14 pm »
Like said above, "Poz" is such a part of the vernacular now that I don't ever assume anything using those letters is related to the magazine unless I see the familiar orange and white colors.  

It's kind of the bio-hazard equivalent of the Golden Arches.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #103 on: March 01, 2007, 04:20:17 pm »
Come on baby!  Let it riiiiiiide!  Let it riiiiiiiide!!!



  Ok here's the deal AC if he comes back I win.  If he doesn't you lose.  I'll accept payment through paypal.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #104 on: March 01, 2007, 04:26:14 pm »
You just know he's over at the thinkpoz Flash Fest right now, leading a bitch session about how evil we all are.

And it's true. We are!

Bwhaahahahahahahahhahaha!

MtD

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #105 on: March 01, 2007, 04:29:48 pm »




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

Offline newt

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,900
  • the one and original newt
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #106 on: March 01, 2007, 04:54:08 pm »
I think people should lay off guy who got off his arse and started his own social networking initiative for HIV+ people (albeit on the slowest server in the world).

S+S will clearly have a lot of legal bills, including I guess for a letter or two to NAPWA who publish a POZ AIDS Service Directory.  It's kinda tough defending a 3-letter word that's gone slang regardless of true origin and ownership (plus there's the guy in LA who owns the rights to POZ on caps n t-shirts and the like).

And to my mind the jokey money waving and skulls on suits demeans Sean's gracious reply, and his efforts to build something worthwhile over the last 15 odd years.

- matt (serious but not here either) the newt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #107 on: March 01, 2007, 04:59:47 pm »
And to my mind the jokey money waving and skulls on suits demeans Sean's gracious reply, and his efforts to build something worthwhile over the last 15 odd years.

Yup. You're right Matt. What were we thinking?

MtD
(Who hangs his head in shame)

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #108 on: March 01, 2007, 05:05:08 pm »


  I feel like my hand was just slapped with a ruler by the teacher :-[.


  I will go stand in the corner now :(.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #109 on: March 01, 2007, 05:05:53 pm »
I think people should lay off guy who got off his arse and started his own social networking initiative for HIV+ people (albeit on the slowest server in the world).

S+S will clearly have a lot of legal bills, including I guess for a letter or two to NAPWA who publish a POZ AIDS Service Directory.  It's kinda tough defending a 3-letter word that's gone slang regardless of true origin and ownership (plus there's the guy in LA who owns the rights to POZ on caps n t-shirts and the like).

And to my mind the jokey money waving and skulls on suits demeans Sean's gracious reply, and his efforts to build something worthwhile over the last 15 odd years.

- matt (serious but not here either) the newt


I think the "I love porn thread" shot that out of the air MONTHS ago!  He knows what this place is like.  And its why he created it.  Free to be who we are.  And I APPLAUD him for it.

And it is great that he is doing something.  But it is a shame he has to invite such DRAMA about his situation.  Thats what I dont like.  I can respect someone and still not like what they do sometimes. 
« Last Edit: March 01, 2007, 05:08:03 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 ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #110 on: March 01, 2007, 05:06:46 pm »
And to my mind the jokey money waving and skulls on suits demeans Sean's gracious reply, and his efforts to build something worthwhile over the last 15 odd years.

Yup. You're right Matt. What were we thinking?

MtD
(Who hangs his head in shame)

I know I was thinking it was funny.  And being the chuckle monkey that I am, I always will go for a laugh.
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

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #111 on: March 01, 2007, 05:08:30 pm »
Quote
I will go stand in the corner now .

and no playing with yourself while you're there either MISTER!

Seriously, perhaps Ray has decided he shouldn't stay here due to the possible conflict he may be facing.
In the few times I've been in his chatroom, he's never bashed AM.
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 Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #112 on: March 01, 2007, 05:11:59 pm »
I know I was thinking it was funny.  And being the chuckle monkey that I am, I always will go for a laugh.

Well now you know better. Say thank you to Newt for correcting you.

MtD

Offline ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #113 on: March 01, 2007, 05:16:23 pm »
Thank you Newt.
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 skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #114 on: March 01, 2007, 05:20:50 pm »

  Not to be done by AC...

  I also apologize Newt


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

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #115 on: March 01, 2007, 05:25:46 pm »
That's better boys. Now run along and play. There's a nice dirty google search thread in Orf Torpic that should keep you out of trouble.

MtD

Offline ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #116 on: March 01, 2007, 05:26:18 pm »
That's better boys. Now run along and play. There's a nice dirty google search thread in Orf Torpic that should keep you out of trouble.

MtD

Squidding on over there now!
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

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,233
  • FUS DO RAH!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #117 on: March 01, 2007, 05:26:28 pm »
That's better boys. Now run along and play. There's a nice dirty google search thread in Orf Torpic that should keep you out of trouble.

MtD

I wonder if they still deserve some thermometer punishment.
Your tastebuds can't repel flavor of this magnitude!

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #118 on: March 02, 2007, 08:28:06 pm »
I am surprised no one has mentioned ICANN yet (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)

in cases of domain name disputes, they are the officiating body

they are highly intelligent geeks who can see through BS and apply common sense as needed.

For example, I once worked for a shop in Ft Lauderdale name Wicked Leather, who owned WickedLeather.com. They thought they could bully Wicked Leathers, in London, who owned wickedleathers.com into yielding up their name.

They tried for many years and threw a hell of a lot of money into their lawyers' pockets, and they got nowhere. The brains at ICANN can tell what is reasonable and what is infringement

At the time I was working at Wicked Leather I already owned leatherslings.com and grew fearful that the guys from leathersling.com (singular, not plural) would sue me too, but that fear never materialized. Our sites look very different so there is no mistaking the two.

I guess I should now be worried, having registered MillionAIDSMarch.org as a networking site devoted to just what the name says? That it has been mentioned here? But I think discussing different sites is far different from sending a bot out to datamine someone's database of email addresses; that is wrong. That would be spam, I think.

I say let the lawyers send Cease & Desist orders, until then its so much smoke. And even then, the dispute goes to ICANN, not the regular court system.

I also think the word "poz" definately belongs to the masses, while Poz Mag may have trademarked it as branding their product, if thinkpoz.com looks nothing like poz.com and fills voids that poz.com was not set up for, there is no reason to get panties in a bunch, just as I no longer worry about leathersling.com suing me for taking the plural form.

For ICANN to take a name away from someone it has to be obvious that the person trying to register a name for squating or whatever, like trying to claim johndeer.com or variants of names to draw poor spellers to their site, it has to be pretty obvious that the squatter (or whatever) is trying to profit from someone elses brand.

that is different though from mentioning a site in the OFF TOPIC forum (important little concept there: OFF TOPIC meaning NOT WHAT THEY SET THE SITE UP FOR)

If ThinkPoz becomes a print mag, well then, that is different. Until then, social networking sites are dime a dozen, and if by now Poz.com has not registered poz.everything (.org, .biz, .info .net .us, .uk,. a gazillion other country codes and maybe even someday .xxx) then they clearly, at this time, have no interest in owning those variants. They should though, as domain names are also dime a dozen and their interests would be better served if they do in fact register every 1st level now available. GoDaddy offers batch discounts...

That, I think, may be the bottom line as far as ICANN is concerned. If Poz.com thought thinkpoz.com should have been theirs, they should have registered it already.



Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline DingoBoi

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,355
  • Bailey's Infected Cream™ Served since 2004
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #119 on: March 02, 2007, 09:22:26 pm »
once there was a store called WAWA... a convenience store like 7-11.  There was a store called HA-HA.. a small familiy owned one store shop that looked nothing like WAWA.  They had to change their name due to copyright infringement.   Sounds excessive yes.

I think most of the issue is having the part of POZ.COM in the address. 

Having that connotates in most peoples minds that it is part of the poz.com org, whether it is or not.

it sounds, on it's face, like it's a subdomain of poz.com, which it isn't.

it's not about the word poz directly, i think.  It's about the placement of poz and .com next to one another.... a trademarked brand.

That site, inadvertantly or 'vertantly' is trying to trade on this.  It's not about 'should we support any hiv educational effort'.    remove the juxtoposition of having poz.com in the address and, I think, you remove the problem.

Again, I don't think it's about the word poz by itself.

my thoughts and that is all. 

Bailey (who does research copyright and trademark law on occasion)


Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #120 on: March 02, 2007, 09:34:16 pm »
let poz.com register all the names they feel belong to them, otherwise ICANN will likely tell them to STFU
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #121 on: March 02, 2007, 10:35:42 pm »
let poz.com sue these sites first!

http://www.poz.ca/

http://www.poz.info/

http://www.poz.us/

http://www.poz.org/

http://www.poz.biz/

http://www.poz.it/

I'm sure I could go on and on and on

needless to say, until Poz Mag secures all these domains, they have absolutely no standing to sue thinkpoz.com

 :D
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline DingoBoi

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,355
  • Bailey's Infected Cream™ Served since 2004
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #122 on: March 02, 2007, 10:44:34 pm »
Quote
let poz.com sue these sites first!
http://www.poz.ca/
http://www.poz.info/
http://www.poz.us/
http://www.poz.org/
http://www.poz.biz/
http://www.poz.it/

I do respect your thoughts, but when you bring up those sites, you are talking about apples and oranges.  "Poz" will be used in many websites.  That's okay.  Using the version of poz.com as part of your web address is not.

This is simple copyright and trademark law.  I'm on neither side, but legally, an addy ending in poz.com gives sufficient reason to believe they are affiliated, especially when discussing the same issue.  It creates confusion in some peoples minds.

That is what copyrights and trademarks are truly intended to protect.   And Ccann, isn't so apt to dismiss cases when there is basis. 

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #123 on: March 02, 2007, 10:51:27 pm »
copyrights and trademarks entered uncharted waters with the advent of the web.

if you check those links, they are all active, use the word POZ as the ONLY word in the 2nd level, ergo if Poz.com wants to sue anyone they MUST start with these live sites.
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #124 on: March 02, 2007, 11:25:26 pm »
poz.com was first registered Feb 20 1996

poz.net has been alive since March 31, 1997, owned by someone entirely different

why haven't poz.com lawyers issue cease and desist?? because they know it'll go nowhere!!

just do a whois lookup and see for yourself!

Patrick (who has owned and operated many many domains)
« Last Edit: March 02, 2007, 11:28:05 pm by twofires »
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #125 on: March 02, 2007, 11:35:05 pm »
also, if poz.com feels as if someone is stealing their idea of a forum or the format of their forum, bear in mind SMF 1.1.2 is FREEWARE!!

open source, not paid for...its not as if they spent any money on their own coders and now are being ripped off for their efforts

just scroll way down and see Powered by SMF 1.1.2 and then google it:

Simple Machines - Home of SMF: Free PHP and MySQL forum software
SMF 1.1.2 Released: Simple Machines is proud to announce the release of SMF 1.1.2. Since the release of SMF 1.1 a number of bugs have bee. ...
www.simplemachines.org/ - 9k - Cached - Similar pages

http://www.google.com/search?q=SMF+1.1.2&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline DingoBoi

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,355
  • Bailey's Infected Cream™ Served since 2004
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #126 on: March 02, 2007, 11:41:32 pm »
you are very argumentative.

To give you an example.

If cokacola.com has a website advertising their product, they would likely feel infringed if somebody used that exact wording in their website address like:  soda.cokacola.com

It creates distraction from their product and confusion... and legitimately so.

Cola.com doesn't
coka.com doesn't
coke.com does
shisznit.coke.com does

I don't understand why you fail to see this.  

copyrights are well charted in this day an age... after all, the web has been around for um.. 20 years or so... maybe you missed that.

They haven't issued cease and desist orders because, till now, nobody has tried to mimic the poz.com name which is a BRAND.

I beleive that if the website was named pozthink.com, there would be no issue at all.  But because it contains the brandname of thinkPOZ.COM, it is infringement on 15+ years of intelluctual property which does have value.

I'm still not sure if you are arguing against trademarks or for letting anybody use any name for their website which trades on an established name.

If you are against trademarks in general, well, that is antibusiness and doesn't support the economy.

If you are not against someone trading on an established name, that is wrong and against the economy.

answer the question of thinkpoz.com versus pozthink.com.

I'm sure you are smart enough to see the difference and implications of each.

..and about the smf forums....

that has completely zero to do with this.

it's a false argument to bring up distraction from your original point lacking any inherent value or thought.





« Last Edit: March 02, 2007, 11:43:16 pm by DingoBoi »

Offline DavidinCA92284

  • Member
  • Posts: 53
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #127 on: March 02, 2007, 11:56:13 pm »
IMHO "Poz" has been used for years as a common knowledge slang word.  For instance, it can be found in the Urban Dictionary http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=poz
that has 4 definitions for Poz - some not relating to being HIV+.  The question is whether common use means that it can not be "owned", or that the word can be owned, but not every context it's used in.  For instance, if the website was PozForever.com or AStateofPoz.com does that detract from Poz.com?  

But there has already been the controversy of using a word in the wrong context - such as "Olympics" . . . which is "owned" by the IOC and was able to force the Gay Olympics to change their name to Gay Games.   The IOC has allowed others to continue to use the word "Olympics" as part of their name.  One solution is to get "permission" to use the Poz designation in the name, and give a portion of "proceeds" if ever materialized to the "Poz" owners.

But the Internet might be a special case.  It's my understanding that domain names are only that - domain names.  In reality, each website is a designated set of numbers connected to a server somewhere.  The Domain Name is a convenient way to remember a site, rather than using those set of numbers.   There was a time in the beginning of the Internet when folks held the 'rights' to certain Domain Names and companies that wanted to use those domain names bought them from the individuals that owned them.   I suppose one can buy up all the Poz.com variations they can think of and then try and sell 'em all to PozMagazine.

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #128 on: March 03, 2007, 12:02:17 am »
arguementative? not....

>If cokacola.com has a website advertising their product, they would likely feel infringed if somebody used that exact wording in their website address like:  soda.cokacola.com

I accept that you are unfamiliar with primary, secondary and tertiary levels in domain names.

truly, only cokacola.com would be able to create soda.cokacola.com

do your own whois lookups and see how long all the other POZ.whatever sites have been around and are still active

the source of the free program has everything to do with the issue: it was NOT created by the poz.com people, ergo poz.com has no right to refuse other sites using the exact same program that is in use here.

>They haven't issued cease and desist orders because, till now, nobody has tried to mimic the poz.com name which is a BRAND.

answer me this then: why hasn't poz.com sued poz.net and force them offline, hhhmmmm??

or poz.ca? poz.it? poz.info? poz.biz? these certainly sound more like brand name violations than thinkpoz.com

I have been registering domains since 1993. I do know a thing or two about how the internets work. and if you think I'm an idiot for using the plural, well sit yourself down because there ARE more than one World Wide Web's out there

>it's a false argument to bring up distraction from your original point lacking any inherent value or thought.

You are seriously twisting stuff now dude, as well as directly insulting me.
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #129 on: March 03, 2007, 12:05:12 am »
> I suppose one can buy up all the Poz.com variations they can think of and then try and sell 'em all to PozMagazine.

http://www.poz.us is for sale, why doesn't poz.com snatch it up already? or sue them and get it for free??

they either don't really care, or else they have no clue whats going on out there and how many other poz sites are around!

« Last Edit: March 03, 2007, 12:21:20 am by twofires »
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #130 on: March 03, 2007, 12:29:20 am »
Hi Ray,

I find it completely outrageous that POZ magazine is wasting money on lawyers and threatening you.   Just goes to show you what a bunch of corporate hacks they are.   I can't see them winning this battle unless they bombard you with legal issues.  

Personally, I was very impressed with your site and I think you've done an amazing job with it.   I haven't had time to create my completed profile on there yet; however, I fully intend to.   I'd encourage everyone to sign up and see just how intricate and unique your site is.  

I've NEVER been impressed with Poz magazine and it's riddled with advertisements for every damn HIV drug.   I think they should change their magazine name to HIVDRUGS R US.   That publication would whore themselves out to the highest bidder for the sake of the almighty dollar every time.    I have two friends who did features in the magazine with their stories which were edited down to practically nothing resembling what they wrote.   Probably, they need the print space for more drug ads.  

Your site is 100% free!   Are you going to keep it that way?   There are a TON of other lousy dating/ social sites that falsely advertise to be free and then charge you to send an email.   Don't we as POZ people have enough expenses?   I for one think so and I refuse to pay a dime for any of those sites.   Most of those sites do have corporate garbage and advertising and I personally don't want to bombarded with false ads depicting models climbing Mount Everest for Reyataz every time I try to log on to a site.

Ray, as you know I have a site on Myspace which is dedicated to people with HIV and have a number of connections to help advertise your site including now over 300 people in a group I moderate.   If you can assure me that you won't charge people for the site later on I will gladly help you promote it.  

One thing is clear to me.  You have done an outstanding job on the creation of your site.   I do believe many people are worried because it is pretty spectacular.   They've good reason to worry because your site is a work of art and some of the others are just complete crap.   I do believe there are other sites with ''POZ" in the title.   Have any of those sites been threatened with litigation from Poz magazine?

This is frankly very disturbing to me that POZ magazine would stoop to threats of litigation blowing money on a wasted cause and it's rather hypocritical.   That publication sold it's soul down the river years ago.   I would hope you don't do that.   I say fight em tooth and nail and tell em to go straight to Hell.

Your site doesn't compete with Poz Magazine or this site at all.   My group is not in a competition with this group and neither are the others.   Don't back down to these threats.   I happen to like this site very much so far and the people here have been great and I've learned a lot.   Being a moderator of a much smaller group it gives me a place to come and vent my own personal frustrations or find resources I need.    I wanted to create a site like yours that is much like Myspace where people can customize their pages and have an organized system like these forums.   I didn't have the ingenuity or know how, but I certainly don't see your site as infringing on their trademark.  

This has really pissed me off.   So does Poz magazine feel they own all of us too?   I'm now considering adding that into my own group and they can sue my white ass too!

You know I was going to do a story for HIVSTOPSWITHME.org.    Well, I was in contact with whichever idiot there and found out they were paying for advertising on Myspace.   Their people weren't even aware they could start a group on Myspace for free that would certainly gain more attention then just random ads no one will read.   And somehow that guy is getting paid the big bucks for his brilliance?   Couldn't that money have been used more wisely?    Anyways, they wanted to rush me on my story and I'd asked for a bit more time.   They got all impatient and frankly I was done with them after the attitude I got from their contact guy.  

This is why I don't do any work for non profit groups anymore.   It's all about the money and people with good intentions loose their integrity and become apathetic.  

Those people threatening you really have lost all perspective and this is beyond petty.  I think their jealous and worried because the lot of em don't have your intelligence or creative abilities.   I don't know if it was just you who created your site or you have a team, but it's truly something special.   I'll admit I'm impressed.

I don't pay much attention in the who's who of the HIV world.   But I don't like it when someone who's done a great job is threatened and trampled on by a bunch of frauds who don't have any integrity left.

Have you received any legal paperwork or just the phone threats?   Personally, I might consider printing out those public documents for 155 million people to read on MYSPACE.   And, I have more than one contact now on there.    If they feel they can shut your site down based on a bullshit trademark I say we share that public information with the world.   This site has just over 5000 members and Poz Magazine has a monopoly on a junk publication that's already on shaky ground.   I could see your site gaining corporate sponsorship very easily and they are clearly worried they could loose a lot of money.    Frankly, I'd like to see all the petty bickering stopped.

If the people at Poz Magazine feel they also have a monopoly on all of us then I say bring it on!   Personally, I feel they owe you an apology and if they had an iota of integrity they'd congratulate you on a superb website which is NO threat to this website or their shoddy magazine.   If they'd spend a little more time focusing on their own lack of creativity and less time worrying about the little guy they might actually produce a magazine worth reading.

While I don't know what all of your intentions are with the website I would encourage others to at least check it out before jumping to conclusions.  

Much Respect,

Wesley



I thought I should add a disclaimer that all of my above commentary is purely my opinion based on what I have read and know.   I would not want to be sued for my opinions and feelings ; )
« Last Edit: March 03, 2007, 03:51:00 am by AustinWesley »
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline DingoBoi

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,355
  • Bailey's Infected Cream™ Served since 2004
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #131 on: March 03, 2007, 12:29:40 am »
Quote
I accept that you are unfamiliar with primary, secondary and tertiary levels in domain names.

I am and you are making a false assumption in this statement.

The website name that is being advertised is thinkpoz.com ... not the derivative thinkpoz.me.com which it really is.

Quote
truly, only cokacola.com would be able to create soda.cokacola.com

obviously you are not familiar with which you speak of because thinkpoz.com links to thinkpoz.me.com.

Yah, that's as in POZ.COM  which trades on the poz.com brand name.

poz.net or poz.biz is irrelevant to this particular discussion.

You are still chasing a phantom... nobody cares what forum program they use for a forum.  This is completely irrelivant to any argument whatsoever.

poz.net and the poz.whatever don't trade on the brand name of poz.com and its associated value.

You are still bringing up false arguments that are irrelevant to the discussion, which is if the poz.com name is being infringed upon.

Thank you for your consideration.




Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #132 on: March 03, 2007, 12:40:17 am »
what have you got against the free market?

why are you so strident about this issue to the point that you are insulting?

so what if thinkpoz directs to a 3rd level of me.com? you still do not convince me you are aware of just who can create a 3rd level name... only the owner of the 2nd level can create a third level

sounds like you have some kind of agenda that is contrary to the free exchange of ideas, and want to see thinkpoz DOA

why is that???

and by the way, ICANN would probably laugh you right out of their offices

>The website name that is being advertised is thinkpoz.com ... not the derivative thinkpoz.me.com which it really is.

now you really are making a fool of yourself and do not understand hosting options



« Last Edit: March 03, 2007, 12:46:47 am by twofires »
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline Boo Radley

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,252
  • Not a "real man" and damn proud, mithter... FAB
    • Animal Rescue New Orleans
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #133 on: March 03, 2007, 01:41:32 am »
Having that connotates in most peoples minds that it is part of the poz.com org, whether it is or not.

it sounds, on it's face, like it's a subdomain of poz.com, which it isn't.

Regardless of what people wrongly infer, the domains thinkpoz.com and poz.com are totally and undeniably different.   A subdomain of poz.com would be think.poz.com, which obviously isn't thinkpoz.com. 

Poz may be a trademark but poz.com is not nor is it a brand name and S+S has no business dictating to others what their domains can be named. If someone created a domain named pozmagazine.com S+S would have reason to complain.  They have no legitimate reason to contest thinkpoz.com and ICANN would, as twofires suggested, probably tell S+S to go fly a kite, unless thinkpoz.com was obviously attempting to confuse visitors.  Since the two sites are totally different that argument wouldn't float.

Quote
If cokacola.com has a website advertising their product, they would likely feel infringed if somebody used that exact wording in their website address like:  soda.cokacola.com

This example isn't valid because, as twofires said, soda.cokacola.com is a subdomain of cokacola.com and only cokacola.com could create the subdomain. 

This discussion is really academic because we have not verified Ray was even contacted by Poz.  Someone may have claimed to be from Poz but a phone call proves nothing.   Poz or its legal representative should send a letter, preferably by certified mail, to insure the infringing party receives their request.   

Boo
String up every aristocrat!
Out with the priests and let them live on their fat!





Everything I do, say, think, excrete, secrete, exude, ooze, or write © 2007 Sweet Old Boo, Inc.

Offline twofires

  • Member
  • Posts: 345
    • Artists Farm
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #134 on: March 03, 2007, 01:52:25 am »
and then throw the damn thing in the trash!!!

(hat tip to my man Boo!)
« Last Edit: March 03, 2007, 01:57:42 am by twofires »
Who was it wrote; Give any one species too much rope and they'll fuck it up?
-Roger Waters

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #135 on: March 03, 2007, 02:59:28 am »


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. 


I find the statement about "confusion" very patronizing and condescending.   I have no confusion distinguishing a difference between the Poz magazine and it's affiliates and a completely different website that has a totally different name.

While I don't know all the background of your magazine or it's interests I appreciate some of the background information you have given although I think financial interests are the only thing of concern here. 

I also do NOT believe that you even just made that statement about protecting your readers interests of devious pharmaceutical companies.   How much revenue is generated monthly by all of those ads in Poz magazine?   

I have nothing personal against you, but I'm not buying this mumbo jumbo at all.   

Having reviewed thoroughly the site in question I fail to see how there is some devious plot to mislead people and I find some of these statements bordering on slander.

Also, I have NO affiliation with the gentleman who created the site in question, but I am impressed with what he has done.   I fail to see any plot to dis-semenate misinformation or the like.

It's a completely different name and I don't believe this bit about people becoming confused.   

Wesley

Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline RapidRod

  • Member
  • Posts: 15,288
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #136 on: March 03, 2007, 03:53:39 am »
This on goings is none of our business. This is between POZ and the other website. When you pay POZ's bills then you can put in your two cents. This does not have any concern to anyone of us that uses this website.

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #137 on: March 03, 2007, 04:02:45 am »
Hey Rod,

I'm entitled to express my feelings as are you in these forums.   If free speech is going to be prevented then I would not be here at all.

I'm glad the moderators have left the topic unlocked and allowed people to share their opinions.   Why is it I am not entitled to join the debate?

Peace!

Wesley

Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline RapidRod

  • Member
  • Posts: 15,288
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #138 on: March 03, 2007, 04:40:52 am »
There is nothing to debate. It's between POZ and the other website. How much money POZ makes off advertisements or other means is not a concern of ours. This is not a concern of anyone except POZ and the other website. It's not your concern, my concern or anyone else’s.

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #139 on: March 03, 2007, 05:01:24 am »
I'm interested.   I wouldn't really call it a concern.   

I have a profile on the poz site as well and I am also a mentor on there too.   I see no reason why all the sites can't exist.

My opinion was the lame response from the Poz representative pushing scare tactics and the idea of confusion was not truthful.

As a person with HIV I want as many sites available to me and everyone as possible, not just one that's heavily influenced by various drug companies.

It's a free market economy.   I think a little competition is healthy; however I don't feel the two sites are competing.   

The other site is quite unique and some prefer or feel comfortable in different environments.   I believe that the issue has nothing to do with protecting us from dangerous advertisers and everything to do with money!
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline RapidRod

  • Member
  • Posts: 15,288
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #140 on: March 03, 2007, 05:24:25 am »
Not truthful to whom? You? It's truthful in their eyes and that's all that matters. Have a little respect for a company that let's you use their site for FREE. If this were a pay site then your concerns would matter and then you may have a reason to interject your thoughts in their operational and financial business matters. 

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #141 on: March 03, 2007, 05:33:47 am »
Who's they Rod?   I am referring to one post only by one individual.

If you are saying because this site is Free I'm not entitled to enter into the topic I would respectfully disagree with you.   

The reason this group does thrive is because it's free and people are allowed to free speech.   The minute either of those is breached it would likely cease to exist.

Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline Cliff

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,645
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #142 on: March 03, 2007, 05:37:56 am »
1.  While the other website name might be unique (only that it added a word in front of a trademarked name), it is still about providing services to people with HIV.  That is still close enough to cause confusion in the market place.

2.  I don't think Sean used the word confusion to be condescending or rude.  That's the law.  Infringement of a trademark must be attributed to causing confusion among customers.  It's a broad term and just the fact that the two websites (while different) deal with the same subject may give the appearance of causing confusion.  For example, if I start a website thinkapple.com to sale my own version of an MP3 player, I would violate Apple's trademark.  Yes, my website would be different and yes I would be selling my own product version which would look nothing like the Ipod, and yes consumers would probably be smart enough to know my website isn't a true apple website, but at the end of the day, I'm fairly certain the courts would rule that I am violating Apple's trademark.  Or if I start the website "letsvogue.com" for folks serious about fashion, I'm sure I would be violating Vogue magazines trademark, even if the website looked completely different and I had another word in front of vogue.

3.  Austin, you are being contradictory.  You complain that you don't like Poz magazine because it's full of advertising, (not sure how you justify using poz's website considering the same is also true here), yet in the very next paragraph you state that you will not pay a dime for a website.  How do you think these websites are going to stay in business?  They have to get money from somewhere and if you (and most other HIVers) won't or can't afford to pay then what other options does that leave them?  Thinkpoz.com may not charge now, but unless he is going to get money from drug companies (the only ones interested in HIVers), the government (unlikely to be enough), or use his own funds indefinitely, he will start charging.

4.  ICANN may be the arbitrator of what happens to domain names, but judgment over trademarks (and the proper place for litigating trademark disputes) is the judicial system.  If the courts rule this is a violation of a trademark, then it is, irrespective of what ICANN says or does.  

5.  Protecting your trademark is not a violation of free market principles.  Actually, a free market needs trademark (and rigorous defenses of them) in order for the markets to remain free and efficient.  If people can infringe on your brand name and awareness, simply by throwing another word in front of your brand name, then there would tons of confusion in the market place and brand name (which is nothing more than a reputation) would be diminished.

I doubt they will do anything to Ray.  They are probably just trying to ask him politely to change his website.  But since he said he is an attorney and has dealt with trademark cases, (so presumably he should have expected all of this), I'm not too worried about Ray.  I think he can hold his own, if they decide to pursue this matter further.

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #143 on: March 03, 2007, 06:15:04 am »
1.  While the other website name might be unique (only that it added a word in front of a trademarked name), it is still about providing services to people with HIV.  That is still close enough to cause confusion in the market place.

2.  I don't think Sean used the word confusion to be condescending or rude.  That's the law.  Infringement of a trademark must be attributed to causing confusion among customers.  It's a broad term and just the fact that the two websites (while different) deal with the same subject may give the appearance of causing confusion.  For example, if I start a website thinkapple.com to sale my own version of an MP3 player, I would violate Apple's trademark.  Yes, my website would be different and yes I would be selling my own product version which would look nothing like the Ipod, and yes consumers would probably be smart enough to know my website isn't a true apple website, but at the end of the day, I'm fairly certain the courts would rule that I am violating Apple's trademark.  Or if I start the website "letsvogue.com" for folks serious about fashion, I'm sure I would be violating Vogue magazines trademark, even if the website looked completely different and I had another word in front of vogue.

3.  Austin, you are being contradictory.  You complain that you don't like Poz magazine because it's full of advertising, (not sure how you justify using poz's website considering the same is also true here), yet in the very next paragraph you state that you will not pay a dime for a website.  How do you think these websites are going to stay in business?  They have to get money from somewhere and if you (and most other HIVers) won't or can't afford to pay then what other options does that leave them?  Thinkpoz.com may not charge now, but unless he is going to get money from drug companies (the only ones interested in HIVers), the government (unlikely to be enough), or use his own funds indefinitely, he will start charging.

4.  ICANN may be the arbitrator of what happens to domain names, but judgment over trademarks (and the proper place for litigating trademark disputes) is the judicial system.  If the courts rule this is a violation of a trademark, then it is, irrespective of what ICANN says or does.  

5.  Protecting your trademark is not a violation of free market principles. Actually, a free market needs trademark (and rigorous defenses of them) in order for the markets to remain free and efficient.  If people can infringe on your brand name and awareness, simply by throwing another word in front of your brand name, then there would tons of confusion in the market place and brand name (which is nothing more than a reputation) would be diminished.

I doubt they will do anything to Ray.  They are probably just trying to ask him politely to change his website.  But since he said he is an attorney and has dealt with trademark cases, (so presumably he should have expected all of this), I'm not too worried about Ray.  I think he can hold his own, if they decide to pursue this matter further.

Hey Cliff,

I didn't contradict myself.   I posed that question to Ray so I am curious to hear his answer.   I don't believe that Poz magazine can do anything about a domain name.   The magazine and website are two completely different concepts.   I don't hear anything about a ThinkPoz magazine, but that would be interesting too.  The websites are radically different.   Others have brought up numerous other examples as well.

Also, I was merely referring to one individual response which I do feel was poorly written and inaccurate and definitely slanted using scare tactics.   I've nothing personal against any of the other individuals or him even though I don't personally care for the magazine.

Have you looked at the site?   It's nothing like this at all.   I appreciate your examples with some of the scenarios you've given.

I don't believe a trademark lawsuit benefits anyone here.   I think the money would be better spent on improving some of Poz's other sites which are outdated and are falling behind technological advances which appeal to consumers.   For instance, this site has no chat feature, a common complaint.   Maybe instead of suing over alleged "confusion" it would be wise to improve an already good site.

Wesley



Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #144 on: March 03, 2007, 07:40:44 am »
omgi'msoconfused
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline texasguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 77
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #145 on: March 03, 2007, 02:36:57 pm »
Lots of things to think about here.  Clearly this is a hot button issue for some.  I've made it clear to several forum members that I'm squarely on thinkpoz.com side on this one.  Obviously some people will take it personally and I understand why.  We share a lot of our personal lives and feelings in these forums, and for many people this place on the Internet becomes their support group and is like a family.  I suspect a lot of people share more here then with any other friends or their own family.  And most people will defend their family no matter what.  And that's a good thing in most cases and I respect it. 

I think the best thing would be for POZ to just let this go, let this tempest diminish, and we all learn something in the process.  Primarily that for HIV positive people, "poz" is not a trademark, it is our lives and we are quite sensitive about it on many levels.  Their business model, circulation numbers, ad revenues, and all the rest that goes into the publishing business are important to them.  We all understand that.  But they also need to remember that this website is quite unique and stands on its own merits, and I can't imagine anything remotely threatening its success.  We're not selling sodas or burgers here.  This website changes peoples lives in many ways.  It would be terribly cynical to think that the investors and staff of POZ have bad intentions.  I certainly don't think so.  But they are human and perhaps this was a mistake.

The people that participate on a website are what makes it, and this group here represents the best of the lot.  I don't always agree with some, but there is no denying the quality and character of the people that post here.  It's important that we're having this conversation.  It was bound to come up at some point.  Let's just not let it get personal.  POZ is not an evil corporate thug, and I'm sure Ray is a nice guy.  I have no reasons to think otherwise of either.  Maybe I'm naive, but I like to give people and even (some) corporations the benefit of the doubt until proved otherwise.
8/12/2008    102        402      26.8
                    VL         CD4     CD4%
7/11/2008   Started Atripla and Lisinopril for high blood pressure
6/8     654000(?) 347     20.4
5/08   42100       287      20.5
11/07 52930       438     27.3
5/07   48800       356     22.2
2/07   89000       316     23.2
7/06   51700       459     25.3
2/06   346000     386     20.3
           VL          CD4     CD4%
Poz Antibody Test January 2006
Seroconversion December 2005
Exposure November 2005

Offline ACinKC

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,994
  • Bring it VIRUS! #2 Ranked In-crowd Member!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #146 on: March 03, 2007, 05:55:13 pm »
I again call out Ray who stirred up this shit storm.  Poz sent out a letter they probably have sent out hundreds of times.  They never said they were filing against Ray.  He is getting absolutely what he wanted out of this, which is to cause confusion and piss people off.

I'm done with this discussion, we have no control or say over what either party does anyway so no sense in arguing about it.  Ray, ill keep an eye out for ya.
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 AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #147 on: March 03, 2007, 06:36:59 pm »
I think the best thing would be for POZ to just let this go, let this tempest diminish, and we all learn something in the process.  Primarily that for HIV positive people, "poz" is not a trademark, it is our lives and we are quite sensitive about it on many levels. 

I'd agree with this statement.   For all those so overly paranoid it's essentially a dating/social site.   It's free of charge.

While I commend the efforts on this site, I certainly think the other was necessary.   If I had to search for a partner here I've got a real pick of the litter, literally!   Hmm, there are dolls, parrots, and dogs.......Not exactly what I'd be looking for as a future partner.

So, I read the real warm welcome Ray was given intially in the other thread pointed out.   NICE!

Nobody has even bothered to look at the site from what I can determine other than a few rational people.   I'm certainly glad there is a new social site free of charge.

I will remain here as well because there've been great people here who've helped me out and this site is more dedicated to medical issues which we all have in common.   

There's no relation in the 2 sites whatsoever and the name is completely different.   I really don't get the panic and paranoia, but I guess to each their own!

Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline iMec

  • New Member
  • Posts: 2
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #148 on: March 03, 2007, 09:44:02 pm »
Anyone who claims to have invented the term poz is just demonstrating how clearly insane they are. Not to mention arrogant. I might suggest that anyone who claims to have "invented" this word has a very limited history of life experience, and also is completely American-centric to think that one person, an American invented this.

Thanks, those who have aired on the side of Poz Magazine has proved how absolutely crazy. I've shared this with top HIV activists in Canada and the reaction has been the same, complete shock and disbelief.

Once again, I highlight the point. This is not about a word. This is petty power plays by people who have completely lost sight of whey they are here.

I'm actually appalled and am so thankfull that we don't have to deal with such bull**** in Canada. As bad is it may get here for infighting
it is NOWWHERE to the degree displayed by those who clearly have some sort of delusional mental illness.

Oh ya, this is the point where people who don't know me try to discredit me with silly cowardly internet slander
hiding behind a screen name.

Go for it, you'll just prove my point.

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: An Open Letter to Poz Magazine and the Members of thinkpoz.com
« Reply #149 on: March 03, 2007, 10:29:07 pm »
It was in bad taste to come on here and stir up shit about an issue that was between ray and POZ.com, causing unnecessary dram among board member where the prime meaning for existence is SUPPORT not DRAMA.  In fact, I'm REALLY REALLY  tired of the dram on here of late (cue: CSI).  He should have kept his discussions personal with POZ.  And now we've been spammed once again by another disaffected thinkpoz person.  I say, at what point do we just delete these postings.

Imagine the poor sole who logs in here for the first time.  The first time I logged in some poster was threatening suicide, and in 12 hours it turned out to be  fake, and a odd attempt for attention.  It turned me off from posting here for 3 months -- let's CONSIDER THESE TYPES OF SCENARIOS.

As far as thinkpoz... I'm sure it is not malicious, but really how hard is it to change the name to "thinkpositively.com"???  Same thing really... less drama.

I mean, the guy spammed the board for months about his site, but offered NIL about his own personal experience and offered little to the board.  I don't know... I just feel uncomfortable with this ray guy though his aims seem laudable.

It's all rather unfortunate, and now the damage is done.  Like all thing it's the mature WAY such issue are handles, and I see little of that by him.

And now we have iMec posting with incessant condescending posts and personal attacks.  Lovely way to prove our point, some of which I agree with but am put off by your vitriol.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.