Warbird Information Exchange

Whooaa Jaldo, hold on to your panties … “off topic” you mean?

The subject of this thread is strictly about photographic abuse and copyright infringement, a dishonorable activity by all means.
Referring to the “other” matters that you mention is really “off topic” and not very mature on your part: the Museo del Aire and FAH 619 photo subject matters, may not be I am sure, of interest to any of the board members. I will soon learn to use Photoshop, but responsively and honestly (words which some people have difficulty understanding).

But it seems to me that you may have forgotten the fascinating story behind the photo of FAH 619, but again, nobody may be interested in the “message” then intended to you and your “colleague”, of course!!!
I know lots of interesting stories about people, particularly Hondurans, but it would be an irresponsibility of mine to discuss in this or in any other board. Besides, it is nobody's concern wouldn't you agree?

I have taken hundreds of photos, some of which you have abusively defaced by placing your stamp/logo/markings and publishing in your website without my permission (I have documental proof of two such cases).
Incidentally, have you read the Honduran copyright law No. 4-99-E, approved by National Congress and published January 15, 2000? I suspect you have not ... or perhaps you may have found possible loopholes in it?

In the past I've been harshly criticized for not posting my personal photos in the electronic media, but I have a very simple, powerful (and selfish if you like) reason for that: to avoid seeing them defaced (although I know you prefer to use the term “improved”) and with someone else’s markings and logos on them. They are mine and nobody else’s, unless I determine otherwise.

Most honest and law abiding persons I know, do not believe it is ethical to place marks, stamps or logos on photos of which they are not the rightful owners or the original photographers. Obtaining photos from the Internet is a wide-spread activity, which may be okay if you don’t use illegally. Same goes with photos from personal collections, websites, etc, but it does not give anyone the right to deface or publish with the Catrachowings (or any other) logo without permission. But then … there would be no such website!

About the FAH 614 photo recently published in this board, I am not sure you may have a written statement to the fact, although I am aware that a “Foto Molina” has never been registered as such, meaning it probably never existed … perhaps only in your imagination? But … if it “operated” without a registration and a valid permit, means it was illegal. Tell me more, will you (via PM)?

I offer you to discuss the “other” matters privately (PM, no insults please) if you like, but being aware of your rationale, I’m sure you will decide otherwise, because I will not further refer to this matter in the WIX board.
Personally I would prefer that on your next trip to Honduras we discuss about photographic abuse and copyright infringement matters at the court (where by the way, someone is very anxious to meet you – as I am – in person).

Amado

Ok,since you want to discuss this in other ways,let me make clear a few points:
I guess your age doesn't let you remember that the photo of the Corsair FAH-619 was sent by Dan Hagerdon and I'm sure you have his e-mail in case you want to ask him about it.Dan has contributed with us as well as has Dr Gary Kuhn,Bill Larkins,FAH,the honduran museum via their members,and many more just to name a few.Don't forget that the irresponsible stories you know include yours!
When you mention "taken" photos,you mean the ones you've photographed or the ones that included in the items you took that belonged to the museum?
Any questions referring the photo of the Corsair FAH-614 should be addressed to the General Lopez.I wish I'd be there to hear what he has to say to you.
And by the way,I'll be visiting Tegucigalpa the weekend of Nov. 3 if you want to discuss the matters in court like you said or if you want to roll your dices in any other way.Let me know so I can bring my evidence also and make calls to people whitin your circle.
I also invite you to discuss this topic at the spanish forums where I'm sure there are a few people who want to give you a piece of their mind.
See you over there.

Jaldo

C'mon guys. Keep it friendly. We are all here for a commen interest. We cannot make enemies out of each other. Life is too short.

Nathan,good comment!
We come here to relieve some stress from everyday life and have a good time,but there's always people trying to ruin your day.We see dozens of photos here daily and when known,proper credits are given.Period.No big deal. Is posting a photo that belongs to the collection of an air force general a crime? Even when he gave you written permission to do it? Does anybody profit from publishing a photo in a discussion forum? Hmmm...

Jaldo

I just want to add my two cents worth...this discussion began with several nice color pictures, several from China by Fred Poats and one of George Kutsher on the wing of his P-39 in Aiken, SC 1943 (both men deceased in 2006). I know that Fred Poats allowed Jeff Ethel to use his color pictures for his projects. He also allowed me to scan about 30 into my data base. Several of the 118th TRS, 23rd FG pilots also allowed me to scan their color pictures. Each of these men specifically asked me to use them in any way that I thought best to preserve and to publish the WWII history of their squadron.

I've made these available for posting on web sites and submitted them to museums for their use, attributing the pictures to the photographer. The other 900 pictures in the collection were taken by the 118th TRS photo section recording the WWII history of the unit. These are in the public domain and are made available to anyone who wants to use them.

While all of these pictures are in my collection, when I submit them to a web site it is usually stated that they were submitted or provided by me. No copyright - and they can freely be used by anyone.

Also, a complete set of the photos with indexes are in the archives of the Museum of Aviation, Robbins AFB for the use of researchers and museum displays.

I know that there is money to be made selling WWII photographs but I believe that providing the widest distribution of these pictures along with the credit for those who took them, often against military policy, overides the money.

Bob

Gentleman,

Copyright is a difficult thing to understand in this Internet world. For myself, I still appreciate the pictures.

Some of the pictures are of my Uncle George Kutsher or taken by him. These are pictures that I have never seen and are a part of my Uncle I never got the chance to discuss with him. For these reason, I hope people keep posting what they can and create sites that people can view these pictures.

Yes, there is much regret in my heart and mind that I didn't get to know my Uncle and understand his part in WWII. For that I blame the way I was raised and then my lack of knowledge of seeking out a fellow Veteran.

With some of the pictures I have found due to efforts of folks that are members of this forum, I will be able to share the efforts of my Uncle with my Children and my Grandchildren. I can only hope that some day someone else will care about my time spent in the Military and want to pass it along to others.

MSGT Chris Schmidt
USAF/ANG Retired