Brian C. Aber

Online plagiarism.

I know that a majority of companies, almost daily, have had content stolen from their website(s), email templates, advertising material, etc …

Even I have been a “victim” but I must admit … it fueled my ego infinitely more than my temper.

They say imitations are the best form of flattery.

Personally … I say if they used my work as a template but at the end reads, looks, and has a different rhythm than mine … so be it. In a perfect world a reference would be nice but overall I’m glad I could help.

United States Copyright Office

Content is automatically protected under copyright laws as soon as it is "created and fixed in a tangible form".

Registration is only necessary if you choose to file a lawsuit.

They’ve stolen my content … What should I do?!?!??!?!?

I like to look at their site and gauge their level of plagiarism.

Did they even try to modify it at all or just change the name of the company and the font?

Does the website look professional or just a copy and paste job with images?

Are they out of focus and pixilated?

Do they know you personally?

Are they a client or colleague?

Is it just copied and pasted as content without an author or did they actually sign it off as their own?

There are plenty of mitigating factors.

Look at all the information you can and make an educated decision based on the malice of the act itself. Keep in mind that while plagiarism is the obvious trait of a person who lacks ethics, morality, and work ethic … it is still not a criminal act.

If they are hosting with GoDaddy then you can take the following steps;

If you want you can contact GoDaddy (or whoever is hosting the site) and explain to them the issue you can, but they will just request you to send a claim to CopyrightClaims@GoDaddy.com .

Here are the details if they are hosting with GoDaddy.

B. Copyright Claims

1. If the Complaining Party would like to submit a copyright claim for material on which you hold a bona fide copyright, Go Daddy requests that the Complaining Party substantiate such claim by providing Go Daddy with the following information via email to CopyrightClaims@godaddy.com. The words "Copyright Claim" should appear in the subject line. A copyright claim can also be submitted by mail to: Copyright Agent, Go Daddy, 14455 N. Hayden Road, Suite 219, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

To be considered effective, a notification of a claimed copyright infringement must be provided to Go Daddy and must include the following information:

1. An electronic signature of the copyright owner, or a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner, of an exclusive copyright that has allegedly been infringed.

2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if multiple copyrighted works at a single online site are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works on that site.

3. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit Go Daddy to locate the material.

4. Information reasonably sufficient to permit Go Daddy to contact the Complaining Party, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an electronic mail address at which the Complaining Party may be contacted.

5. A statement that the Complaining Party has a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

6. A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the Complaining Party is the owner, or is authorized to act on behalf of the owner, of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

2. For Copyright Claims, upon receipt of appropriate notification from the Complaining Party, pursuant to Section 1 of Copyright Claims above, Go Daddy will remove or disable access to the material that is claimed to be infringing.

3. If the Complaining Party provides Go Daddy with appropriate notification, pursuant to Section 1 of Copyright Claims above, including information reasonably sufficient to permit Go Daddy to locate and remove or disable the material in question, or includes information concerning repeat infringement, then Go Daddy will forward the Complaining Party's written notification to such alleged Infringer and shall take reasonable steps promptly to notify the Infringer that it has removed or disabled access to the material.

http://www.godaddy.com/Agreements/ShowDoc.aspx?se=%2B&pageid=TRADMARK%5FCOPY

Want to complain with Google AdSense?

http://support.google.com/bin/request.py?hl=en&product=adsense&contact_type=lr_dmca

Regardless of any precaution you may take there is the high possibility that at any moment anyone can duplicate your online content and use it as their copyrighted material.

With the use of some clever thesaurus work and sentence rearrangement and they saved themselves the time it would have taken to pretend they had an original thought themselves.

In my experience, I've found that most people who are discovered to be plagiarists are not themselves the culprit. They made the mistake of hiring an outside IT team to build their website and come up with “original” content.

Florida Credit Repair

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Your state may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

PART III
CREDIT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

817.7001Definitions.
817.7005Prohibited acts.
817.701Surety bonds; exemption.
817.702Statement to buyer.
817.703Information statement.
817.704Provisions of contract.
817.705Waivers; burden of proof; penalties.
817.706Actions for damages.

817.7001 Definitions.—As used in this part:
(1) “Buyer” means any individual who is solicited to purchase, or who purchases, the services of a credit service organization.
(2)(a) “Credit service organization” means any person who, with respect to the extension of credit by others, sells, provides, performs, or represents that he or she can or will sell, provide, or perform, in return for the payment of money or other valuable consideration, any of the following services:
1. Improving a buyer’s credit record, history, or rating;
2. Obtaining an extension of credit for a buyer; or
3. Providing advice or assistance to a buyer with regard to the services described in either subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2.
(b) “Credit service organization” does not include:
1. Any person authorized to make loans or extensions of credit under the laws of this state or the United States who is subject to regulation and supervision by this state or the United States or a lender approved by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for participation in any mortgage insurance program under the National Housing Act;
2. Any bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association whose deposits or accounts are eligible for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, or a subsidiary of such bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association;
3. Any credit union, federal credit union, or out-of-state credit union doing business in this state;
4. Any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
5. Any person licensed as a real estate broker by this state if the person is acting within the course and scope of that license;
6. Any person collecting consumer claims pursuant to s. 559.72;
7. Any person licensed to practice law in this state if the person renders services within the course and scope of his or her practice as an attorney and does not engage in the credit service business on a regular and continuing basis;
8. Any broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission if the broker-dealer is acting within the course and scope of that regulation; or
9. Any consumer reporting agency as defined in the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 1681-1681t.
(3) “Extension of credit” means the right to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment offered or granted primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.7005 Prohibited acts.—A credit service organization, its salespersons, agents, and representatives, and independent contractors who sell or attempt to sell the services of a credit service organization shall not do any of the following:
(1) Charge or receive any money or other valuable consideration prior to full and complete performance of the services the credit service organization has agreed to perform for the buyer, unless the credit service organization has obtained a surety bond of $10,000 issued by a surety company admitted to do business in this state and has established a trust account at a federally insured bank or savings and loan association located in this state; however, where a credit service organization has obtained a surety bond and established a trust account as provided herein, the credit service organization may charge or receive money or other valuable consideration prior to full and complete performance of the services it has agreed to perform for the buyer but shall deposit all money or other valuable consideration received in its trust account until the full and complete performance of the services it has agreed to perform for the buyer;
(2) Charge or receive any money or other valuable consideration solely for referral of the buyer to a retail seller or to any other credit grantor, who will or may extend credit to the buyer if the credit that is or will be extended to the buyer is upon substantially the same terms as those available to the general public;
(3) Make, or counsel or advise any buyer to make, any statement that is false or misleading or that should be known by the exercise of reasonable care to be false or misleading, or omit any material fact to a consumer reporting agency or to any person who has extended credit to a buyer or to whom a buyer is applying for an extension of credit with respect to a buyer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity; or
(4) Make or use any false or misleading representations or omit any material fact in the offer or sale of the services of a credit service organization or engage, directly or indirectly, in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as fraud or deception upon any person in connection with the offer or sale of the services of a credit service organization, notwithstanding the absence of reliance by the buyer.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.701 Surety bonds; exemption.—The requirement to obtain a surety bond and establish a trust account as provided in s. 817.7005(1) shall be waived for any salesperson, agent, or representative of a credit service organization where the credit service organization obtains such surety bond and establishes such trust account.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.702 Statement to buyer.—Upon execution of the contract as provided in s. 817.704 or agreement between the buyer and a credit service organization and before the receipt by the credit service organization of any money or other valuable consideration, whichever occurs first, the credit service organization shall provide the buyer with a statement, in writing, containing all the information required by s. 817.703. The credit service organization shall maintain on file for a period of 5 years an exact copy of the statement, personally signed by the buyer, acknowledging receipt of a copy of the statement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.703 Information statement.—The information statement required under s. 817.702 shall include all of the following:
(1)(a) A complete and accurate statement of the buyer’s right to review any file on the buyer maintained by any consumer reporting agency, as provided under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 1681-1681t;
(b) A statement that the buyer may review his or her consumer reporting agency file at no charge if a request is made to the consumer reporting agency within 30 days after receiving notice that credit has been denied; and
(c) The approximate price the buyer will be charged by the consumer reporting agency to review his or her consumer reporting agency file.
(2) A complete and accurate statement of the buyer’s right to dispute directly with a consumer reporting agency the completeness or accuracy of any item contained in any file on the buyer maintained by the consumer reporting agency.
(3) A statement that accurate information cannot be permanently removed from the file of a consumer reporting agency.
(4) A complete and detailed description of the service to be performed by the credit service organization for the buyer and the total amount the buyer will have to pay, or become obligated to pay, for the services.
(5) A statement notifying the buyer of his or her right to proceed against the bond or trust account required under s. 817.7005.
(6) The name and address of the surety company which issued the bond, or the name and address of the depository and the trustee and the account number of the trust account.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204; s. 1274, ch. 97-102.

817.704 Provisions of contract.—(1) Each contract between the buyer and a credit service organization for the purchase of the services of the credit service organization shall be in writing, dated, signed by the buyer, and shall include all of the following:
(a) A conspicuous statement in boldfaced type, in immediate proximity to the space reserved for the signature of the buyer, as follows: “You, the buyer, may cancel this contract at any time prior to midnight of the fifth day after the date of the transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right”;
(b) The terms and conditions of payment, including the total of all payments to be made by the buyer, specifying the amount of the payments to be made to the credit service organization or to some other person;
(c) A full and detailed description of the services to be performed by the credit service organization for the buyer, including all guarantees and all promises of full or partial refunds, and the estimated date by which the services are to be performed or the estimated length of time for performing the services; and
(d) The credit service organization’s principal business address and the name and address of its agent in the state authorized to receive service of process.
(2) The contract shall be accompanied by a completed form in duplicate, captioned “Notice of Cancellation,” that shall be attached to the contract, be easily detachable, and contain in boldfaced type the following statement written in the same language used in the contract:
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, within 5 days from the date the contract is signed.

If you cancel any payment made by you under this contract, it will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the credit service organization of your cancellation notice.

To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice to:

(name of credit service organization) at

(address of credit service organization) ,

(place of business) not later than midnight

(date) .

I hereby cancel this transaction (date) .

(purchaser’s signature) .

The credit service organization shall give to the buyer a copy of the completed contract and all other documents the credit service organization requires the buyer to sign at the time they are signed.

History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.705 Waivers; burden of proof; penalties.—(1) Any waiver by a buyer of any part of this part is void. Any attempt by a credit service organization to have a buyer waive rights given by this part is a violation of this part.
(2) In any proceeding involving this part, the burden of proving an exemption or an exception from a definition is upon the person claiming it.
(3) Any person who violates this part is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) This section does not prohibit the enforcement by any person of any right provided by this or any other law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

817.706 Actions for damages.—(1) Any buyer injured by a violation of this part may bring an action for recovery of damages. Judgment shall be entered for actual damages, but in no case less than the amount paid by the buyer to the credit service organization, plus reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. An award may also be entered for punitive damages.
(2) Any buyer injured by a violation of this part may bring an action against the surety bond or trust account of the credit service organization.
(3) The remedies provided under this part are in addition to any other procedures or remedies for any violation or conduct provided for in any other law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-204.

http://www.creditrepairtracking.com/startupcoach/state-laws/florida-credit-repair/

I’ll also be able answer any questions you may have so you can make an informed decision.

TrackStar FAQ's

Do I pay extra for the affiliate, prospect or broker systems?

You do not pay for affiliates, prospects or brokers in the system. You can keep an unlimited number of each at no cost. The portals are a onetime charge of $500 for unlimited 24/7 access.

Can I automate my dispute letters?

Absolutely! One of the many benefits is not having to manually write letters that you use on a regular basis. The process has been automated while keeping a unique feel letter to each letter. TrackStar™ is the best credit repair software ever created.

How much does this cost?

There is a $2,000 system setup and a $200 monthly fee. This fee is waived if you are using DisputeAgent or on Tracker Plan Business or above.

Will other companies be able to see my data?

Absolutely NOT. Each system is developed on your own domain, hosted on our servers. It is impossible for another company to come across your data since they are not even in the same database. HTDI does not cut corners on quality of the security or programming. TrackStar™ is the undisputed, most secure system available.

Can I see a demo of the system?

Of course, a guided tour of the credit repair software is required before you can use the TrackStar™ system. Schedule a Guided Tour and we will walk through a live demonstration of the credit repair software and what it can do or you.

Who should use TrackStar™ credit repair business software?

From one man shops to 100 employee corporations, TrackStar™ is for you. If you take your business seriously, the only logical choice is TrackStar™.

Why is TrackStar™ the best solution for my company?

TrackStar™ will always be the best solution out there because it was developed by a Credit Repair Company FOR Credit Repair Companies. We upgrade our system weekly and in most cases daily with features based on suggestions from our users. We have skilled programmers on staff; not outsourced, and new features are developed within a matter of hours. Other companies, for example, have to hire outside programmers to design software and takes them an average of six months to implement a customer suggestion.

As an example, our Demand Draft processing upgrade, a MAJOR upgrade which allows you to take checks over the phone and print them from your system (even do recurring billing), took approximately 4 hours to develop. From Start to Finish! Try getting that skill somewhere else!

Is there training involved?

Yes, once your account is setup we can schedule a training for you and your employees. Please ensure that all personnel that will have access to the credit repair software will be available for training, unless they will be trained by you after.

How can I tell if a client is overdue with sending in their results?

When you draft new correspondence to the credit bureaus, there is a field on the Client Status Sheet that asks you for the no later than date you expect your client will send you the results. Once the date reaches the date you put in that field, their account goes red if you have not scheduled them for another round.

So my clients will be automatically updated via emails?

Yes, each time an update is made in the “Credit Repair Process” section, an email is sent out to your client to the email address on file, letting them know of the update, where they can login and what their username and password is.

No more sending manual email updates to your referral partners and clients! They are automated!

How easy is it to integrate my existing dispute letters?

With our letter generating system you can easily convert those over. If you have them in Word, most Word documents contain a lot of unnecessary coding and our system will automatically check for it and remove that inundating code.

Can my sales people keep track of their leads and followup appointments?

Absolutely. With our robust Prospect Management System with Outlook Integration, you can keep detailed sales notes on each prospect, who called the prospect and when they call the prospect. You can even schedule appointments and have timed emails sent out to your prospects at specific days of the month. With proper prospect management you will maximize your sales. AUTOMATION!

What about replicated lead capture pages?

The built in lead management system works in conjunction with lead capture pages. It requires an extra domain name, and when a lead is submitted by one of your brokers or affiliates, it is automatically listed in your lead management system to call.

Chances are you are reading this while sitting at your desk at work or you're at home relaxing ... or maybe you are the adventurous type and have decided to risk life and limb and catch up on the BLOG while driving to or from work.

If you are driving then stop reading and pick it back up when you get home. Safety first.

If you are're at work and you are catching up on your news and BLOG's then read on.

If you're at home relaxing go ahead and finish this BLOG because it's a relatively short one, but then put down the iPad and REALLY relax. Don't underestimate the concept of downtime.

If you were driving and you listened to me .. welcome back.

Those of you still driving ... Shame.

When I'm driving to work I like to take that time to prepare for my day, my "to-do's", potential accounts, new responses, new products and services, and I mentally paint of a picture of how my days is going to lay out .. a flexible picture.

Believe it nor not, I'm actually one of those weirdo's who prefers to drive without the radio on ... my wife is not a fan.

On the way home from work I am typically calling my wife telling her to get ready so we can go hit up one of our favorite Happy Hour spots RA sushi. (Shameless plug).

I hope you noticed that I didn't include checking email or texting. First of all it is pretty stupid to do as it not only risks you and your passengers safety but of the other drivers and their passengers around you as well. Second, you should be able to check and respond to all of your emails during the work day or at least wait until you get home.

The key point of my oddly began BLOG is time management. How are you managing your time?

I hear all the time, "I put in 10 hours today." "I put in 12 hours today." "I put in 18 hours today all week long."

I have an intimate understanding of a long work day as I worked 23 hour days in the Navy (and more all nighters than I could count) and 18-20 hours in the bar & night club industry. So I can appreciate a long day of work ... as long as it's work.

Just because you were in the office for 10,12,18,24 hours doesn't mean you worked the whole time. How much time was wasted on Facebook, handling personal issues, long lunches, performing mundane tasks, etc ... ? What did you accomplish? What service did you provide? What product did you deliver?

Please understand that this doesn't mean that you shouldn't work long hours if the job requires it, but just make sure you are not over-working or over-extending your schedule.

What happens when you take a car and run it at 7000 RPM's all day long? You will wear out the parts and screw up the motor. Not to mention the unacceptable gas mileage.

Find your rhythm and keep the beat going.

Work hard. Work smart. But remember your down time. Golf. Go to the gym. Yardwork. Chess. Whatever.

Learning when to work hard and when not to is the key to any successful and HAPPY entrepreneur.

Where I'm spending the 4th of July!

I love VERMONT!