For supper time devotions with our family, we are currently reading through the minor prophets. Sometimes it can be tough slogging. And sometimes it can be downright, um ..... what's the word? Well, here's something from tonight's reading of Micah 3 "should you not know justice; you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?" You should have seen the kids faces and reaction!! (well, at least they're listening!!)
Anyways -- I digress.
Two nights ago, we were reading through Micah 2. And it was VERY fitting.
A bit of history about what preceeded it.
Martin still does webwork and has been for the large majority of our marriage. Obtaining and using images from off the web has changed over the years. Much used to be free, now alot of sites are charging for the use of their images/photos. There is a particular company in the wonderful USA called "Getty's Images". They have thousands upon thousands upon thousands of images. And they want hundreds or thousands for every image that is used. When he began doing webwork he bought stock photography/images for usage in websites from an online image (not Getty). Several YEARS ago, one of Martin's clients received a letter from Getty's Images stating that 2 or 3 of their images were in use on their website and that they wanted something like $800 per image. Now. Or face legal action. Apparently, many stock image companies had used Getty's Images and sold them, and Martin and many others bought them legitimately not knowing they were Getty's, and instead of Getty's going after those companies, they are targeting the smaller companies. Martin dealt with it (didn't pay the company) but promptly removed all Getty's images .... from that site and ANY of his clients websites that may have had a Getty's image. (30 plus sites that were redone) He went through every website - active or inactive. Over the course of several years, many of Martin's clients have received such letters. Martin has had to employ a lawyer to tell them to take a flying leap. The images aren't even on the websites anymore, but because they maybe once were used, Getty's is going after him --- and MANY other businesses. There are plenty of lawsuits AGAINST Getty's in the USA because of this. Apparently they have hired several people fulltime who's sole job it is to simply find people around the world who have used Getty's Images once upon a time and to charge for that so they can get more money. It's quite the scam, but they must succeed with some people who are scared enough to pay. (not to mention that Getty's wants hundreds or thousands per image instead of the usual $5-$10 per stock image from other companies)
So fast forward to earlier this week. Another of his client got yet another threatening letter asking for $1400 for ONE image that used to be on the website some months back. Unfortunately, it's someone from our churches. Everytime this happens it's a HUGE headache to have to draft a legal letter and get them to take a leap. It causes anxiety and stress for the client, thus for Martin. Because of inane stuff like this, Martin is hoping to get out of the website business for good within the next couple years. In the meantime, frustration and anxiety abounds. Not fun.
After this discussion at the supper table, we read Micah 2. Let me share what we read and you tell me ........ fitting???
"Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: ' I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity."
All I can say to that? AMEN!!
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