I am reprinting it here to let everyone know what I go through, and to discourage others from sending me similar messages.

His original message is in yellow. My reply is in white.

Subject: Re: ghostbusters sight...
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 02:48:59 -0500
From: Paul Rudoff
To: XXX

XXX wrote:

first of all, let me say that you have a great site.  I enjoyed reading all the information you had.

        Thanks for the compliment.

Second, you are an uptight asshole.

        Do you talk to your mother with that mouth?  I bet you wouldn't like it if I posted your little remark on my site, with your name & E-Mail address included?  Well, I don't like having it told to me.

You are too concerned about who is using your pictures.  Welcome to the internet. That's what it is all about.  You find different pictures and sounds and use them where you want.

        That's NOT what the internet is all about.  Only little kids, who think they can do anything that want (legal or illegal), think that way.

        There's a difference between free information and disrespect for one's work.

Not everyone is as talented as you and can make original art.

        That may be true, but that's no reason to disrespect the original "artist." Would you copy a Picasso because you can't paint an original painting?

I personally am not taking any of your images.

        That's good to know.

I just think that you should loosen up.

        I've got over 400 wavs, and over 50 photos on my site that I don't mind anyone using on their site (as long as they give me credit).  I think I'm being quite loose and fair.

If you don't want people using your art, don't put it on the internet...keep it on your computer or something.

        So, what you're saying is that Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh should have kept their masterpieces in their studios, rather than displaying them in a gallery.

Sorry for all of this, your site really is good...

        Thank you, again, for the compliment.

I just think that all the warnings about "stealing" your art decreased my enjoyment of the page.

        That's your opinion, and you're welcome to it.
--
Yours Truly,
Paul Rudoff