After roughly 400 hits and and the biggest ego boost I’ve had in a long time, the controversy is over. Comments are turned off and locked on the original post, but feel free to pick up over here.
Around 9am this morning I noticed hits from Desktoptopia’s Mint installation via my Mint installation (how’s that for ubiquity, Mr. Inman) coming in. By noon, this comment was waiting for my moderation:
Hi Guys,
A big thanks to AJ for making us aware of this.
Unfortunately, it’s not the first time someone has uploaded a background that they didn’t have the rights to. We have someone physically look at every desktop submitted for quality control, we attempt to make sure everything is on the up and up copyright wise too, but it can be tough. This user used your name Eli and linked to your Flickr page (probably a fan trying to give you credit), so things looked kosher.
We’ve removed the photo that belongs to you, and blocked the user from future uploads. We’re also brainstorming ways to better protect artists rights at upload.
We’re also embarrassed about Shuan’s (sic) “Required” icons that are clearly the same. It’s a glaring example of unethical web designers. We plan to change it first thing on Monday when we’re back in the office. Sorry Shaun.
When I first read AJ’s comment about reporting the link to Apple, I didn’t quite know how to react. Parts of me said that wasn’t necessary and even so, it probably wouldn’t accomplish much. That said, his action seems to be what got Desktoptopia’s attention. Honestly, I probably should have emailed them myself and it just didn’t cross my mind at the time. I’ve had bad experience with small online companies and email support, but in the future I will definitely at least make the attempt.
Although the event sucked as a whole, it’s nice to see people own up to their mistakes and promise to improve.
Desktoptopia, I hold no grudges against you guys. As a show of good faith, I have re-uploaded my desktop under my new REAL account. Thanks for being honest and moving quickly on the situation. I wish you the best of luck as your software matures and your techniques develop.
Now, how about a free license to your app as a consolation prize? (KIDDING!)
They must have listened to you. It’s now free.
Wow, thanks for letting me know that!
Despite what happened, Desktoptopia is a really cool idea, and a nifty program. I ran the demo for a while but couldn’t justify the expense. Now that things are free, I’m installing it again!