A story of right and wrong


Blogging might seem like a super glamorous thing to do but sometimes, behind that world of sparkle, seemingly filled with limited editions or exclusive previews, hides a bitter truth.
Us polish bloggers don't own much.
Our cherished readers can quit visiting or commenting, what makes us original can be blatantly copied, even our signature swatch sometimes... However, if there is one thing we do own, it's our pictures. They're our intellectual property and obviously using them without our consent or in a manner we don't agree on is illegal under many countries' laws.
 
 
If I'm telling you all this it's because something blog related has happened and many of you have already addressed me about it so I figured I might as well post it for everyone to read.



 
 


*02/24/13 update* I have just found out thanks to one of my lovely readers who informed me in the comments and by email  that The Shopping Channel (Canada) has used my China Glaze Tranzitions swatches on TV on Feb 1st around 0:11 am, with no credit of course...
I have never granted them permission to use those swatches nor have they informed me they had! This just proves once again how little respect they show to bloggers' work and property. I am sickened by such behavior :(


*02/25/13 update* Many of you have posted on The Shopping Channel's Facebook page to show their support and try to make the website take responsibility for their actions. I really want to thank you all for your posts and comments!
As it turns out, The Shopping Channel has just removed my pictures from their website. They haven't contacted me, apologized or offered compensation for using my work and benefiting financially from it on air and online for so long. Instead they are simply ignoring your posts and mine and replying to their "real" customers but I guess I should be happy now, right?

 
 
A little while ago, a contractor for China Glaze contacted me to tell me that she had seen and loved my Magnetix swatches and ask if she could use them on-air on The Shopping Channel in Canada and on ShopNBC in the US. In that very first email she wrote me, she told me that full credit would be given to my website and that she was willing to pay me for my effort. Obviously, it was a huge achievement for my blog and China Glaze being one of my very favorite brands, I immediately agreed.
 
 
After a few emails exchanges, it turned out I had to meet specific size requirements and they needed unwatermarked pictures, including 4 shades from the Magnetix I that I had bought or would have to buy for that purpose (i.e. not received as samples) and never swatched. At that point, since I had to work on something specific instead of just allowing them to use existing swatches, being paid for them sounded reasonable. Mind you, it was a very small fee, so it was more for the glory than the money LOL.
But this is when things started to turn sour : I worked for 2 entire afternoons to try and deliver flawless designs and pictures I would be proud to see on TV associated to my blog. I arranged to meet the very short deadline I was given, sent the contractor an email with a link to my google drive and an authorization to view the pictures and then, I waited... I thought she would contact me back very quickly. I thought she would love the swatches. She claimed she had loved the previous ones and these were much better in my opinion... All I received was a very blunt and rude email asking what "the little streak is in the middle of each design" were, that was pretty much all I got apart from the silence treament for a week. Honestly, I was astounded. First because she didn't even bother to write me a proper email to confirm reception... But also because she was rude and as you all know, those "streaks" are just unavoidable lighting reflections on shiny nail polish and definitely nothing new! Se had seen my previous Magnetix swatches, lighting reflection being very visible there too.

 
 
I think this is already pretty bad but what happened next as a real shocker!
I don't know why, but I googled my swatches, using the image search. And there they were, on The Shopping Channel website, no photo credit, no blog link, nothing... Not only did the contractor make me feel bad about my work, criticizing it and making me wait in vain for replies to my emails. But while I was waiting for her to deign email me back and well, also pay me for my work, my pictures had been savagely copied from my google drive and published on a website, which I never agreed on. It had all been done without my consent, without my knowledge and in complete disregard for my work and intellectual property. My pictures had simply been cancelled from TV airing, they had just ended up online instead.

When I saw that, I emailed my China Glaze PR contact and I must say that she has proved to be VERY trustworthy, professional, considerate and effective! The PR team took care of everything from that moment on and I absolutely renew both my love and trust to China Glaze!

However, I must say that I am disappointed in that contractor and really mad at The Shopping Channel. As it turns out, they are the ones to blame for this whole mess. They are the ones who refuse to add credit or links to the bloggers despite the contractor requests. They didn't mind publishing my pictures as they didn't mind that my swatches contributed in selling their entire Magnetix stock in less than 3 days. Actually, they don't mind that they are still online this very moment! (link1, link2)
 
 
Something very similar happened to Kelly from Vampy Varnish only in her case it's even worse! She provided all swatches for free and didn't even get the small compension I had. I strongly encourage you to go read her post and story as well here.
 
 
Like I said at the beginning of this post, we don't own much but we do own our pictures! I spend every spare moment working on my blog, often at the expense of my family, friends, social life or even sleep.
What would you do if someone stole something from you? Probably just go to the police.
Unfortunately, bloggers can't do that. Taking legal action against a huge company like The Shopping Channel (or ShopNBC for Kelly) requires a lot of time and means. Much more than the average blogger has and much more than Kelly and I have.
 
 
My pictures are on The Shopping Channel. They're a huge company and obviously they can do whatever they want with them. They've been there since January 29th and as Jean de La Fontaine would say, we're The Clay Pot and the Iron Pot.






 

163 comments:

  1. What a cruel thing to do! I'm very sad this happened to you.

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    1. thank you Chester! I'd lie if I said I didn't feel hurt. Thanks for your support! xx

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  2. Wow, how horrid. Stories like this make me so angry! I personally will make sure to never buy anything from The Shopping Channel.

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    1. Same here! Thank you so much for your comment xx

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    2. Makes me angry too! How dare they!!! Boycott from me too xx

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    3. I'm glad I've never bought anything from them...but I'm in the US... Is the US Shopping Channel the same company? Since I will make a point to never buy from them either.

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    4. I don't think so, they seem to be a Canadian company but I can't be 100% positive they're not affiliated with US shopping channels

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    5. I think they are HSN in the US. Their websites are virtually identical.

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  3. SO ridiculous...good thing I can't buy from the Shopping Channel, because I will definitely be ignoring them now!

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    1. I know right? Did you read Kelly's post? They're so disdainful of our work :(((

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  4. Wow, how very not okay! Did they ask you for permission to post the photos on the website, or just to use them on-air? If you haven't agreed to have them on the website, perhaps you could try to get them taken down - though I'm not sure how far you want to go (w/ legal threats, etc). So sorry you are dealing with this.

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    1. Actually no, I only agreed for on-air feature but it doesn't seem to matter. The've been using them for a month and sold their entire stock with them

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  5. That's incredible. I don't know what else to say! I can't believe that company...knowing you can't and won't sue they just don't care. Does China Glaze know what to do? Can't the claim copy righ infringement or something? It's just a pity and a shame. I so hope everything will be sorted out soon and TSC will take down your photos.

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    1. China Glaze did everything they could but TSC seems very determined.

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  6. Actually, The Shopping Channel cannot do whatever they want with your photographs. If you have not given them written permission to use your photos, or if you have given them permission but the agreed-upon conditions have not been met, you can sue them and recover considerable damages. I would send them a cease and desist letter immediately. I would also file a DMCA copyright infringement complaint.

    Those photographs belong to you.

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    1. I would if I could but I'd have to hire a copyright lawyer and I can't afford it :(

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    2. That is what I was thinking. I talked to a lawyer about an issue I had and I was told he could write a letter for me for $75 US dollars. Have you done some research on a good lawyer for this kind of issue? (Maybe even ask China Glaze if they'd do you a favor and pay for the one time letter fee?) It's not China Glaze's fault and I am glad to hear they were supportive since I like their brand A LOT.
      $75 or something near that isn't much to them but a decent sum for you.

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  7. What a horrible thing to have done to you! I think China Glaze owes you an apology, a promise to NEVER use that contractor again and their best efforts to get your pictures off the Shopping Channel website!

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    1. Thanks for your support Jammies! China Glaze did appologize and I believe they did everything they can to handle it unfortunately.

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    2. You're nicer than I am! I tend to think apologies cost nothing, and CG should definitely announce that they are NOT using that oontractor any more. Also, they have the power to not allow TSC and ShopNBC not to sell their polishes, so they should use that power. In case you can't tell, I'm really ticked on your behalf and Kelly's.

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    3. You know, I think China Glaze needs to throw their weight around since I think they have as much if not MORE than The Shopping Channel. I kind of would like China Glaze to discontinue business with The Canadian Shopping Channel as well. I think I will email China Glaze a letter also asking them to do more about this theft.

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    4. wow thank you for having my back Miz-Em! <3

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  8. This is crappy. I've already contacted ChG and plan on contacting TSC as well, to ask them to explain their point of view. Their response will determine whether or not I ever buy another ChG polish.

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    1. Thank you, you're awesome! China Glaze did apologize to me for the whole mess. Apparently The Shopping Channel never intended to add credit to our swatches...

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  9. This is really crappy. I've already contacted ChG and intend to contact TSC as well. The response I get will determine whether or not I ever buy another ChG polish.

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  10. :( I feel really sad for you. <3 xx

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  11. This is frustrating. The good news is that you are so consistent and reliable with your switching and photography that most people who know nails, know they belong to you.

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    1. yes you're right! A few readers actually contacted me because they had seen my sawtches without credit on the website

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  12. That really is an issue that needs to be fixed. If it is any consolation, I can totally tell that the photos are yours. I would have noticed right away becuase I read your blog and drool over your photos on a daily basis. I hope that the company made it worth your time. I know you do this all for free and you do a great job. Thanks

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  13. I am sorry to hear this. And I would know your hands and nails anywhere. Sucks to be purchasing products from incompetent companies, that take bloggers work and promotion to them for granted. Cause if it aint from your hands and many others bloggers hands I do not purchase any polish, I always google swatches first.

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  14. feel so sad for you. how can they do that to you!!!!

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    1. thank you Mei Mei, It's been a really hard experience

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  15. Oh Sam!! I'm so sorry that happened to you. That sucks big time. Thank you for sharing your story. I will never ever shop from them that's for sure. And for what it's worth, your nails and photos are perfect, and hopefully anyone shopping for nail polish will already recognize that it's you <3

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  16. I'm so sad for you! Business practice is so unethical. I live in NZ so I can't purchase from either of those entities, but if I did I wouldn't anyway. I love your photos and posts xxx

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  17. I think bloggers should ask for a formal contract like scanned copy of their offer or something before agreeing into anything...

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    1. you're totally right! If this experience has taught me anything, it's that.

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  18. Time to blow up their facebook feed. That is horrible that a company feels that they can get away with illegal activity and the victim can't do anything about it.

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    1. OMG! Thank you for sticking your neck out for us like that :O

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  19. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. We all work so hard just to be shot down by these big companies that think they own everything. I hope that you will be compensated for your BEAUTIFUL photos.

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  20. Sam, I am horrified at the way both you and Kelly have been treated. I wish I were a lawyer so I could take on your cases, pro bono.

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  21. THIS is terrible and absolutely DISGUSTING. I'm so tired of people stealing from bloggers!!!!!!

    This sentence in your post so perfectly sums up the life of a blogger "I spend every spare moment working on my blog, often at the expense of my family, friends, social life or even sleep."

    I hope that the awful thieves get their rewards. Karma. I'm so sorry you were taken advantage of. I'm truly sickened!!!!! When will this stop? It's getting more and more frequent.

    Thank you for telling folks about this. Maybe these thieves will see that there is a price to be paid and that bloggers are watching and will not tolerate this behavior!

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    1. Thank you so much! It's true that blogging is hard, way harder than anyone would imagine from the outside, that's what makes this whole thing so painful :'(

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  22. Shame on them! They should be completely boy-cotted, and China Glaze shouldn't continue to have their products sold through the Shopping Channel anymore.

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    1. Well I'm never going to give them my money for sure!
      China Glaze on the other hand has been really supportive and I'm not sure many PR teams would have been so nice in the same situation.

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  23. Nothing feels worst than being ripped or feel like we've been made a fool out of all these nonsense! Seriously, what's so hard with crediting bloggers respectively? In my opinion, in the near future, tv or not, make it a requirement to have your watermarks there. You could quote this case and Kelly's case as reasons. I honestly don't see why they couldn't have bloggers' watermarks on the pictures anyway.

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    1. They never want watermarks on media features such as adds, magazines or tv. I can totally understand it but the backstabbing with the credit, that's completely outrageous and unacceptable. It's going to take me a long time before I can manage to trust someone else with me work. Once bitten, twice shy!

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  24. I get that people get upset over this, it is wrong for them to steal photos or whatever. But technically, you did hand over the photos without a watermark - you gave the rep access. She didn't hack into it. I guess I just find it kind of useless to get annoyed because this is the internet, people don't really own anything once it's posted online anymore, unless they're a company with a band of lawyers behind them to defend copyright. And companies don't care, they're too big to touch. I guess it's just a matter of picking your battles and deciding if it's really worth getting worked up over.

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    1. I suppose I'd just be super flattered to be contacted or featured at all, out of the thousands of nail blogs out there. :/

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    2. I understand your point of view however I can't agree.
      I only authorized for my pictures to be used on tv and with credit. Granting access to my google drive doesn't mean they own the pictures, they're still my sole property. Posting them online without even me knowing is no different than just stealing them IMO

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  25. How disgusting!!! I am so sorry that you had to go through with this >:(

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    1. Thank you Ashesela! You have no idea how much you girls comments mean to me! xx

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  26. I am just stunned. When will laws catch up to present day life? Your work is amazingly beautiful. We all know how much effort and pride you put into your blog. I am so sorry this happened.

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    1. Thank you Becacine, I wish it all hadn't happended :(

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  27. I just had to comment and say how sorry I am. Shame on this company...and I hate the idea that nothing can be done. I'm thinking everybody that read this blog should spread the word wherever we can like a wildfire.

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    1. thanks for your comment Rianne! I wish they would do the right thing and fix it instead of ignoring and disdaining us :'(

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  28. Like I told Kelly, this awful treatment should teach all bloggers a few precautions.
    First, get everything in writing (emails count), get compensation for your photos stipulated, clearly define how and where they can/cannot use your photos, and most importantly, include a damage clause for breach of contract (in this case, failing to credit your blog). Then if they breach, you can threaten a lawsuit for breach-- they will know they will lose since they failed to credit you, and will give you the amount stipulated...it's way cheaper than what it would cost them for their lawyers (or a firm they would hire) to work even a few hours on your case and they know they would lose since they clearly breached.
    Of course, if a blogger does all of that, they will probably look for someone who doesn't know how to protect themselves since it seems they are intent on stealing copyrighted material.

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    1. You're totally right, I think we should have done all of this from the start.

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  29. That's a load of crap! What complete assholes for ripping off your shit and continuing to do so. Its a bummer to read about what you and Kelly have gone through. Best wishes that this doesn't happen again in the future.

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    1. Thanks you Angelica, I really hope that bloggers will get more respect for their work in the future. xx

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  30. This is horrible and I feel your pain. A similar thing happened to me last year. But you know what? We learn from our mistakes and the two main lessons I learnt:

    1) Contract. Always ask for a contract and make sure you check it with a lawyer before signing.

    2) Payment in advance and a fair payment. Not some ridiculous amount to make them happy but a fair payment to compensate you for your time.

    Also, from my experience PRs often lie to us just to get what they want. they can promise you mountains of gold just to make you to work for them for free. That's just what they do. Thus, again, contract always needs to be in place. And, if they don't want to do it, they can go search somewhere else.

    Another thing, it helps of all bloggers just stop working for free. By "working" I mean provide their services to third parties. Our blogs is our blogs and we're free to do what we want to do. If they want to have a piece of that - compensate!

    Big hugs to you! And, don't worry about that. At least, you'll know next time how to avoid such situations.

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    1. Thanks for the advice Maria.
      I'm so sorry you went through something similar :-(

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  31. Finally, if I were you I'd get a good lawyer to review this case and see if there is any opportunity for you to win the case. I didn't do that with my case as I was naive enough not to put everything in writing (via email), our agreement was made at the person to person meeting. Such cases are very difficult to dispute. But if you have all the records take them to a lawyer. Some layers may not charge for just looking at the case. I know as in my previous job I worked with layers a lot. (you may wish not to publish this comment, that's just a personal advice to you Sam).

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    1. Kelly and I do have everything in writing but apparently hiring a lawyer to represent us would be way too much costly

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  32. This is really disturbing! I'm so sorry you had to go through this!

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  33. unbelievable! reading this makes me so angry...I wouldn't expect a big company to act that rude. They make YOU feel bad for no reason - they should shame on theirselves!
    I usually don't even watermark my pictures because I don't like the look. But although I don't do this it is still my picture and my property.
    I am shocked by this injustice!

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    1. Me too and I still feel bad about the whole thing actually. Thank you for your support! xx

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  34. I can't believe this happened to you. I think China Glaze should actually take some legal action against The Shopping Channel because what shopping The Shopping Channel did mars not only their name, but China Glaze's too. You don't deserve to be treated this way and I think at least a boycott of The Shopping Channel should be in order. People should know about this and the culprit should know why they are losing customers, both old and new.

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    1. Thanks for your comment Vedrana. Some of my readers have addressed The Shopping Channel on their Facebook page but they've been completely brushed aside and basically called liars!

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  35. j'ai tout lu et j'ai été horrifié de cette histoire. Les marques profitent de l'impunité des blogueuses, pensant qu'elles sont toutes puissantes. C'est dommage que tu n'ai pas les moyens de les poursuivre, parce là leur comportement est clairement répréhensible. J'espère qu'un jour cette histoire aura une fin. Bious

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  36. That's gross!! Be strong, that's just an experience, bitter indeed.
    We love you, we read you, we wait for the new post to come, keep going.

    They are utter scoundrels.

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    1. Thanks for your support and love Pavlin. I'm nothing without you all! xx

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  37. That's gross!! Be strong, that's just an experience, bitter indeed.
    we love you, we read you, we wait for the new posts to come, keep going.

    They are complete scoundrels!

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    1. Thank you Pavlin! I feel very lucky to have you all on my side! <333

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  38. It amazes me that large companies would do such a thing but then again, I can probably see why they would undermine us bloggers, as I'm sure they don't like it when we give a negative review on their products but what can I say, at least we're being honest. I'm glad you wrote this to inform us. We live and we learn and if not through our own experience, at least through others. Not long ago I had some of my pictures stolen, watermark was cropped out and they even slapped their own watermark on it, in the intend to sell the product on Facebook. I was not the only blogger. There was other more popular bloggers like Temptalia and Vampy Varnish. I notified as many bloggers as I could. The sad thing is I never got a thank you from any of them for letting them know. Makes me wonder why I even bothered.

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    1. Thanks for your support Pang. I'm sorry to hear you didn't hear back from them, I can only talk for Kelly because I've also informed her on several occasions when her pics had been stolen and she's always thanked me for it, even before I started blogging and was just a reader among others. xx

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  39. I probably never commented your blog - sorry for that but I really love your pictures and I´m really envy to see how great your pictures and nails are :D
    But at this point I fell that I should try to write (even when it is in bad English) something.
    I can imgaine how horrible it is when people or companies use pictures in a way they should not do it - I have no idea about the rights and laws but I feel wherever in the would someone lives it is not legal to use pictures without asking or doing what you figured out with the picture owner. I also can imagine, that no one will have that much money and strength to yo to a lawer or something - but still. I would try whatever I could just to show the company that they have not the right just to take and not to give back something. It´s just not okay what the did :(

    I hope my English was not to confusing ^^°

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    1. Thank you for your support and comment! Your English is really nice and I can only thank you for going through the trouble of commenting. xx

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  40. I just read Kelly's blog post and I really can't believe what happened. As a blogger myself I'm pretty much used to finding my pictures on ebay and the like, but that a huge company like China Glaze is noch able to deal with this on a more professional level (to not even mention the audacity of the shopping channel!) is really shocking to me. I really hope they get a huge backlash from this incident and learn from their mistakes (as this is not the first time something like that happened).

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    1. Thanks Marina! I really hope that they try to make things right. I definitely renew my support to China Glaze as they've done everything they could but The Shopping Channel will never see my money for sure. I hope everyone sees them for the disrespectful, shady company they are.

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  41. I am shocked! I drool over your blog most days, and your work is stunning.
    One question - couldn't you have insisted that your photos had your watermark on? I'm not sure that I would have left the photos out my sight without clear marking.
    But anyway, what's done is done, and they are bellends of the highest order. I will tweet and facebook The Shopping Channel (American, right?) and let them know just how morally scummy they are.

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    1. I would have prefered that to but watermarked pictures aren't an option on media. And it's The Shopping Channel in Canada, I included a link to the page where they have my pictures in my post. Thanks for your support!

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  42. So, so shameless... I don't know what to say it's just so incredibly wrong what they do!!

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    1. Same here! I almost fell of my chair when I found out. It felt like a huge backstabbing and it's still very painful to be treated like we mean nothing to them? They think they can just do whatever they want because they're so big :(

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  43. UGH - I absolutely hate when things like this happen. I totally know what you mean when you say every spare moment is devoted to your blog/photos, and it's just painful when the one thing you do have is stolen. I'm sorry that happened to you :/

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  44. I really thank you for this post which allows us to know and understand. I make sure not to buy from them either. Congratulations on your work, clearly your pics are really great. No wonder they sold the whole stock !

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    1. Thank you for your comment and support Sabrina <3

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  45. Incredible. I went on the site and saw your pictures. They're flawless, and it's easy to believe that thanks to your awesome pictures & swatches, they sold all of their polishes. This kind of behavior is clearly disgusting. You must have worked hard for this, and sometimes people underestimate the time spent for a blog post, or even for a "simple" swatch. Not mentioning how much it would cost them if they had to ask for a "professional" & a model to do the actual pictures.
    If only taking actions against such behaviors wasn't so complicated.
    I can imagine how frustrated and how disappointed you must have felt.
    I'm so sorry you had to go through this...
    Your work is amazing, and you're such an awesome blogger!! You didn't deserve to be treated like this. At least, China Glaze apologized...
    I hope it won't happen again to you.. I imagine that you won't be so trusting anymore <3 And btw, you have my full support so if you need anything from us to take actions against the shopping channel, feel free to ask.
    <3

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    1. I think you've just summed up everything! I felt like an easy, cheap and disposable ressource for them :(((
      Thanks for your support Didoline

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  46. This really is disgusting and unfair!! At least China Glaze PRs aren't directly involved in this.
    I live in another country, but if I were there, I would totally boycott The Shopping Channel/ShopNBC!!

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    1. I know right? I have nothing bad to say about China Glaze, they helped me through it all! xx

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  47. Wow. I am speechless. So sorry that this happened to you!

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  48. Wow, this is a great post! As a blogger I'm sorry to hear about all this, but I found you through a OPI repost, so things look like they have a way of working out!

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    1. I really hope so too. I hope they'll finally do the right thing after all of this time. xx

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  49. Je suis vraiment désolée Sam! Je ne m’imaginais pas qu'une grosse compagnie comme The shopping channel ferrait des choses pareil. C'est vraiment honteux.

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  50. This is awful! Some people just don't understand all the hard work pun into swatching and blogging! They think it's all for fun!

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  51. The pictures of your swatches are unique. You have a distinctive style that makes any polish totally amazing! Your pictures always look very professional. I am saddened to hear the trouble that you've had with your photos especially after trying so hard to please them. I went to the Shopping Channel page you had linked to, and sure enough, there was no mention of you or your blog. Shame on them! I'm glad to hear that the China Glaze rep was more considerate and professional. I hope that they "get after" the Shopping Channel and their shoddy practices!

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    1. Thanks for your support Acstoner! I am also appalled that they care so little for our work.

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  52. This is disgraceful! It makes me so mad. I'm so sorry that this happens to you. That people should be ashamed of themselves.

    I have no other words than perfection for your blog and especially your photos. I envy you for that. Us bloggers try to look polishes at their best on photo's. If that means that one can see light reflection on them then that's fine. I mean, that's how the mani looks in real life right?! That is the whole meaning of taking pictures. Nine out of ten pictures of mine have visible light reflection on them and I'm damn proud of it :) You should too! As for the rude lady that calles that "streaky", she should learn the meaning of that word.
    Arghhh I make myself angry again...

    So, you go girl!

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    1. Actually you are perfectly right!!!
      I felt the exact same way and wrote it in an email to the contractor when she told me about those lighting refelections, here's what I said :
      "the pictures wouldn't be a true representation of reality and of the products customers would purchase and wouldn't live up to my blog standards and honest commitment to my readers".
      Thank you so much for your comment oday and for all of the previous ones as well! I know your one of my faithful readers and it means the world! <333

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  53. MAN this makes me wanna punch someone! Lucky you're so well known and your photos so iconic that many will recognize the photos as yours, but bloody hell, that's just damn nasty. Real damn nasty. Makes you really hate people, doesn't it... *grump*

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    1. yes it did, I actually still feel pretty bad about what they did and still doing. Thank you for your support! xx

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  54. Ugh, that is so horrible of them. You'd expect much better business practices from a major company like them. :( I have seen your swatches for the CG transitions on TV. I recognized your hands and pictures immediately and was like "Hey! Its Fashion Polish! Where is her credit????" I literally said it out loud. And I was confused at why they wouldn't even have a link to your blog or mention your name. It made me angry. If its any consolation (which it probably isn't), I recognized your pictures immediately because they are of course beautiful, but more importantly, they are unique. I appreciate the hard work and enjoy looking at your pictures and often rely on them for an honest picture of the product. So thanks for that.

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    1. What??? My Tranzitions swatches on tv? When, where? *cries*

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  55. Actually, I think you and other bloggers who have been used in this fashion constitute a class, and I would certainly investigate this issue with a class action lawyer.

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  56. You and other bloggers who have their material used without permission or accreditation constitute a "class." While individually it would be impossible to exert pressure on big businesses, a class action or even the threat of a class action can be very effective. See a lawyer and explore your options.

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    1. I wish it was that simple, just hand over the email conversations and videos/links to a lawyer and let him/her handle it all :(((
      Thank you so much for taking out of your time to comment! xx

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  57. It is so disgusting! I hate people like that stupid person from The Shopping Channel.

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    1. Thank you for your support Sonidlo! Without you all, we'd feel even more helpless than we are now!

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  58. So sorry for you Sam. This felling of impotence is awful. Your work is the best, but it´s yours, not to be stolen. Receive my love! Bisous

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  59. can't belive it what they did to you!

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    1. Me neither Tina! I was literally astounded when it all happened :(((

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  60. @Pang So sorry I didn't thank you, I definitely try and make it a point to thank everyone when they alert me to these kinds of issues. I may not have seen it? Either way, thank you now!

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  61. Oh Sam, this is so gross!!! Annoyingly the internet is a vast playground for reckless and dubious practices and while one half of the world screames for ethic codex, the other half goes unleashed. Your Blog is one of the most inspiring ones out there, it stands for your unique style and taste. You are a wonderfully dedicated Blogger and I admire your professionalsm and your authenticity. Being just small with my Blog I know the amount of time and effort that you put in yours is immense. On a personal level, I have to add, that I cannot express the amount of my gratitude and support you so generously gave me when I started out. Your faithful follower Christine

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    1. Thank you Christine! Your support means a lot <333

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  62. This is so disgusting, such a lack of regard! I hope you'll be able to get them taken down, white as many official emails, letters as you can, tweet & FB and hopefully we can all drop them a comment that their behaviour is inappropriate. Fingers crossed for you, I've god similar battle going on but not with such giant.

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    1. Thank you Lucy! I really hope that they'll finally make it right.

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  63. Wow...I'm seriously shocked. I can't believe they would do something so despicable :( .

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    1. I still can't believe that such a big company would so this! I hope they come to their senses really soon :(((

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  64. I'm following your blog for a little and never posted a comment before... But this time, just know that you have your readers full support !

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  65. Wow. I am livid for you, I really am. I hope something gets done about it...you have tons of us who will support you!

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    1. Thank you Allie! I feel really lucky to have so many amazing readers! xx

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  66. How disgusting! I think you had it worse actually because you were actually treated rudely (I really dislike rude people, okay? Like REALLY REALLY DISLIKE.) I'm so sorry this happened to you, hun.

    I love that you used Jean de la Fontaine. Not many people know who he is nowadays, and he is one of my favorites. This story reminded me of The Fox and the Grapes. The company should have left the grapes alone.

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    1. Thank you Katie! I wish this kind of thing would never happen again, a lot of bloggers have had pictures stolen unfortunately :'(

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    2. It's sad. I do photos for my friends of nail colors on Tumblr and Instagram. I've never had one stolen, but I think I'd twitch a good thirty minutes. I think it would be even worse with my dog as she is so unique in terms of looks so she's easy to search. I think I would blow my top off. I'm so protective of her.

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  67. That's horrible!

    I can understand from their stand point that they don't want your watermark there and they don't want to credit you... They want to promote their product after all not your blog. But then they shouldn't be telling you they will credit you when they don't end up doing so.

    I know you have a good relationship with your PR contact at ChG but personally I'm skeptical of ChG's claim that they intended to credit you and it's the shopping channel that refuses to do so. This reminds me of when ChG stole Abigail Larson's ghosts to put on their Wicked packaging and then apologized and blamed the whole fiasco on some contractor and claimed they thought it was original and were unaware. Now in your case they are blaming the shopping channel, claiming that they asked them to credit you but they refuse :/

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    1. I really want to believe that China Glaze was unaware of the whole situation before it started getting out of hands. I guess we'll soon see how both companies address the matter :(

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  68. What they did are simply disgusting! What is wrong with these people? I just started blogging and i can totally understand when you said you spend every spare time to paint, take pictures and blog them. I always love your swatches and pictures. Please keep up the good work!

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  69. What they did are simply disgusting! What is wrong with these people? I just started blogging and i can totally understand when you said you spend every spare time to paint, take pictures and blog them. I always love your swatches and pictures. Please keep up the good work!

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  70. What they did are simply disgusting! What is wrong with these people? I just started blogging and i can totally understand when you said you spend every spare time to paint, take pictures and blog them. I always love your swatches and pictures. Please keep up the good work!

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  71. What they did are simply disgusting! What is wrong with these people? I just started blogging and i can totally understand when you said you spend every spare time to paint, take pictures and blog them. I always love your swatches and pictures. Please keep up the good work!

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  72. this is so wrong! your swatches are amazing and you dont deserve this.

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  73. Send them a bill for the money you should have been paid. You don't need a lawyer for that. You can take them to small claims court yourself if they don't pay the bill. Also, if a lot of other people are affected you might have a class action suit - then you can help stop them from damaging other people and not just you.

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  74. ... was attempting reblogging "A STORY OF RIGHT AND WRONG" to my site, unfortunately to no avail ... and bear in mind I've NEVER allowed a post from anyone onto my blog in its existence ... 'cept MINE ... but after reading of your injustice, was willing to bend-my-blog-rules and make an exception for a fellow blogger trying to spread the good word, hoping a wrong would eventually become a right ... good luck in your plight.

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  75. im a bit speechless, really. I'm so sad it happened to you ! and even more disappointed to see how silly humans can be, just for profit...
    I want to show u my support a million times, and don't stop all that stuff, your blog, you reviews, your perfect swatches !
    Hugs from France !

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  76. Sorry this is happening to you! I love your blog and photos, thanks for all the incredible swatches.

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  77. I'm sorry this is happening to you! I love your blog, thanks for the incredible swatches

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  78. Oh this is really rediculous! How dare they! And also that critics about your photo's are they insane? Oh and it's soo rude not to give you some credits. Oh you pour thing don't blame your self, or feel bad about it. This is really the arrogance of the contractor.

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  79. disgusted!!! how can someone be as petty as to not even give credit where its due? So much about stealing! Sheer arrogance and disrespect! Don't give up on the taking them down operation! Fingers crossed for you and wherever I can lay a comment exposing this abbusive behaviour, I will!!

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  80. Seriously, reading this and Vampy Varnishes post p*sses me off! It seems like they were just to tricking you into handing over amazing quality non watermarked photos without planning to credit you in the first place. Hopefully things will get sorted.

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  81. I am so sorry that you were made to feel that way by that nasty contractor. It really breaks my heart to think of how you must have felt at that moment. I do wish CG would have done more than apologize though. You work too hard for this to have happened. Screw TSC!

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  82. I'm sincerely sorry to hear what happened to you and Kelly! I can't understand how such big companies have poor judgement and can do so awful things....if they had to hire a professional photograph, they would have to pay a lot for his/her work but here they seem to totally despise your work and how can she criticize your pictures. that's insane! they look so perfect! and she had seen your swatches before. that's so rude!! *hugs*

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  83. Oh Sam, we've already spoken about this matter and all I can say is how sorry I am that you (and Kelly) had to go through something as disgusting as this entire matter. It burns me up that after you spend all that time and effort, they would treat you in such a callous manner; your swatches are known throughout the entire blogosphere, as being some of the absolute best there are, and I'm not surprised that you would be asked to contribute; I am stunned that The Shopping Network would blow you off this way - so not cool.

    No matter what, what goes around, comes around and just know that you have my full support! Sending you tons of love, my dearest friend! xx

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  84. That was very rude , I love your swatches,They are always so shiny, so glossy love you rings on it.
    indeed people can be rude and dishonest sometimes. That's why I love animals so much.

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  85. Hi,
    I love your blog and the pictures are absolutely stunning.

    (I even wrote a post about my favorite nail-art blogs: http://strategicalblog.com/language/en/my-favorite-nail-art-blogs/ )

    If you can’t pay for a lawyer, and the problem isn’t solved, maybe you should contact journalists, this can be really effective in knowing what those brands have done.

    Best Wishes,

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  86. Get a contract legally binding if they want an oral agreement refuse and say that if pics are used without permission u will be forced to exercise your legal rights

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  87. If u have large companies who r wanting to use ur pics u simply can not afford not to have an attorney

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