Yakima Roundup Photo Info Options

[Paul1968UK]

First, let me say that I really hate to do this. You all know that Tom Yamarone and I have fallen out over this. Tom left the forum yesterday with the threat that if I didn't keep the thread open, he would effectively punish the people attending by imposing new restrictions on taking photos and reporting from the event, presumably by demanding copyright ownership on all photos.

I have offerred on SIX occasions over the course of last night to post a message of Tom's choosing to help ease the concerns of the BFF members attending the event, but Tom has steadfastly refused to discuss the issue with you.

I have been receiving numerous pms from concerned attendees, so I feel the need to provide an explanation. This is the ugly bottom line: Tom is pissed with me, has threatened legal action, engaged a 'lawyer' (who I think is his brother) because I have refused to delete his BFF account, and as a result, doesn't want anyone attending the event to post photos or discuss the event here.

I offerred Tom that I would post and ask those attending to refrain from posting photos of the event on BFF if that is what he wants, but he will not aknowledge my offer. The last I heard from Tom, he was planning to not say anything at the event, then afterward would tell you all that you are not allowed to post photos on BFF. His exact words were:

After they attend the event, they will be informed of what we are asking.
guess you'd have to be there to know.
I'll say, "We'll see who posts a photo of the bigfoot round-up at the bigfootforums. I doubt
any will." so nope, right now it's just business as usual. and of course, I misspoke.
sure, reporting from the event will occur...just not photographs...without the written permission of the bigfoot round-up.

Let me get this absolutely straight for you. Tom has sold tickets on the basis of an event with no photo restrictions. He cannot change that policy without offerring a refund, and since he is not forwarning you of the change, he could be personally liable for travel and accodation expenses to those who require a refund on the day because of his change in policy. Bottom line is this, you can take photos and post them wherever you like - Tom cannot impose copyright restrictions on your photos after promising a restriction free event.

I will leave it to those attending as to what you do with your photos - I couldn't care one way or the other.


As a result of Tom's legal threat, I resigned last night as a board member and member of AIBR effective immediately.

This thread is closed - there will be no discussion of this debarcle on this forum - this episode is done as far as I'm concerned.

Feel free to start a thread about the conference after it has taken place to discuss it, and I hope everyone attending has a really great time - it sounds like a great line up.