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John Meussner, #MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852 (Catalyst Mortgage)

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Rainmaker
1,095,940
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I would be ready to take that thief to the mattresses, starting with a letter from my attorney to the newspaper, advising that they allowed stolen content to be published and giving them X days to publish a correction. Then let them rage on the crook.

Mar 14, 2017 10:24 AM
Rainer
424,163
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Email and paper mail letter to Editor in Chief. Dear Newspaper: Please publish the attached advertisement for me in full color, full page as an apology for stealing my copyrighted work. I expect this to run Saturday and Sunday in the Real Estate section. Also please edit any online version of the stolen copy as to be written by John Meussner with my contact information.  Use a flyer that doesn't address the stolen work, advertise a special product or niche quality you have

Mar 14, 2017 12:17 PM
Ambassador
6,651,722
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

May want to inform the editor of the paper, they may be having you as their new columnist.

Mar 14, 2017 10:21 AM
Ambassador
3,214,901
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

John, Someone I know had something similar happen and wound up with a lot of free services/advertising from the offending company.  And frankly this is something the agent's broker needs to be hearing about too, because the poor reflection extends to the brokerage too.

Mar 14, 2017 10:46 AM
Ambassador
3,652,042
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

First I'd talk to the newspaper person in charge and somehow get this credited to you and then I'd be calling the agent. Unbelievable......geez!

Mar 14, 2017 10:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,534,054
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Yet again, Candice A. Donofrio and I are cut from the same cloth.

Mar 14, 2017 12:06 PM
Rainmaker
5,087,481
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I think Bob Crane gave you some great advice.  Also you might reach out to Lenn Harley 

Mar 14, 2017 11:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,657
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

First of all, good for you in writing such great stuff!  Second of all, I would contact the newspaper and advise them they published an article that was plagiarized and see what they have to say.  Oh, and call the real estate agent's broker. 

Is the agent on AR?

Mar 14, 2017 10:43 AM
Rainmaker
5,584,178
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Wow.... that takes gonads....

Mar 14, 2017 11:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,138
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I would directly contact the newspaper with proof that it is your article then immediately contact the plagarizer and ask for a public retraction and apology.

Mar 14, 2017 05:10 PM
Rainmaker
5,277,562
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

I'd be chasing them down with a stick... and I'd be after who ever published the material without checking attribution first. I'd have an attorney write a letter to each at a minimum.

Mar 14, 2017 02:23 PM
Ambassador
5,150,530
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I would immediately reach out to the newspaper, via phone and in writing, and to the agent and the broker, probably through an attorney. It's shameful and a clear copyright violation. Sorry to hear this happened to you, John.

Mar 14, 2017 01:30 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

First I would ask, "Where did you get the data?"

So, it is original.

Great!

Now I would do a little homework before having a chat with the agent who benefited from using your IP. GIVE  him/her a chance to make you happy and whole or sharing in improved business.

Or, if you are lacking in those skills, or are solely set on vengeance, go the route recommended by so many others.

PS: According to AR Terms of Use #3, you have forfeited ownership of your blog material. If stolen from AR, then AR may be the one with legal standing to pursue action.

Mar 14, 2017 11:33 AM
Rainmaker
864,758
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Contact the paper and see what they say. I would contact the agent and let her know that you want to be compensated for the article that you wrote. Keep us posted to the outcome.

Mar 14, 2017 11:11 AM
Rainmaker
809,308
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Wow!!! I would do just what Anna Banana Kruchten said. On a positive note, great job on writing a plagirism worthy article! ;-) -Kasey

Mar 14, 2017 10:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,748,677
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

As Kenneth J. Jones wrote. This is unacceptable behavior and that real estate agent needs an education, otherwise this behavior will get out of control.

Mar 15, 2017 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,228,728
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I side with Kenneth Jones on this one.

Mar 14, 2017 10:00 PM
Ambassador
2,703,077
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

      I like the "settle out of court" for free, full color advertisement pages, with your photo, company name, and contact information, for a year or so.

Mar 14, 2017 07:06 PM
Rainmaker
8,113,993
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Contact the newspaper.

Mar 14, 2017 04:46 PM
Rainmaker
564,544
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

How unconscionable...!!  Please do contact the editor and let us know the outcome.  

Mar 14, 2017 03:07 PM
Rainmaker
5,170,314
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

wow, I would call the person out on it.

 

Mar 14, 2017 03:05 PM
Rainmaker
2,244,747
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Maybe he's gonna send you a check ???

Mar 14, 2017 02:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,322
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I like some of the answers already and really think i would have my lawyer send a letter to teh newspaper as well with a cc to the agent and their managing broker. DO you have a copy we can all see/read?

Mar 14, 2017 02:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,392,883
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

I would first speak to the agent and demand retraction, then the broker and finally the newspaper. 

Mar 14, 2017 01:55 PM
Rainmaker
754,398
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I would complain to the agent first - and get her take on why she did what she did. If you don't get a good response (i.e. an apology and credit to the paper), then I would escalate this to the board and the agency. 

Mar 14, 2017 01:00 PM
Rainmaker
930,548
Jeff Pearl
Samson Properties / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

You would think agent would have the ethics and decency to credit you for the article. My guess is, she also lied to the newspaper claiming she was the author. I would notify the paper, and they will never accept another article from that person. Also consider notifying her broker.

Mar 14, 2017 11:14 AM
Rainmaker
151,733
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

Wow! I'm surprised that the newspaper didn't check for plagiarism before publishing. It's certainly easy enough with websites like Copyscape.com. Seems like a responsible editor would check. 

Mar 14, 2017 10:39 AM
Ambassador
2,115,062
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

I would sic Len Harley on 'em....  you know she's a firearm owner, and proficient with both barrels.

Mar 14, 2017 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,713,581
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Congratulations on the flattery but one should be original so that wasn't kosher.

Mar 14, 2017 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,282
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would contact the newspaper and let them know.

Mar 15, 2017 05:59 AM
Ambassador
3,924,340
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Lots of good answers. You could also mention the name to the AR staff.

Mar 15, 2017 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
3,074,289
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

Kenneth J. Jones nailed this one!

Mar 15, 2017 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,618,024
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

that is plagiarism at best

Mar 15, 2017 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,609,802
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

I would publically nail the bastard. That is a high crime in the author-world. 

I'd have the paper print a correction and credit me. Or...

I'd publish my original article and call out the plagiarist. "If you can't trust his words, how could your trust his service?"

I'd also call my attorney and cash in a favor for a nice scary letter. 

Mar 14, 2017 08:54 PM
Rainer
321,664
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I would contact the newspaper and the agent. 

Mar 14, 2017 08:14 PM
Rainmaker
5,241,786
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

WOW!!! I'd be following Kenneth J. Jones advice pronto!!

Mar 14, 2017 05:31 PM
Rainmaker
819,357
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Caroline Gerardo nailed this one!

Mar 14, 2017 03:17 PM
Rainmaker
5,450,493
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

We would definitely be having a conversation with the newspaper editor

Mar 14, 2017 03:14 PM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

I would ask that person out to lunch and after you were through eating walk out and let them pay the bill

Mar 14, 2017 01:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,868,338
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

1-800-MY-ATTORNEY with a cease & desist letter both to the newspaper & to the agent. I'm sure that it will embarrass the newspaper to no end!  They hate this stuff.

Good luck John, this is so disappointing for you I'm sure.

Mar 14, 2017 01:13 PM
Rainmaker
472,214
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

Sorry this happened to you. I would contact the person that submitted your work and the newspaper it was published in. I am sure there are articles here on AR that talk about this topic and what can be done about it. Lenn Harley used to write about it quite a bit.  

Mar 14, 2017 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
919,313
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Inform everyone under the sun that it's blatant plagiarism and cannot be tolerated. The nerve!

Mar 14, 2017 10:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,915
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

First you need to make sure you can verify your posting was the original. If you can.. others have already suggested various options... I think a lawsuit is also an option

Feb 17, 2018 08:21 PM
Rainmaker
979,796
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

John - To tell you the truth, I probably wouldn't know what to do, and ask for advice from my broker. I do not have an attorney, so wouldn't even know where to start with that, plus, probably wouldn't want to pay an attorney hundreds of dollars to write letters for me that probably won't get me anything in the long run anyway.

Mar 19, 2017 07:16 PM
Rainmaker
602,025
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I would probably report them for an ethics violation.

Mar 15, 2017 08:11 PM
Rainmaker
557,036
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Nicole Solari has stolen multiple articles and published them in that newspaper along with yours.

You might want to contact some of the other authors who she stole from.

Mar 15, 2017 09:12 AM
Rainer
259,105
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Sounds like a call to the local board to start, then the agent's broker, then the paper for a correction, then the state licensing board and then an attorney. 

 

Dude just stepped in it BIG TIME.

Mar 15, 2017 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,006,523
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

LOL - you gotta love the gaul of some people

Send a cease and desist email with removal instructions

Mar 15, 2017 07:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,713,773
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Congratulations in a real roundabout way for writing such steal-worthy content -- lots of good suggestions especially the one provided by Caroline Gerardo.  It's horrible to learn the thief is an ActiveRain member.   

Mar 15, 2017 07:24 AM
Rainmaker
4,321,985
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

John Meussner - not right. Can you go after her?

Mar 14, 2017 11:26 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,423
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I would be talking to a few people about this and it would not be a vvery polite conversation.

Mar 14, 2017 08:27 PM
Rainmaker
825,325
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I would thank her and her tell glad she enjoyed "your" article so much that she felt the need to share it however, you would like the credit or you will be contacting an attorney. Good luck.

Mar 14, 2017 05:27 PM
Rainmaker
2,837,612
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

College was ripe with this when I attended in 2003-2005...Nothing stops anyone from taking ideas from others works and using it. It is the ones that don't take the time and just take the work that get in trouble...What to do? Subjective...to be sure

Mar 14, 2017 05:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

John Meussner Candice A. Donofrio has the answer to this one.

Mar 14, 2017 12:10 PM