Bill's Bountiful Blog

May I keep you posted on my thoughts, ideas, observations, and silliness?. Am I serious? Is it relevant?. Does anyone care? Probably not much.

But in today's age of everyone has something to say, why not me? And who can blame me for jumping into to the pool? For speaking up For laying it out?

"Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." - Thomas Wiley, Journalist

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Sycophants Invade Vacation Rentals

By Ron Lee
Published: 04/22/24 Topics: Government, Legal, Lodging Management, People, Regulations, Software, Vacation Rentals Comments: 2

Vacation Rentals have been around for centuries often called by many names: lodging, sharing, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and now short-term-rentals.

It has only been in recent years that cities, counties and homeowner associations have conspired to attack rentals and all without logic, reason or adherence to the bundle of real estate rights codified in the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and other laws for 250 years.

Did you know that property rights are the most mentioned right in the Bill of Rights? Because without being able to protect those rights, all other rights can be further trampled on. For example, you can’t have freedom of the press, if government can take away your right to occupy your property.

The reasons for those vicious anti-rental attacks are false and found to be based solely on another age old situation - Xenophobia - the fear of others. The incidence of noise, parking, and even garbage collections are so statistically small as to be non-existent.

Def: Xenophobia [noun]

Aversion or hostility to, disdain for, or fear of strangers.

Synonyms: Bias, Bigotry, Animosity, Classism, Hatred

Now, however, governments have found new sycophants to help them batter responsible private homeowners and, as might be expected, it is none other than Artificial Intelligence software developers taking up the war.

The dictionary points out the threat of these:

Def: Sycophant - [noun]

A self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite.

Synonyms: flatterer, fawner, flunky, toady

In the war on property rights, governments are turning to profiteering software soldiers to encourage neighbors to spy on neighbors and to report them for any perceived slight, real or imagined. (Neighbors hating neighbors is nothing new, but now governments are rewarding that hateful conduct.)

One participant in the war on vacation rentals is Deckard Technologies of San Diego, California. Their website, (www.Decard) fosters the idea they are mainly in the business in helping local governments with "tax". But parse their words more closely to learn that Deckard is in the "compliance" business. In other words, governments hire them to control humans.

That makes them sycophants for the same reason court jesters bowed and scraped to kings. It is all for the money. Deckard says governments can fine neighbors using their expensive software to bust them.

With those software contracts costing hundreds of thousands of dollars for cities and counties struggling to balance budgets, those governments will learn that this kind of A.I. ("Awful Intelligence") generated system produces complaints that won’t hold up in criminal court where rules of evidence abide.

And yet counties fall for any pitch that says it won’t cost them anything. Even if they then suspect, and later learn, that the huge cost of such software can never be recovered.

Even if officials admit there is no pay-back for that software, busting people for gossip appeals to government officials who don’t base their decisions on fundamental concepts like property rights.

To see how their xenophobia functions, substitute their words "Vacation Rental" or "Short-Term Rental’ with the names of minority groups to make their rational sound just like what it is, just another form of hate crime.

With apology to the people of south Africa, and the terrible harm they suffered for so many years, it can be seen that segregating vacation rental property owners and guests is used by people who insist on oppressing vacation rental property owners and guests. They steal their rights while allowing others those same rights.

Def: Apartheid [noun]

Rigidly segregating and economically and politically oppressing people.

Synonyms: Segregation, Bigotry, Chauvinism, Injustice, Intolerance

On the Deckard company website, Nick Del Pego CEO claims to be a mathematician, a seasoned corporate senior leader and a U.S. Air Force SpecOps veteran. Isn’t that the service branch who can be called in to attack people with no regrets?

Del Pego and his software soldiers make it easy for neighbors to hate other neighbors who use their Constitutional right to share and rent out their homes.

Plus, his software makes it comfortable for nosey neighbors to report people anonymously, as if they were Peeping Toms. And the penalty for false reporting is - you guessed it - nothing. No liability, no accountability.

In his novel 1984, George Orwell warned about a society where government watched over every little thing done by every little citizen.

And now Del Pego’s Deckard Technologies gets paid to help cities and counties do exactly that.

It must be asked, why would Craig Brown, Greg Rose, Jess Flanagan, Chloe Sasson, Tom Hemmings, Tony Moriarty, Matthew Duggan, Dr. Victor Xie, Loren Vasquez Rivera, Vicki Lane, Dustin Reilich, Stacey Kurtz, Rob Piskorowksi, Dave Brown, Melissa Mijia, Faith Chaza, Dana Lormer, Branden Reese and all the cronies at Deckard agree to help him do it?

Perhaps, they enjoy facilitating gossip and think hate mongering is good. Probably it is that, like everyone else, they just need a job.

Maybe those employees should look for employment in a more reputable industry, where their actions do not deprive others of their basic property rights. There are many worthy causes. How about ending poverty, feeding the poor, volunteering at charities, working to end war, etc.?

Of course, those kinds of jobs don’t pay as well as promoting Deckard’s hateful service.

Two Faced Copyright Attorney Lies to Photographers

By Staff
Published: 04/19/24 Topics: Comments: 0

Some intellectual property rights attorney find it rewarding to protect writers,. photographers, videographers and other artists because they love and recognize creativity, while often being in capable of such greatness themselves.

But other copyright attorneys are solely in the copyright game to fatten their own pockets. They could care less about the starving artists who make far less than what fat cat attorneys rake in. They gleefully play both sides of the fence even if it means skewering artists. Anything for a buck.

Photographers anxious to protect themselves from copyright thieves are warned to stay away from attorneys who promise to protect their work while, at the same time, serving the thieves who steal that work. They are anxius to devour well meaning artists every chance they get

Take one "Esquire" who we’ll call "Mr. Jones" in this article, whose website boasts of his copyright legal credentials. That website won’t be quoted verbatim because God forbid this article would infringe on his writings which, of course, he so carefully and prominently marks as "Copyright" and will surely contest as deviously as he fails to do for artists.

Laughably Jones quotes the old adage that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." But of course mistates it because he is ignorant of literature, didn’t bother to research it, or does not want to give credit to Oscar Wilde iwho n 1892 wrote it in this play "Lday Winderme’s Fan."

By the way, the quote continues ". . . that mediocrity can pay to greatness" which is precisely why this charlatan attorney finds it necessary to represent infringers.

With devious intent attorney Jones admonishes photographers to protect what is theirs by filing a copyright. Although copyright is effect the moment it is created, and can be filed by the artists with a small fee to the U.S. Government, Mr. Jones frightens artists into engaging him him to do the simple filing, and only so he can fleece them for large fee.

His website also proclaims the he can help photographers win damages against infringements, and supposedly get paid, by avoiding court and settling quickly. But only if they pay him of course.

But on the other hand be warned, if an infringer is to hire Jones, this attorney more than willing to throw lies and innuendos, and fabricate every possible excuse to help the infringing thieves avoid paying.

Perhaps the most obvious way to show this attorney’s incompetence is to watch his video online, It is poorly written, amateurishly performed, and terribly produced. Bad video, Bad Audio, Bad graphics, Bad lighting.

It is no wonder that such a hack finds it necessary to take any an all clients. even the grossly guilty guilty infringers. Rather than protecting innocent artists with shallow pockets, he flip-flops to represent wealthy copyright thieves because he needs the dough.

It is a mystery why some attorneys, in copyright and other legal disciplines, have such distasteful behavior. Is it their upbringing, their families, their friends, their religions, their culture, or their financial plight?

The answer will never be known.

What can be proven is that no photographer, videographer, writers or other creative artist should ever hire an attorney who is willing to aid and abet the very people who will steal their work. Doing so is like dealing with the devil. They promise the world to rope you in, but happily throw other photographers into the fires of hell. And all because they have no morals.

So when an artist searches for an attorney to represent their copyrrights look only for one who represents only artists. At least you’ll know which side of the war they are on.

Author: Staff – Contributors, Signatours Photo Team
Blog #: 1007 – 04/19/24

Maybe the Only Honest Copyright Infringer Ever

By Staff
Published: 04/19/24 Topics: Comments: 0

When an expert copyright attorney phoned his photographer client, he found himself chuckling. Something strange had happened, something that had never taken place during the attorney’s decades of litigating against business people who had stolen copyrighted photos.

"What’s so funny?" asked the photographer.

"Do you remember the real estate broker who copied dozens of your photos for use on his listings?" asked the attorney. "I sent him a cease-and-desist letter. In most cases, the thieves respond with all kinds of nonsensical excuses."

"Well, today, that broker called me. As soon as I picked up the phone, he introduced himself and said, ’Hey, I am the guy who stole your photos. My bad. What do I owe you?’"

Now the photographer laughed saying, "Well, he can afford to pay because our photos have helped him sell several million-dollar houses on which he made huge commissions. But why is that funny?"

"Because in all my years of pursuing people who copy intellectual property, like photos, that is the first honest person I have ever spoken with," said the attorney. "And for that kind of honesty, I think we should go easy on the damages he should pay."

But why did he fess up?

"Thieves usually claim ignorance," the attorney continued, "calling it an accident, or unintentional, or they blame someone else, or say they couldn’t help take the photos because they were so beautiful."

Or they hire an questionable attorney who knows their client is "guilty", but uses every trick in the book to reduce or eliminate the damages their client should pay.

Of course, those are not defenses for theft, but somehow people feel that stealing copies of someone’s work is less dishonest than stealing money. Attorneys who help them complete the crime are as just as culpable.

"When I asked him why he decided to be helpful and honest, here is what he said, ’My father taught me to take responsibility for errors and not to lie about them,’ said the broker. ’In fact, it’s easier to fess up than lying to myself and disappointing my dad.’"

Too bad most cheaters don’t have a father who teaches them to respect others, even if it’s just about a few photographs.

Author: Staff – Contributors, Signatours Photo Team
Blog #: 1009 – 04/19/24

Teaching Students How to Steal

By Staff
Published: 04/19/24 Topics: Copyrights, Education, Photography, Reputation Comments: 0

How students are being taught has always been important but has been prominently in the news for some time. There is controversy in all grades from pre-school to college, undergrad and grad degrees.

People on the right say students of all ages are being indoctrinated or brainwashed with woke, socialist, or even communist ideas.

People on the left say there is no such thing. Their lessons are intended to teach better ways of seeing the world and the right is out of touch.

No matter the viewpoint, it would be good to hope there could be foundational knowledge on which all ends of the political spectrum could agree.

But not a guy we’ll call "Mr. Smith" for this story.

He promotes himself as an educational consultant of some sort, paid handsomely to consult and advise teachers and schools. Unfortunately, his behavior reveals he is teaching students to cheat and steal by his example.

By contrast, Robert Fulghum became a respected author and educator by writing the book "All I need to know I learned in in Kindergarten." He espoused valuable wisdom like, say "please" and "thank you", tell the truth, and admit mistakes.

Apparently, Mr. Smith did not read the book, because when caught stealing he used every trick in the book to get away with his crime.

Using his ill-gotten gains as a supposed educator, Mr. Smith invested in real estate. He was happy when another company covered the cost of having some technically sophisticated photos taken of his properties, for their own use.

Mr. Smith liked the photos, so much so in fact, that he had his assistant ask if he could buy the photos in his real estate advertising. But upon hearing the price of a license for the photos, he refused saying that the price was too high.

At this point, Mr. Smith had not yet showed his lack of ethics. Only later did the photographers discover that Smith was using dozens of the copyrighted photos on websites to rent out his properties and make large income from them. He may have used them free for years without any remorse for his theft.

So what did Mr. Smith do when he was caught red-handed? When the photos were discovered online? Did he follow Fulghum’s advice to tell the truth?

Of course not.

Instead, Smith hired an attorney to dream up every devious legal trick, to cheat, and to lie, in hopes of letting Smith off scott free. Finding himself in court, of course, Mr. Smith fabricated excuses:

I thought I paid for them.
I thought my assistant paid for them.
The assistant stole the photos, not me.
She downloaded them thinking they were free.
It has been been far too long to pay for them now.
The devil made me do it.

OK, he did not claim that last point, but maybe he should. Because Mr. Smith fabricated all the others while raking in dough from his real estate.

The outcome of this theft has not been determined, but it must be expected that Smith will do as he has done before. He will lie, and twist, and blame others instead of taking responsibility. What a bad example for students.

Hubris causes supposedly sophisticated people to look down their noses at creative people like photographers. That is nothing new. High income individuals consider themselves superior and treat artists as inferior. And they try underpay them or not pay at all

It is sad that the photographers must pay court and lawyer fees to force Mr. Smith to fess up and to pay up, for what he so clearly stole. But sadder still for the world of education.

Mr. Smith will continue to promote himself as an expert on education. People will continue to hire and pay him at a much higher rate than photographers, and they won’t even know that Smith is a theft and a liar.

That means Mr. Smith will continue on his life-long journey to teach kids and other students how to be a thief. That is sadder than any story Politian’s could argue about education.

Author: Staff – Contributor, Signatours Photo Team
Blog #: 0988 – 04/19/24

Working With Leavenworth Getaways

By Wendy Thomas
Published: 04/11/24 Topics: Guest Behavior, Guest Management, Interview, Leavenworth WA, Lodging Management, Vortex VIP Comments: 0

Icicle View Vacation Rental Home - Leavenworth Getaways

Mike, a retired attorney and the owner of Icicle View Vacation Rental Home in Leavenworth, agreed to sit down with Leavenworth Getaways, a member of the Vortex VIP lodging managers group, for a few minutes this week.

For over 20 years, Mike and his family have owned Icicle View. They’ve spent weekend, holidays, and new years there. Their daughter’s favorite childhood memories have been at the house, and the entire family has enjoyed seeing the California Quail and Grouse in the backyard. A special event for this family of birdwatchers. Deer have even taken advantage of the carport to cool off during the summertime.

VIP: Mike, thank you for speaking with us today. We’re so glad you are trusting your house to us. What made you buy it 23 years ago?

Mike: The location was very important for us. We wanted to be out of town, but have the benefit of town water. We love the views of the hills, the night skies, and the sunrises and sunsets from our quiet hillside.

VIP: As a resident, what are your favorite things to do in the Leavenworth area?

Mike: Golfing at the Leavenworth Golf Course is one of the hidden gems for golf in Washington State. We love to hike up in the Alpine Wilderness area in the Enchantments by Colchuk Lake. Icicle Ridge Trail is beautiful. We’ve enjoyed cross country skiing here. There are three courses in and around Leavenworth. Leavenworth is halfway between Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge for downhill skiing.

We love going shopping at Apple Annie Antique Gallery in Cashmere, and there’s a diner there we enjoy named Café Jazmin. It’s a 50s themed diner that we enjoy.

To enjoy the natural features of the area, we go to Ohme Gardens and overlook Wenatchee, Dry Falls beyond Wenatchee. We love the geology of the area.

Another great way to enjoy the beauty of the area is to rent inner tubes from Adventure River Tubing Leavenworth. You can spend an entire afternoon floating down the Wenatchee River, right by downtown. Some people bring food and drink and have a picnic along the way, or get out and stop for a while, then restart.

VIP: That’s amazing, Mike. Thanks so much for sharing all of that. Sounds like you’ve been loving the area for a while. When did you start putting your house in the vacation rental market?

Mike: It was during Covid. July of 2020.

VIP: Did you rent it yourself, or did you use a management company?

Mike: We started with Vacasa. But we didn’t like how they handled it. The house wasn’t consistently cleaned, and some of the guests we had were worrisome. There was a fight in the house where there was quite a bit of damage.

VIP: That sounds awful! We’re glad we are able to help you!

Mike: Bill said we’d have better clients, and you’ve kept your promise. You’ve positioned the house well and marketed so we don’t have any more problematic guests. We want to keep the house in our family for years, so making sure we don’t have guests who ruin it is very important to us.

VIP: How do you like our local manager, Michelle?

Mike: She’s good. We have a dedicated housekeeper who has been with us for 23 years, and she and Michelle have a good working relationship. Michelle is very businesslike, and it’s good. She has been very helpful.

VIP: Thank you so much for speaking with us, Mike. We appreciate you taking time out of your day.

Mike: It was my pleasure.

Author: Wendy Thomas – Contributor, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0985 – 04/11/24

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Bill's Bountiful Blog

Sycophants Invade Vacation Rentals

Two Faced Copyright Attorney Lies to Photographers

Maybe the Only Honest Copyright Infringer Ever

Teaching Students How to Steal

Working With Leavenworth Getaways

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