Just found this guy posting in the Business section of the Café. He was looking for advice about his photo, and when I went to look at his page, I was surprised to find that he had ripped off my whole show description (with very minor changes).

But don't trust me, judge for yourself: Here's my front page:

http://www.funnyhypnotism.com

I have used the exact same text for at least 4 years, as well as the layout with the enlarged IMAGINE...used three times. Notice the use of the phrase 'shy guy from accounting' pretty specific image, yes?

here's his page:
http://raleighhypnotist.com/

He even copped my business name.

People wonder why all we seem alike, that's becuase people can't be bothered to be original. It's what has ruined magic for most adult audiences. Don't let it happen to hypnosis.

Be yourself; or at least HIRE me to write your copy.

peter gross

Seems like a sleazy guy.

HÃ¥kan
:wavey:

You are absolutely right Peter. For years this has been going on with stage hypnosis routines where you try to be creative and come up with completely original material only to find that suddenly several other hypnotists start doing your same material, and the thing that really kills me is that they will use my exact word for word dialog patter, blocking and movements to a tee. First this, now the same is all over the internet. Several years ago I found someone actually stole my logo. I had paid $600.00 to get it custom designed to my specifications and someone (who I actually knew and had helped when he was just beginning) had is own made just changing the name. Everything else was my original artwork.

I feel for you as this is very frustrating, but due to the internet and youtube seems to be more common today than ever before. This has always been quite common in magic and seems be be happening more and more in hypnosis lately. I believe its due to newcomers that want to try to put themselves on the fasttrack to professionalism by copying (stealing) material and ideas from those more experienced. Forget that "flattery" BS, it pis**s you off. Respect seems to be gone. This also stuns their creativity which is part of the growth process on your way to becoming a professional.

Wow!! This happened to me too!!

I wrote the sales copy for the index page of my old website and then found the exact same words (except with his name in place of mine) on the website of another UK hypnotist called Paul Hazell!!!

Incredibly.. even after e-mailing them TWICE they still hadn't changed it... SO I changed mine... for the better!

RT

Why are you shocked that the guy would not change it when you called him on it?

The sort of person who does that is not the sort of person who would care if you call him on it. I just hope he does not change his web page to match yours.

I think I was surprised because I got an e-mail back saying they would sort it ASAP.

That's quite bad suspect he never bothered to change much,
drop him a line ask what he is playing at.
your is better though and well presented,
if I looked at both I would still choose you
as better, he looks kinda false
bye

Very tacky.

I remember once I called a hypnotist that I saw stealing another hypnotists promo word for word. His way of defending himself went something like, "he didn't copyright it, so he has no legal action against me". Can you imagine...

Regardless my phone call to him did convince him change it. I assume that all you who have had similar problems have tried calling them. It's so much more effective than email, and they have to give you a response right away, or hang up.

I notice he now says your copy inspired his website and provides a link. Don't know if you guys worked it out or not. People do tend to be unoriginal when the internet makes it so easy to cut and paste ideas.

As to the comment "he didn't copyright it, so he has no legal action against me" this person has a serious misunderstanding of copyright law, which since the late 1970's creates an automatic copyright on any creator without the need to register an official copyright. Any writer, creator, author, etc. owns the original work from the time of creation.

As to website layouts.... John Cerbone was upset by another hypnotist with essentially the same layout and background graphic. I did a little checking. Both had used the same template from dreamweaver... and so when hiring a webdesigner, ask if they are being hired to create from a template or an original design.

Richard

Got to agree with you nongard, dreamweaver is a great tool however it is limiting,
and designers should have an array of different software, always good to check first.
its all very well finding inspiration in other peoples work but you are perfectly capable of creating your own "pitch" no ned to cut and paste from there templates.
much love

"imitaion is the sincerest form of flattery" your obviously doing something right! look what the beatles started