Below is why I hate people, especially those who have a stick up their ass. Since you can't view the book in question I will describe it. It was a collection of pamphlets published by a, now defunct, glass company over fifty years ago. Copyright law is not applicable in this case so even those with anal cavity-clamping-on-wood problem shouldn't say a word.

I hope this guy dies, several times if possible. Oh and read from the bottom up so it makes sense.



As you have learned, I feel very strongly about copyright issues, which have not been exaggerated as you imply in this situation. My rights and privileges as an American citizen can only be assured if I recognize and respect the rights of others.

I submit that this item was misrepresented by your description. The very act of offering a book for sale requires that it be a legitimate, legal publication. However, as we have agreed, this was merely a facsimile of the original.

I wanted the book (original, of course). As you may have noticed, I did not ask for a refund. However, as you can not or will not provide the original, I must request a full refund. So, again, I find myself at your mercy. I will return the book today and must trust that you will return my money. Please do so in a timely manner.

I would also suggest that you do the honorable thing and destroy all illegal copies of this book. The law on this matter is clear and does not require that you be an "expert" on copyright issues. As a matter of fact, prosecution does not even require that you be aware of the law as ignorance is not a justifiable defense. However, as this email exchange will show, you are now aware and any claims to the contrary would constitute willful ignorance.

Please send a refund for the total of $61.15 immediately upon receipt of the book in question.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ralph C. Wilson [mailto:ppac@alltel.net]
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 11:53 AM
To: Kirk Broach - rr
Subject: Re: eBay Item: Erickson Glass Catalog Identification Book (Item #3159932225)


Sir I never listed this book as an original as I purchased several "copies" at an auction almost two years ago. In no way did I misrepresent the item. If you read my terms and conditions I do offer a full refund if my description was misleading or incomplete. Frankly I don't believe it was either of those but it is possible that you read between the lines and thought you were purchasing an original. Therefore I will send you a refund, contingent of course on my item being shipped back.

As to copyright laws I do not claim to be an expert though most people who do so tend to be exaggerating. I did not make copies with express intent to resale, as I already stated these were bought at an auction. At one time I did own the original which sold for several hundred dollars and was listed as such. That book was bought by a collector as a shelf piece while these "copies" have been sold with idenitification purposes in mind not as original works.

Finally the disparity in shipping prices is an unfortunate occurence that happens quite frequently on Ebay. Usually I ship exclusively via UPS and the price I quoted would have been accurate for said service. Occasionaly I do use the post office and sometimes I ship first class mail when there is no difference between time in transit between it and Priority Mai. Unlike many sellers I do not try to gauge buyers on shipping, more often then not I lose a dollar or two per shipment. Yet, sometimes I make a mistake and do break even or even make a buck or two. Anyway it is a moot point and I do apologize.

If you do wish a full refund please send the Catalog to

Ralph Wilson
14 N. Park Place
Newark, Ohio 43055

----- Original Message -----
From: Kirk Broach - rr
To: Ralph C. Wilson
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 5:19 PM
Subject: RE: eBay Item: Erickson Glass Catalog Identification Book (Item #3159932225)


I received the Ericson "Catalog" yesterday and am not happy. Based on your Ebay description, copied below for your convenience, I was bidding on an original catalog/book. The book was implied to be original by your statement that it is "very rare to find any information or books on the type of glass" and the fact that you did not state that it was copied. However, I received what is clearly a copy of an original which you have kept. This is evidenced by white borders on each page, and images of dog-eared corners on pages which have never been folded. Furthermore, I became suspicious of this possibility when you listed another book exactly like the one which I purchased, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt and waited for my book to arrive.

In addition, my winning bid for this book was $56.00. When I asked for shipping charges, you responded with a total of $61.15. I was suprised that mailing this book through the USPS could possibly cost $5.15 but again, I gave you the benefit of doubt and waited for the book to arrive. Postage is clearly marked as $1.52.

Please note that this ebay auction is a binding legal contract between you, Ralph C. Wilson of Newark, Ohio and me. To resolve this matter, the original should be sent IMMEDIATELY.

Are you familiar with the federal copyright laws? Copyright is a protection provided for published and unpublished works which gives the author exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute copies of that work. It is illegal to violate these rights afforded only to the owner of the copyright. Do you claim to own the copyright to this book? Do you even know who does?

If you do not resolve this matter quickly, by sending me the original book which I now rightfully own and by destroying all illegal copies of this book, I will be compelled to report this clear violation of copyright laws to the United States Copyright Office.

"Erickson Glass Catalog Identification Book with 12 pages of identification to erickson glass. Show how it was made and show several salesman sample item. Made up of different sheets which salesmen would take orders from. Very rare to find any information or books on the type glass. Measures 11" by 8 1/2" with a hard plastic cover. "

Sincerly,
Kirk Broach