Last evening, I had a long conversation with a valued client about what rights he got when he purchased a show print from me. The genesis of the conversation was my asking him to purchase a photo that he was using on his website but had not yet purchased from me as a print (yes, this one is different from the one who said he didn't want to purchase a print). Ironically, it is the guy who owns the dog that went Best In Specialty Show.

I told him I was delighted that he wanted to use the image for promoting his dog; I told him that I loved the dog and that he was a valued client and a good friend. I then explained what had happened with the other BOW guy and told him is was a bit hypocritical for me to allow him to use the image un-paid for and not allow the other guy to do the same.

We then discussed usage rights for more than an hour. He still doesn't get it. He thinks I'm being too fussy because I know he's going to order. I told him I was delighted that he was going to order and that he should do so promptly. The show ended 2 months ago.

After this type of conversation, it's clear to me that it would be easier for me to get my Juris Doctorate and prosecute the cases than try to explain usage violations to dog show exhibitors. They simply don't get it.

Frustrated in Orlando,

Jim