julieliveshere.com

Thanks for visiting. This site will no longer be updated.

Please visit my new site.

You can find new writing, new photos at

http://julieliveshere.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Stop What You're Doing Right Now

Stop. Don't write that book. Don't compose that music. And please... don't take that photo.

Just stop.

Haven't you realized this already? Everything you're planning on doing has already been done.

Besides, some one else had the idea first so you really should stop thinking, while you're at it.

Cease and desist. That's what the cops say, right?

***

I just got the most bizarre email. I've been told that I'm "using (re: stole?) [this person's] idea to photograph the people of San Francisco." Wow. I didn't realize that such a novel idea as that had been copyrighted. I also didn't see where you line up to get your photo taken.

All you people on SF flickr groups, you gotta stop taking photos of your friends. You're using her idea too, and she might send you an email also. And all of you great local photo bloggers, like you and you and you and you and you and you, no more photo shoots. Even if you're a pro. There's a new game in town, and you're not it. Sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news. Even you, you staff photographers for SF Gate, I know it's your job to take pictures of people in San Francisco, but you guys better find something else to do.

But for those of you who wrote to me and encouraged me to tell you more stories of the people of this city, and those of you who've asked me over time to take your photos, I'm gonna say abso-fucking-lutely and let me get some batteries.

So, I'll be seeing some of you on the other side of the camera soon. And for those of you who missed it, the SF photo project is here.

26 comments:

Silliyak March 3, 2009 at 5:18 PM  

I believe the proper response for this person would be "Lighten up Francis!"

Char March 3, 2009 at 5:30 PM  

did she also steal John Lennon's thought that "there's nothing that hasn't been done before"....Lordy

that means no one can ever take a picture of a person again.

tangobaby March 3, 2009 at 5:35 PM  

Char, this edict may only apply to San Francisco, or it may only apply to me. I'm also not allowed to take a photo of the guy who repairs my shoes (I decided to spare you the entire bizarre email).

You're probably okay because you're far away.

lol.

Yoli March 3, 2009 at 5:35 PM  

What a loon! F this person!

rosedale's 4head March 3, 2009 at 5:43 PM  

ok, i busted up right smack dab in the middle of my central public library floor: labels: bizarre people, photo shoots, photography, *******WTF*******!

will March 3, 2009 at 5:47 PM  

Offer to take her pic. But keep some safe distance, use a tele lens!

Allan March 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM  

A car crashed into the bank the other day and I wrote a blog post about it titled "Car vs. Bank (Bank Loses)" and someone leaves a comment that says "Creativity FAIL" with a link his Twitter page where he'd said "Car vs. bank (car lost)."

As if he were the only dude "creative" enough that upon seeing one thing crash into another thing, would think to put a "vs." between the names of the two things.

Thanks for providing this forum unto which I could vent.

Adan March 3, 2009 at 5:55 PM  

tell them to sue you, i have a lawyer that works for cheap. we can counter sue her for her future welfare checks

iasa March 3, 2009 at 6:04 PM  

You are doing a great job with your photo project and love of your city. Looking forward to the next installment.

I can always capoeira her ass if ya wan ;)

Sallycat March 3, 2009 at 6:29 PM  

Bloody hell!
Honestly, other words fail me.

Big hug, SC

Indiri Wood March 3, 2009 at 6:56 PM  

I don't know, that bizarre of an email sounds like a bit of fun to read. Haha. Crazy people are awesome!

rochambeau March 3, 2009 at 6:59 PM  

The thing about having a blog, is sometimes you will come across people that are a bit off.
Keep doin' whatcha doin' TB.
You're a talented photographer ~ person and
a tangoer taboot!!

xox
Constance

shabby girl March 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM  

You go TBaby!!! Even if someone else took pictures around SF, You are the only one taking the pics that YOU are taking.
OMG, are none of us ALLOWED to take pictures???
Ohh, sorry. That REALLY pisses me off!
We all have creative talents and aspirations. Because someone else has painted a piece of furniture before, am I not ALLOWED to do it?
Because someone else has done ANYTHING before me, am I not allowed to do it?
Makes me crazy. They are afraid that you will do it Better than they have.
YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Char March 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM  

well, down here we have a saying "put on the big girl panties and deal with it." I suggest that she do just that. she deserves nothing.

Just Jules March 3, 2009 at 8:22 PM  

Well goodness I am on my way to see Mt. Rushmore. I guess according to her argument I should just leave my camera at home - because obviously it has already been photographed. uggg

~DokterKenny March 3, 2009 at 9:17 PM  

just reply with this

"What's the Frequency Kenneth?!"

I mean it is equally insane

Red Shoes March 3, 2009 at 10:04 PM  

Good grief.

julochka March 3, 2009 at 11:16 PM  

there are people who should really just stay on their meds.

and very nice swearing infix there towards the end! i love those.

onward and upward i say!

Anonymous March 4, 2009 at 1:40 AM  

I'd so love to read that email LOL

DollZandThingZ March 4, 2009 at 3:17 AM  

Well said! Hilarious, too!

Keep on doing what you're doing! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tangobaby photos...which are TOTALLY original at all times.

GEESH!

My Castle in Spain March 4, 2009 at 4:22 AM  

what the f..?
yes, of course you carry on !!
very nice adverb by the way !
xoxo

eunice March 4, 2009 at 6:24 AM  

Omigosh. Some people are seriously looney. This is the second time in a week I've come across this issue. Aside from your particular ridiculous corresponder and issue, people need to realize IDEAS AREN'T COPYRIGHTABLE. Holy hell, I could go on all day about this, but your dear readers are of the smart variety and don't need to hear my rant. Love your work and blog--keep at it!

christina March 4, 2009 at 9:08 AM  

Wow, the thought of her writing you, was so original.
: )
xo

Kennethwongsf March 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM  

Hey! It was a great pleasure to meet you on the other side of your camera :-)

Come to think of it, Shakespeare wrote very few original stories. Almost all of his plays are based on Greek classics, histories, and popular folk tales traceable to other writers. I'm sure that other person is not the first one to think of a series of photographs of the city's inhabitants, nor would he/she be the last. San Francisco has enough people and stories to accommodate more than one such creative project. If the person is worried about running out of people to photograph and stories to collect, then he/she obviously doesn't know San Francisco.

Dutchbaby March 6, 2009 at 6:17 AM  

I can't imagine how unhappy a person must be in order to have a need to tear someone else down. Keep following your bliss, tangobaby!

Tussy March 6, 2009 at 5:23 PM  

It is sort of sacastic message! sometimes thing we plan someone else has done it though. Anyway, we keep doing it then.