This week many “visitors” are finding out that SAFTENG.net has MUCH LESS public information available to non-members. As usual, I have received hate mail and the likes, but I thought I would share with you why SAFTENG is transitioning to a 100% Membership Based and Client Portal website:
1) I was sued once again last week for the unauthorized use of a Christmas card cartoon. The use of this cartoon was 100% my fault so I blame no one for the lawsuit. What does make me mad was that it was used in 2011 and reported last week after I cut off free access to the “Photo of the Week” photos from 2011-2014. I can only guess that one of those folks who spent their time sending me hate mail, thought he/she needed to seek revenge after their FREE use of my materials over the past 4 years was cut off. So they had a screenshot of the card (this is what many non-members do to steal the free photos) which he/she proceed to contact the publishing company and report the usage from 2011. Here is the screenshot that was submitted:
2) SAFTENG.net is NOT a business and never has been run as such. I receive NO revenues from any funds that are leftover at the end of the year. I have NEVER paid my self an hourly wage for the time I spend managing the site, writing the articles, posting OSHA/EPA data, doing the Incident Alerts, etc. All proceeds from the site, after server/security/professional IT services expenses, are paid, go to either my local fire department’s first aid community training program or smoke detector program. I have also been selfish and contributed thousands of dollars over the years to Murray State University’s Occupational Safety and Health College with the profits from the site.
3) I can count the number of consulting clients on one hand that the website has generated for me. So the website is not a conduit for my consulting work.
So the website makes me no money, it does not grow my consulting business, I spend countless hours of my time each week, and I am getting sued because people who get mad when their FREE access to content is restricted. The site used to be a “network” of safety professionals who shared and helped one another with issues – today it seems there is a lot less networking and a lot more “demands”. I used to personally know each member and now I probably know less than 1% of members. I have a family to support and kids to be a father to and a wife that needs my attention – I do NOT need these games by people who are looking for a free handout!
I make NO apologies for this decision, it is what it is. I know some of you understand my decision and will continue to support me and my efforts to change the world’s unsafe conditions and acts and I greatly appreciate your unwavering support all these years. There are some that will have to evaluate if SAFTENG is worth the $100 initial membership fee and the $25/30 annual renewal and I will understand if you choose to get your safety information from any one of the hundreds of safety websites available.
Bryan
PROOF of PAYMENT:
Thank you. Your payment has been received as full and final settlement of the unauthorized use claim against case (Reference Number: 4STH-AY6H).
The settlement of this claim does not constitute permission for future use of the images. If you would like to continue using the images, you must purchase a license.
Payment information
Date: 5/15/2015
Reference number: 4STH-AY6H
Credit card ending with:XXXX
Billing information
Company Name: SAFTENG LLC – Bryan Haywood
Street Address:
City, State: XXXXXXXX, OH
Country: United States
Payment details
Sub Total of: $84.00 (USD)
Total of: $84.00 (USD)
Sincerely,
CartoonStock Ltd.
[email protected]