I was planning on continuing my rant about word theft. I had lots more to say on the topic. I even had insights into my personality, like what it says about me that I am bent on crushing the thief. It was going to be witty and fun and just a little vicious. But you don't get to read that now. Because now I'm mad about something else. There has been another theft. Not words this time. No, now it is theft of reputation.
Chuck and I have been doing business under the MazPC name since we arrived here. We have slowly built a reputation for reliable and quality computer repair service. My husband holds countless computer certifications and is really good at what he does. We have put considerable time, money and effort into advertising and branding. And now someone else is hopping on the train.
The other morning, I received an email from my beloved. It was a link to an advertisement on a popular website here in Mazatlan. I followed the link and was absolutely apoplectic when I saw and ad for Maz PC's computer repair with someone else's name and phone number. With my usual eloquence, I yelled "Really? Seriously?"
This guy is messing with our livelihood. Much worse than thinking some yahoo may make a living by stealing our reputation is the thought that he may not make a living. What if he is really bad? What if he ruins us both?
Here's the rub: there is not one thing we can do about it. That's right. I know it has become my mantra, but things are different here. There is no protection for trade names for most businesses. Yes, you can incorporate and then officially register your name and get a measure of assurance, but that involves lawyers, many trips to Culiacan, and a whole lot of money.
I really do mean a measure of assurance. It's not complete by any means. That's why the big design names are beseeching Americans not to buy counterfeit designer merchandise instead of coming down here and stopping the counterfeiting. You can buy designer stuff cheap, from Tommy Hilfiger to Disney, and the imitations are very good.
So now I am left with "Don't be fooled by imitators" ads. Lame. But you will still see it in next month's M! Magazine. So just for the record, if you need quality, certified computer repair in Mazatlan, call the real MazPC! Yep. Still feels crappy.
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|189.174.205.xxx |m-d-Y H:i:s mazbeach - Can't Find ItJenn - You need to ponder out a way to warn the community without getting yourself in a bind. I checked the latest issue and the only ads I could find were Charles' and Cesar's. Both looked legit when I cross checked them with their respective web sites. Was it in the next issue that hasn't come out yet?
Larry Lambert
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|SAdministrator |m-d-Y H:i:s jennifer - ThievesNancy, I have been keeping a close eye on the guy and haven't seen any further ads. Cross your fingers.
Larry - sorry to confuse you. The offending ad was in another local publication. I meant look in the next issue of M! for one of my "don't be fooled by imitators" ads.
Although, I am having second thoughts about that. I can't decide if running an ad like that would actually stir it up for people who haven't seen the imitator's ads. Is it better to let sleeping dogs lie for awhile, do y'all think, or is going offensive better?
Maybe you should post the next story about the guy who stole your content and it will scare this guy off...
Take care,
Nancy