Friday, January 15, 2010

Sunset at Kratie

I spotted a very familiar photo on the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism's website just a minute ago. Above is part of the banner which appears regularly at the top of the Ministry's homepage advertising the Mekong River and the dolphins. Below is my own photo of a lovely sunset taken in Kratie in December 2000 - can you spot the difference? There isn't any. An acknowledgement would've been welcome but if it helps to promote Cambodia then who am I to quibble.
A dramatic sunset view from Kratie in December 2000

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11 Comments:

Anonymous eric said...

1) The Ministry of Tourism has to pay for the picture...
or
2) They put your name in the credits...
It's that simple!
Stand up, A...!

January 15, 2010 12:06 PM  
Blogger Andy Brouwer said...

I am stood up Eric. I know exactly what you are saying, and you are right. Should've been one or the other or at least asked me beforehand. However, I'm not a professional photographer, its not my livelihood like you, so I don't have the same dogged determination to protect my copyright as maybe I should.
Andy

January 15, 2010 3:13 PM  
Blogger boran said...

although you don't really mind about it, i hope they will say (or write) sorry to you as soon as they realize about this. and you should make sure they realize about everyone's copyright (by writing to them or sth else?)

January 15, 2010 5:17 PM  
Blogger Thomas said...

Yep.. total copycat! But like u said..it is for Cambodia so we'll play a blind eye on this one! :)

January 16, 2010 10:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eric couldn't be more jealous, for its clear none of his pictures, however good they are, will have the same impact in the promotion of the Kingdom. Period.
As for Andy, c'mon, lets face it: the guy is proudest as ever for having supplanted his professional pals. He must be quietly smiling under the shower or on a toilet, wishing the same fate To Cambodia, With Love.
I'm back, guys! TAMARA

January 18, 2010 3:25 AM  
Blogger Andy Brouwer said...

Tamara, I didn't know you'd been away...
Andy

January 18, 2010 10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yes, I have... but this sunset belongs only to us, dear, and you know that since that day. Shd have exchanged a word with me, don't you think? before posting it. funny, you complaining but not complaining of copycat, very characteristic of you - kisses, TAMARA

January 19, 2010 9:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Andy
I will set up a printing co. in Psaar Tuol Thom Pong expressly for pirating copies of TCWL, already have a Cambodian partner and friend taking the preliminary steps, as well as committments by the stands at Psaar Thmei to distribute it. On-the-job trainees/spies at Hanuman and hackers from the same team thats stolen your former blog are still operating and may give me an edge over you on handing me the originals before they come to light. Alain

January 19, 2010 11:39 AM  
Blogger Andy Brouwer said...

Alain,
you should get out more! Stuck at home with your fantasies is damaging your grip on reality.
There is an argument that says that if someone goes to the trouble of pirating your book, then it must be good. But that's crap. It's pirated so that the criminal who copied it can make money for himself.
It's a damaging act that robs the publishers and everyone connected with a book of their rightful dues. Copyright piracy in the form of bootlegged books is illegal and a punishable offense (up to 12 months jail time here in Cambodia) though this hardly registers high on the richter scale here in Cambodia.
I can see the point if pirated books were sold at cheap prices just to Cambodians eager to find out more about the world, to improve their English, etc, but most of the buyers on Sisowath Quay and in the old market in Siem Reap are foreigners who no doubt have a full understanding as to what their actions represent and who they are ultimately hurting. There is no excuse.
Alain, if you proceed with your plan I will have no choice but to take appropriate action.
Andy

January 19, 2010 2:18 PM  
Anonymous eric said...

Ooooh, no.... the little shit is back!
Jealous, me? Get a life, please! THIS IS ABOUT COPYRIGHTS.....

January 24, 2010 9:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Eric
I'm hurt, pls don't call me "little shit".
Kisses, TAMARA

January 30, 2010 10:10 PM  

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