I've always had a desire to help people, any way I could. While going through my seizures, and before my surgery, I didn't really have anyone to talk to about my thoughts, fears, feelings, etc.
I'm a poor public speaker, standing up in front of people is not my thing... and the stress this would cause me would probably give me another seizure. I'm sure there are many ways I can help without having to face my biggest fear, but I haven't done too much towards that yet.
A few months ago, I received a really nice email from a Dr from Wellsphere, telling me that he liked my writing, asking to publish my blog posts on the site, making me a Top Health Blogger blah blah blah. Yes, I was flattered, because at that moment I thought this was my opportunity to help," network with people that may be seeking help, if even just a few people, to share my experiences. My mistake.
I have not made a penny off my site, never had the intention to, but I certainly wasn't in this to help them make millions! Seems that the company was sold, announced earlier today. What I've come to learn is that the blog posts from all of us that they suckered had become their property. Obviously I should have been more skeptical, read the Terms of Service more closely, but I didn't.
You may notice that the sidebars are a little more naked. I've removed Wellsphere widgets, and have asked them to delete my account and my posts.
I'm really upset by this... but sadly, reminds me that things that seem to good to be true, probably are. The badge to the left here was taken from this site, which links to a bunch of other sites blogging about this situation. Seems like a lot of people are feeling duped, myself included.
I've since asked for my account there to be closed, I'd rather have my thoughts and writing to remain my own, what I thought it was all along, and I will find another, more legitimate and rewarding way to help. I have learned my lesson, and will not fall prey to something like this again. I'm thinking of changing my blog to another address, so if I do, once it's up and running, I will let you all know.
**EDIT ➪ this link explains it better than i did...
I need a drink. Can you pour me another?
23 comments:
OK, I'm confused Mel, what did Wellsphere do?
Ok I reread - for whatever reason your blog text continually loads and reloads so I must have missed that part. The nerve of them... idiots!
Have a drink on me.
Hope you feel better about this tomorrow. Seems lousy thing to do, I figure most people are blogging simply for themselves not money. Heck mine sucks so bad they should pay me to stop.
Wow. That really sucks!
So, now what? Do you start another blog or can you continue with this one?
I am still a little confused but it seems whatever it was was pretty low. I don't blame you for being very angry!
Wow...I'd be pretty upset too!
THANK YOU for posting this... they just recently contacted me and i keep putting it off but was just about to say ok... glad i waited :)
Smarmy, down right smarmy! Bastards, exploiting you and you inner thoughts, dreams and wishes...
BTW, love the puppy!
That is SO wrong, they used you and everyone else's blogging to make themselves a bunch of money. That's really crappy!
wow that was skeevy of them. i'm so sorry that you were used. it's truly a terrible feeling. :(
just keep on being awesome... they'll get what they deserve eventually!
My writing isn't good enough for any contacts from such "opportunities" so I will be ready if they ever do! Thanks!
Just reading others thoughts is always helpful...so we all do help each other in ways we may never know about!
Mel, I'm so sorry to hear about this... what a rip off! BUT, I think you know how much you've helped people already with your blog - it sucks to have been taken advantage of like this. But definitely don't let this stop you from doing what you do so well! :)
they got me too. i'm thinking about moving my blog and shutting down the old one. sad, huh?
What a bunch of scammers!! That sucks, Mel. I'm sorry. :(
That's awful. What an evil corporation!
Your anger is justified and I would be pissed off as well. The important ingredient to remember is that your journey has helped countless people and still does, including me.
I have epilepsy and have found few people that speak about it and were living active lifestyles as well. It reminded me that I wasn't alone and my life didn't have to change because of it.
So even though it's late, Thank you.
Wow, I would be pissed of too. We put this stuff out there for us, and never expect that someone is going to make money off of it.
Yes what they did sucks, but you've still got us and this blog has still served it's original purpose for you... not sure if that makes in any better but I'm working from the bright side
How frustrating and disappointing! So sorry you had to deal with that.
That sucks! I like your Wellsphere's bitch sticker!
I am very sorry Melanie!! That really sucks and i totally get why your so upset!!! I am here to read your wonderful blog and I love your writing!!!
Keep it going OK girlie????
I am so sorry Melanie! But the "not a wellsphere bitch" button is awesome! I don't understand why people do shit like that!
That completely sucks about Wellsphere...and how odd that it only came to light recently about their TOS. Obviously it isn't right that they own the content from their subscribers...at the very least, such a stipulation ought to be posted beyond just the fine print.
It doesn't matter if bloggers are happy about it....they're probably aren't aware that their intellectual property is being stolen from them. Any self-respecting blogger isn't willing to part with the ownership of their creative fruits without being paid for it. That's true for any other creative output - music, art, photography, writing.
As technically legal it may be to hide that in the TOS, it's morally wrong and is the equivalent of evil-doing. All they did was meet the minimum obligation, and I wouldn't want to have any association with a company that does the minimum necessary. At my place of work, if I got that on my job review, that's a failing grade.
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