[photo-3d] Tetratel/Ray3D: Men behaving badly.

[Ray Hannisian <ray@xxxxxxx>]

From: Ray Hannisian <ray@xxxxxxx>

To the list:

 (Xal writes:)

> Ray Hannisian's previous involvement with Tetratel and Isee3D 
> (his content was listed on their respective sites early on) can be best 
> explained by Ray and those company reps.

					and

> ...there is a lot more to Ray's involvement (and disaffection) than a simple 
> 'image' represents.  

True!

As a content producer, I have had occasion to to be in communication
with most of the hardware and distribution companies in our field. 
Some of these experiences have been satisfactory, and some have not. 

I have sometimes sold my video tapes to "shutter-glasses"
manufacturers, for distribution with their products.  And, I have seen
my video titles listed as 'available' on the web-sites of several
companies with whom I had no such agreements.  I have also produced
demonstration content for several clients and their products, with no
further obligation between us, beyond that.  

In spite of claims, which I commonly encounter on various web-sites,
of affiliations between myself and other 3D commercial entities, most
of this information has either been exaggerated, inaccurate or premature.

The only outside company with which I ever had a contractual agreement
was VRex, from 96-97.  We parted ways because it we did not share the
same vision regarding the future of the industry or product design.


Regarding my experience with Tetratel, it began in 1997.

At the time, the company was called "Paragon Quest".  I initially
contacted them, to introduce myself and my work.  Ken offered to place
samples of my work in a "featured artist" gallery at his web-site,
with credits and links to my site.  I accepted.

Several times that year, I asked that the image quality of my pictures
be upgraded, to properly represent my work.  Somehow, that was never accomplished.

As time went by, Paragon Quest became "Tetratel".

In 1998, links to my site disappeared.

In 1999, reference to me as the artist also disappeared.

In November of 1999, I discovered that several additional images from
my site were posted by Tetratel, without links or credits.  I wrote to
Ken to complain about the images being posted without the agreed upon
links and credits, and to request that they be removed from the site. 
He wrote back, stating that they would be removed, and that he would
henceforth "refuse to support (my) cause".

An unfortunate communications breakdown, perhaps, but it was done.

The images were removed from the site.

Approximately a week ago, I returned to the Tetratel site to find one
of my images was once again posted, without links or credits.  I wrote
to Ken, pointing out that he was still using my images, in spite of
his agreement to remove it, and without links or credits.  

His response to that message is now well known to members of this list.


I considered that response to be outrageous!  Accordingly, I was outraged!

In less than 2 minutes, with a few keystrokes and a mouse click, my
comments were posted to the list.  My feelings at the time were, "What
is it with this guy?  He's been using my images without credits and
links!  I've pointed it out to him!  He agreed to remove them!  They
reappeared!  I pointed it out to him again!  And he tells me
to..#!@@*&((!)!_!!!   Who does he think he is???"


However:

I was not prepared for the 'firestorm' which followed.

I NEVER expected or intended that this incident would generate 'hate mail'.

I did not expect or intend that anyone boycott Tetratel's products.

Internet communication is a powerful new medium.  It is also
instantaneous!  Had I placed my critical comments in an envelope, I
would have had my walk to the mailbox to consider the consequences. 
The edited message would have read, "I have just had an unsettling
experience with an 'un-named' company!  What do you think about this?" 

In a moment of zeal to expose another's human failings, I have managed
to expose my own as well.
In spite of feeling 'right' about my position at the time, I certainly
have not felt good about it since!

As I reported, I have encountered many instances, over the years,
where people have used my images without permission, credits or links.
I have considerable emotion surrounding this issue.

We all have "off" moments and "bad days".  I imagine that Ken pushed
the "send button" on his eMail in an agitated state, as I did when
posting to this list.  I saw the same effect take hold of members of
this list.  (Several quick statements were immediately followed by
retractions and apologies.)  

Personally, I am finding that eMail is just too fast for my current
level of judgment. 

As I do not wish to destroy anyone's reputation, (including my own),
because of an unguarded or ill advised moment: 

	I apologize to all members of this list, for inciting a near riot!

	I apologize to the moderators of this list, for putting them in such
		an awkward situation.

     And, I apologize to Ken Tetterington and Tetratel, for
		inappropriately posting a personal communication to a public forum.


Sincerely,


Ray Hannisian

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