Domains by Proxy

Well, I found the host and sent a DMCA notice. I'd still really like to know who the blog's owner is though.

There pub id is pub-8095796375031336.

Maybe push a complaint to Google about stolen content. Getting their adsense account shut down might make them pay attention.

Sorry, but Google regularly does NOTHING when I complain about the exact same problem - even when I provide as much proof as possible. They want a printed DMCA. Why should they want to lose AdSense revenue? No, they could make an extra 5-6 days of revenue off thieving site while I have to find a printer, print a DMCA template, mail it by snail mail. It would be too damn simple to suspend the account. They couldn't possibly do it that way, even with proof.

*ahem*

I wouldn't encourage this, but a really pissed off person could take that Google Pub id, create a blogger blog. Setup Adsense on the blogger blog with that Google Pub ID and then click, click, click away on the adsense account until Google shuts it down for fraud.

Bet that would get Google's attention.

Plus if you include the channel ID from that same page, the person would think they were getting the fraud from that original site maybe.

Alternatively, you could save your self the trouble and go click on their ads on the blog that is ripping you off. (I'd suggest you do that from a public library though . . . .)

There are several points here to talk about so I'll take them in order.

First, I know you said you found the host, but just in case we have different information, the host that I have is Dreamhost. You can find their DMCA information at this link. They have one of the best DMCA policies on the Web, very balanced and fast, and will handle the situation post haste if you contact them.

Second is the issue of Adsense, though Raj and others say that Adsense does not act, they are wrong. However, you can not simply file a complaint and expect the matter to be resolved. Instead, you have to file a full DMCA notice with Adsense. Information on doing that can be found at this link.

Finally is the issue of DomainsByProxy. A lot of site's use it, largely because the whois database is a spammer haven with so much personal information, but also to disguise personal information when they want to do something illegal or borderline.

Since DBP does not violate any ICANN regulations (all of the contact information is valid since DBP will forward correspondence on) there is no way to simply report the site. The only way to break down this particular wall is to simply file a John Doe lawsuit against the plagiarist and get a subpoena for the information. It could be very expensive and time-consuming.

I don't recommend it, especially considering that it isn't necessary information to file stop the plagiarism. Right now you can get the work removed, the advertising taken down (By the by, if you go after Adsense, do it BEFORE having the work removed, otherwise they can't do anything).

I would attack what you can and not worry about getting their identity. Even if you got the court order, there's a good chance he just gave false information anyway. All smart spammers and copyright thieves do.

I'm sorry to say that he will, most likely, remain anonymous.

I hope that this helps!

I did file a DMCA with Dreamhost - the content is still up, so I'm sure this stuff takes time. I'll also contact Google.

I'm coming across this stuff just about everyday, I suppose it's only going to get worse.

Dreamhost, in my experience with them, takes about 2-3 business days to fully act on a DMCA notice. Depending on when you sent it, I"d give them until Tuesday.

If they do not act by then, resend the notice but double check your template. One thing they do not do generally is let people know if there was a problem with their complaint due to an inadequate notice.

What I would wager is happening is that they're giving the actual Webmaster a few days to fix the situation themselves, something of a courtesy, and will cut it if they don't respond.

Fairly typical in that regard.

Yes, it will only be getting worse I am afraid. Much, much worse. In my field, you don't want to see "rapid growth potential".

I'm happy to report Dreamhost did respond... though the site in question is still stealing all my content - they requested a DMCA per page so that's what I'm doing. So far they're the quickest and most responsive of any of the hosts I had to approach.

I think your sample DMCA letters are wonderful and will recommend them at About Weblogs.

That is a very strange requirement. The DMCA allows you to submit multiple items in one notice, going so far as to explain how to do it in the law itself. That is strange. Still not the most bizarre requirement though, Google has that locked with the faxed signature requirement.

I'll have to contact them and see what the deal is about that.

Still, I am glad that they responded and that things are moving forward! Please keep me/us posted!

I did submit my whole request on one page and they accepted the long list. I'm happy to report they shut the offending site down. So this whole drama took a little over a week.

Not too shabby.

In the future it should go much more quickly! Once you have the tools in place, it is usually much faster to take care of business.

Glad it all worked out and feel free to post again if you find someone else taking your work and need help!

Such a controversial topic examined with such estimable accuracy.

Be aware that Domains by Proxy does not protect you from being subpoenaed. Even a normal police officer can call them up and your privacy is gone.

Go offshore! For example http://www.anonymousspeech.com/anonymous_domain.aspx

Privacy in the US with a US registrar...just impossible. Don't get yourself foold by GoDaddy! oddacidy@yahoo.com

Does anyone know about www.anonymousspeech.com? Where are they located? How long in business? Would
like to hear from long time customers? Don't see how they could provide what they claim, unless they
are like piratebay?