In our quest to find the perfect blend of advertisers for Mizozo, we may have gone a little too far. After a great deal of thought and much discussion, last week we decided to partner with 3 Interactive and allow them to serve Pop Unders on Mizozo. It is too early to say for sure whether or not this was a good idea, but we have already received a few complaints, specifically regarding how this advertiser works on smart phones. I expect that we will be able to shut them off completely on smart phones, but due to Memorial Day Weekend I will only know for sure tomorrow.
As it stands we are currently teamed up with 3 advertisers, the new 3 Interactive, Matomy Media and the more recent addition of Adcito. There is no room for additional advertising on Mizozo, so it seems we are maxed out. However, we may need to remove 3 Interactive if either people start complaining or we notice that traffic has dropped substantially. We will give them a try for a month and see how things go.
Otherwise, there isn't too much new going on with Mizozo. Last week some more tweaks were done to the algorithm, but this should have been transparent to everyone. Likewise, a major bug was discovered in our Publisher Profile page by one of our publishers, which was quickly resolved. I can't stress this enough, if any of you ever notice a problem, please don't hesitate to let us know so that we can resolve it quickly.
In the upcoming weeks we plan on several new initiatives regarding Mizozo's text and getting our message across. It seems that we are lacking in decent writers because we are constantly plagued by the most basic questions (to us at least) like "What is Mizozo all about?" We will be sure to let you all know as this progresses.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Much Going On, but Nothing to Show
There isn't a great deal to report on as of last week, although Mizozo is working towards major changes in order to improve on its SEO and SMO presence. We are constantly in contact with other site owners and are learning a great deal from one another.
One very important thing that we have to learn is how to properly advertise on Mizozo. While we were fully aware of the fact that our NSFW articles would be a problem when it comes to advertising, it seems the fact that we are likewise a user generated content site is equally problematic. We are currently in negotiations with several agencies and are looking into applying various tactics in the not too distant future, but we are hesitant when it comes to intrusive ads like pop-unders, that highlighting text thing and screen grabs.
In the meantime, we are still generating more than enough revenue to cover our expenses and to slowly (very slowly) build a bank, so we are not in a rush to make any changes that might affect our user experience.
One very important thing that we have to learn is how to properly advertise on Mizozo. While we were fully aware of the fact that our NSFW articles would be a problem when it comes to advertising, it seems the fact that we are likewise a user generated content site is equally problematic. We are currently in negotiations with several agencies and are looking into applying various tactics in the not too distant future, but we are hesitant when it comes to intrusive ads like pop-unders, that highlighting text thing and screen grabs.
In the meantime, we are still generating more than enough revenue to cover our expenses and to slowly (very slowly) build a bank, so we are not in a rush to make any changes that might affect our user experience.
Labels:
Advertising,
Mizozo,
SEO,
SMO
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Copyright and DMCA Rules
Recently, I have been in discussion with a gentleman who has been harassed by an image copyright holder. His story is quite incredible, but the meat of it is simple: The site has made about $2 over the past year, but the copyright owners are attempting to extort him to the tune of $8500. The lunacy of such a claim is apparent, but the fact that extortion in such a case is even legal can only be true in a capitalist society.
Lets be honest, as a blogger it is impossible to know whether or not a particular image is owned by copyright. Of course, if you are taking the image from a Getty site, a news outlet, or something similar you can be reasonably sure that it is copyrighted. However, most people use Google Image Search, which often returns an image from a different blog. For the most part, bloggers are being held accountable for things that go well beyond their means.
Mizozo falls under a slightly different umbrella. Since we are a user generated content site, we are allowed a bit of leeway. We are expected to respond to DMCA claims quickly, and as has been noted in the past we do, but we are still liable to some extent. This is even more mind boggling because policing something like YouTube, Facebook, or any other mass social media context is impossible, which allows these trolls to attempt to extort even the major players. Of course, these major players are lawyered up pretty well, so they aren't worried, but smaller sites like Mizozo don't have such a luxury.
Whats even scarier is how easy it is to create a bot which just crawls the Internet looking for images that you own. Virtually any lawyer can purchase such a system, sign a deal with a popular photographer, then just run the bot and send extortion letters to all sites that come up. Even if only 5% of the sites respond with a check, the lawyer will make out like a bandit, which I'm sure they do.
For those that face similar situation, it is highly recommended that you at least register with the US Copyright Office. Registration is fairly simple, here are detailed instructions on what needs to be done: http://www.copyright.gov/onlinesp/
If you are faced with copyright trouble, please feel free to contact us. While we aren't lawyers we do have many friends that have found themselves in similar situations and would be more than happy to help out. We highly recommend doing a free consultation with a lawyer or two, but there hitting the social media scene (posting to Reddit, making a blog post, or the like) may be very beneficial. If you do chose the social route, please let us know and we will help in any way we can.
Lets be honest, as a blogger it is impossible to know whether or not a particular image is owned by copyright. Of course, if you are taking the image from a Getty site, a news outlet, or something similar you can be reasonably sure that it is copyrighted. However, most people use Google Image Search, which often returns an image from a different blog. For the most part, bloggers are being held accountable for things that go well beyond their means.
Mizozo falls under a slightly different umbrella. Since we are a user generated content site, we are allowed a bit of leeway. We are expected to respond to DMCA claims quickly, and as has been noted in the past we do, but we are still liable to some extent. This is even more mind boggling because policing something like YouTube, Facebook, or any other mass social media context is impossible, which allows these trolls to attempt to extort even the major players. Of course, these major players are lawyered up pretty well, so they aren't worried, but smaller sites like Mizozo don't have such a luxury.
Whats even scarier is how easy it is to create a bot which just crawls the Internet looking for images that you own. Virtually any lawyer can purchase such a system, sign a deal with a popular photographer, then just run the bot and send extortion letters to all sites that come up. Even if only 5% of the sites respond with a check, the lawyer will make out like a bandit, which I'm sure they do.
For those that face similar situation, it is highly recommended that you at least register with the US Copyright Office. Registration is fairly simple, here are detailed instructions on what needs to be done: http://www.copyright.gov/onlinesp/
If you are faced with copyright trouble, please feel free to contact us. While we aren't lawyers we do have many friends that have found themselves in similar situations and would be more than happy to help out. We highly recommend doing a free consultation with a lawyer or two, but there hitting the social media scene (posting to Reddit, making a blog post, or the like) may be very beneficial. If you do chose the social route, please let us know and we will help in any way we can.
Labels:
Copyright,
DMCA,
Extortion,
Mizozo,
Takedown Notice
Monday, May 14, 2012
As the weeks roll by ...
These last few weeks have been really hectic, hence my larger than usual break between posts. This past week and a half saw some interesting highlights ...
For starters, we had 2 more DMCA takedown requests, bringing our running total to 5. It is interesting to point out, how can site administrators possibly monitor all images and determine whether or not they belong to anyone? Is this even possible?
What is interesting about these 2 takedown requests is that one of them came from the Me In My Place photographer, Michael Edwards. At first, he was upset over the fact that we had published leaked photos from his MIMP App, something that we were completely unaware of, but after explaining our situation we worked out an interesting deal with him. From here on out, Mizozo will be featuring a MIMP girl every week, obviously giving credit to Michael and his team, but more importantly trying to encourage viewers to help Michael out by either purchasing his app, or anything else from his MIMP line. You may think that Photographers are just rolling in money, but let me tell you from experience that Photography isn't a very financially rewarding career choice.
Our next major achievement has been in securing a new advertiser for Mizozo, Adcito. They seem new to the advertising world, but they are very customer friendly and willing to work closely with their publishers. This is, of course, a very nice feature. Preliminary reports show that their payout isn't nearly as well as Google's, but still more than sufficient to make them our primary advertiser. As we had planned with Google previously, we are only showing clean articles to the Adcito ads, with all NSFW articles or edgy articles going to Matomy Media.
That's our news for now ... stay tuned for more gripping Mizozo action in the weeks to come.
For starters, we had 2 more DMCA takedown requests, bringing our running total to 5. It is interesting to point out, how can site administrators possibly monitor all images and determine whether or not they belong to anyone? Is this even possible?
What is interesting about these 2 takedown requests is that one of them came from the Me In My Place photographer, Michael Edwards. At first, he was upset over the fact that we had published leaked photos from his MIMP App, something that we were completely unaware of, but after explaining our situation we worked out an interesting deal with him. From here on out, Mizozo will be featuring a MIMP girl every week, obviously giving credit to Michael and his team, but more importantly trying to encourage viewers to help Michael out by either purchasing his app, or anything else from his MIMP line. You may think that Photographers are just rolling in money, but let me tell you from experience that Photography isn't a very financially rewarding career choice.
Our next major achievement has been in securing a new advertiser for Mizozo, Adcito. They seem new to the advertising world, but they are very customer friendly and willing to work closely with their publishers. This is, of course, a very nice feature. Preliminary reports show that their payout isn't nearly as well as Google's, but still more than sufficient to make them our primary advertiser. As we had planned with Google previously, we are only showing clean articles to the Adcito ads, with all NSFW articles or edgy articles going to Matomy Media.
That's our news for now ... stay tuned for more gripping Mizozo action in the weeks to come.
Labels:
Adcito,
Advertising,
DMCA,
Me In My Place,
Michael Edwards,
MIMP,
Mizozo,
Photography,
Takedown Notice
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Mizozo Received and Responded to its Third DMCA Takedown Notice
I am under the impression that we at Mizozo need to get used to these DMCA takedown notices. More importantly, I think it would be prudent on our part to implement an easier way for these lawyers to notify us of images that are copyrighted. The fact that the Internet is just a plethora of information with no way to determine who actually owns what simply makes it impossible for any user generated content source to monitor its media.
This latest takedown notice was in regards to two Lindsay Lohan images on two separate articles. One was relatively recent, and the second was posted shortly after her first arrest. I am curious how the lawyers that sent the notice are alerted to images that are copyrighted, does anyone have any insight into the process?
Well, regardless, we removed the images, the articles tied to the images and all images tied to those articles. One thing for certain, Mizozo is in no position to argue with lawyers, nor do we want to. If you find anything on Mizozo that belongs to you, please let us know and we will remove it.
As previously, I would like to post the letter we received:
May 02, 2012
Re: Notice of Unauthorized Use of Images Owned by AKM Images
Dear Zhan Goloborodko:
Copyright Enforcement Group, LLC, ("We") represent AKM Images. AKM Images owns all right, title and interest to the copyright-registered images referenced in this document.
We have detected the unauthorized use of the images owned by AKM Images listed below. Each image is covered by a registered copyright. Our records and those of AKM Images indicate that you do not currently hold the proper licenses for the use of the images displayed on your website.
The following image infringements were detected:
# | Image Title | Evidence Exhibit
1.) Lindsay Lohan Bikini Beach Party | Exhibit A in 262618.pdf [ URL: http://mizozo.com/images/item_ images/36000/35501_gallery.jpg ]
2.) Lindsay Lohan at the time a bench warrant was issued for her arrest | Exhibit B in 262618.pdf [ URL: http://mizozo.com/images/item_ images/7000/6877_gallery.jpg ]
You are hereby notified that your unauthorized use of the registered copyrights owned by AKM Images for the images described herein is in violation of the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. 106. In this regard, demand is hereby made that you immediately and permanently cease and desist the unauthorized use and display of said images or produce proof of licenses of said images by emailing them to: support@copyrightsettlements. com
You may also be held liable for monetary damages, including attorneys' fees and court costs, if a lawsuit is commenced against you. You have until June 01, 2012 to permanently cease and desist the unauthorized use and display of said images.
If you fail to respond, cease and desist, or produce proof of licenses within the prescribed time period, the claims will be referred to our attorneys for legal action.
Nothing contained or omitted from this correspondence is, or shall be deemed to be, either a full statement of the facts or applicable law, an admission of any fact, or waiver or limitation of any of AKM Images' rights or remedies, all of which are specifically retained and reserved.
The information in this notice is accurate. We have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of herein is not authorized by the registered copyright owner, its agent, or by operation of law. We represent that we are authorized to act on behalf of AKM Images.
Sincerely,
Dale Spislander
Copyright Enforcement Agent
Copyright Enforcement Group, LLC
8484 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 220
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Toll Free: 877-5-COPYRIGHT (877-526-7974)
Local: 310-526-8610
Email: support@copyrightsettlements. com
Website: https://www. copyrightsettlements.com/
This latest takedown notice was in regards to two Lindsay Lohan images on two separate articles. One was relatively recent, and the second was posted shortly after her first arrest. I am curious how the lawyers that sent the notice are alerted to images that are copyrighted, does anyone have any insight into the process?
Well, regardless, we removed the images, the articles tied to the images and all images tied to those articles. One thing for certain, Mizozo is in no position to argue with lawyers, nor do we want to. If you find anything on Mizozo that belongs to you, please let us know and we will remove it.
As previously, I would like to post the letter we received:
May 02, 2012
Re: Notice of Unauthorized Use of Images Owned by AKM Images
Dear Zhan Goloborodko:
Copyright Enforcement Group, LLC, ("We") represent AKM Images. AKM Images owns all right, title and interest to the copyright-registered images referenced in this document.
We have detected the unauthorized use of the images owned by AKM Images listed below. Each image is covered by a registered copyright. Our records and those of AKM Images indicate that you do not currently hold the proper licenses for the use of the images displayed on your website.
The following image infringements were detected:
# | Image Title | Evidence Exhibit
1.) Lindsay Lohan Bikini Beach Party | Exhibit A in 262618.pdf [ URL: http://mizozo.com/images/item_
2.) Lindsay Lohan at the time a bench warrant was issued for her arrest | Exhibit B in 262618.pdf [ URL: http://mizozo.com/images/item_
You are hereby notified that your unauthorized use of the registered copyrights owned by AKM Images for the images described herein is in violation of the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. 106. In this regard, demand is hereby made that you immediately and permanently cease and desist the unauthorized use and display of said images or produce proof of licenses of said images by emailing them to: support@copyrightsettlements.
You may also be held liable for monetary damages, including attorneys' fees and court costs, if a lawsuit is commenced against you. You have until June 01, 2012 to permanently cease and desist the unauthorized use and display of said images.
If you fail to respond, cease and desist, or produce proof of licenses within the prescribed time period, the claims will be referred to our attorneys for legal action.
Nothing contained or omitted from this correspondence is, or shall be deemed to be, either a full statement of the facts or applicable law, an admission of any fact, or waiver or limitation of any of AKM Images' rights or remedies, all of which are specifically retained and reserved.
The information in this notice is accurate. We have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of herein is not authorized by the registered copyright owner, its agent, or by operation of law. We represent that we are authorized to act on behalf of AKM Images.
Sincerely,
Dale Spislander
Copyright Enforcement Agent
Copyright Enforcement Group, LLC
8484 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 220
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Toll Free: 877-5-COPYRIGHT (877-526-7974)
Local: 310-526-8610
Email: support@copyrightsettlements.
Website: https://www.
Labels:
Copyright,
DMCA,
Mizozo,
Publisher,
Takedown Notice
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mizozo's April Report
As another month passes, another short report is issued. Trying to hold true to our concept of being a transparent company, this month we will release a little more data than before. This month was a bit weaker than the previous, due to the fact that the previous month saw a single article go through the roof, but none the less we had a great month. By changing our layout, we immediately saw a dramatic increase in earnings through Google, but then quickly were banned by Google (more about that in a later post). All in all, this was a good month.
Here are April's basic numbers
Number of visitors: 724,358
Number of Pageviews: 1,083,179
Estimated Monthly Earning through Google *: $359.14
Monthly Earning through Matomy Media *: $67.41
Estimated Monthly Total *: $426.55
Our design change also increased our average page views per visitor. This month we saw about 1.5 page views per visitor, a big jump over previous months. I expect this average will increase over time, hopefully getting to 2 views per visitor soon.
I would like to start introducing our top 5 articles for the month, excluding any SEO articles that may have entered the list.
#1 - Beauty with your Own Hands (47,300)
#2 - Reddit, the land of Filth and Humor (34,600)
#3 - The Bizarre Humor of Reddit (28,500)
#4 - Dancing Saint Petersburg (22,800)
#5 - Mizozo Home Page (22,100)
It is incredibly reassuring to see the home page making the top 5, this means that enough people liked what they saw to check out what else is on the site. Also interesting, there were two SEO articles that would have taken #2 and #5 if they weren't excluded, so you can see why we like our SEO publishers.
Lastly, a quick note about our advertisement situation. It seems Google is greatly opposed to a site that has any content that isn't Rated-PG. Considering the amount of NSFW content on Mizozo, they refuse to have anything to do with us. This is unfortunate, especially considering that we spent a good amount of time developing a solution we thought would please them, but more so because their CPM is so much higher than what anyone else provides (over 10 times that of Matomy Media). We are now once more forced to once again go scouting for new advertisers and likely setup some affiliate partnerships. There will be more on this in a subsequent post.
Here are April's basic numbers
Number of visitors: 724,358
Number of Pageviews: 1,083,179
Estimated Monthly Earning through Google *: $359.14
Monthly Earning through Matomy Media *: $67.41
Estimated Monthly Total *: $426.55
Our design change also increased our average page views per visitor. This month we saw about 1.5 page views per visitor, a big jump over previous months. I expect this average will increase over time, hopefully getting to 2 views per visitor soon.
I would like to start introducing our top 5 articles for the month, excluding any SEO articles that may have entered the list.
#1 - Beauty with your Own Hands (47,300)
#2 - Reddit, the land of Filth and Humor (34,600)
#3 - The Bizarre Humor of Reddit (28,500)
#4 - Dancing Saint Petersburg (22,800)
#5 - Mizozo Home Page (22,100)
It is incredibly reassuring to see the home page making the top 5, this means that enough people liked what they saw to check out what else is on the site. Also interesting, there were two SEO articles that would have taken #2 and #5 if they weren't excluded, so you can see why we like our SEO publishers.
Lastly, a quick note about our advertisement situation. It seems Google is greatly opposed to a site that has any content that isn't Rated-PG. Considering the amount of NSFW content on Mizozo, they refuse to have anything to do with us. This is unfortunate, especially considering that we spent a good amount of time developing a solution we thought would please them, but more so because their CPM is so much higher than what anyone else provides (over 10 times that of Matomy Media). We are now once more forced to once again go scouting for new advertisers and likely setup some affiliate partnerships. There will be more on this in a subsequent post.
Labels:
Advertising,
Google,
Matomy Media,
Mizozo,
Mizozo Labs,
Monthly Report,
Transparent Company
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