Heating Help

Should I be flattered?

Take a look at this fellow's blog. Scroll down a bit and look at the sections that he credits to himself as author. Then look here and here. He has stolen my copyrighted work, which is like stealing a man's tools. There once was a man from Nantucket, Who carried his pride in a bucket. Said he, "I'm a Dan, too! So I'll just steal from you." This shameless man from Nantucket Shame on you Dan Capoziello of Nantucket. Shame on you.

508-232-5123

I just tried that, you get a brief hip-hop sound clip then a reorder (fast busy). Not a great way to impress customers. It's probably a cell phone. Hot tip: in most areas on landline phones, if you push *67 and wait for the dial tone to go beep-beep-beep-brrrrrrrrrrrr before dialing the number, it will block the receiving phone from getting a Caller ID readout. So he won't be able to call you back. Dan H, if you haven't contacted your lawyer you need to do so NOW. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

nobody home?

(508) 232-5123 Type: Land Line Provider: AT&T Location: Brockton, MA Maybe Dan needs to leave a "Hello sir, I have no heat and I've got small children etc... could you please return my call as soon as possible..."

There once

was a plumber named Dan, who stole the words of another man. The lawyers they came, and on him they laid blame, and he did twenty years in the can (and paid a huge settlement and printed a retraction)

not a pro?

A quick check of the MA professional licensure database shows no Capoziello licensed as a gasfitter or plumber. What's up with that?

Dan , Evidentily he never read Pumping Away *~/:)

Because his boiler has a header without a circulator in sight of the expansion tank. The tools he chose to use might have been a benefit had he explored the Application...Eh? It is Good to see you again :)

Cease & Desist

Dan, You certainly didn’t invent hydronics. In fact isn’t everything you write already been written? Everything you say has already been said. I am sure the people you copied were flattered too. Life is plagiarism and now this poor schlep trying to put food on his table has your war-dogs calling him non-stop. Gentlemen, get back to providing for your family. Everybody needs to lighten up and let Dan fight his own battles (is this really a battle). We all say and write things we wish we could take back, I know of some manufacturers that think Dan shouldn’t write some of the things they have said to him. Remove his phone number, that can be construed as harassment. My 2 cents

Hey Pete

Yeah people steal stuff, but you have to give credit to who you stole it from, you can't just put your name on it and pass it off as your own work. Try that with your college professor on your next term paper, you'll probably get an F.

Are you for real \"Pete\"

ok, yes some of the stuff is not new, but to copy VERBATIM is the case here..No dead man's family will want a fee if you say "these rads are the best for comfort" or any of a miilion other things we all use...Gil Carlson does not want a nickle everytime the expression "pumping away" is used.. But to copy verbatim, EXACTLY, someone elses work, claim it as your own, for personal gain is illegal. pla·gia·rism Pronunciation Key - [pley-juh-riz-uhm, -jee-uh-riz-] –noun 1. the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. 2. something used and represented in this manner plagiarize Main Entry: pla·gia·rize Pronunciation: ˈplâ-jə-ˌrîz also -jç-ə- Function: verb Inflected Form(s): pla·gia·rized; pla·gia·riz·ing Etymology: plagiary Date: 1716 transitive verb : to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source intransitive verb : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source If you know the definition..this idiot (not you pete, the other one on the web site,,ok maybe you too..but anyway) fits these to a tee.

Whoa ...I ama thinking these are the tools of a Craftsman...

Painting his tools yellow right in front of him is NOT GOING to set Well with him. Especially when the tools are his stock in trade in day to day work. I think it offensive . Dan might pass it off as Laughable especially when it was done in Front of his eyes as it were , still. .... that really is not showing much consideration for a Master Craftsman's tools.....

Use your real name \"Pete\"

or admit you're a coward. Dan's ideas may be inspired by the writings of men who are dead, but the words are fresh and are his alone. He could have simply reprinted the old books, but he certainly wouldn't have pretended to write them himself by putting his own name on them and they wouldn't have been as coherent as what he gave us. Your arguement is very poor and you're ashamed to sign your name to it. Kevin

And just for the record

that phone number came straight from the ad containing his plagiarism of Dan H's work. So there is an implication that he WANTS people to call the number. We're glad to oblige. Still no answer or functioning voice mail. What a surprise. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

And should a thief steal your tools

should I chastise you and tell you that you didn't invent plumbing or heating and that the poor schlep is just trying to put food on his table and that none of your peers should support you, but rather support the thief? Take your 2 cents and stuff it, buster.

Hmmmm......

Sounds like "Pete" may actually be Dan from Nantucket??? Just sayin.......

Dan! You are the man. And that comment is why I think your so great. The Pompetti's got your back ; ) To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Amen

Amen Dan! Stealing is stealing. It's one thing to quote somebody, giving credit where credit is due, but another thing (theft) to copy somebodys work, word for word, and claim it for your own. "Remove his phone number, that can be construed as harassment." - The real harassment here is directed toward Dan by the thief. This guy deserves everything he has coming. I'm calling him right now.

Too bad...

tar and feathers are not an option these days.

RipOff

He obviously did not think anyone here would see the blog. He should either take off the article or give full credit- monetary or otherwise- to Dan. And Dan, by the way, you are in good company. Thomas Edison was looted many times in spite of patents. How about Joe Biden? Thank goodness you have loyal readers who know the score.

it just kills me that when you play by the rules anyone can sue you for anything and you can win the case but loose money like crazy. someone who just hides behind the curtains like this can ride it out for ever and claim bankruptcy in the end and Dan ends up with a hole in his wallet and no justice. Makes me just want to smack somebody. Course then they would sue. :)

Just rallying for the cause

Us Wallies have responded en masse to this thread,cause all of us consider Dan a brother. Others always plagarize, copy,tear down because of their own narcissism and jealousy. Any number of us could have "been" Dan, but we didn't. I for one would not have caught up with what I missed in 10 yrs. away from hydronics without this site.

Dan

Dan, Keep up the good work, the majority here are behind you. Objective reasoning never works when those who criticize you have no objectivity.

Thanks.

I get by with a little help from my friends. And my friends know they can always count on me.

Wow.

Kind of amazing really how bold people are. Dan, your work will stand the test of time. This guy will not. Any updates or anything the masses can do to help? A friend in need is a friend in deed. Paul

The logical conclusion

of the line of thinking of "Pete" (the anonymous coward)is this: Since none of us invented any of the words in our English language, nor even one letter of the alphabet- nothing we write is really "original" and therefore the concept of plagiarism does not exist. Even "Pete's" name does not really belong to him in any way that would imply individual rights or priveleges. Therefore, if you were to apply for credit cards in his name, or use his name to write checks, "Pete" would be perfectly consistent and say it's OK by him. Kevin

ASSUME

Dan, I never assumed that you did not do these things. I was just stating that those were the proper things to do. You obvoisly are upset about the issue and rightfully so. I am just questioning using this site as a weapon which you are doing based on the fact that you have already taken the other steps. Your site. Your weapon. My opinion

Glenn,

you are trying my patience.

Perspective.

Glenn, when I have a problem, I go to my friends and ask for help. They do the same with me when they have a problem. If fact, that's when you find out whether someone actually is your friend. I've learned this after 58 years. I remember once here on the Wall when a guy from England had his tools stolen. We raised money to replace his tools. We also raise money to fight breast cancer on this site. We send holiday gifts to kids who live in shelters. We've raised money to support a friend who was out of work after a serious injury. We help each other. I look at my friends' problems as my problems, and the people who know me know that this is true. I have used the power of this community to help others, and other people have used it to help others, and that's what we're all about, Glenn. And as far as getting on with more important things, I don't think there are many things more important than helping a friend in need. I thank my friends for helping me with this situation.

You nailed it, Dan.

That's what this place is all about - helping people. Whether it's a heating, money, personal, or any other kind of problem, the Wallies are all here for each other, and for the public, and I dare say most of us would do anything humanly possible to help someone here. Dan has personally helped me on more than one occasion, and I would always consider it an honor, and a responsibility, to return the favor.

NO PROBLEM HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Dan. Helping those in need is a very nobel thing to do. This site does a lot to help, but it seems to me that sometimes it is also used as a weapon. This is an example of it being used as a weapon. You have all these loyal people who are willing to go out and do battle on your behalf. Were you wronged by the other guy. Yes. Should you be upset about this. Yes. Should all these people go out and batter this guy for you???? I think that in your 58 years you would learn that the best way to deal with a problem is to confront it head on. If the guy won't answer a call, registered mail from a competent attorney would probably work well. So you can commiserate here to your hearts content, But time would be better served by confronting the problem directly. Using this site as a weapon degrades it's value as a whole for the industry. Note how many Manufacturers stay away from this site because of legal and other issues. Your site..... Your call..... just my opinion.

Glenn,

I've done all of those things. How could you assume that I haven't? And if someone stays away from this site because of legal and other issues, well, that's that person's choice. I think the site does a great job. You disagree and that's fine. Thanks for your opinion.

Dan- Just a suggestion. I searched the Mass. web site. This fellow dosent appear to hold any state licenses which I think someone else pointed out above. Not a plumber or a gas fitter an oil burner or refrigeration tech or pipefitter is the man from Nantuckett. And yes Massachusetts the most regulated state in the country has all these licenses and more. Plus, you not supposed to advertise without putting your license # in the ad I would contactthe Dept. of Public safety which covers the oil burner, refrig, and pipefitter licenses and the Board of Plumbers and gas fitters which is self explanatory. Goo Luck! Ed

Good luck Dan. To me it seems like it's not worth too much time to deal with this small bug in a world of elephants, but it is your livelihood and you are good at what you do. I'm sure you'll do what needs to be done. Good luck.

You are 100% correct. If you are lazy and don't protect your copyright, you cloud your rights. Keep up the good work.

Gentleman

No doubt, Pete and Bick are the same guy who is sitting at home getting his immature jollys that he's getting people worked up. He's not serious, just bored and stupid. His med's are kicking in and he's bored. Time to get out of bed and back to work Dude. Scott To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Let's go back to work

Just an observation here. Sometimes the hoopla overpowers the problem.... If Dan want's to go after the guy let him. It is "HIS" problem to solve. Complaining here about it won't solve the problem. I was once told by a wise old man not to complain to those who can do nothing to solve a problem, because it is just whining at that point. By the way, I agree that the guy deserves to be slapped but just go do it and lets get on with more important things here.

I just submitted a comment to this guys website, but like the rest, he will just delete it. I'm sure this kind of thing happens all the time, but what gets me about this one, is that he intentionally put "by Dan Capoziello" above each section that he stole. He wasn't just trying to pad his website with information, he was deliberately trying to impress people that he wrote it himself. When Dan (the good one) posted this on his website, even he cited the source, and the source was his own book. The Lost Art of Steam Heating - just words? "Now that's HeatingHelp you can Xerox!"

john some food for thought

By puting this guys blog on this site it probably got 10 times more traffic than it deserved. There are advertisers on the site. I wonder if the guy made more money today because of the uproar over this.... Just a thought

Good.

He'll be sending the money to me.

Whining

I agree Glenn that there's little that we can do from here and it's definitely Dan's battle not mine. However since I live in Iowa and Dan is somewhere in New York we can't sit down and discuss this over a few cold ones, much as I'd like to be there for him. Luckily this forum provides a place to voice opinions and feelings so if the Wallies decide to solve a few world problems, or just show support for someone we consider a friend we can do so. And you always have options too. You don't have to read this particular thread if you don't want to.

Humbly submitted.

When I taught high school it broke my heart when I came across plagiarism. But not once could I say it was a truly malicious act: rather it was the simple meeting of stupid and lazy. People just don't understand the gravity of plagiarism- maybe because in this age of it's so easy to do. I certainly don't want to appear to be excusing this guy, nor would I suggest that you all give him a pass, but in my slim opinion I doubt this moron will respond to phone calls and emails the way you intend him to. Though it may be temporarily gratifying to give him an earful, the law of unintended consequences says it could make matters worse. A blunt, one paragraph _letter_ from a _lawyer_ will get him up to speed with the seriousness of what he's done, and quick. In the meantime, while this dope has stolen himself some classy window dressing, it sounds like he's an otherwise lousy businessman (no VM, not answering calls). Time wounds all heels. My $0.02, Patrick North

Ed

I also did the same and also came up empty. This guy seems to be running under the radar. Scott To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

same here!

Mr. Unlisted far as I can determine. Spent time trying every avenue I could think of to connect the missing dots. But, that's just another telling clue about the character's character.

So much

For radar

LOL!

touche! the Hooter

Copyright laws

Since we have come this far, if you are interested, here is Chapter 5 of the US laws. I assume the offending web site has been copied page by page to preserve it before it disappears. http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html#502

I have been watching this thread with interest and decided it is time to chime in. For me, since learning from this site and updating my system, steam heat is a hobby, not a profession. My background is business and recently, intellectual property law as it relates to the internet. This is what I would do: 1. Send a registered letter (and unregisterd letter) with a cease and desist warning to remove the material from the web site. Or, if feeling charitable, modify the content to recognize the true author with a link to heatinghelp.com. Writing the ISP has no legal value. 2. If nothing happens, think seriously of whether you want to spend the money to take legal action. You will unquestionably win...but you may never collect a nickel if the guy has no money. My experience is that the content will disappear shortly upon receipt of the cease and desist letter. My gut feeling is that this guy isn't smart enough to understand that copyright violation is theft. I doubt it was malicious, just ignorant. If he removes the material then that should be the end of it. I would have a very different feeling if Dan's content appeared on www.thisoldhouse.com or a "real" web site. But a writer must protect his/her copyright, otherwise the incentive to create will cease. Steve

Thanks, Steve.

The challenge in this case is that the guy isn't showing a legitimate mailing address and he doesn't answer the phone. I'm working with the site to have it removed. I've sent them a copy of the registered copyright. The reason why I have formally copyrighted all of my books is because of this sort of thing. Anyone can copyright material by just writing the word copyright along with the date and their name. But when you register it it allows you to take the person to court, and if you win, that person has to pay your legal fees. I'm talking about this because it's very easy to lose your rights if you don't step up when someone is stealing your work. If anyone doesn't understand that, then I don't understand them.

Having just gone down that same rabitt-hole...

LookSmart and HighBeam on-line search engines have been stealing my copyrighted works - and selling them. It took me several years to get it stopped & only when legal action was pending. Knowing you as well as I do, it floors me that anyone would stoop so low as to steal when you'd have no doubt given him permission to use the works with nothing more than aknowledging the source. Your generousity in helping others is legendary. You might give Matt Michele a call. He had to deal with someone who not only stole his works, they were publishing them as original works.

Haven't heard that used for a long time!

The moniker "Buster"!...My Irish dad cussed people like the sailor he once was!

Leave it to Author Dan

to use the perfect word to jab someone verbally in the chest with a pointed finger while maintaining the boundrys of good taste. He has good cause to be miffed. (I wonder what the origins of the word "Buster" are?) This fellow would do well to come clean and apologize, and set things right. WW To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Actually

Pete kicked Dan's A#@

Coward

Pete kicked his own and I doubt would lay down were the situation reversed. Now, unless you are at Bickford and Co. in Kansas, might you too be "borrowing" a bit? I have to ask.

Huh?

Kicked his a$$? All he did, and you too, is show his own ignorance.

SHAME!!! SHAME!!!! SHAME!!!!! Flattery is when Dan Holohan acknowledges and credits Stabuck and his wonderful little Q&A style handbooks at the beginning of How Come? and even gives reverence of him via a personal story directly involving Starbuck at the end. Rightfully illegal is when you not only "borrow" the style without acknowledgement for you own similar commercial purposes but use copies of entire sections of copyrighted text.

And if you happen to know this stinker,

tell him that I'm spreading the word.

Theft

Theft is theft. the guy is a thief. On the Grease Police, a board for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaners, we see evidence of stolen photos. we have evenseen people from foreign countries post stolen photos. Members of the board then call the thief's cell, business phone, and even home phone to ask if theivery is a normal part of their business plan. Now, you have to realize, most of us who clean resturant hoods have to that after hours. This results in these theives getting phone calls at all hours of the day and night. We also e-mail the person. If there is a webmaster involved, we call them. Usually the response is "I did not know the pictures were stolen" Usually they get taken down, but go back up after a time. Then we start all over again. Of course, you can get an attorney involved, but the phone calls are fun. it is especially fun when the perp admits the pictures are not oh his company's work. Then you get to ask if there work is so poor that they do not want to show pictures of their own work. If the stolen material is not removed, I propose each of the Wallies contact the person by phone. It should be done in relays, starting at 5;00 AM and continiuing until late at night. When you get done with an emergency service call, end the day with a phone call. When the day is filled with problems, give the guy a call. Take out your frustrations. It will make you feel better.

there once

There once was a man from Nantookit, his balls were so big he just tookit. He said with a grin "it's not a sin" Its Dan's work, but I'm just a jerk, So I snuck it

WE SHOULD ALL

contact his advertisers and tell them we do not approve of his business practices.

Dan

You should probably pursue that legally. If I'm not mistaken, after a certain amount of time has elapsed with no action taken regarding copyright and patent infringement issues, the courts consider the rights to be lapsed.

I'm up for it

A phone call is the least I can do for Dan after all he's done for me! I have a feeling this guy's marketing plan may have taken a nasty turn... Kevin

Being high profile

In the industry makes you a very nice and easy target, Dan. I'm sorry this has happened to you.

Cease and Desist

When ART put up its website, within 6 months, someone lifted entire sections (including the graphics) from the site and posted them on theirs. One letter from our attorney had it removed promptly. Morals and ethics seem to be in short supply sometimes. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Sorry Dan,

but asking to "steal it" ahows you can not. But you knew that-LOL. Life continues to be interesting. :-) Jack

So who is this loser? To Nantucket we should send a cruiser, and blast away, at his moral decay, until "sorry" he does say...

An in-law and most highly positioned and respected person I've ever known loved to write limericks and insisted that they had to be superficially crude or dirty... There once was a man from Nantucket, Who said about law, well just fu¢k it. We're in the same game, And good guys are lame, So steal from Dan and say suck it.

That's pretty bold... and stupid.

Stealing one’s words is quite vile Just to lure business from an isle This firm without liver Likely hails from Fall River And would be advised to avoid a trial

Gee, I wish I had written that.

Can I steal it? :-)

Plagiarism...

...is the least sincere form of flattery.

I think the "wallies" should comment on the other guys site regarding his blatent theft. Just a thought

I did that

but it goes to him for editing. He doesn't answer, which is why I'm bringing it up here. How Come?, which is the book from which this comes, is registered with the U.S. Copyright office. He's breaking the law.

Helping a friend

Dan I am sorry to see this, it is obvious that this guy doesn't have the talent or professionalism that you have. (Hehe) Wouldn't it be COOL if about 50 of us crazy heating guys showed up on his door step. I hope this all works out to your advantage. We are all here for you. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Question Dan

How the heck did you happen upon that?? After all, what were the chances of you happening upon your own work. Seems like a million to one shot.

It's very easy to find plagiorism on the web. All you need to do is enter a string of words in quotes from a sentence in your written work, on Google. Presto! You find anyone who is using your words.

WOW

Thats pretty shameless and arrogant. Lets spread the word. Dan, I'm sure you've allready contacted a lawyer. Keep us informed. Also the Mass Board of State Plumbers should be informed as Every Advertisment must inlude a license number and this does not. Scott To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Nail this guy, Dan.

When did original thought fall out of favor? How would someone think this is ok? Dan is a high profile guy in this industry. What in the world would make someone think it would be ok to copy and paste his words to their own public advertising? Dan, I hope you get a portion of this guys profits for the time the website remains as is. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

My limerick:

There once was a man from Nantucket Who tried passing himself off as smart when obviously he was ignorant of not only etiquette and common courtesy but of copyright laws and something called "intellectual property". So he embarrassed himself in front of the peers of his industry and revealed himself as a person incapable of expressing himself in his own voice. ...I don't know. Somehow my limerick lacks the flow and intonation the others seem to have. Maybe 'cause I'm I-talian. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Did you try calling him?

He lists his phone number. Better yet, have your lawyer call him. Mark H

I called

all day yesterday, last night, and several times today. No one answers the phone.

Maybe we all should give him a call? To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Theft

I Don't know if it will go anywhere, but I notified the moderator of squidu whatever, about the theft of your copyright protected material. To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Thanks, Shane.

I did that yesterday. No reply.