SAAFE forum
General Category => Warnings & Wasters => Topic started by: crista on 16 August 2008, 02:39:11 pm
-
Secret Desires Britania Ind Est Blackwood S.Wales Tel: 01443875142 is a sex shop but also publishes a magazine called "Up North". I have just contacted them at the phone number I was given to inform them to remove my details. They took a picture from my website and my mobile number without asking permission to make themselves money for their magazine. I do like to decide where I want to advertise and market myself. Unfortunately I have had lots of timewaster calls due to this. Most of the guys that have called have only a picture and number to go by, so most really are not timewasters they just dont have much details to go on. However my time has been frustratingly wasted.So you may not cover their area, provide the service they are looking for or not in their price range. I have had requests for bukkake parties, swingers the list is endless and although I empathise with the guys enquiries I was feeling I was becoming just a contact to refer these guys on.
So beware you may be listed without your knowledge.
-
I'm having the same problems with a magazine called "Jiggy" down here.
For the past few weeks I've had guys calling me up asking me for my rates. Apparently this magazine's stolen one of my pics and my details and have advertised me without permission. It really is a pain in the arse.
The problem is you have to go through details over the phone, which I hate doing. And as there are no prices advertised, when they ask me and I tell them my hourly rate, they put the phone down so fast I can feel the breeze at the quickness of the hang-up. Internet prices are different to contact mag/newspaper prices. Like it or not, guys that read those kind of mags expect to have either free sex or to pay very little for it.
I explain that I'm an internet only escort and my prices are the norm on there.
-
I can only Ditto your frustration brandy. I knew that it was only recently that I've been placed in "Up North". Roughly 1hr wasted of my time on calls...150 pounds that equated to n my time. I've tried to be unbias bout contact mags as it is a source of advertising. discussed my problem with a guy who has a contact mag and he too is frustrated about charlitans and finds it completely unncessary and bad practice.He stated he always asks permission and asks what details the girl wants to include in the advert etc. He was of the belief he was making money with guys buying his mags wiith the expectation the girls would too. Everyone involved happy.
I posted this in lots of places, on punternet I made it a topic of discussion and 2 girls so far have had bad experiences also.
Its just annoying this company hasn't consulted, has no interest in the consequence and really only want to make money off the back of us girls. Really is bad practice. It is easier for us girls to track our advertising when it is internt based, more difficult when it is magazine with no internet presence. I thought this magazine initially only covered Scotland but it doesnt grrrrrr xxx
-
Christa, I think you need to be tougher with the callers. It's not their fault, but that doesn't mean you need to answer all of their questions, you can tell them that you're sorry but this isn't how you choose to do business and direct them to your website for details. If they can't get online then that sucks for them, but it'll probably stop them buying the magazine again. Maybe just give out your rates over the phone, since that gets rid of most of them.
-
Thank you Anika Mae, I think I was in some ways taking to much responsibility for the guys aimlessly taking a shot at the dark with their enquirys. Yip not my responsibility and neither my problem most dont have internet access. Think if they state they have found me in "Up North" magazine I will be stating I will not accept a booking purely for this reason.
I will be approaching things differently now x
-
Crista. Just do what I do. I know how you feel re: a little responsibility. But I just tell anybody that calls me via this magazine, apologies but you're an internet-based escort whose details have been stolen from your website without consent and that you're uncomfortable giving out details over the phone. If they'd like to know more about you then please go to your website. If they don't have a computer well, that's what internet caffs are for, if they're really serious.
Harsh but it cuts down on wasting your time on magazine-based phone calls. As I say, as soon as they hear the price they're no longer interested anyway.
-
I love popping in to SAAFE. The timing couldn't be better. Had a caller 5mins ago and through the support on here, tested out the advice given. The coversation started as he had just seen my ad...so I said Oh where? My Website? No Up North. I said unfortunately I do not honour bookings via this magazine as they stole a picture without my consent. He was sorry to hear this but wouldnt I be available for an incall (which I dont provide) in Dumfries (miles away and not the area I cover). Sorry, I neither do incalls or this area and I did say I wouldn't honour any booking via this magazine,hope you find better luck elsewhere,bye. So it has been a quicker call this time. Cheers guys xxx
-
Good for you and glad we could help Crista. Just stick to your guns and you'll spend less time on these calls. This isn't the first mag to steal escorts' details, and I'm afraid they won't be the last. So it's good to have some sort of 'template' conversation for magazine-based phone calls. I wouldn't even mind taking bookings from them myself. But as I say, monetarily speaking, these guys have different expectations. Which is probably why these mags don't include our prices. They're clever. They know that if these guys got a whiff of how much we really charge, their mags wouldn't even shift off the top shelf.
And that's another thing that pisses me off about these magazines is the misinformation. They may lift your details from your website correctly, but we all know our sites can be updated within days or weeks. And by the time their information containing your details is published, it's out of date and you're answering questions you wouldn't normally have to if they'd have seen your site.
I used to sometimes take incalls in Essex, and I haven't done so for the past few months and adjusted my site information accordingly. And I get calls from these guys asking me where in Essex I'm based. Frustrating to say the least.
-
I was contacted about 6 weeks ago my Northern Direct asking me if I would like a free ad in their Mag. I was a bit wary at first - but I went for it. I asked to check the ad before publication and they made changes at my direction.
I have had a few calls and a couple of bookings as a result. Yes it is tedious running through details - but then again some guys call after only lifting your number from a directory site with the same questions. Not all are surprised by my rates and were very polite.
Just a different experience I suppose.
-
I was contacted about 6 weeks ago my Northern Direct asking me if I would like a free ad in their Mag. I was a bit wary at first - but I went for it. I asked to check the ad before publication and they made changes at my direction.
I have had a few calls and a couple of bookings as a result. Yes it is tedious running through details - but then again some guys call after only lifting your number from a directory site with the same questions. Not all are surprised by my rates and were very polite.
Just a different experience I suppose.
I'm glad you mention Northern Direct. Infact Matt is hopefully launching Southern Direct. I can only thank Matt who was really supportive with me and the problems I've been having. This guy is professional and asks permission, invites you, and you have complete control over your free add. He is a gem of a man :-*
-
I am sooo at my wits end, over the last few days I have had contact from guys from the Cardiff area. Another contact Mag has done exactly the same they are called UK Escorts. Similarly a picture stolen, they have my mobile number and state I am located in Cardiff. :'( :'( :'(
-
Just to add on from this. I phoned the sex shop again that is linked to Up North magazine and asked what the link was to Dom Promotions as they are also based in Blackwood. Dom Promotions name was given to me by a guy enquiring about a Cardiff booking from UK ESCORTS mag. The girl on the phone has said Dom Promotions are the owners, but became quite hesitant to answer my questions on that further. She did say their were another 3 escorts complaining and she would pass the info on because its a holiday weekend and again the owner wasnt available!!
-
I have also been getting guys contact from this Jiggy magazine. Guys claim the purchased it in a sex shop in Stoke on Trent. I googled it but nothing came up :'(
-
I have also been getting guys contact from this Jiggy magazine. Guys claim the purchased it in a sex shop in Stoke on Trent. I googled it but nothing came up :'(
Yeah, I did the same thing. I Googled it and nothing came up. It seems they don't have any web presence.
Now I'm getting asked if I do half-hours. Sheesh!
-
I have also been getting guys contact from this Jiggy magazine. Guys claim the purchased it in a sex shop in Stoke on Trent. I googled it but nothing came up :'(
Yeah, I did the same thing. I Googled it and nothing came up. It seems they don't have any web presence.
Now I'm getting asked if I do half-hours. Sheesh!
Of course you do hal hours Brandy, they cost the same as an hour lol
-
I was amazed to find this Dom Promotions, with the same address as Up North and Uk Escorts contact mags publish about 10 other contact mags!!! all from the same business address in Wales. You may find its possibly linked to the same company. There is lots of girls annoyed with this and had a number contact me about images being taken, old info of areas a girl doesnt cover, wrong areas but mainly these guys have a picture and number to go on and just randomly call.
I have to say the calls are still coming in and as soon as I mention price, they either put the phone down , state they thought we could be friends or if I ever want a fuck buddy to keep their number!!!!! AS IF!!!
The owner of this magazine has still not telephoned any of the girls. Really bad practice. Why would he, his magazines are being bought, he's making money. So why would he bother contacting the escort that obviously wants her details removed!
-
What pisses me off about being in a magazine (without my consent) is having again to do things that I said I wouldn't do when I had a website.
Apart from constantly quoting my prices, I'm now having to answer text messages, which I hate doing.
Because I know these guys haven't seen my site, they wouldn't know about my 'no texting' rule, so I give them the benefit of the doubt, and the polite person in me responds to them.
This is what I received a couple of days ago. It started off well enough:
Him: "Hello, I've seen your ad in a contact mag and would really like to come and visit you, so would you let me know the best time and day to come and see you. Thank's"
Me: "Do you have a 'puter?"
Him: "No I don't. I would really like to fuck lick ur pussy while ur sittin on my face until ur pussy is drippin wet with cum."
I just sighed and text him wishing him a pleasant evening.
I'll just stick to my website rule and just not answer any unsolicited texts. It'll look rude but I really don't care, if that's the kind of shite I'm going to be subjected to.
-
Hi ladies,
as you know upnorth mag has put girls in their mag including myself without permission, apparently he was sold my details by a 3rd party ie a webmaster but would not disclose which one.
I have spoken to the Mr D Baretle that is in charge of up north mag today FINALLY on 01443829292, If you would like your details removed you have to write to them at
P.O.BOX 32
BLACKWOOD
NP12 3YB
He is in the office today!!!
xxx
-
I know I'm going over fairly old ground here, but I have started getting calls over the last couple of weeks from men who claim to have got my details from a contact mag called Northern Playmates (one man said Northen Babes as well, I think). I have googled both and can't find either - apparently these magazines can only be bought in sex shops, and as we don't have one here I am about at the end of my bloody tether.
I have now had about a dozen calls (the first I had just dismissed as the usual 'my mate gave me your number' types but obviously not) and they are consistent in their descriptions of what there is detail-wise (ie. not much). The photo they have stolen is an old one (I recognise it from the description) and my phone number is there, and that's about it. I am trying really hard not to be stroppy with the callers as I know it isn't their fault, but it is getting very difficult to be nice!
Does anyone else know anything about this magazine? I can't be the only one to have been put in it. If anyone thinks they can get me a copy, please PM me - the only thing I can think of to do is to try and get in contact with the publishers, but I don't know who they are! Any ideas?
-
Have just had a call from someone who has seen my details in "down south magazine" where I don't advertise. Does anyone know what the HELL this is??? I am going to SUE THE MOTHERFUCKERS.
Ahem.
-
Ok, so stress over. I thought I would write this update down anyway in case others find themselves in the same position- as a few of you have already by the sounds of things. Down South Magazine is also a Don Promotions publication, and the details supplied above are still correct.
I was put through to Mike (can PM number if needed) who apolologised profusely and said that they would have been sold my details by a third party (his words "someone who trawls the internet for photos and details, probably"). He was very reasonable to talk to and said he would send me a copy of the magazine and make sure that my details were not used in the next issue- no idea as to whether this is all true yet obviously or if he just didn't want a screaming banshee on the other end of the phone, but nevertheless it was good to be reassured and speak to someone who said they woudl look into the problem rather than have to go through some slovakian webhost who is actually one disinterested man in his bedroom!
Just thought I would let you know of this afternoon's adventure in case anyone else hears that they have a starring role in this magazine! xx
-
Hi I'm fairly new here but have been escorting for the past 2 1/2 years. Recently I've started to receive lots of calls from clients claiming to have seen my ad in a couple of these contact mags. It's a bit difficult to get any info from the idiots that call me as they're not the sharpest knives in the cupboard. One of the mags seems to be UK Escorts and the other I'm not clear of the title, something like Wales and Northwest Contacts. I do not have the time of sympathy for these morons as quite a few of them get abusive when I tell them my prices or direct them to my web site.
What I was wondering about was if my details have been stolen surely this is a clear infringment of copyright. These images belong to me therefore these scumbags producing the magazine owe us if they are making money off our backs?
Does anybody have any ideas regarding this?
-
Hi I'm fairly new here but have been escorting for the past 2 1/2 years. Recently I've started to receive lots of calls from clients claiming to have seen my ad in a couple of these contact mags. It's a bit difficult to get any info from the idiots that call me as they're not the sharpest knives in the cupboard. One of the mags seems to be UK Escorts and the other I'm not clear of the title, something like Wales and Northwest Contacts. I do not have the time of sympathy for these morons as quite a few of them get abusive when I tell them my prices or direct them to my web site.
What I was wondering about was if my details have been stolen surely this is a clear infringment of copyright. These images belong to me therefore these scumbags producing the magazine owe us if they are making money off our backs?
Does anybody have any ideas regarding this?
Does this (http://www.punternet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26029) sound like it might be it? I've posted a link on the thread, but here it is (http://www.dompromotions.co.uk/) again - it may be the same people. They're murder to get on the phone, but I managed eventually :). Good luck!
-
Im getting calls like this too. I don't mind - after all, advertising is advertising - but I'd love to see a copy of the magazine.
I actually got a call from one of the publishers asking my permission to put me in, which I thought was a step forward on their part, but I was in the supermarket at the time, and a little flustered!
But if anyone gets a call like that, then why not let them use the details, but give them a different number? Then you know who are calling from the magazine. I'm going to leave a message detailing all the important info, and if they're still interested, they can call back another time.
Although first of all, I need to find out what magazines Im in! I think I'm in Southern contacts direct, but again, no info about it on the internet.
-
I get calls from Northern Contacts too. I'm not sure I've ever had a booking from them as the guys always think am too expensive. I answer questions but direct them to my website too. Main problem for me is that they ring on my private phone, which drives me nuts ( I used to use it for work). Useful info in this thread which i hadn't seen before, so thanks to those who did the detective work!
-
Hi I'm fairly new here but have been escorting for the past 2 1/2 years. Recently I've started to receive lots of calls from clients claiming to have seen my ad in a couple of these contact mags. It's a bit difficult to get any info from the idiots that call me as they're not the sharpest knives in the cupboard. One of the mags seems to be UK Escorts and the other I'm not clear of the title, something like Wales and Northwest Contacts. I do not have the time of sympathy for these morons as quite a few of them get abusive when I tell them my prices or direct them to my web site.
What I was wondering about was if my details have been stolen surely this is a clear infringment of copyright. These images belong to me therefore these scumbags producing the magazine owe us if they are making money off our backs?
Does anybody have any ideas regarding this?
Does this (http://www.punternet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26029) sound like it might be it? I've posted a link on the thread, but here it is (http://www.dompromotions.co.uk/) again - it may be the same people. They're murder to get on the phone, but I managed eventually :). Good luck!
Thanks Amy, I do intend to take this further as things are now getting out of hand. I'm having to ask potential clients where they saw my ad as it isn't worth my time talking to these people. None of them can afford my fees and I'm so busy at the moment I really don't need these pests, they are blocking calls from real clients and trying to make bookings which they clearly have no intention of honouring. I'll post again and let everyone know how I go on.
-
I have also been getting guys contact from this Jiggy magazine. Guys claim the purchased it in a sex shop in Stoke on Trent. I googled it but nothing came up :'(
that Jiggy magazine is proving a nightmare, i think ill follow the advice shown here and not honor any enquiries from it.
-
Bah, I'm in another one. I started getting calls from Escorts UK a couple of months ago, but took comfort from the fact that it didn't seem very popular. I've only had three calls from people who mentioned it. Then yesterday I had a "I've seen your ad and would like some more details" and I thought to ask him where the ad was. Turns out I'm now in Down South magazine too. I'm going to make sure I check out any callers who don't seem to have read my site, and tell the magazine ones that I won't discuss anything until they've been to my website. If they don't have internet access I'll tell them that the Friday Ad is more reputable, and it's free.
Oh, and I think I'll pop into my local sex shops to see if any of them are selling this nonsense!
-
The Down South curse is rearing its head again.
Does anyone know where it is sold? Has anyone ever seen one?
-
Yes, I went into one of the good sex shops in town and found one there. It was ?7 and wrapped in plastic so I couldn't have a look. I told the woman working there that it was using my pictures without permission and she said nothing they could do, they just get them all from a supplier. If I run into the owner I'll have a moan at him.
From talking to the callers I've found out that the national one doesn't even give me a name, just a picture and phone number. Down South is more detailed, having lifted the text from my About page. I had a call from a very confused man asking if I'd drive him places because he'd taken my escorting joke seriously.
-
I have had a lot of calls from the northern contacts mag to but this as been going on for years.
I tried about 8 years ago to find out who they were so i could do them for copywrite at that time if i can remember they were i think eros publishing and i traced them to a po box down south somewhere.They sell this mag for 7 pounds and most of the numbers are bogus except us girls that have had our details taken from our website.Lets face it they need our details to run the bloody thing because no one would buy it if they filled it with numbers that didnt answer.Like a caller said to me the other day your the first girl that as answered your phone.
Cat x
-
I should have posted this weeks ago, but I got distracted and forgot :).
Apologies for reanimating a dead thread, but since a new issue of at least the picture-thieving 'Northern Playmates' magazine (as mentioned above) seems to have come out recently (according to the pondlife who have been ringing me and telling me they saw my 'details' in it - I've actually had one this morning) I've finally managed to get somewhere with the folk responsible. Any lady who is receiving unwanted calls as a result of her images and contact number being published without her knowledge or consent in any of DOM Promotions' grim mags, you can now have them removed from their records - the following email is from a member of the editorial staff:
Hi Amy,
We were assured when we bought the databases that the advertisers wanted to advertise in the publications. We have found since that this is not the case. We can only apolgise to these ladies for incurring them distress. For sometime we have not used the company for our databases and the said company no longer trades.
Please feel free to post my e mail address and ask the ladies to post their telephone numbers to me. I will ensure that any telephone numbers that are e mailed to me will never be published again by our company.
Kind Regards
Alex
I know we can't do anything about the ones that are already on the shelves, but it's something, and in the event it happens again I have the email saved which might give us a little more leverage. The email address is: Alex@dompromotions.co.uk :)
-
Nice one Amy I will get on to that once I get home from Wales ;)
They have been publishing my details for years and even when I called and asked for it to be removed it wouldn't be >:(
-
I recently had contact from a punter who said my details were on Down South magazine.
To cut a long story short, after a few texts and telephone calls, he did turn out to be a genuine punter and actually came to see me so I have had one booking out of this unauthorise advertising. I asked him to bring along the mag so I could see what had been pinched off my site.
There is a short write up and a b/w photo and my phone number.
To be honest with you, hyprocritally I would say, had I not had any booking from this, then I would be emailing them straight away to remove my details but this client was genuine and actually a very nice one too.
On the other hand, I had a caller today who was phoning re the ad and was mildly critical saying to me there's only one rear photo of you, can't see your face bla bla bla. He then went on to ask for information (guess he was sitting down with a cup of tea as he seemed to have all the time in the world............ say no more).
I asked him if he had internet access. He said no, so I said sorry, can't help you as I never give out info on the phone. I doubt he was genuine anyway, you know the type!
It's naughty isn't it when these people pinch our details but for now I won't do anything as I have had a booking from it.
Jen x