OP-ED: Imitation is not always flattery

The time-worn adage we’ve heard as children that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” was tested this past week. Only this time we were not impressed or amused.

It would seem that another publication, which shall remain nameless, was without coverage of a major community event. Rather than running a story without a photo or obtaining their own through legitimate channels, they elected to print copies of exclusive and copyrighted photos belonging to the Crescent City Jewish News and its parent corporation NOLA Jewish Media, LLC.

While a caption did credit the published photos to the CCJN and its editor, they did so without the express permission or authorization of the CCJN.

Someone reading through their publication would make a logical assumption that, since a caption denoted attribution, it must have been done through proper channels. This would lead an uniformed reader to make the conclusion that our two publications were working together in some fashion.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

For the record, the CCJN does not now have any direct connection to any other local Jewish medium, whether that be a newspaper, a magazine or a website. All of the articles and photos printed are either original content or have been secured through news services and syndicates. We hold ourselves to the highest of journalistic and ethical standards and would never publish original content or copyrighted material that does not belong to us without permission or without paying for the rights to do so.

A legal agent acting on the CCJN’s behalf contacted the publication in question and issued a cease and desist letter, informing them they were not entitled to publish those photographs and demanding they be taken down from their website. In addition the letter asked they sign a form noting they will refrain from any similar future actions. That form has yet to be received, but we do believe this strong message was enough for them to get our point.

While the errant photographs will, unfortunately, remain in what copies remain of their printed publication, the online edition of that issue has now been altered so as to remove them.

We believe this concludes what was a rather insincere attempt to steal our material and misappropriate our brand.

Keep in mind that the Crescent City Jewish News is the only locally-based Jewish medium whose owners are Jewish and who both live and work in New Orleans proper. Unlike many Jewish community newspapers, we are not owned by the local Jewish Federation. Our mission statement and goals clearly state our purpose and our direct and ongoing connection to the New Orleans Jewish community. We are proud to be an independent voice to benefit all members of our Jewish community, wheresoever dispersed, and will continue to serve you now and in the future.

Speaking of the future, we hope such ugly business won’t happen again. But, rest assured, if it does, we will not be deterred in seeking damages and also letting our readership know about it.