UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
General Chat - anything Goes
>
Pop in for a chat!
Alicia wrote: "Patti (baconater) wrote: "Hello, my lovely friends!We're in our new flat. Yay! Space to breathe without knocking elbows every time we move!
We still don't have our paperwork sorted, so I can't l..."
It's fascinating, in this area we don't even tip in cafes etc.
The feeling is that the price should include enough to pay the staff properly and working people shouldn't be reliant on the generosity of strangers
Jim wrote: "The feeling is that the price should include enough to pay the staff properly and working people shouldn't be reliant on the generosity of strangers..."That is both often true, and suffers from its own problems: those who are paid a salary regardless of whether they offer good service or not, à la communism, often do as little as possible.
I'd rather have it your way; I don't feel like being judge and jury for service.
The key may be 'properly' - then those being paid really have an incentive not to lose their jobs due to not doing it to the best of their ability.
Teachers unions vs. merit pay. The list is endless.
Alicia wrote: "That is both often true, and suffers from its own problems: those who are paid a salary regardless of whether they offer good service or not, à la communism, often do as little as possible.I'd rather have it your way; I don't feel like being judge and jury for service.
The key may be 'properly' - then those being paid really have an incentive not to lose their jobs due to not doing it to the best of their ability...."
I do find myself warming to the idea that members of the bureaucracy might depend upon tips for good service for a living :-)
Tips for bureaucrats - I think he's got it!
Nice weather again today, working from home today and treating myself to lunch at the café in the park, while they are doing 20% off. Got an e-mail from NowTV yesterday, they are keeping my entertainment pass at £1.99 for another 6 months, so I’m really torn what to do now, and I’m really reluctant to change my broadband if we might be able to continue to work from home as I can currently do whatever I need to while still listening to radio through the internet. Would be more to have broadband with Talktalk and TV with Sky thoughTipping isn’t widely done here either, I have noticed the two cafés I’ve been using have tip jars, but as they ask me to pay by card, I just take my phone, so rarely have any money when I go! The pub we got takeaway from have an option on the card machine to give a tip, but she cancelled it when we collected our food, my neighbour probably still would have paid for it actually. She’s much better at me at giving people tips, and even buys neighbours presents if she doesn’t think they’ll get many
Lunch was lovely yesterday, couldn’t eat it all and didn’t need a proper tea! Ironically TalkTalk asked me to fill in a survey about broadband/working from home yesterday, I did it out of curiosity and realised that at the moment, broadband has to take priority over how I watch TV! Had a check of what I’m paying, think I can trim it down a bit, am hoping I can reduce it by £6, which would effectively pay for Netflix, so reckon I can have broadband + Netflix + 95% of Sky (and box sets) for £41 for 6 months, it may go up after then, moving to Sky would be £43 (and some one off set up costs). Cloudy today, dropping off friend’s vegan milk delivery after work
Cold here today with a north wind back again, after two beautiful warm still days. I have a new neighbour at the harbour - a bright blue lobster who is apparently the result of a mutation that happens to one in a million. The hatchery will release her back to sea at the weekend as they are closing for the season next week.Still haven't stabbed the neighbours.
The latest attraction on the harbour site Rosemary and the Lady Macbeth experience :-)
I shall the multitudinous seas incarnadine!Actually they are rather blue today, it's lovely
Blue skies today. Figures are getting worrying though. Spent so much time helping out our admin dept yesterday that I’m behind, and they wanted more help this week, so I had to say no. they want help next week too, but I’m off for one day and have two meetings another day I need to prep for, so said I can’t commit yet. My mum seems to be getting worse, and COPD team are running out of options for her, which my bro and sis aren’t happy about. Quiet on here at the mo. How lovely R, any pics?
Oh dear. I seem to be lurching from one crisis as another. I received an email last week pointing out that a picture on some obscure page of my blog was actually copyright to the press association. I thanked them and took it down. The next day I received a rather pompous letter telling me that wasn't good enough and that I must pay £920 for a five year license. A five year license direct from the Press Association for that photo is £207 for a site receiving 50,000 hits a year.I contacted the Press Association to ask if they charged less for a smaller site.
The Press Association replied asking me if I received a letter about it. I had to say yes but said that I'd thought it was a scam to start with because of the language and tone and that they seemed to have a rather high rate for my particular type of site especially when, after checking on the Press Association's own site I discovered they charge £713 less for a site expecting as many hits a month as my website gets in a year.
I do hope they come back to me today, but I doubt they will.
On the up side, my husband is an IP lawyer and Professor Sir Stephen Hawkins was one of his clients. I'm hoping that means that my lawyer will be smarter than theirs.
So moral of this story ... if you use a picture off a meme on your blog it ceases to become a meme and becomes copyright. And that means you need to find out who took it and get a license.
In my case, it was one of the most distinguished news photographers in the UK, because when I fuck up I like to do it royally well.
I'll probably have to pay the £920 and chalk it up to experience, and the fact that justice is not always actually that just. We shall see.
Cheers
MTM
Jim wrote: "that's frankly shocking"Yeah.
McOther has just given me a kindly talking to ... he says they can't sue me because they're not the press association or lawyers. Only the press association can instruct lawyers to do that. I just want to make it sound urgent so I act without thinking. But I'm told they wouldn't want to because it wouldn't be covered in small claims court so they would have to pay for it themselves and that means the amount of swimming done would have to be for an amount big enough to be worth the effort.
I have to pay something it's a matter of professional integrity I wouldn't want to someone to use my stuff free so I'm being hypocritical to do the same thing to someone else. I reckon I should probably be paying them about 20 quid though.
I'll keep you all posted and then I'll do a stay calm and carry on post for my blog telling people who end up in the same position what they need to do.
Cheers
MTM
That would be really useful. One to share very widely
Urgh, had a rubbish night sleep, and eye feels funny, hopefully it’s just lack of sleep. It’s looking like we won’t be subject to further restrictions this week at least. My mum is worse today, COPD team have just arrived, it looks like she is going to go back to hospital. Oh dear MT, only you!! Good job you have a lawyer as a husband!
It’s beautiful and warm here still OH is in Jeremiah mode and says it’s forecast to break at the weekend. The heat has built up so the ground and the front of the house are like storage radiators. It’s a bit sticky overnight. I’ve just had a fight with ‘frelons’. I put my coat on just in case I got stung and had to wallop a few with a dustpan. They are like flying cigars and were being damn nuisances. I was worried Billy might snap at one and i don’t want an emergency vet trip. I found the reason there were so many - a dead bird - wished I hadn’t as it was alive with maggots. I don’t ‘do’ maggots. Yukkk
M.T. wrote: "Oh dear. I seem to be lurching from one crisis as another. I received an email last week pointing out that a picture on some obscure page of my blog was actually copyright to the press association...."You have your own in-house copyright lawyer? Wow. What a gift. Now make him cough up the correct information.
I have never posted (I don't think) an image on my blog that I didn't generate. Maybe one - a screen capture of a woman in a sari. From the beginning I've bent over way backward to respect IP - it was drilled into me on the self-publishing blogs I visited before starting my own. Figured it wasn't worth it. You have just confirmed that.
Hope you get it straightened out. It shouldn't take more than taking the image down for blogs that don't commercialize; shame on them.
We've had a day of Welsh rain in Madrid. Not best pleased.The next person who tells me it doesn't rain in Madrid may get slightly spat upon.
Patti (baconater) wrote: "We've had a day of Welsh rain in Madrid. Not best pleased.The next person who tells me it doesn't rain in Madrid may get slightly spat upon."
Of course it rains in Madrid. There are no places (okay, few) on this planet where it never rains, and they are not large populations centers. Duh!
Some rain is unseasonal - I wish we had some. Enjoy wherever you are - there's got to be something good. How's the food? Tapas? Paella - the real kind? Have you started school yet, or are you still waiting for paperwork?
Wish I was there - at this rate, I'm not going to meet Madrid.
Morning all, was up early, so me and Lucy went back to bed and watched Mary Poppins Returns, think a feel good film was what I needed! My mum is being stubborn and refusing oxygen and apparently sounds worse than before she went in. not sure if the lack of oxygen is affecting her mental ability, or whether she just has no fight left in her. Trust you to take the Welsh rain with you Patti!! Hope your paperwork is sorted out now.
Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Morning all, was up early, so me and Lucy went back to bed and watched Mary Poppins Returns, think a feel good film was what I needed! My mum is being stubborn and refusing oxygen and apparently so..."I’m so sorry Desley, that sounds really hard. Maybe she’s had enough. I am sure that’s why Dad stopped eating. He’d just had enough.
Patti (baconater) wrote: "We've had a day of Welsh rain in Madrid. Not best pleased.
The next person who tells me it doesn't rain in Madrid may get slightly spat upon."
Oh dear, sorry to hear about that Patti. You have my sympathy.
Alicia wrote: "M.T. wrote: "Oh dear. I seem to be lurching from one crisis as another. I received an email last week pointing out that a picture on some obscure page of my blog was actually copyright to the press..."
I had three. One was a toboggan, which I was talking about in the post, the other two were statues, illustrating a joke about statues. As I understand it that is OK especially on a non-commercial blog. It just depends how ‘commercial’ is interpreted. The most galling thing is that I got the photo off social media, thinking it was some kind of meme and a Banksy.
McOther says the others are on dodgy ground but that we might have to pay them something to go away.
I am feeling bullied and therefore, whether or not they have legitimate claim, inclined not to pay. The fact is, it’s a blog post that has received 40 hits so far this year (from humans). It’s on a non commercial blog. It’s just stupid.
He’s going to write me a reply.
Cheers
MTM
Strewth, hope you get this sorted out M.T. Must admit, all my blog images come from Pixabay, the kind that say 'Free for commercial use, No attribution required' next to them although I do attribute - and you can click the coffee button to send them a few bob if you wish.
M.T. wrote: "Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Morning all, was up early, so me and Lucy went back to bed and watched Mary Poppins Returns, think a feel good film was what I needed! My mum is being stubborn and ref..."When they realize you have a lawyer in your corner, and won't be easily pushed around, AND that you made no money from the infringement, AND took it down as soon as you knew - they may not be bothered. The lawyer they have might charge the license fee just for an hour's work drafting that letter! They ARE being bullies.
If you pay them anything, it will be so YOU don't have to deal with it going forward. Not because they are right.
Oh, and if they threaten it will get worse, that's another big bullying tactic, putting you under increased stress so you can't think. Very dodgy.
Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Morning all, was up early, so me and Lucy went back to bed and watched Mary Poppins Returns, think a feel good film was what I needed! My mum is being stubborn and refusing oxygen and apparently so..."I'm wondering why she is refusing oxygen - is it somehow uncomfortable? I know several people here who have a tank or a concentrator, and it doesn't seem to slow them down.
If it's uncomfortable, that's different. If it's cold, or drying her nasal passages, or painful in any way. A friend here had one going, and it was noisy, plus the one she had kept her tethered to her room, but she wasn't leaving it much, and didn't seem uncomfortable. It never came up.
Hope your mum finds an acceptable solution.
Morning all, had quite a nice day yesterday, watched a film, finished my book, had a little walk. Nipped into the charity shops when on my way to Lidl, got some bargain DVD's. The first one is doing 5 for £1 but I could only find two, she was only going to charge me 40p, but I said she could have £1 for the 2, I'm still happy at 50p each, then got one for 50p from the second shop, if I don't like them, I'll just give them back! I'm actually enjoying this extra time, and going back to bed with Lucy after breakfast to chill until it's a reasonable hour to get up. Bit of housework to do, but then hoping to get some reading done. Who knows with my mother Alicia! I am really wondering if she just wants it to be over although my sis thinks she's doing it thinking she'll get home quicker. Good luck getting it sorted MT
Desley. Am I mistaken or did you say your mum was still smoking? If so that might be why she’s refusing oxygen as it’s strictly no smoking in those rooms. Sorry if I’m wrong.
OH has done it again. Asked me if I want to polish a piece of furniture while he does something else. Who ‘wants’ to polish ? Hands up.
Had a wicked thunder and lightning show last night. Hardly any rain though but in the Gard region they had a terrible flood. The river rose 5 metres in half and hour and caused loss of life and severe damage.
Yes, you are right Lynne, she is still smoking. no, I don't polish, don't think I own polish and duster anymore. Assume cleaner does. What an awful flood. My 'me time' today was a bit more boring, despite loads of books/TV shows, I couldn't really settle down to anything. I did manage to log the TV back into the various on demand services. However, I did end up reading half a book.
Good morning all, I was sad to see on Facebook that Kay had passed away. She was really kind to me when Shannon died as her son Callum, also a trainee chef had also been killed by a careless driver.
Taking advantage of a sunny day, rustled up a bit more washing, as I’m working from home today. Looks like my mum is coming home today, but nephews’ school is refusing to have him back till my sis can prove my mum has had a negative Covid test – I can understand their caution, but would hope they wouldn’t send her home without knowing the result! Forgot to mention, was horrified at the amount of Christmas food Lidl had on Sat, even some frozen food!The name sounds vaguely familiar Lynne.
She was Kay (Golden Girl)
So sorry to hear about Kay, thanks for letting the group know Lynne
My condolences to Kay's family and friends. I remember her posts.
Oh dear. Such sad news about Kay.She was a truly lovely woman and a valued member of the group.
I do remember her, how sad. Yes, thanks for letting us know Lynne
By coincidence a Facebook memory came up this morning on my account from Kay. I thought of Jim when husband read this out to me
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-542...
Hope Patti ok with restrictions in Madrid. I can see Wales has some more too. Some cities here in France require masks everywhere not just shops and they are restricting alcohol sales times although I’m not sure what that is supposed to do.
Nice sunny day, was quite glad of that when they decided to test our fire alarm! My mum finally got released about 9pm, luckily the hospital have agreed to put on her discharge notes that she has had a negative Covid test, which my sis is taking to school today so nephew should be back tomorrow. Wonder what tonight’s announcement will bring? I’m quite happy with a 10pm curfew, great excuse for being boring and staying in! I am finding myself constantly checking again though.When are you planning on coming back Lynne? Are you in one of the lockdown areas in Wales?
The 'lockdown' measures here in Madrid aren't in our area nor the school so don't affect us. We've no reason to go anywhere else, so its no biggie.You must wear a mask everywhere outside of your home here. Except if you're jogging, apparently. I'm giving joggers a wide berth.
We've not got any further with making me legal yet. The school is working on it. Think good thoughts please.
Sounds like a REIN (Repetitive electrical impulse noise) fault. We had one of them, the monitor was emitting it and cut off the broadband.It's actually easy to find, you have a detector which is effectively a transistor radio tuned only to one specific frequency, but Openreach don't like to send people out with them. The guy who found our fault borrowed the detector of a mate who was trained to use it but was having a day off.
All sorts of things cause it. The Openreach engineer told me they had traced one to one particular door on one particular carriage of one particular train. But it always appeared at the same place every day at set times, because of the time table along that branch line
When the door opened, the chap in the house next to the railway line had their broadband go down
Some of these hiccups with electrical signals are hard to detect. My friend has a large electric gate. It slides sideways. Every so often it opens, they think it’s a someone’s car key fob who parks nearby. He has to chain it up which totally defeats the object of convenience. We used to live in a new built house with an electric supply that was at the limit. We’d be sitting watching tv and our neighbour came home and started using electricity and our old tv screen would start to roll then pack up. Every night. Convincing the supply company was difficult though. Desley Pembrokeshire isn’t one of the lockdown areas in Wales but we will have to do 14 days isolation if that’s, but if those refugees at Penally are out and about in the next 14 days I shall Be watching to see if that rule is enforced.
Glad the restrictions don't affect you Patti, but what a shame your paperwork still isn't sorted for you to work.
I think Wales has lost the plot completely. They’ve locked down 4 boroughs. In Porthcawl in a lockdown area the management of Trecco bay caravan park yesterday gave residents & holiday makers only a few hours to leave their caravans and static homes and said it was closing . It’s a huge place. Then a full coach from Bolton, supposedly from a lockdown area in England was booked for Porthcawl was turned away and took their passengers to a Tenby hotel instead.
Morning all, day off so of course I was up at 5.45! Have tried to go back to sleep, but brain was too awake. Typically, after all the nice weather we've had, it's wet and cold today. Going to do a bit of housework this morning, go to the cheap shop with my neighbour as they have a 50% sale, hopefully including cat food (not that I need any!), then hopefully finishing my book and watching a film. Yes, it is a bit bizarre Lynne, I have no idea how the coach was allowed to leave Bolton, seeing as they are on stricter restrictions than anywhere else in the country!!
Yes in thought you couldn’t leave in lockdown. Where all the people kicked out of Trecco bay are going to is also wrong. If they are in lockdown surely they shouldn’t leave either - some of the residents have nowhere else to go.
Well, I don't think England are stopping people leaving the area, but as you arent allowed to mix with other households, you'd think the coach company would have cancelled the trip. And as you say, not sure why the caravan park decided to make everyone leave, especially as some will be residents so nowhere else to go!
Paperwork is slowly crawling along.They have until November 26th to get me legal. If not, I'll have to leave and Dave will be coming with me.
I made that quite clear to management on Tuesday.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
UK Amazon Kindle Forum
Books mentioned in this topic
Can I Come HOME Now?: A True Story of Childhood Trauma (other topics)Mrs Boots (other topics)
A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael (other topics)
A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael (other topics)
Look What the Cat Brought In (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jasper Fforde (other topics)Dawn Elissa (other topics)
Nice to hear you have a decent flat, Patti, even if you can't get to work yet. Hang in there! Xxx