To sell out or not to sell out

[Carrie_C 9]

I wouldn't do it either. Isn't there some place to report these people? If not, there should be.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

About a week ago I was contacted by a woman who sells an Acai berry weight loss product online. She found my pictures on flickr and wants to use them as "before/after" pics for her website. She's willing to pay me for the rights to use the photos. My dilemma is that I didn't use her product to lose the weight. If body bugg or lap band had contacted me, I'd gladly let them use my pictures, but in this case I don't know exactly what to do. We could sure use the money, but I feel like I'd be deceiving people who are using this product. What do you think?

Are you okay with a total lie?

[texasweb 0]

About a week ago I was contacted by a woman who sells an Acai berry weight loss product online. She found my pictures on flickr and wants to use them as "before/after" pics for her website. She's willing to pay me for the rights to use the photos. My dilemma is that I didn't use her product to lose the weight. If body bugg or lap band had contacted me, I'd gladly let them use my pictures, but in this case I don't know exactly what to do. We could sure use the money, but I feel like I'd be deceiving people who are using this product. What do you think?

If you do, let us know so we can sue for false advertisement.

[SuzanneG 1]

I saw a commercial for a wl product and it was showing all these before and after pics. One guy claimed to have lost 230 pounds in 10 months. I haven't even met a bander who has done that, so I decided to investigate.

After googling his name (Scott R??? - I forgot it now), I found his pics advertising SEVERAL different wl products.

Even though I knew that had to be true, I felt angry when I saw it. How do these people get away with this stuff?

Good job on your decision. Since we've all been there, we can easily imagine how we would feel to be deceived like that. Technically you could take the product now, and then "honestly" claim you took it, but it would still be wrong.

Kind of reminds me of Marie Osmond hawking, I forget, is it Nutrasystem or Jenny? Either way, she lost her weight on Dancing With the Stars. Seriously, was no one watching?

[Makulafamy 55]

About a week ago I was contacted by a woman who sells an Acai Berry weight loss product online. She found my pictures on flickr and wants to use them as "before/after" pics for her website. She's willing to pay me for the rights to use the photos. My dilemma is that I didn't use her product to lose the weight. If body bugg or lap band had contacted me, I'd gladly let them use my pictures, but in this case I don't know exactly what to do. We could sure use the money, but I feel like I'd be deceiving people who are using this product. What do you think?

Well, good for you to say no. But....I would have had to think about it several times myself bc money sure is tempting! LOL

But, I would also think about the times I have wasted my money on crap products trying to lose weight, and probably would have decided I didnt want to make some teen girl depressed bc the acai berry diet didnt work for her.

It's funny you posted this today, bc just yesterday I was looking at your pictures for the first time and dang! The transformation really is amazing.

Good luck!

[BethFromVA 5]

I'm glad you came to your decision. For myself, I too don't think I could do it. This woman is TOTALLY unethical. :blushing:

By the way, you are freakin' GORGEOUS!!! I see you started at 304???? Omg... Do you have any before shots? If not, I understand, and hope I am not being rude in asking. I know not everybody does. I was just curious to see how much you transformed.

[BellaBean 0]

I agree that you shouldn't let them use your image for something you arent even associated with. I think the question everyones wondering but not asking....How much did they offer you?

[puddin 7]

They offered me 2,500 for nonexclusive rights. My husband got laid off from his job so this is very, very tempting for me. BTW, since I removed the "before" pictures on the Internet, you can visit my photo gallery here on this website and see the befores. Or you can see them at http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3237784232_271ca08fc7_o.jpg

[BethFromVA 5]

They offered me 2,500 for nonexclusive rights. My husband got laid off from his job so this is very, very tempting for me. BTW, since I removed the "before" pictures on the Internet, you can visit my photo gallery here on this website and see the befores. Or you can see them at http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3237784232_271ca08fc7_o.jpg

Wow, GREAT results page!!

Shoot, I'd ask her for $25,000 and see if she bites. :tt2:

[MustangGirlRN 0]

Puddin,

You are beautiful....I'm sure you could do a bit of modeling and get more than that. I understand finances are key in your decision, but think about people who may spend money they don't have to get results that they think you got from this bogus product.

Good luck in your decision. Maybe you could submit your photos to bodybugg or LapBand and they may use them? Congratulations on your success!

[twirl 0]

I would not do it

someone may think it is true and be fooled and cheated out of money and cheated by thinking it would work and it does not

I do not care about the money--- it is wrong

and I do not have much money --- but still it is wrong

[Daisalana 33]

First, I've seen plenty of ads for Acai berry diet on myspace (that comes to mind) that boasts celebrities lost weight using it (and their pics)--and I know they did not do it, and they are not getting paid to advertise it.

The Acai Berry is a scam, and anyone saying they'd offer you money for your pics-- I would bet money they are a scam too.

It's probably some scheme that ends up making you pay them to get it set up and then they say they'll pay you after the fact, or they send you a bad check etc.

I would run far away from a blatant scammer asking you to help them endorse a scam.

Ooo ooo, first time I've gotten to point this out--- the line in my sig is about this.

You can't cheat an honest man.

Edited February 19, 2009 by FairyFacade

[puddin 7]

I've already decided not to take the money. It didn't feel right. I told her she could use it if her product was the Xocai chocolates and products, since I did use that while losing the weight to help curb the sugar cravings. I also said I didn't want the photo to denote that I lost ALL the weight using it, just that it helped me to curb the cravings so I COULD lose the weight. I'd be ok with that since it's true, but I don't know what she's going to say back or how they plan on using the photos. There's a good chance I just won't stick with it.

BTW, I have submitted my photo to lapband.com and talked to the bodybugg people, but no biters so far. It'd be nice to get paid for doing all that work, but then again, I didn't get paid to gain it all, either. My husband and I will be fine financially.

[BethFromVA 5]

I hate to sound like a total doof, but what is the Bodybugg? I've heard it mentioned a few times now.

[Carrie_C 9]

I don't know what Bodybugg is either.