Greetings everyone,
As you might know, I am the author of the Tennessee Central Railway book that was published by TLC Publications in mid-2005. Back in 2000 I signed a contract with TLC outlining the royalties to be paid once the book was published. However, so far TLC has refused to pay any royalties. They have also refused to provide an accounting of how many books have been sold and/or distributed (as required by contract).
Since the book came out I have repeatedly contacted TLC via "snail mail" and phone to ask about the overdue payments (the company doesn't have e-mail). For a year my messages weren't returned. Finally, in late September 2006 I got in touch with the owner, who said he would be able to send something in "late November".
I am trying to estimate how many books have been sold, and am asking members of this group for help. If you have bought the book, would you kindly tell me how many copies you purchased? Also, could you provide an estimate of how many copies you believe friends, fellow railfans, dealers, museums, hobby shops, etc., in your area have purchased? A rough estimate is fine.
**** PLEASE***** E-mail me directly, rather than through the group, unless you have comments you don't mind sharing publicly.
Absolute, complete, 100%, no-bull* anonymity is guaranteed! Every e-mail will be deleted immediately after being received. I simply want to get an estimate of how many books were sold so I can form an estimate of how much money I may be owed. I assure everyone, there will be complete anonymity.
In addition to the unpaid royalties, I've also been trying unsuccessfully to have some photos returned, but without luck so far.
Please forgive me if this sounds like sour grapes. However, I spent approximately 2 years on this book and spent over $1000 obtaining photos for this book (yes, I paid anywhere from $2 to $10 for each print used in the book, and then gave each contributor a copy of the book). An entire forest was sacrified while I made photocopies at libraries in 3 states. I didn't write this book to make money, but I didn't do it to get screwed, either.
TLC started taking orders for this book in early 2003, and that was over two and one-half years before the book was actually printed in mid-2005. That means they've been making money off MY work for over three and one-half years now. I am NOT trying to embarrass TLC, but I want (and deserve) to be paid for MY work. For any legal-minded persons, nothing in this message can be interpreted as libel or slander, for all of the facts in this message are true.
Also, forgive me for the cross-posting. I want to reach as many buyers as possible, so I can make my estimate as accurate as possible. If you know friends who are TC fans but not on this list, feel free to forward this message (or to other groups).
Cliff Downey
Cliff,
Yes, I bought a copy of the book and waited a long time to
receive my copy. It was worth the wait. It is a good read and the photos really help place the railroad into context. I lived in Knoxville for a couple years and always had questions about the remains at various locations along the tracks. Now I know.
I could not find your e-mail in the post or your profile.
Alan
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.