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Do you use Jay Pfahl's IOSPE?

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by Marni, Apr 16, 2012.

  1. Apr 16, 2012 #1
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    IOSPE or the Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia has been created and maintained by Jay Pfahl for all to use without charge. It is a quick and easy reference that I use very frequently. What about you? If you use it, why not help support it? He does accept subscriptions ($10) that go to help pay for internet fees and reference books. If you go to his home page http://orchidspecies.com/index.htm, scroll down just a bit and you will see a Subscribe button. It will make you feel very good.
     
  2. Apr 16, 2012 #2
    cflorian

    cflorian Member

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    Hi Marni,

    Thanks for bringing that up, I just subscribed. IOSPE is a fantastic resource!

    -Chris
     
  3. Apr 16, 2012 #3
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I used to use it, but then he stole some of my photos without my permission. Took multiple cease and desist letters to get them removed. I make it a point not to give thieves money.
     
  4. Apr 17, 2012 #4
    theLab

    theLab Member Supporting Member

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    Did he really, Jon? Maybe your pics were sent to him by someone else, just my imagination, as I kept Jay for very cautious exactly in these matters. Sad you made bad experiences. I already admired your pics years ago and at least when I saw some of the pictures which were taken by you I could rely blind in the identity of the plants. Same concerns Lourens Grobler and some others.
    For sure, on Pfahl´s side I already noticed some mistakes where I had doubts in the plants´ identity. But I am no taxonomist. Ntl it´s a very fast way to get information about the plant´s habitus, desires, occurence and so on. So, yes I use it, Marni, but rather for reading than watching / comparing pictures.
     
  5. Apr 17, 2012 #5
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I've always found Jay very quick to reply unless he is the field/out of the country and then it can take some weeks. I don't know that I've every seen images on IOSPE that weren't credited to a photographer and I guess I assume that he has permission. This is the first time I've heard someone talk of copyright infringement by him. He is depending a great deal on others for the photographs which means there are going to be errors. If I see something I think is wrong, I let him know and he looks in to it.

    I don't take IOSPE as a taxonomic authority but as a quick reference and a first place to look. Like Matthias, I'm usually looking for elevation, country of origin, habitat and also books where that species is treated so I have an idea of what books to look at. It is also a lot easier to find things on Jay's site than on Tropicos.org or orchid.unibas.ch/ when I am on my iPhone. ;)

    My point was not that it is perfect, but if you use it and appreciate what you can get from it you might consider sending a bit of money.
     
  6. Dec 13, 2015 #6
    DrWanCanada

    DrWanCanada Member

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    I am sure the use of your photos were merely for educational and not profit. Too bad it caused some bad blood but the site does help to initialize a search and understanding of some aspect of the orchid species. Hopefully the intention for use was for education and not an abuse of your graciousness ... Let's stick together as orchidophiles.
     
  7. Dec 13, 2015 #7
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    A while back, Jay used one of my photos, taken from my website and given to him by someone else. When I pointed it out, he offered to pull it immediately. I told him to credit it properly, and keep using it, which he did.