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?

I wouldn't do it, a simple decision for me personally.

I won't blast you because I do not know you or your financial situation, however, I just couldn't let people believe a product worked when I had done the work with the band.

Let your conscience be your guide.

I feel like I'd be deceiving people who are using this product. What do you think?

I think you already know the answer to what you think you should do.

Shame on that woman for even putting you in that position. It's unethical.

It's funny that I ran across this post today...

In today's newspaper I read an article about obesity and the billions of dollars that are spent on weight loss products every year, a huge percentage of which are bogus. Now I am certainly not saying that this acai berry product is, just that many are. The article went on to say that by posting all of these before and after pictures as 'proof' that their product works they are preying on the desperation that so many obese people live with every day.

That said, I couldn't, in good faith, let anyone use my image for a product that I couldn't prove worked.

Good luck in your decision.

Patricia

I wouldnt do it either.

well i see so many adds for that thing well now i know its all fake lol.. your choice you worked hard for the body you have now.

Hmmm,

When I'm not sure what to do I try empathy.

How would I feel if I were spending my hard earned $ on a product desperately trying to gain control of my weight only to learn that I had been misrepresented?

I'm not a religious person by a long shot but "putting the shoe on the other foot " goes a long way for me !

gl to you

I'd also be concerned about someone this unethical "owning" your pictures. Chances are, there would be something in your contract that you would have no control over their use. I can't believe that someone would risk having you (or anyone who knows your true story) exposing their deceit after their ad campaign comes out.

(On a lighter note, this reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where Kramer sold all of his life stories to Mr. Peterman, and then finds out he can no longer claim his stories as his own.)

I wouldn't go for it either, but I did take a look at your pictures. Holy smokes, I'd think Body Bugg or Lap Band would shell out some money for your before and afters. You look absolutely amazing!! I'm very happy for you and your success.

Edited February 17, 200917 yr by kiz

I've gotta tell you, I know I don't feel great selling my pictures as a marketing "before/after" ploy, as the whole purpose is to deceive somebody about a product. They may believe in their product, as she seems to, but says there hasn't been "enough time" for the before/after results. I'd feel better about it if I even used a little of their product, but I haven't. The only acai berry product I used were the xocai dark acai berry chocolates (which are fabulous, by the way, and really do take away your craving for other sweets, probably because of the richness of it). This would be a much easier decision if they weren't offering as much money as they are.

I think, in the end, we aren't starving and peace of mind is priceless. I will tell this woman no and remove my pics from the Internet so others don't take them without my permission. Thanks for the advice everybody.

You are making the right decision IMO, but I can understand why she wanted to use your pictures. You look amazing!

Your decision, but here is was a lot of companies are doing with the craze. Not a dig on the product itself, but the people selling it. From the local news channel.

Better Business Bureau: Do Your Homework On Companies Selling Acai Berries - kdka.com

I wouldnt do it my self as I feel that I wouldnt want to be lied to. Follow what your heart tells you.

I'm just surprised she even asked. With as bogus as the product probably is you'd think she would just jack 'em and use 'em.

I think the product is hokey, and if they want to use fake pictures, that pretty much tells you the product is hokey. Would you really want to be associated with this product? It better be really big money!!! lol, just kidding. Guess it does depend on how much you need the money though. I couldnt do it.

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