The Battle Against Mindblossom.ca, Carat.com, iProspect.com, Isobar.net, Aegis Group PLC. AegisPLC.com Continues!

Comments keep flooding in from others who have sadly had the similar misfortune of working with Mindblossom and not getting paid or paid on time. (see sidebar).

Please do not be afraid of these mofo, scumbag assholes at Mindblossom (especially Omar Rizvi — if that’s even your real name), who use legal threats and underhanded tactics in attempts to silence those whom Mindblossom cheat and lie to.

Please continue to post your experiences here in solidarity with the long list of others who have been screwed by Mindblossom / Isobar / Aegis Group PLC. 

I have contacted Jessica again and the sad news is she is still not paid what is owed to her. I understand she is in the long, tedious process of taking legal action against Mindblossom.

I have promised to step up my efforts to get the word out even further & louder that Mindblosoom and their parent company Isobar / Aegis Group PLC. are cheating, lying and underhanded scumbags. I find it quite hilarious yet distrubing that they do not understand that ripping off freelancers will only come back to haunt them in spades. Even more, they claim to be online experts yet they obviously do not realize nor respect the power of the Internet.

NOW I AM PISSED OFF!!! They thought I was a pain in their ass before. Watch what I have planned for these fuckers. I will not cease my loud minority efforts to get this weblog even higher in Google search results than it already is. I will make sure that anyone who searches Mindblossom et el. with know about this sad story. They have made a big mistake to fuck with people who have friends in digital places.

I have taken it upon myself to fight for the little guy — the independent who all too often get screwed over by Corporations.  THIS MUST STOP! It’s also a rainy day and I have nothing more important to do that fight these Mindblossom suck, asshole, fuckers. 

Omar Rizvi, I’m focussed on you and your pathetic company, Mindblossom. There is no leniency for your parent company Isobar, sister company Carat, and ultimately the BORG Mo’ship, Aegis Group PLC. You cannot hide from the truth and you certainly cannot hide from me. When you screw with people livelihoods to make a buck, I suggest you should be careful what emails you open, what software you install and what wireless networks you connect to. The Greyhats of the digital cloud know who you are and will take great pleasure to fuck with you as much, AND MORE than you have fucked with these poor folks.

This weblog will remain up and in full force until ALL and EVERY last one of these people are PAID in FULL (including interest). It will not end there becauseon their behalf I demand a FULL APOLOGY that will hopefully, one day be the last post on this site.

TEN things YOU can do to help!

1 ) Contact Mindblossom and express your outrage
General Inquiries
info@mindblossom.com 
T 416.203.2224
F 416.203.4024

Media & Business Development Contact
Rob Simon
Robert.Simon@mindblossom.com 
T 416.418.4249
F 416.203.4024

Hey, Robert Simon! How does it feel to make money off other people’s work and their suffering at the hands of the Company you preach for? You have NO Integrity , you corporate lackey, Biatche! What does your wife and daughters think of you? Do they know you are a scum bag who profits on the backs of others? Do they know the depths you crawl for their bread? Be advised you are also on the digital list — right at the top. The advice to Omar also applies to you. Watch your digital back!

You too  Daren Trousdell
477 Richmond St. W. Suite 210
Toronto, ON. M5V 3E7
T 416 203 2224
F 416 206 4024

2 ) Click the links here, so these companies see http://mindblossomsucks.wordpress.com show up in their referral SEO logs.

3 ) Repost the weblog in Twitter, Facebook and other social networks.

4 ) Tell all your Friends and Collegues that http://Mindblossom.ca , http://Carat.com , http://iProspect.com , http://Isobar.net and ultimately http://AegisPLC.com are BAD NEWS!! and should not be trusted.

5 ) Backlink this weblog to push it higher into the search ranks.

6 ) If you happen to be a client of Mindblossom, fire them and take your business to a company with integrity. If know anyone who is a client, employee or associate of Mindblossom, Carat, iProspect, Isobar or Aegis Group PLC.,  please call them to make sure they know they type of people they are tying their boat to.

7 ) Call and/or eMail Chris Daniels chris@chrisdaniels.ca  h: 905.604.2623 m: 416.836.1086 <http://www.chrisdaniels.ca> from Applied Arts Magazine who I accuse of writing Bull Shit Propaganda about these scumbags and probably FOR these assholes. I cannot see any other reason why anyone would write anything positive about Mindblossom. Maybe he is friends with someone there. Maybe he takes kick backs under the table or other under-the-table- action to write such fodder.

Chris, why not update your article and write about this atrocity? Maybe you can make up for your poor judgement.

8 ) I also encourage you all to boycott the companies that Mindblossom et al. work with. Here is an easy list:

http://citibank.ca  http://citibank.com : Citi Bank Card Recommender

http://Murale.ca : Murale Brand Launch

http://reebok.ca http://reebok.com : Reebok Womens 2008

http://lavalife.ca http://lavalife.com : SNAP! by lavalife

http://mitsubishi.com http://mitsubishi.ca : Mitsubishi Daily Rally, Mitsubishi Lancer Earth

http://sirius.ca http://sirius.com : Sirius Satellite OEM Game

http://sleeman.ca : Sleeman SIte Redesign

http://Canadianliving.com owned by: http://Rogerspublsihing.com : Canadian Living Site Redesign

http://blueembergrills.com : Blue Ember Grills

http://Virgin.com http://virginmobile.ca  : Virgin Mobile Canada,  BELL Canada

http://KFC.ca  Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC Canada Attention:
Customer Service 101 Exchange Avenue Vaughan Ontario L4K 5R6
Customer Service Number 1-866-664-5696

http://adidas.com : ADIDAS

http://shoppersdrugmart.ca : Shoppers Drug Mart

http://pizzahut.ca http://pizzahut.com : Pizza Hut

http://suzuki.ca http://suzuki.com : Suzuki

http://assurant.com  : Assurant

http://ebay.ca http://ebay.com : eBay Canada

http://tacobell.ca http://tacobell.com : Taco Bell canada

http://magnaent.com : MAGNA Entertainment Corp.
Frank Stronach & Belinda Stronach

337 Magna Drive Aurora, Ontario, L4G 7K1
Phone: 905-726-7063
Investor Relations Contact: Blake Tohana
Email Contact: MEC.investors@magnaent.com

http://crystalheadvodka.com : Dan Aykroyd’s company,  Crystal Head Vodka
Crystal Head Vodka site

MORE TO COME: ANY TIME MINDBLOSSOM GETS A NEW CLIENT THEY WILL BE ADDED TO THIS LIST OF SHAME.

9 ) COMPLAIN!!!! CALL and EMAIL these companies and complain. Assure the if  they continue to use http://Mindblossom.ca you will boycott their products. (I will add easy links above for you soon)

10 ) SELL YOUR STOCK in AEGIS GROUP PLC http://www.aegisplc.com
Aegis GROUP PLC. stock is going down for being the Mother Ship for these underhanded bastards. Aegis knows about this because I have personally called them to complain. Standing by and allowing one of their companies to conduct themselves in this manner is ultimately their responsibility and fate.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!!
WARNING: Be advised if you work with any of the companies [http://mindblossom.ca , http://isobar.net , http://carat.com , http://iprospect.com , Aegis Group PLC: http://www.aegisplc.com], your name will also be put on this digital list. WATCH how SEO works. WATCH how backlinks work. WATCH how Social Networks operate. WATCH how you cannot hide from a pissed off GREY HATS. You’ve been warned!

Use these companies at your own risk because they screw freelancers (the little guy) out of money and more importantly, their TIME.

I have plenty of examples and proof behind my statements so I suggest Mindblossom stops threatening ME  and others with defamation and making false statements when speaking out against Mindblossom’s shameful actions. You are just pissing me off even further.

BTW: Frederick Marckini, iProspect founder and Chief Global Search Officer, Isobar. You are now on my list too. Enjoy!

I will not rest until Justice is served! So it is written!!! So it continues!!!

- SmushBear, January 2010
http://mindblossomsucks.wordpress.com

Mindblossom threatens photographer with lawsuit over blog

I just found out that Omar Rizvi, VP Finance & Operations of Mindblossom finally contacted the Photographer yesterday by phone. Unfortunately it was not to finally pay her invoice but instead to threaten a lawsuit over this weblog. In fact, he also offerred to pay her a small sum not for the work but instead only to take down this weblog.

#1 The photographer didn’t put up this weblog — I DID!

#2 Everything posted in this weblog is true and based on email communication and documents between the parties.

#3 This purpose of this weblog is to bring attention to problems like this so that other may hopefully avoid such an awful experience. (btw: if anyone else is having any similar problems, I’d be more than happy to help out where I can).

I find it very amusing that after months of un-returned emails, phone calls and voice messages, Omar Rizvi finally decides to call for the first time. I consider Mindblossom’s approach to this problem extremely disturbing and ignorant, especially for a supposed “world leading” Interactive Agency. Obviously someone doesn’t understand how the Internet works and how the Internet Community operates.

In a mere three days this site has helped to inform over 4,000 people to the problem of companies stiffing freelancers. Over a dozen other weblogs have picked up this story and it has definitely created a snowballing effect. The discussion that have emerged from this example has yielded great advice for young artists, freelancers or anyone embarking on contract work. I have no doubt it will help others avoid problems like this.

This situation also sheds light on the another side of things. What can or should a company/person do if negative information is being posted about them online? That’s a tough question. Of course it depends on the circumstances and whether the information posted is true or false. This is a topic for another post and I’ll just leave the thought with you for now.

These days many of us find ourselves self-employed, freelancing or contracting our work. As obvious as they may be, here are some points to remember when venturing out there in a world full of wolves.

#1 Always Google search the company/person and the word ’sucks’ before you decide take on a job.

#2 Keep ALL email communication and get everything in writing. When you make any verbal agreements be sure confirm those facts in a summary email.

#3 Always sign a contract regardless of who you are working with — big, small, and even family & friends. Even a simple term sheet will help you if a problem arises.

#4 The Internet Community is always here to help so, use the tools of communication to get your story heard.

Unfortunately in this case even this advice would not have helped. Sometimes problems like this are simply unavoidable and are sadly part of the way some people choose to do business.

Don’t get me wrong, I personally believe that most people are good hearted and honest but it only takes one episode like this to taint our perception. If it ever happens to you please don’t let it change you.

I’ll be sure keep you updated on any new developments.

Play safe!!

Mindblossom refuses to pay. Owes photographer over $10,000

A friend of mine recently did a product photo shoot contracted by Mindblossom.com on behalf of Virgin Mobile Canada. Omar Rizvi (VP Finance & Operations) <omar.rizvi@mindblossom.com> and Hasiya Au-Yeung (Sr. Manager, Engagement Management) <hasiya.auyeung@mindblossom.com> signed the contract. (will be posted here shortly).

After the job was completed and delivered to Mindblossom they refused to pay her for the work with no explanation. No one at Mindblossom would return her calls or explain what was going on. Via email she was told to “sit tight” while weeks passed by without a peep. She tried to contact Omar Rizvi, the signatory on the contract who refused to return her calls.

Only after putting the delinquent account of Mindblossom into collection did they provide any details on why they refused to pay.

The response came from Genti Kongjika, (Finanace Manager), <Genti.Kongjika@mindblossom.com>

“As per my previous communications to you our position is based on two major issues: Performance – quality of the product was not there and did not meet the criteria as per the contract. Time of delivery – the only  document signed by both parties that I have stipulates that the delivery date was July 10^th 2008. This deadline was never met.”

I’ve spoken to the photographer and have summarized her feedback below.

1) As for late delivery is concerned: due to complications during post production a new delivery date was agreed upon via email between Hasiya Au-Yeung (Sr. Manager, Engagement Management) and Francesca Teotico (Engagement Manager) <francesca.teotico@mindblossom.com>. Mindblossom is choosing to ignore this communication and the revised dates.

2) Regarding quality of product:  One example of 11 photo animations completed is posted below. As you can see the quality of photography is quite good and I fail to see what “poor quality” Mindblossom is referring to.

Please Boycott Mindblossom and let them know that not paying contractors is bad for business and their reputation.

Mindblossom

477 Richmond St. W. Suite 210

Toronto, ON. M5V 3E7

T 416 203 2224

F 416 206 4024

info@mindblossom.com

[update 1] I have convinced the photographer to send me all correspondence to post here. Stay tuned for the whole story. You be the judge and decide for yourself.

[update 2] It seems that Hasia is no longer with the Mindblossom. hrmm…

[update 3] The photographer is taking further legal action against Mindblossom and Virgin Mobile for non-payment, breach of contract, lost opportunities, court and collection costs. Willkeep you posted here.

[update 4] It appears there are others who have also had problems with Mindblossom. Search Google and you will find them. I’ve posted one below.

Poor Quality???

I just read this load of crap about Mindblossom

I read this load of dung on Mindblossom’s twitter account <http://twitter.com/Mindblossom>.

We are a digitial agency that drives audience and conversion, creates and extends conversation, builds memorable and unique experiences and engages users.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Quite unique and memorable, I must agree

Message them and tell them what you think of their dirty actions.

aphotoeditor.com writes

Top U.S. Weblog pipes in on our weblog — THANKS, Rob Haggart

More Bad News For Companies That Try To Screw Over Photographers

I think it’s fairly common practice now when you’re thinking about doing business with a company to type their name and the word sucks into google to see what results come up.

Here’s a blog someone setup to let people know about a photographer who appears to have been screwed over by an interactive agency:

http://mindblossomsucks.wordpress.com/

SAMSUNG M300 CONTACT SHEET OF ALL 72 ROTATION FRAMES

I had the photographer send me this. Gives an idea of the amount of work that went it to this…. and this is only one of 11 phones. A lot of work for not getting paid!

original post here

ANOTHER PHONE (2 of 11) SAMSUNG 160

Another example from the photographer.

Samsung 160

HIGH RES PHOTO: SAMSUNG M510 (1 of 11 phones)

The photographer has sent me some hi res samples of the phones. The Samsung M510, one of 11 phones photographed for Mindblossom for their Virgin Mobile 360 campaign. This photograph is one of the 72 images for this phone that complete the 360° rotation.

Samsung M510

Mindblossom Ordeal, UPDATE

<<I am taking the liberty to repost an update post from Michelle at elusiveness.org>> Thanks for the update, Michelle!!!

Mindblossom Ordeals Continued

In light of the recent comment to my not-so-positive post about Mindblossom and many personal emails regarding this rant, I am utterly appalled over the same problems that people complain about to me, even after a management turnover that was apparently supposed to turn the company around. New management, same problems.

There was quite some controversy over the posting a year later when the president emailed me accusing me of slander and threatening to take legal action and to contact my web host to remove my site. Of course, they were only mean threats as no serious actions were actually taken. The emails themselves seemed quite desperate and petty, but I stood up to the bullying and held firm on keeping my post up (although I decided to change the title to something less subjective) and responded to them with the following:

D—-, I had only just received your emails as I have not had the opportunity to check them in the last while. I find it very presumptuous of you to assume that I had simply tossed the matter aside when it had only been 3 days since your first email. I’m sure you now have an idea of how I felt when I was given the runaround for over a month. With that said, please do not suppose yourself to be the epitome of respect and politeness with your accusations of my “rudeness.”As for the issue at hand: my blog is my journal and I have every right to express my personal opinions and experiences of my every day life. This particular post to which you refer simply documented a chain of frustrating events that I had wanted to share. There was no malicious intent in the post to defame the company, yourself or P—; in fact, the post is in no way, shape or form defamatory since the events I had outlined were completely factual (you yourself had even acknowledged that in your last email). To accuse me of “slander”, especially from a blog post written well over a year ago, is utterly ridiculous. I am completely over that experience and expressing myself in writing was a good way for me to do so. As you can see, I have never wasted my time or effort to ever write about or “slander” the company after that particular post.

I understand your concern about the title and I will consider changing it to something less subjective. As for the post, I truly believe I have written nothing defamatory as it simply documented events I experienced.

Then last year in December I received an email from Omar Rizvi, the new VP Finance & Operations, whom I had never met, who had actually apologized to me (the first apology I had received from the company). The email went something like this:

“Basically I wanted to apologize for the bad experience you had with us and let you know that we have been purchased by a large media company. We have a whole new leadership team and many of the people you were dealing with have since left the company. The current leadership team is all about conducting business in a professional manner and taking the company to the next level.So I would appreciate very much if you could take your blog about us off your site since when you Google us it comes up on the first page and hinders us and our efforts to re-launch our company.”

However, a month later I received an email from someone contracted by Mindblossom:

Hi Michelle, We’ve completed a cabling project for MindBlossom and specified they must pay by cheque upon completion. It’s been two weeks and we’ve received similar excuses to what you’ve pointed out in your blog (“signing authority” is not here now, etc.). We’re going down there today to attempt to collect. The “head guy” you referred to, was that Omar Rizvi at the time? Regards, E—

And just yesterday I received this comment to my post:

A photographer friend is having a similar “nightmare” dealing with Minblossom. They owe her over $10,000 and refuse to pay.I’ve taken it upon myself to try and help her out by by getting the word out about Mindblossom = BAD NEWS!!!

dead beats!!!!

Any help you can provide could be useful.

You can read the about the entire situation on their own site. Unbelievable eh? I’m glad I stood my ground; now others will know that they aren’t the only ones being shafted by this company.