**2009 CALENDAR**

[CalAltaDubber]

Wow, It's almost the 30th!

Kammy did you get enough photos, or do some of us have to get creative to help finish this off?

[kamzcab86]

I actually received enough photos to create two calendars, Phil. There were a lot of great shots submitted. I'm presently debating: one calendar or two... hmmm.

[CalAltaDubber]

I actually received enough photos to create two calendars, Phil. There were a lot of great shots submitted. I'm presently debating: one calendar or two... hmmm.

Just to "throw a wrench into the works" Another option would be a 24 month calendar.

[ibennett]

I really love that idea, wouldn't have to buy a calender for a long time, lol

I actually received enough photos to create two calendars, Phil. There were a lot of great shots submitted. I'm presently debating: one calendar or two... hmmm.

Just to "throw a wrench into the works" Another option would be a 24 month calendar.

[kamzcab86]

Good idea, Phil! The only problem is that Cafe Press doesn't have a 24-month calendar option; they don't even have a 16-month option.

I'm going to look into other options for the 2010 calendar. Cafe Press was chosen this time purely for simplicity and ease of world-wide ordering.

[CalAltaDubber]

In that case, go for two calendars, I'd buy them both!

[Bugly]

You could always post the photos and let the forum vote for the best twelve or put two pics for each month

[kamzcab86]

So, I created the version 1 calendar and thought all was hunky-dory, but noooooooooo. I received this email from CafePress today:

"In accordance with our Intellectual Property Rights Policy, Gregory D. Phillips, on behalf of Volkswagen of America, Inc. provided us with a notice stating that the use of images bearing the distinctive shape of the Classic and New Volkswagen vehicles, the VW Emblem and/or other VW trademarks and trade dress infringes upon their intellectual property rights (trademark/copyright).

Accordingly, we have set the content that is alleged to infringe the rights of the third party to "pending status" which disables said content from being displayed in your shop or purchased by the public."

Even the Cabriolets with badgeless grilles were flagged.

[ibennett]

That really stinks!

[CalAltaDubber]

I realize that Volkswagen is very protective of their intellectual property (IP), but they do have a licencing program. It is free, I believe.

Here's the website:
http://www.vw.com/companyinfo/trademarkprogram/en/us/

[kamzcab86]

Yeah, I've been all through the trademark stuff a few times over the past year and even printed the merchandise license form. The problem is, it takes up to a month to receive the license from VAG (correspondence goes to/from Germany, not VWoA), and that's if they approve your idea(s)... all for a calendar that contains pictures of people's cars.

I talked to someone putting together a calendar for the Mk4 cars. He didn't offer up any info as to where he's getting them printed or anything like that, but he did say that there wasn't any problem with the '08 calendars, the 'rocco folks didn't have a problem with the '08 calendars (ironically, sold on CafePress), regional folks didn't have problems with their calendars... So, the options at this point are:

1) I get a set quantity of the calendars printed either locally or online (by a company other than CafePress) by paying for them all upfront and then reselling them here and shipping them out to everyone. Or,
2) Get pre-paid orders from everyone via PayPal and money orders, have the calendars made and shipped to me and then I in turn ship them out to everyone.

Since the above options are it at this point, making two versions of the calendar is probably out. It also means that the price of the calendar will most likely be more than $14.99 (base price).

I don't blame CafePress; in fact, I had a feeling this was a possibility given the fact that the only VW calendar at CafePress is a Ghia calendar, produced by a licensed Ghia club.

The calendar WILL be printed, someway, somehow!! Stay tuned!

[CalAltaDubber]

Hats off to you Kamz.

I really admire your determination on this. If you need any assistance, don't be afraid to get hold of me.

[kamzcab86]

Thanks, Phil!

I think I've found a solution to the problem: A really cool web-based company! Calendar #1 is done; just need to place the order, which will, hopefully, be tomorrow. I'll work on Calendar #2 as well tomorrow; if all goes right, I'll order it too. And, the base price should be less than CafePress!

[CalAltaDubber]

Thanks, Phil!

I think I've found a solution to the problem: A really cool web-based company! Calendar #1 is done; just need to place the order, which will, hopefully, be tomorrow. I'll work on Calendar #2 as well tomorrow; if all goes right, I'll order it too. And, the base price should be less than CafePress!

My fingers are crossed.

[Calimus]

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with this folks. Kammy, glad you are finding a solution. It seems funny that VWoA just constantly shoots themselves in the foot with the very ppl that praise their product.

I recently had a video pulled from you tube because a song from the Rolling Stones was playing on the radio while I was recording the video. Video had been up for over a year and didn't get many hits, but hey, the song was on the radio for christs sake.

Anyway, Kammy, if there is anything I or Cristine can do to help you out, just let me know. This hasn't been our year for free time as we are both still stuck in work schedule hell. Curently, we see each other 1 day a week.

At any rate, I shouldn't complain, we both have jobs. I'm just hoping this ends soon so we can get back to having time for this place and the cars in general.