Wow that is a tough one.
But not terribly surprising in a sense.
I’ve run with some rough crowds at times in my past and I learned the hard way more than once.
Reading this reminds me of what one of those scoundrels had said to me (which I should have taken as a warning, rather than just him talking)
he told me how his father had once told him …
quote:
Its easiest to screw your friends and family because most times they won’t *come after you
unquote:
*(press charges with law authorities)
he ended up stealing my camcorder which back then was worth about $1200
it had been a gift from my father, which he was aware.
I imagine he got all of $150 for it.
Perhaps however they are unaware that they’ve done anything which will cause you ultimate harm.
By that I mean that the net is saturated with site designs and the info that lie within: which have been stolen from other sites, books or text which was written by someone else.
And I don’t think that it actually falls under the category of theft; since if its re-written with only the mildest of differences it then becomes what is called “research” rather than theft.
I mean there are only so many ways to say “CasinoX has 50 games, offers secure banking and has a bonus of $50”.
So at some point I think this sort of stuff becomes public domain though many people would argue that fact with me.
But it is what it is; and like I said; there are only so many ways to present facts; so with that in mind it maybe it helps your perspective;
but you should explain to them that by not making the minor adjustments necessary to at least appear uniquely assembled; that they are simply dooming the both of you; or I guess in your case the group of you…
so tell them that while you appreciate they weren’t intentionally doing anything to harm you; that if they don’t make some kind of better effort to look unique that they merely ensure your demise; rather than their success.