Well, I didn’t think it would happen but it did.
As most of you know Craig Zablo’s StalloneZone has been providing weekly updates since our inception in 1996. Most fans, SZoners as we affectionately call each other, have been coming here for months, if not years. In this time, we have seen an enormous amount of generosity and many friendships formed. Fans have shared pics, stories, news, tapes, magazines and more. With very few exceptions, everyone came in and was welcomed… because they shared the common bond of being a Sylvester Stallone fan. And because they treated other fans with civility and respect.
We have always encouraged new Stallone sites and gladly shared our news, pics and message board with them. My feeling has been the more Stallone sites there are, the better it is for everyone.
This past week we were made aware that another person has created a Stallone website using the name “StalloneZone.de.” (.de is the German equivalent of .com) Fan reaction was immediate and the same as mine. A new Stallone site would be welcomed but not using the name that I created in 1996.
I informed the person that I would appreciate him changing the name of “his site.” I explained that I had created the name in 1996 and worked hard to make it the #1 Sylvester Stallone site on the internet. The response I got back was that I could purchase the name from them, if I desired. Can you believe it?
The person who created “StalloneZone.de” not only used the StalloneZone name without permission but posted a piece of art, without the permission of the artist who created it. (Hennie Blaauw, who by the way, created it for us.) In addition, “StalloneZone.de” used the same color scheme as us… all in a sad attempt to cash in on our hard work.
My feeling is that the creator of “de” site really isn’t a Stallone fan. If so, why would he disrespect this site and fans who have been supporting Sylvester Stallone longer than anyone else on the internet? Further, why would anyone steal the efforts or work of another? I guess we all know the answer to those questions.
I have decided to simply ignore the “de” site. I will not provide a link to it or any site that links to it. The creator of the “de” site has been banned from the StalloneZone message boards. If a time comes when the “de” creator wishes to apologize and change “his site’s” name then these two stipulations will be lifted. I urge all SZoners to join me in these actions.
Thanks,
Craig Zablo (April 13, 2001)