Alan L [redacted] has not paid royalties to most of his authors in over a yearWhen questioned as to why, he evades the matter and also refuses to give his writers any precise publication datesHis reputation (as well as that of Spero) has plummeted throughout If you have been burnt by this guy, please contact Victoria S [redacted] of the Science Fiction Writers of America at [redacted] MsS [redacted] will keep your inquiries and complaints confidentialIf you must deal with MrL [redacted] (for whatever strange reason), do so with extreme cautionHe can be charming on the surface, but he is a crook at heart
*** *** *** was an officer of my company (Caliburn Press, LLC, which was created by merging Spero Publishing with her previous employer whose name is rejected by your software - D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books, LLC) at the time that the offer to earn money as she describes was
madeRelevant documents and emails can be provided on requestAttached is the spreadsheet from the previous owners showing *** employment and payroll with the previous ownersD*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books and Eternal Press, were imprints of D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books, LLC until acquired on October 1st of this year by Spero Publishing, to form Caliburn Press, LLCProof of *** longterm employment with that company can be provided on requestThe specific offer was made to several employees and officers in an effort to raise capital, prior to taking the step of selling percentages of the company to investors (which I have now done)Trusted employees and officers would be able to contract with a purchaser to buy a subscription to of our upcoming e-books for $125, or to all future e-books in perpetuity for a $investmentThe officer or employee would then be permitted a 25% commission on the sale, subject to relevant taxes. As Sally was the Marketing Manager at the time of the offer, it seemed a perfectly reasonable thing to suggest to her*** response was to ask permission to do this from the previous owner, then refuse to take partShe then engaged in several actions that would be considered termination offenses, and several that were clearly breach of contractAfter these actions, I was obliged to accept her resignationHer unprofessional conduct toward my company has continued fitfully since thenBy examining the Caliburn PRess.com website, you can see proof that D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books and Eternal Press are now owned by Caliburn PressAdditional information will be provided on request
Ms. [redacted] fails to note that I was asking her, as the Marketing Manager, to market our product.
This was not an "investment opportunity," as she was not asked to make any investment.
As she resigned, as opposed to being terminated, it is unclear why Ms. [redacted] harbors enough resentment to continue this matter.
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
Regards,
[redacted]
Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM
subject:
My Resignation
mailed-by:
gmail.com
Hello Authors;
Over the past 5 years and 8 months, I have met and worked with some very incredible and talented people. Thank you all for enriching my life.
This transition has been incredibly stressful and over the past few weeks has evolved into a hostile work environment.
It is not something any of you did as authors.
My complaints are with the owner of Caliburn Press.
Documents concerning this issue from social media and email have been gathered and will continue to be gathered.
I do not intend to take these incidents to you or to social media but am compiling and submitting my complaint to local, state and government agencies.
Again, thank you so much for our time together.
[redacted]
---
Sun, Oct 25, 2015 at 7:09 PMsubject:Due to Sweeping Changes in my Job Dutiesmailed-by:gmail.com:Important according to our magic sauce.
I am resigning as Marketing Manager of Eternal Press and Damnation Books.
I had a terrific 5 years 8 months.
I wish nothing but the best for DB/EP authors.
I asked to negotiate my contract and was offered an editing contract.
Thank you for your time and patience.
A snail mail resignation is coming.
Regretfully,
[redacted]
___
After my resignation I was no longer allowed to speak to authors or employees of Caliburn Press. I have not taken my complaints to social media. I have had minimal contact with Mr. [redacted].
I do not expect any reconciliation, I am not surprised at the tone of his reply. I think his reply goes a long way in telling the truth about his intentions for this 'investment opportunity.' I still maintain that this had become a hostile work environment and did not include those assertions in my complaint to you.
I felt that not alerting someone about the 'opportunity,' was wrong on a moral and ethical level.
Please note, I did not go public with this complaint on social media.
Yesterday I received this email and I refuse to sign the 'agreement.'
Mr. [redacted] email from 1 December 2015 below...
Please sign the attached document and return it right away.
I’m busy, and I want to get this over with as soon as possible.
From: [redacted]] Sent: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 1:42 PMTo: [redacted]Subject: FW: The Revdex.com of Wisconsin has received a customer comment regarding complaint #[redacted]
Use the email [redacted] to see it.
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]....⇄ December 1, 2015 11:52 AMTo: [redacted]Subject: The Revdex.com of Wisconsin has received a customer comment regarding complaint #[redacted].
You have a new message waiting for you from the Revdex.com of Wisconsin in regards to consumer complaint #[redacted]. Please click on the link below to access the online dispute resolution web site and read this message. [redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted] If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [redacted] Thank you, Revdex.com of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI) 10019 W. Greenfield Ave Milwaukee, WI 53214 Phone: (414)847-6000 Fax: (414)302-0355 Email: [email protected]...⇄ Note: The name of companies with Unanswered complaints may be shared with the media. Please understand that the customer's complaint and your response will be publicly posted on the Revdex.com website (Revdex.com reserves the right to not post in accordance with Revdex.com policy). Please do not include any information that personally identifies your customer. By submitting your response, you are representing that it is a truthful account of your experience with this customer. The Revdex.com may edit the complaint of your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language. Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message (including any attachments or embedded documents) is intended for the exclusive and confidential use of the individual or entity to which this message is addressed, and unless otherwise expressly indicated, is confidential and privileged information of Revdex.com. Any dissemination, distribution or copying of the enclosed material is prohibited.
The file contained the following and I will not sign it. I will not agree to it.
--
Office of the CEO
[redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
In the matter of the complaint by [redacted] to the Revdex.com against Spero Publishing, a former sole
proprietorship now an imprint of Caliburn Press, LLC,
Whereas, the contract between [redacted] and Damnation Books, LLC, which company and contract are now
properties of Caliburn Press, LLC, specified that litigation occur in California;
Whereas neither Caliburn Press, LLC, nor Spero Publishing, LLC, nor [redacted] are located in California,
Whereas the agreement between the former owners of Damnation Books, LLC and the new CEO/part owner of Caliburn Press,
Alan Leddon, specified legal matters shall be determined in Madison, WI,
Whereas the contract between Damnation Books, LLC, now property of Caliburn Press, LLC, and [redacted] requires
that [redacted] take no action to harm the reputation of her former employer,
Whereas the complaint to the Revdex.com has jeopardized Spero Publishing’s A+ rating with the RevDex.com,
Whereas the complaint to the Revdex.com is considered unfounded by Caliburn Press,
Whereas Caliburn Press takes the position that this complaint represents an action in Breach of Contract,
It is mutually agreed by [redacted] and by Caliburn Press that litigation in this and future matters shall be held in
Madison, Wisconsin, and that Caliburn Press will support any request by [redacted] to be permitted to appear in
Madison, WI courts by electronic means, which does not constitute a guarantee that the Court will permit this.
Signed and agreed to:
[redacted] Date
12/1/2015
[redacted]
Caliburn Press, LLC
Damnation Books
Eternal Press
Melliferia Press
Siento Sordida Publishing
Spero Publishing
---
End of my reply.
Alan L[redacted] has not paid royalties to most of his authors in over a year. When questioned as to why, he evades the matter and also refuses to give his writers any precise publication dates. His reputation (as well as that of Spero) has plummeted throughout 2016. If you have been burnt by this guy, please contact Victoria S[redacted] of the Science Fiction Writers of America at [redacted]. Ms. S[redacted] will keep your inquiries and complaints confidential. If you must deal with Mr. L[redacted] (for whatever strange reason), do so with extreme caution. He can be charming on the surface, but he is a crook at heart.
I have had nothing but negative experience with Alan [redacted].
At the moment, my royalty reports are 49 days late and I have not been paid for work done through 7 November 2015.
Please give this company time to get their feet under them. These may be start up problems.
Alan L [redacted] has not paid royalties to most of his authors in over a yearWhen questioned as to why, he evades the matter and also refuses to give his writers any precise publication datesHis reputation (as well as that of Spero) has plummeted throughout If you have been burnt by this guy, please contact Victoria S [redacted] of the Science Fiction Writers of America at [redacted] MsS [redacted] will keep your inquiries and complaints confidentialIf you must deal with MrL [redacted] (for whatever strange reason), do so with extreme cautionHe can be charming on the surface, but he is a crook at heart
*** *** *** was an officer of my company (Caliburn Press, LLC, which was created by merging Spero Publishing with her previous employer whose name is rejected by your software - D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books, LLC) at the time that the offer to earn money as she describes was
madeRelevant documents and emails can be provided on requestAttached is the spreadsheet from the previous owners showing *** employment and payroll with the previous ownersD*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books and Eternal Press, were imprints of D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books, LLC until acquired on October 1st of this year by Spero Publishing, to form Caliburn Press, LLCProof of *** longterm employment with that company can be provided on requestThe specific offer was made to several employees and officers in an effort to raise capital, prior to taking the step of selling percentages of the company to investors (which I have now done)Trusted employees and officers would be able to contract with a purchaser to buy a subscription to of our upcoming e-books for $125, or to all future e-books in perpetuity for a $investmentThe officer or employee would then be permitted a 25% commission on the sale, subject to relevant taxes. As Sally was the Marketing Manager at the time of the offer, it seemed a perfectly reasonable thing to suggest to her*** response was to ask permission to do this from the previous owner, then refuse to take partShe then engaged in several actions that would be considered termination offenses, and several that were clearly breach of contractAfter these actions, I was obliged to accept her resignationHer unprofessional conduct toward my company has continued fitfully since thenBy examining the Caliburn PRess.com website, you can see proof that D*a*m*n*a*t*i*o*n Books and Eternal Press are now owned by Caliburn PressAdditional information will be provided on request
Ms. [redacted] fails to note that I was asking her, as the Marketing Manager, to market our product.
This was not an "investment opportunity," as she was not asked to make any investment.
As she resigned, as opposed to being terminated, it is unclear why Ms. [redacted] harbors enough resentment to continue this matter.
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
Regards,
[redacted]
Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM
subject:
My Resignation
mailed-by:
gmail.com
Hello Authors;
Over the past 5 years and 8 months, I have met and worked with some very incredible and talented people. Thank you all for enriching my life.
This transition has been incredibly stressful and over the past few weeks has evolved into a hostile work environment.
It is not something any of you did as authors.
My complaints are with the owner of Caliburn Press.
Documents concerning this issue from social media and email have been gathered and will continue to be gathered.
I do not intend to take these incidents to you or to social media but am compiling and submitting my complaint to local, state and government agencies.
Again, thank you so much for our time together.
[redacted]
---
Sun, Oct 25, 2015 at 7:09 PMsubject:Due to Sweeping Changes in my Job Dutiesmailed-by:gmail.com:Important according to our magic sauce.
I am resigning as Marketing Manager of Eternal Press and Damnation Books.
I had a terrific 5 years 8 months.
I wish nothing but the best for DB/EP authors.
I asked to negotiate my contract and was offered an editing contract.
Thank you for your time and patience.
A snail mail resignation is coming.
Regretfully,
[redacted]
___
After my resignation I was no longer allowed to speak to authors or employees of Caliburn Press. I have not taken my complaints to social media. I have had minimal contact with Mr. [redacted].
I do not expect any reconciliation, I am not surprised at the tone of his reply. I think his reply goes a long way in telling the truth about his intentions for this 'investment opportunity.' I still maintain that this had become a hostile work environment and did not include those assertions in my complaint to you.
I felt that not alerting someone about the 'opportunity,' was wrong on a moral and ethical level.
Please note, I did not go public with this complaint on social media.
Yesterday I received this email and I refuse to sign the 'agreement.'
Mr. [redacted] email from 1 December 2015 below...
Please sign the attached document and return it right away.
I’m busy, and I want to get this over with as soon as possible.
From: [redacted]] Sent: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 1:42 PMTo: [redacted]Subject: FW: The Revdex.com of Wisconsin has received a customer comment regarding complaint #[redacted]
Use the email [redacted] to see it.
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]....⇄ December 1, 2015 11:52 AMTo: [redacted]Subject: The Revdex.com of Wisconsin has received a customer comment regarding complaint #[redacted].
You have a new message waiting for you from the Revdex.com of Wisconsin in regards to consumer complaint #[redacted]. Please click on the link below to access the online dispute resolution web site and read this message. [redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted] If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [redacted] Thank you, Revdex.com of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI) 10019 W. Greenfield Ave Milwaukee, WI 53214 Phone: (414)847-6000 Fax: (414)302-0355 Email: [email protected]...⇄ Note: The name of companies with Unanswered complaints may be shared with the media. Please understand that the customer's complaint and your response will be publicly posted on the Revdex.com website (Revdex.com reserves the right to not post in accordance with Revdex.com policy). Please do not include any information that personally identifies your customer. By submitting your response, you are representing that it is a truthful account of your experience with this customer. The Revdex.com may edit the complaint of your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language. Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message (including any attachments or embedded documents) is intended for the exclusive and confidential use of the individual or entity to which this message is addressed, and unless otherwise expressly indicated, is confidential and privileged information of Revdex.com. Any dissemination, distribution or copying of the enclosed material is prohibited.
The file contained the following and I will not sign it. I will not agree to it.
--
Office of the CEO
[redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
In the matter of the complaint by [redacted] to the Revdex.com against Spero Publishing, a former sole
proprietorship now an imprint of Caliburn Press, LLC,
Whereas, the contract between [redacted] and Damnation Books, LLC, which company and contract are now
properties of Caliburn Press, LLC, specified that litigation occur in California;
Whereas neither Caliburn Press, LLC, nor Spero Publishing, LLC, nor [redacted] are located in California,
Whereas the agreement between the former owners of Damnation Books, LLC and the new CEO/part owner of Caliburn Press,
Alan Leddon, specified legal matters shall be determined in Madison, WI,
Whereas the contract between Damnation Books, LLC, now property of Caliburn Press, LLC, and [redacted] requires
that [redacted] take no action to harm the reputation of her former employer,
Whereas the complaint to the Revdex.com has jeopardized Spero Publishing’s A+ rating with the RevDex.com,
Whereas the complaint to the Revdex.com is considered unfounded by Caliburn Press,
Whereas Caliburn Press takes the position that this complaint represents an action in Breach of Contract,
It is mutually agreed by [redacted] and by Caliburn Press that litigation in this and future matters shall be held in
Madison, Wisconsin, and that Caliburn Press will support any request by [redacted] to be permitted to appear in
Madison, WI courts by electronic means, which does not constitute a guarantee that the Court will permit this.
Signed and agreed to:
[redacted] Date
12/1/2015
[redacted]
Caliburn Press, LLC
Damnation Books
Eternal Press
Melliferia Press
Siento Sordida Publishing
Spero Publishing
---
End of my reply.
Alan L[redacted] has not paid royalties to most of his authors in over a year. When questioned as to why, he evades the matter and also refuses to give his writers any precise publication dates. His reputation (as well as that of Spero) has plummeted throughout 2016. If you have been burnt by this guy, please contact Victoria S[redacted] of the Science Fiction Writers of America at [redacted]. Ms. S[redacted] will keep your inquiries and complaints confidential. If you must deal with Mr. L[redacted] (for whatever strange reason), do so with extreme caution. He can be charming on the surface, but he is a crook at heart.
I have had nothing but negative experience with Alan [redacted].
At the moment, my royalty reports are 49 days late and I have not been paid for work done through 7 November 2015.
Please give this company time to get their feet under them. These may be start up problems.