.
One Author's deplorable experience with Infinity Publishing

Including reach-out to fellow Authors as well as Pennsylvania Attorney General

    2014 to Present          

This Website was originally created to give current, as well as prospective, Authors a look INSIDE the business of Infinity Publishing.
It is an email-by-email synopsis, beginning in 2014, of discussions and communication between ONE Author and Infinity's new CEO & staff who took over Infinity Publishing in 2010. 
Issues such as communication, questions not answered, e-mails not responded to, sales/royalty questions, botched sales reporting and book shipping, accounting errors and non-payment of royalties, are dealt with through e-mail and a few phone calls. Over the course of three years, most of the questions went unanswered, and very few of the problems were either fixed or explained. And the problems and question continued.
The original email chain, that prompted this website, ended in 2016 after Infinity totally botched a 125 book order for my book. I tried to work things out, but had little satisfaction.
The emails continued, however, carrying the wranglings from 2016 into 2019, encompassing a surprise "merger" of Infinity with FastPencil and suspicions about royalty skimming and the lack of royalty payments beginning in late 2017 and continuing well into 2019. All of this brought the back and forth communication to a halt with me dreading whether Arthur Gutch is actually trying to disconnect from Infinity and whether Infinity will cease to exist all together.

The existence of this website should tell you that this Author was not satisfied with the Infinity CEO and staff attitude, demeanor and inability, or flat out refusal, to solve questions and problems. There were excuses such as: "Things happen,"  "We are understaffed,"  "We have had some staff changes,"   "We have addressed that issue, can't we move on?" "The merger with FastPencil was more involved than we expected and we're still working things out,"
and the biggest one of all: "That is privileged information."

There are 10,000+ books in 50 categories in the Infinity Publishing Bookstore. There are currently upwards of 7,000 Infinity Authors who have entrusted their work, under contract, to the accounting management and staff of Infinity Publishing.  This means that there are potentially 7,000+ Authors who have stories about the Infinity Publishing experience, and it is highly likely that many of those stories will mirror contacts and conflicts that you will read about here..

It is my hope, that telling MY story, would be the impetus for others to come forward, in an effort to begin some discussion and problem solving, with the professional goal of complete publishing, accounting and royalty satisfaction for every Infinity Author.

In February of 2018, as royalties were beginning to not be paid, I began contacting the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Josh Shapiro, regarding the corruption at Infinity under Arthur Gutch direction. I asked for an investigation. To this day (8/17/2019), to my knowledge, no investigation has been initiated.
Other authors are starting to speak out, several are also filing complaints on the Attorney Generals website, and there is growing discussions regarding a class action lawsuit against Arthur Gutch.

It is my hope and goal, with the publishing of this website, to shed light on what is happening (and not happening) at Infinity Publishing, and to inspire other authors toward making their own stories and interests known.

To all Infinity authors:  Join and help - starting with filing a complaint on the Attorney General's website: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/
To the Attorney General of Pennsylvania: please investigate.
  Bo Metzler (Author / Webmaster)    


 

 
                                                                                           
 

I will begin this discussion with two general Questions for every Infinity Publishing Author:

                                             "Were you aware that the original Infinity Publishing founders have not been with the Company since 2010?"
              Are you satisfied with how you are treated, by the Infinity staff, with respect to your book sales numbers,statements and royalties?"


That's right, Tom and Mark Gregory, Infinity's original founders, sold the company in 2010.
I did not know this until sometime in 2014, and by that time Infinity Publishing had
changed without our even knowing it
I think that communicating this profound change was something that all Infinity Authors would have welcomed, because none of us, who began our Publishing experience with
Tom and Mark, were given a chance to say goodbye - and Thank You. 

Coincidentally, for me, the year 2014 was also the year that my book sales and royalties began a nosedive, and I began to review and question the data entries on my Monthly Royalty Statements.
Flash forward to September of 2015, when I began an Accounting Analysis with staff member Laura Wright that never got resolved before she mysteriously disappeared from the Infinity Publishing staff.


Also in 2015, a relatively large order of my book (33 copies), purchased directly through Infinity, by a University Bookstore on behalf of an instructor, was totally botched.
This brought me into direct contact with the new CEO of Infinity, Arthur Gutch, who, along with others, formed and LLC and bought Infinity in 2010.
Arthur and I had phone conversations,
as well as a multitude of e-mail exchanges, regarding this 33 Book Fiasco, and although the instructor was given a PDF copy of my book to teach from, and several students purchased the book from Amazon, the full book order never made it into the classroom where the instructor was intending to use it as the entire basis for her theatre class focus. It saddens me to say that what happened, and the explanations, were very unsatisfying.

So all of this got me thinking and doing some research.
Aside from questions about Communication and Sales Numbers, I have been digging deep into ALL of my Statements and Infinity Accounting, as well as Book Sale Amounts, and Royalties and Marketing, and Wholesale Sellers and E-Books and, and . . . the list goes on.


What follows is a Two Part chronological synopsis, through an e-mail trail, of what transpired between this Author and the Infinity staff.
Part One runs from 2014 to through June of 2016. There are 280+ e-mails dealing with several issues pertinent to my book account, including accounting mistakes, order mistakes, shipping mistakes and a general lack of response and reluctance, on the part of staff members and the CEO, to answer questions. Few issues got resolved (to my satisfaction) and many issues are still unresolved. 
Part Two picks up at the end of 2016 (in a word document HERE) and proceeds from trying to contact Infinity Authors and Infinity's former owner Mark Gregory, to news regarding the Infinity "merger" with FastPencil, to reaching out, in February 2018, to the office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General
requesting an investigation. Most of Part Two centers around the complete lack of royalty payments to authors that began at the end of 2017 and continues through August 2019 (and probably beyond).

All of the letters and e-mails are the facts of my stormy relationship with and regarding Infinity Publishing. Nothing is made up or slanted. 
It is interesting and eye-opening reading.
Get a glass of wine and dig in - it will take some time.  Read the Summary below and click on the links to see the actual E-MAILS.

In addition

There are important factors that make up the many facets of the puzzle called Independent/POD Publishing. By trying to get the answers to these many questions, and understanding the facets, I am trying to put together a truer picture of what, exactly, is going on in this basically unregulated world - a world where Authors are trying, and sometimes succeeding, in getting their lifelong dreams into print for all to read. And they are trusting their Publisher to do right by them regarding Royalties. The questions that I have asked not only have a bearing on the individual success of ALL Infinity Authors, but are also questions that every Author at Infinity should be given the right to ask and have answered.

If you too are an Infinity Author and have had problems similar to what I have been experiencing, or if you too have had questions about how and where our books are sold, how sales are tabulated and how royalties are calculated, then you too need to add your voice to the chorus of Authors who are asking these questions.
If you believe that we, as Infinity Authors - the backbone of Infinity Publishing - deserve to be informed of, and satisfied by, the way Infinity does OUR business, then add your voice to the chorus.


                                                                                                                                             

I published my book, "What We Do - Working in the Theatre," with Infinity Publishing in 2008.
From the very beginning, I had a great relationship with the Infinity Staff, especially Mark Gregory, who founded Infinity Publishing with his father in 1997.  Since my book was basically a theatre textbook, or a book that could be added to a theatre class reading list, it was my goal to get the book into the hands of any and every Theatre Department Chair across the country. Mark Gregory helped me, significantly, by sending Review Copies to any Theatre Chair, whenever I made a request. For the first two years after publication, this was the only contact I had with Infinity. There were no problems.
When I retired in 2006, due to an accident on The Lion King, where I was working as a stagehand, my wife and I decided to move to the Philippines where she was from, and where life was cheaper. To make it easier to receive my Royalty checks I had them mailed directly to my bank in the U.S.. This was necessary because Infinity doesn't have an official Direct Deposit set up, and they only allow one address on file for each author. In order to have a quasi Direct Deposit, I registered my bank address as my contact address. So all correspondence went to my bank. Sometimes they forwarded it back to me. Sometimes they didn't. As far as Infinity was concerned, this was the way it was with addresses on file. I had to live with it.
This was only a problem when it came to tax time and every year my 1099 form was sent to my bank, unless I made a special request, by e-mail, to have the 1099 form mailed to my son's address in New York.        

That's how 2014 began, and then things started to go haywire.

What follows is a brief, incident by incident, Summary with links to the pertinent E-mails.


                                                                                                                                                                            
    

FEBRUARY

As usual, I made a 1099 e-mail request to Michelle Shane on Feb 17th. It was replied to and a 1099 was sent by Brittany Lavin on  Feb 18th.
(E-MAIL
#1 & #2)

AUGUST -- all was fine, until . . .

All was fine between me and Infinity Publishing until late in 2014 when I started noticing my Royalties taking a nose dive. In 2013 they were less than half of what they were in 2011. And in 2014 they dropped by half again. For 4 months (Jan thru April) there were zero sales. I never had zero sales before.
On August 4th of 2014 I tried to contact Michelle Shane and even Mark Gregory, with whom I had always had a prompt cordial e-mail relationship. I wanted to know if they could explain this situation. For the first time, Mark did not reply and neither did Michelle Shane.
(E-MAIL #8)

NOVEMBER -- where is Mark Gregory?


I sent Mark Gregory a usual request for a Review Copy of my book to be sent to an interested Theatre Professor. This had happened many times in the past but had tapered off until now. He did not reply.
(E-MAIL #14).
 
DECEMBER -- Finding out Mark Gregory was no longer at Infinity

I sent Mark Gregory a follow up  request for a Review Copy.
He did not reply. (E-MAIL #15).
Almost 3 weeks later I sent an e-mail to Brittany Lavin, who was the last person to contact me from Infinity. I asked her why I hadn't heard from Mark Gregory regarding a Review Copy Request. There was a notice sent to me saying Brittany's email is "no longer in service" (code for "she doesn't work here anymore"). I was told to contact Sara Matz
.
(E-MAIL #17 & #18).
I wrote to Sara and asked about Mark Gregory. She replied saying, "Mark Gregory has not worked with us for about a year now." A strange dismissal for the person who founded Infinity Publishing.
(E-MAIL #19 & #20)Then we exchanged two more e-mails which explained a policy change in sending (or not sending) Review Copies of Infinity books. (E-MAIL #21 & #22).
I sent one of my own copies to the Theatre Professor.
.

This is how I learned that Mark Gregory left Infinity, but I had no details; no chance to say goodbye. And I wasn't happy with the new Review Copy policy.
I wasn't happy that Mark's "retirement" wasn't communicated to Infinity Authors. I wondered why Michelle Shane didn't answer my emails about the 1099 and about why Mark Gregory left Infinity. And I wondered why Brittany Lavin was no longer on staff. And the big question - who was in charge at Infinity now? Was my book safe - remember, back in August I wondered why my book sales took a nose dive, and I hadn't been given any answer. Was all of this related somehow.
It was the end of 2014 and already the list of questions was starting to grow.

   
                                                                                                                                                                               

FEBRUARY -- reaching out.


On Feb 15, I sent an e-mail to Sara Matz to try to catch up on how Infinity worked; about distribution; about Ingram; about who printed Infinity books now; and was there still an Author's Discount. She replied with a few answers, but they were superficial responses.
Then three more e-mails about distribution and then my last e-mail about Kindle copies, which she never addressed. (E-MAIL #24 thru #28).

MARCH -- responses to emails aren't happening.

On March 7, I requested a new 1099 form for 2014 from Michele Shane, to whom I had always sent this request.
Instead of a reply from Michelle, I was send Auto-Responses informing me I was signed up on Infinity Gold Support and a "Ticket" was created for me. I did not understand this.  (E-MAIL
#30 thru #34).
On March 19th, I wrote another e-mail to Michelle and to Sara asking for my 1099. And a separate e-mail to Sara asking "what's going on?"
And, then again, on March 25, to Sara, "Why can't anyone respond?" 
(E-MAIL #35 thru #37).
NONE of these e-mails were answered!

This is NOT how to do business!


APRIL  -- 
Reaching Mark Gregory for a day. The mystery and mayhem begins.

By April 12th, I had waited long enough for someone from Infinity to respond to my 1099 request.  I thought I would take a chance and try to contact Mark Gregory. I had no idea where he was. I Googled him and came up with two locations: "POD Wholesale" and
"EZ2C Targets."
I emailed both places and got an Infinity Support message for POD Wholesale - strange. And then I got an e-mail message from Mark from
"EZ2C Targets" saying that he passed my 1099 request on to the CEO Art, and that he "cannot legally discuss any details about Infinity other than to say I am disappointed in the turn the company has taken."  VERY strange! (E-MAIL #39 - #41).

So . . . the founder and former head of Infinity "cannot legally discuss" Infinity matters. I gotta say, I didn't see this kind of thing coming. What does that mean? Why did Mark leave. Why did he have to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement. I started to do more Google Research.

On the same day, Arthur Gutch jumped in immediately, sending me an e-mail, and telling me he was putting Marc Histand in charge of getting my 1099 to me. This was my introduction to the new Infinity CEO, and his right hand man.
I returned an e-mail explaining the 1099 story and asking him, basically, who he was. His only reply was that Marc would get back to me and signed it Arthur Gutch, "Chairman." (quotes are mine)
(E-MAIL #42 thru #44).

The next day I wrote back to Mark Gregory telling him Art had contacted me and was putting Marc on the case. I also told him I had a bad feeling about things at Infinity. He did not reply to my email
(E-MAIL #45)

Marc Histand e-mailed me saying they would scan the 1099 and send it. It was April 13th.
On April 16th (which could have been the 15th in Pennsylvania because of time difference with the Philippines) I wrote to Marc asking where my 1099 was!
He replied - "Looks like you didn't receive my first message. I will re-send."  Apparently he didn't attach it. This is just more strangeness. Why did it take 2-3 days?  Why wasn't it sent (although he says I didn't "receive" it. This is foreshadowing of things to come.)  When it arrived, I told him I received it and filed my taxes.
(E-MAIL #46 thru #50).

On April 20th, I sent Marc Histand some questions - the first of many questions I would put forward over the course of the next year or more. They centered on the company structure and lack of inter office communication which resulted in a lack of staff/author communication.
READ Marc's answers here - and tell me what you think. 
( E-MAIL #51 - #52). I did finally find out that Michelle Shane was no longer at Infinity. I don't know when, or under what circumstances, she left. I wonder if she is under a gag order too, like Mark Gregory. I also found out that Laura Wright, would usually be the contact in this type of situation, but she was out on a family leave.
In general, though I didn't realize it at the time, these few mysterious events  were a foreshadowing of things to come.

September 
--  things started Rockin' & Rollin'.

September was the month that I received my Statement for the June 2015 Sales of my book. Sales are generally reported by the end of the second month, or the beginning of the third month - after the month that the sales occur.
I noticed, right away, that there was a Retail sale of 125 copies of my book. Great news. Maybe things were turning the corner.

Coincidentally, I received an e-mail from Laura Wright who was back from maternity leave and finally looking into my questions about Statements and Royalties.
She sent two statements that she presumed would answer all of my question (a common occurrence). But after I scrutinized them, (relying on my Math background) I had more questions and sent some documentation that I called a "mini audit."
(E-MAIL #58 - #60).

OCTOBER  --  the 125 Book Fiasco

Two quick questions for Sara Matz: Who bought the 125 copies of my book, and can I change my mailing address so I receive my checks and 1099 forms directly (through my son in New York)?  Yes, I could change my address. No I couldn't get the name of the person who bought 125 copies of my book.  Sara explained that it was about "customer privacy."  I do not understand this. But she offered to sent a note from me to the purchaser. I agreed, wrote the note and sent it to her to forward on to the purchaser. (Not the end of this situation.)  (E-MAIL #62 - #70).

October 28th - A quick e-mail to Laura about when I would receive my Royalty for the 125 book purchase. No Reply. ( E-MAIL #64).

NOVEMBER  --  Everything is secret and nothing gets solved


And another e-mail on November 5th asking why I hadn't heard from her about my mini audit from back in September plus new info I noticed on my most recent Statement regarding the 125 Book purchase. She got back to me a week later and said she was "pulling documents" to review regarding my mini audit, and then, rather patronizingly, explained the difference between Retail and Wholesale and how there was a "clerical error" labeling the sale as Retail. No check would be forthcoming until the accounting gets readjusted down to a Wholesale sale.
This was when the 125 book sale became the 125 Book Fiasco and would mess up my statements for several months.
( E-MAIL  #72 - #73).

I replied, wondering about contacting the buyer of the 125 books. Laura was kind enough to give me the name of the School District who made the purchase. And she said she "completed the correction of your royalties." (E-MAIL #74 - #75)
This was not a completed correction of my Royalties. Not knowing that this was the last I would hear from Laura, I sent her 2 more emails wondering why she wasn't answering them.
(E-MAIL  #78 and #80). Taking us to the new year.

        
                                                                                                                                                                       

And now things really start getting questionable, if not strange, if not crazy.

Not knowing that I had heard the last from Laura, and still having unresolved problems with my account and questions unanswered, a new problem blew up in my face which I might not have known about had the person who was involved not written to me to alert me as to what was going on.

FEBRUARY  --  the 33 Book Fiasco  

On Wednesday, February 3rd, I received an e-mail from Ellen, a Professor at Youngstown State University, who informed me that she had placed an order for 33 copies of my book for her theatre class, through her campus bookstore, on 12/04/15. The order has not been shipped within that 2 months, and no one from Infinity was responding to calls or e-mails. Needless to say, I was very upset.
I immediately contacted the bookstore and then got in touch with Art Gutch at Infinity to find out what was going on.
All together, it took 20 more days and 70+ e-mails for this 33 Book Fiasco to get ironed out. The Professor never got her books for her class and had to make copies of the book from a PDF for her students to use. The bookstore was hassled and didn't get their refund for 13 days.
(E-MAIL #82 thru #139  & E-MAIL  #147 thru #167 ).

In the middle of the Fiasco was a phone call between me and Arthur - all about "sorry, Bo, things go wrong sometimes."  Really?

During this 33Book Fiasco came a 7 e-mail exchange starting with me writing to Laura Wright again, and being informed she was no longer with Infinity.  Another staff member disappears - amazing! Her work was being taken over by Marc Histand. I sent him all of the paperwork (13 Documents) that was generated through working with Laura. E-MAIL #140 thru #146


MARCH  --  Royalty Statement fiasco begins

On March 6th I sent a message via the online Infinity Author Center, about my trouble signing in. (E-MAIL #168 & #169)
I never received staff contact to address this issue.
On March 8th I notified Arthur that I had not received my February Royalty Statement for December sales. (E-MAIL
#170). 
On March 11th I wrote to Marc with the same heads up and wondered if it was system-wide or just me. (E-MAIL #173) Marc replied that he was finalizing them and they were delayed because of Laura's departure.
On March 16th an e-mail to Marc - I still don't have the Statement for December Sales. That is 2 weeks over due. (E-MAIL #175)

The next day Marc sent me a Spreadsheet Royalty clarification as a "rap-up" to all of the back and forth and accounting questions I had with Laura. The Spreadsheet was inaccurate. I replied with an in depth analysis. (E-MAIL #176 &177) 
Art heard about it, because he wrote to me and asked for another phone call to "see if we can move things forward" and to "understand my questions." (
E-MAIL #178) 
I replied that the question was simple - "when would accounting be accurate and simple and on time?"  I attached a 7 page Word Document with additional questions that I had about Infinity and the business and distribution and Royalties, etc. (
E-MAIL #179)
Art replied still wanting to talk. (E-MAIL #180)
I tried to call Arthur on March 23rd. He did not pick up. I informed him of this in an e-mail, and asked when was a good time to call.
Art did not reply.


On March 28th I wrote a FOURTH e-mail telling them that I am still waiting for my Royalty Statement for December Sales. "Oh, you didn't get yours? Here it is." (E-MAIL #185 & 187). The Statement was a mess! I followed with an e-mail analysis of the December Sales Statement along with a major question about why Amazon reports more sales for my book than Infinity does. (E-MAIL #188).
Marc Histand replied, "I did the numbers, they are correct, accept it." (
E-MAIL #189)
 
APRIL  --  The March Statement Joke

On April 4th, I tried to contact Ingram, the main auxiliary distributor for my book. I wanted to get sales data directly from them to compare to my Monthly Royalty Statements. They ratted me out to Marc who sent me a letter telling me not to do this. Interesting - an Author can't have direct access to the Distributor to verify numbers. Makes you wonder . . . (E-MAIL #190 thru #196)

On April 6th I sent Art and Marc my first APRIL MEMO asking where my March  Royalty Statement for January Sales. It would normally come by the end of March.
A week later Art asks when a phone could be scheduled. I tell him, as before, "any morning for him." We finally talked on April 12th. His impression of the phone call was that "most of your questions were answered." And he was going to check with Marc about my Royalty match questions, and with Sara about whether she sent my letter to the person who bought 125 books in June of last year. And he offered to do an Author Interview with me for the Infinity website.
My take away from the phone call was different. For me there were more questions as well as the ones from the 7 page "manifesto" that I sent him last month. I reminded him that I haven't received my March Statement for January Sales yet. (E-MAIL #197 thru #203)


The March Statement Joke:  (Starting with E-MAIL #204 all the way to #219)
4/14 It starts with my THIRD Statement inquiry. Marc writes back "they went out overnight.") A few hours later mine arrives - BLANK.
Interesting - I write back - Amazon says I sold 31 books in January. Marc replies: Oops, it was sent incorrectly. "It will be re-sent with correct values tonight, and there are sales recorded."  I ask Marc: "HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?" I ask Art:
"HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?"
4/15 Art replies: "Team changes can result in challenges that we have to correct. Sorry." The "team" changed 3 or more months before.
4/16 I respond with a long e-mail regarding responsibilities, incompetence, lack of efficiency, and that "woops" is not an answer.
4/17 My revised Statement has NOT arrived.
4/18 My revised Statement has still not arrived.
4/19 Where is my revised Statement? Marc replies "Oh, here, take this year-to-date summary with the same information."
4/20 I am so happy to get the Statement, but there are mistakes in the entries. It is a Statement for January Sales but it has April numbers on it. This is premature. (More on this later). I summarize where we stand regarding Royalties owed (back and current). And ask that the entry mistakes are corrected. And I warn Marc that the April Statement for February Sales is due in 10 days.
Neither Marc nor Art replied.

4/26 I sent an end of the month ALERT for Marc about the new upcoming Statement, and for Art to address the 7 page manifesto with all of the questions. No REPLY from either of them.

MAY  E-mail chain about Statements (E-MAIL #220 - #229)

5/4 MAY MEMO - Where is my April Statement for February Sales?   No Reply.
5/6 MAY MEMO #2 - Statement?
No Reply.
5/9 MAY MEMO #3 - Statement? Art replies "I will check with Marc."
5/16
MAY MEMO #4 - Statement?  What's the game here boys? No Reply
5/21 I opened an Online Support request on the Infinity site, asking about my Statement. No Contact.
5/23 Statement? Royalty checks? Send my stuff.
5/24 From Marc - Recent Statement "completed and attached."
5/25 My reply -- these are the same entries and numbers that were on LAST months Statement. When will things get fixed?  No Reply.


JUNE  --  coming to a climax

6/1 END OF MAY  - ALERT -- Regarding the May Statement for March Sales. And still waiting for explanations as to why the data entries are identical for the last two Statements. And still waiting for a rap-up to my accounting irregularities that I began looking into with Laura. And still waiting for confirmation that Sara sent my message to the 125 book buyer. And would love an explanation regarding privacy in relation to message sent from Author Pages.  No Reply.
6/6  Statement? "This really is a habit you need to break."  No Reply.
6/13 Statement and Royalty check? I am tired of playing this game. Deadline June 16 or I will go into Phase 4 of our relationship.
Reply from Art: We've talked about these issues before. Marc has reviewed all of the numbers. Hasn't he responded? Maybe you are not
getting our e-mails in your location. Statement will go out this week. Do you want to do another phone call?
6/15 I took issue with everything he said in a long e-mail:
Your saying we've discussed these things is bogus. Marc HAS NOT "discussed" his calculations - he just presented them and did not reply to my follow-up questions.
OMG, you did not just say that I'm "not getting your e-mails," because of where I live, did you?
When are Statements going to be sent ON TIME?
Answer my e-mails.
Monthly Statements and checks are guaranteed in our Contract. When are you going to do your jobs?


And - his humor about e-mails required a response. (E-MAILS #230 - #234)
He did not Reply                                                                                                                                                                   

6/20  JUNE MEMO #3  The End of the GAME: Phase 4 of our relationship is underway.
I told Art that I will be writing a SYNOPSIS of my relationship with Infinity Publishing and creating a website online for all to see what I have been going through for the last year. 
READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #235) 
Art responded immediately, asking for a phone call. Unfortunately I had just gone to bed after I sent my e-mail.
Art also tried to call me on my Google Phone. He left a message. When I got up the next day I saw his message and e-mail.
I replied to the phone message. READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #238)
6/21 Statement??? 22 days late !!!
He sent a response to my last long e-mail. READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #242)
And I replied to his reply. READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #243)

And he replied to my reply. But he missed a question. READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #244, 245)
So then he says he wants a conference call along with Marc - all 3 of us. (E-MAIL #246)
I respond with a list of subjects we will need to discuss. READ IT HERE:  (E-MAIL #247).
Then there were 6 e-mails to set up the phone call time.  (E-MAIL # 248 thru #253)
The phone call took place on July 1st.


JULY --  the end may be near. 

The 3-way phone call took place on July 1st.  It did not go well from my point of view. I was getting patronized and diverted away from my questions.
The one issue we talked about was not resolved. I wanted to know why my Royalty query was not being solved. Marc maintained that it WAS solved. Three things were said, in the span of a few minutes, that are both scary and telling. Art said: "We don't go in and make manual changes." And Marc said: "There was a "fake sale" added by me to cover your back Royalties owed."  I took a breath, made a note, but didn't say anything. Then, later, when Art asked if I had any input that I thought might be helpful, I told him: "I can't have input about your accounting system until somebody shows me how the accounting system works." He said: "We're not going to open you up to our accounting system.  You know that."   OMG ! ! !
At the end of the call (because Art had to make another call) we tentative set up an additional call for July 8th.
Marc immediately sent an e-mail with attachments that he said would explain everything. READ IT HERE: (E-MAIL #254)
7/5 This was my response to Marc email: READ IT HERE: (E-MAIL #255)  No Response from Marc.

7/7 I sent my July 1st phone call follow-up to Art: READ IT HERE: (E-MAIL #256) No Response from Art.

7/8 Today there was supposed to be another phone call. I just couldn't do it. We'll have to postpone.
Art suggests Friday the 15th. I say OK and set some parameters.  (E-MAIL #262) 7/15 Art can't do the phone call. We reschedule for Wednesday the 20th.  (E-MAIL # 263 thru #266)

7/19 The July 20th phone call became "call me when I am in my car." Because Art needed to go out of town. (E-MAIL #268)
I replied and asked how could he do a meeting in his car? He replied "try, if we need to reschedule, we will."  (E-MAIL #269, #270)
I replied with another scathing e-mail about "blowing me off," "playing games," and "not answering questions."  I was tired of this. I reminded him that I was working on the website and I would publish it. I reminded him that HE worked for ME, not the other way around. And I said "All I want is for OUR business to work more efficiently, with less mistakes and apologies, and with openness, honesty and fairness for all involved. If you agree, then ACT LIKE IT." And I attached a screenshot of the "Looking into Infinity" website. (E-MAIL #271)  His only reply was to tell me he was going to be out of town and when was I available in 2 or 3 weeks. I told him "any morning, your time."
(E-MAIL #272, #273)


On 7/21 I got a new e-mail. This was a surprise but, as usual, filled with questions. It was a "RE-SEND" of my Statement for March Sales.
It came from Marc, not from the Accounting Department as usual.   This Statement was 50 days LATE ! !  (E-MAIL #274)
Immediately, I got a message from Art: "We better talk before any analysis. How about Friday?"  (E-MAIL #275)
I replied to Art.  READ IT HERE: (E-MAIL #276)
  And I also replied to Marc: "Un-fu#%ing-believable!!".

We talked on July 22nd.
Art was not prepared, or interested, in solving any of the problems or answer any questions. He objective was, once again, to divert me from getting answers. After my being VERY clear in my message that he needed to be prepared with answers, he spent the entire phone call trying to "figure out a way" that we could "work together for the betterment of Infinity Publishing." And fell into his comfortable patter about being "understaffed," and "mistakes are made," and "we've tried to address your concerns."  He even lamented about Infinity being "a small business and we're trying to get stronger."  When talking about the accounting process, he casually mentioned that each book sale number from the distributors had to be manually entered into the Infinity system.  As before, when he let slip something like this, I let it go. But it is clear o me that there are ways that Infinity Authors may be taken advantage of. I didn't point this out. I let it slide. 
I got angry, but in a general way. I raised my voice. I should have hung up. But he said he'd get with Marc and go over the recent Statement and the messages I sent to Marc and to himself after our July 1st phone call. And he indicated (not promised) that when we talked again, he would have the answers and explanation.
I sent him a "things to do" e-mail: (E-MAIL #277)
He sent me a message with new log-in codes for the Infinity Author Center. (E-MAIL #278)
I replied:(E-MAIL #280).
He sent me a "message" supposedly sent from my Infinity Author Page. (E-MAIL #281)
(E-MAIL #282)
Then I happened to check my SPAM folder and, low and behold, found the Original Statement for March Sales sent on July 16th.
It was sent by the Accounting Department and it was DIFFERENT than the one Marc sent me as a "RE-SEND (mentioned above)."
(E-MAIL # 283)

I am exhausted by this run-around and new twist to the seemingly never-ending saga ! ! !

On July 23rd, 2016,
I sent another inquiry e-mail to the School District who purchased 125 copies of my book in June of 2015.  Sara said, according to Art, that the buyer never replied "to Sara."  The thing is, Sara was supposed to send, by snail mail, a written letter from me. Sara was not supposed to get a reply - I WAS!  This suggests that Sara never sent it.  Because there is no reason that a School District, planning to use an author's textbook in classes, would refuse to respond to a thank you note from the author of that textbook. (E-MAIL #284)

On July 25th I sent an e-mail to Marc to discuss why there was a "Re-Send" statement, when it was really a "Re-Worked" Statement. I also lectured him a little about his job performance. (E-MAIL #285).  He did not reply.

On June 26th I received an e-mail from the School District telling me several teachers who taught theatre were going to use my book in their classes. I wrote back asking if the person who actually purchased the 125 books ever received my snail-mail letter. (E-MAIL #286, #287)

I was told that the person who "ordered" the books, and who Sara theoretically mailed my letter to, didn't work at the school district any more and no one had a forwarding address.(E-MAIL #288)

I am torn by a dilemma  -  whether to keep going, and keep trying to get answers, OR to stop this game now, and launch this website, so that all authors can see what has been going on.  I want Infinity to be the "real deal" in Publishing, and to do what they purport to believe in:

"simply stated, we know what we're doing - we do it exceptionally well -- and we care about you, the author, and your book -- before, during and after we publish your book. We earned the respect of the book publishing community by keeping promises made to our self-publishing authors and booksellers, by doing our utmost to appreciate the uniqueness of our authors and always treat them fairly; by never missing a royalty payment and providing an accurate record of all books sold corresponding with royalties paid . . ." (from the Infinity website)

I meant for this expose to motivate Arthur and Marc to be all that they can be. They are failing. If by accident or by intent, I do not know.
I am sick of the run around. I am sick of the excuses and diversion. I am sick of the resistance to solving the problems.  I am starting to ask myself questions about why Art and Marc don't want to answer certain questions. What are they hiding?  I have been told by one fired former employee that Infinity is guilty of fraud. I have not been pursuing any fraud claims or suspicions. I never wanted to go in that direction. I just wanted them to do their job, efficiently, without mistakes and on time.
Arthur told me, in our last phone call, that my launching this website might have a negative effect on Infinity Publishing. I don't want to do something that will hurt Infinity Authors and the sales of their books. But maybe that is exactly the fear that Arthur is counting on to protect himself.
I have been told by others that I should pull my book from Infinity and sign with another publisher. To do this would require that I get a new ISBN and even re-title my book. It would also cost money. To do this would leave Infinity as it is, a detriment to the Authors.
I would rather that Infinity straighten up and do the right things.

So, Authors & Friends, after you have read this record, tell me -- what should I do?  Launch or not?


See Below - - - -


========================================================================
This was the end of what I originally intended to be an informative "raising of the issues" surrounding Infinity Publishing.  Since then, I have discovered that there have been more and crazier and probably illegal activities going on at Infinity that I believe need to be disclosed. These activities, in simple terms, involve the possible skimming of book sale numbers by the Infinity management/staff, which result in non-payment of royalties to authors. And then there is the "merger" of Infinity with FastPencil (another POD Publisher located in California).

This is a link to a Word Document which contains all of the email communication between myself and Infinity CEO Arthur Gutch, his right-hand-man Marc Histand, as well as the CEO of FASTPENCIL Steve Wilson - since August 2016 (where this website leaves off). It is a work in progress - as more communication and updates are made. It will bring you up-to-date on where things stand, as of August of 2019
when authors have started to file complaints with the Pennsylvania AG (because royalties have still NOT been paid) and the subject of legal action is being floated.
We have officially gotten only one statement since the end of 2017, and there have been no monthly or even quarterly payments of
royalties even though Infinity has been sending some outspoken authors random royalty checks in an effort to keep them quiet.

Authors:  Please get in touch if you want to help take this forward. And please file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/
It is an easy process and will not take up too much of your time. If we ALL speak out, we can get results.

=======================================================================





If you have problems with the COMMENT BOX
Please send me an Email  - -  bometzler@gmail.com




Bo Metzler
bometzler@gmail.com
 
"What We Do - Working in the Theatre" -- www.whatwedo-book.com
  

.

THE EMAILS MENTIONED IN EXPOSE ABOVE:

288 E-mails between Bo Metzler and Infinity Publishing CEO & Staff 

 from February 2014 to July 2016.
More recent emails can be found here:  New Emails

 

2014 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 

1

Subject: Taxes

From: Bo Metzler

To: "Michelle Shane - Infinity"

Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2014

 

Hi Michelle,

It's that time of year again.
Please either send me a copy of my 1099 via email

or

send the hard copy to

Alex Metzler

345 E xxxx St. #1A

New York, NY 10065

 

Thanks.

I really appreciate it.

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

2

Subject: RE: Taxes                                                                                        RETURN

From: "Brittany Lavin"

To: bo metzler

Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014

 

Hello!

 

Attached is a PDF of your 1099.

 

Thank you,

 

Brittany Lavin

Infinity Publishing | In-House Author Representative

 

ATTACHMENT  :: 2013 – 1099-Misc

 

 

3

Subject: FEBRUARY 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2013 12.pdf

 

 

4

Subject: MARCH 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 01.pdf

                 (No Sales)

 

5

Subject: APRIL 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 06 May 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 02.pdf

                 (No Sales)

 

6

Subject: MAY 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 03.pdf 

                (No Sales)

 

7

Subject: July 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 04.pdf 

                (No Sales)

 

8                                                                                                                        RETURN

Subject: About my book

From: Bo Metzler

To: Mark Gregory - Infinity, "Michelle Shane - Infinity"

Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2014

 

Hello Mark and Michelle,

 

For the last several months I have receive minimal, if any, royalties for

my book: "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

Please assure me (without patronizing me) that your accounting numbers
are accurate.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

 

NO REPLY

 

 

9

Subject: AUGUST 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Fri, 01 Aug 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 05.pdf 

                (No Sales)

 

 

10

Subject: ROYALTY Payments 2014

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  !Record of checks 2009-2014.pdf

 

 

11

Subject: September 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 06.pdf




12

Subject: OCTOBER 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 02 Oct 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 07.pdf

 

 

13

Subject: OCTOBER 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 06 Nov 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 08.pdf

 

 

14

Subject: Complimentary Copy                                                               RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Mark Gregory - Infinity

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014

 

Hello Mark,

Please send a Complimentary Copy of my book,

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

to:

Shona Tucker, Director of Theater

Vassar College

Box xxx

Poughkeepsie, NY  12604

 

Let me know when it is in the mail, so that I can inform her.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

 

NO REPLY

 

 

15

Subject: Review Copy                                                                                 RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Mark Gregory - Infinity

Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2014

 

Hi Mark,

Just wondering if you sent a review copy

of "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

to:

Shona Tucker

Vassar College

Box xxx

Poughkeepsie, NY  12604

 

you used to email me with confirmation.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

 

NO REPLY

 

 

16

Subject: December 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2014

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 09.pdf

 

 

 

17

Subject: Review Copy

From: Bo Metzler

To: "Brittany Lavin (author rep)"

Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014

 

Hi Brittany,

My name is Bo Metzler.

I am the author of "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

On December 25th I sent an email to Mark Gregory, with a follow up on
Dec. 4th, asking him, as I have done many times before, to send a Review
Copy of my book to an interested Theatre Educator who might use the book
in her college courses.

Before, Mark always replied to my request with an email indicating that
he has sent the review copy.

This time I have not heard from him, nor, as of yet, has the recipient

received the book.

 Can you check on this for me? Is Mark still the person I should be
writing to for Review Copy requests?

 

Thanks so much.

Happy Holidays.

 

NO REPLY from Brittany or Mark Gregory

 

 

18

Subject: Re: Review Copy                                                                          RETURN

From: brittany lavin

To: bo metzler

Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2014

 

Thank you for contacting Infinity Publishing. This email address is no
longer in service and will not be accepting messages.  Please contact
sara@infinitypublishing.com for further assistance. 

 

 

19

Subject: Review Copy

From: Bo Metzler

To: sara matz

Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014

 

Hi Sara,

My name is Bo Metzler.

I am the author of "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

On December 25th I sent an email to Mark Gregory, with a follow up on
Dec. 4th, asking him, as I have done many times before, to send a Review
Copy of my book to an interested Theatre Educator who might use the book
in her college courses.

Before, Mark always replied to my request with an email indicating that
he has sent the review copy.

This time I have not heard from him, nor, as of yet, has the recipient

received the book.

Can you check on this for me? Is Mark still the person I should be
writing to for Review Copy requests?

 

Thanks so much.

Happy Holidays.



20

Subject: RE: Review Copy                                                                          RETURN

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2014

 

Good Morning,

 

Mark Gregory has not works with us for about a year now.

For requests like this, I can be your point of contact

What is the email of the person you would like us to send the review

copy to? We can only send a digital copy at no cost, so if they are

willing to receive it via email I can send it over!

 

Thank you,

Sara Matz

Infinity Publishing=20

610.941.9999 x 11

 

 

21

Subject: Re: Review Copy                                                                 

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2014

 

Hi Sara,

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

Sorry that Mark doesn't work there anymore. He was always my go to guy.

And he always sent out actual books for review copies.

Is this a change in policy?

 

Anyway - is this "digital copy" a Kindle format copy?

I am not sure whether the person has a Kindle reader.

Let me know.

Or, better yet, tell me you can send a real book.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

 

 

22

Subject: RE: Review Copy                                                            RETURN

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2014

 

We stopped sending review copies when we started using a 3rd party

printer. It can take up to a month to receive a book this way. We can

send both the ebook file, or a word style file.

 

I sent a hard copy of my book myself

 

 


2015 ----------------------------------------------------

 

 


23

Subject: JANUARY 2014 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2015

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 10.pdf

 

 

24

Subject: Distribution

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity

Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2015

 

Hi Sara,

 

Just trying to catch up on how Infinity works, now, after the changes.

You mentioned that Infinity doesn't print our books for sale any longer.

Who does?

I see the listings for my book "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

But please explain how Lightening Source (Ingram) and Baker & Taylor and

Borders and Chapters-Indigo fit into my books distribution story.

And how those book distributors handle my book?

 

Also

How much does it cost ME to buy copies of my own book? Is there still an

author's discount?

And can they be shipped to the Philippines, where I live?

 

Thank you

Bo Metzler



25

Subject: RE: Distribution

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015

 

We do still print for distribution, we now offer a plan with more

options for distribution. Instead of being limited to the few options we

have already, like our book store, amazon, or any other book store that

is willing to buy from a publisher that discovered your book, we offer

to have your book sold through a specially distributer, Ingram and

Lightning Source. This allows places like Barnes and Noble to place an

order for your book. You would still order through us for your own books

and discount. Your discount is any order over 5 books is 40% off. And

over 250 books are 50% off. We can ship to the Philippines,  but it

would take me a little time to get a cost estimate and time estimate.

 

 

26

Subject: Re: Distribution

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz

Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015

 

Hi Sara,

I seem to remember signing up for this distribution - it would have been
a few years ago.

What is my status?

I want to get the book distributed as far and wide as possible.

 

thanks

Bo Metzler

 

 

27

Subject: RE: Distribution

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015

 

It looks like you are on extended distribution,

http://www.amazon.com/What-We-Do-Working-
Theatre/dp/0741450046/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1424276878&s
r=8-1 

 

Here is the link to Amazon, where paperback and ebook are available

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-we-do-working-in-the-theatre-bo-
metzler/1100301075?ean=9780741450043



28

Subject: Fwd: Your Amazon.com Kindle Inquiry

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity                                                                                                                             RETURN

Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2015

 

Sara

I did a search about transferring documents to the Kindle Reader for PC

This is what I found:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/amazon-kindle.htm

Page #7 speaks directly to my situation.

I also contacted Amazon with the question - "How can I transfer my
document into the Kindle Reader for PC."

This is their response/apology:

 

From Customer Service      Hello Robert,

Greetings from Amazon Kindle Support.

From your comments I see that you would like to send documents on Kindle

for PC reading application.

I've forwarded this concern to our technical team and with great regret

I've to inform you that sending documents on Kindle for PC reading

application is not the possible option available at this point of time.

I sincerely apologize for the disappointment caused to you in this regard.

On high priority, considering your comments as feedback I=E2=80=99ve
immediately forwarded your comments regarding the option of sending
documents on Kindle for PC to our kindle development team and technical
team as well and we'll consider your feedback as we plan further
improvements. We're regularly working on improvements to your Kindle
experience. I've let the Kindle team know you're interested in this
feature.

It is always important for us to hear how customers react to all aspects.

Your valuable feedback will help us to improve the selection and service
we provide and we're glad you took time to write to us.

I've also passed your message to the concern department for review and

consideration. I'm sure that they will carefully look in to this issue
and take the necessary actions in the future.

We respect your loyalty towards Amazon.com as a customer and are glad
that you’ve taken time to let us know about the areas for future improve

ments in our service and hence I=E2=80=99d like to request you give us a
chance to provide you the experience that you’ve always expected from
Amazon.com.

We definitely value your opinion and will continue to listen and respond
to our customers' concerns.

I'd like to inform you that we have a dedicated team working relentlessly

to implement the feedback we receive and we honor your commitment by

continuing to provide the availability of different features and support

you expect for your Kindle.

As always, please feel free to contact us should you have future

suggestions, questions or comments. We have team of experts who takes
into consideration each and every feedback of our customers and brings
them into practice.

As of now, I apologize for any disappointment this may have caused.

Once this feature is made available, on high priority we will surely
notify you about the update from our end in the near future.

Please be assured that we are here to make things easier for you.

Your patience and co-operation is highly appreciated in this matter.

I'm sorry I'm unable to assist you with the necessary help. I hope you

understand my limitations in this regards as I'm not responsible for the
system procedure but can only submit your feedback.

 

We look forward to assisting you soon.                                                                                                RETURN

Best regards,

Gowthami.L

 

NO REPLY from Sara

 

 

29

Subject: March 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Fri, 06 Mar 2015

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 11.pdf

 


 

A New Year and New 1099 needed. Request was made,
as usual. This time Michelle did not reply.

 

 

30

Subject: 1099

From: Bo Metzler

To: "Michelle Shane - Infinity"

Date: Sat, 7 Mar 2015

 

Hi Michelle,

Could I please get a copy of my 2014 1099

via email

 

thanks

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

31

Subject: Gold Support user activation

From: Infinity Support

To: bo metzler

Date: Sat, 07 Mar 2015

 

Hi Bo Metzler,  A new Gold Support account has been created for you. 
Click the url below to activate your account and select a password! 
https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/register/2R58AvlF0gs1iVYU3z 

If the above URL does not work try copying and pasting it into your
browser. If you continue to have problems, please feel free to contact us. 

Regards, Gold Support

 

 

32

Subject: Ticket Received - 1099

From: Infinity Support <support@infinitypublishing.com>

To: bo metzler

Date: Sat, 07 Mar 2015

 

Dear Bo Metzler,  We would like to acknowledge that we have received
your request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will
be reviewing your request and will send you a personal response.(usually
within 24 hours).  To view the status of the ticket or add comments,
please visit  https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/15928 
Thank you for your patience. 

Sincerely, Gold Support Support Team

 

 

33

Subject: March 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2014 12.pdf

 

 


34

Subject: Ticket Received - 1099                                                             RETURN

From: Infinity Support

To: bometzler@gmail.com

Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2015

 

Dear Bo Metzler,  We would like to acknowledge that we have received your

request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will be
reviewing your request and will send you a personal response.(usually
within 24 hours).  To view the status of the ticket or add comments,
please visit https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/17749 

Thank you for your patience. 

Sincerely, Gold Support Support Team0

 

 

35

Subject: 1099

From: Bo Metzler <bometzler@gmail.com>

To: "Michelle Shane - Infinity", Sara Matz - Infinity

Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2015

 

Almost two weeks ago I asked for an email copy of my 1099 for 2014.

Some kind of "ticket" was created for my request on some kind of Infinity
"Help" site.

It says that Laura Wright is "Agent working on this ticket"

I have not received my 1099.

I need to do my taxes.

Can I have a copy of my 1099 form - via email?

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

36

Subject: What's going on?

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity

Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2015

 

Sara,

I don't understand what is happening. I need help.

 

Eleven days ago, and then again today, I wrote an email to Michelle Shane

asking for an email copy of my 1099 form. (I have done this at tax time
in the past)

Both times I got a return auto-email saying a ticket was opened for me on

the "Help Desk."

I don't know what the "Help Desk" is. But I followed the link, and, sure

enough, there was my question - with no response.

The ticket that was opened for me 11 days ago, has yet to be acted upon.

I have not heard from Michelle in person.

I have not received a copy of my 1099 for 2014.

 

I need to do my taxes.

 

The reason I have to ask Michelle for my 1099 via email is because, for

some reason, Infinity only allows one mail address for its authors –
where you mail statements & checks.

I live in the Philippines, so I am having my checks sent directly to my

bank in the USA (Because Infinity has no Direct Deposit system).

Because of the one address record keeping policies of Infinity, my 1099
is ALSO being sent to my bank.

So I have been asking Michelle for an email copy over the last 5 years.
She has usually, replied with no problem.

NOW, however, I get bumped to this new fangled Help Desk. I don't even
know if Michelle realizes that I am writing to here as I have done in the
past.

 

I hope we can work this out. It's tax time and I need to do my taxes.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

37

Subject: 1099                                                                                               RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity

Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2015

 

Why can't I get someone to respond to me regarding my 1099?

 

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 


38

Subject: MARCH 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2015

 

ATTACHMENT  :  Sales for 2015 01.pdf

 

 

39

Subject: To Mark Gregory

From: Bo Metzler

To: info@podwholesale.com

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2015

 

Mark,

I was surprised to find out that you have left Infinity.

You were my go to guy and I always appreciated it.

I am having trouble with the staff there now, (Michelle, Sara, etc)
trying to get a copy of my 1099 emailed to me.

Would you mind if we connected so that I could find out what is happening

at Infinity since you left.

I have a bad feeling.

 

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

40

Subject: Ticket Received - To Mark Gregory

From: Infinity Support <support@infinitypublishing.com>

To: bo metzler

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2015

 

Dear Bo Metzler, We would like to acknowledge that we have received your
request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will be
reviewing your request and will send you a personal response (usually
within 24 hours).  To view the status of the ticket or add comments,
please visit https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/21829 
Thank you for your patience. 

Sincerely, Support Team

 

 

41

Subject: Re: Mark Gregory - Contact Message                                   RETURN

From: Mark  Gregory

To: "bometzler@gmail.com"

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2015

 

Hi Bo

 

I am impressed you tracked me down. I forwarded your email to the ceo
art@infinitypublishing.com

I hope all is well with you (other than this issue).

I cannot legally discuss any details about infinity other than to say I
am disappointed in the turn the company has taken.

 

Thanks

Mark (Gregory)

 

 

42

Subject: Follow up   

From: Arthur Gutch

To: bo metzler

Cc: marc histand

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2015

 

Mr. Metzler

 

Marc Histand will be following up with you to answer any questions you
may have. He should be able to mail you another 1099 if it did not get to
you.

Please let me know if you have any other concerns.

 

Best Regards

 Art

 

 

43

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2015

 

Art,

Thanks for getting back to me.

Here is the problem with "mailing" me my 1099.

I live in the Philippines.

Infinity only allows ONE address on file for each author.

AND, Infinity does not do Direct Deposits of Royalty checks.

SOOO, I have chosen to have my bank as my address - so my checks get

deposited.

Each year this presents a problem - because my 1099 gets mailed to my
bank and disappears.

In the past, Michelle has kindly emailed me a copy.

This year, I can't seem to get Sara to understand this, and when I email

Michelle, a Support Ticket gets set up for me "to answer my question."

Then NO ONE answers my question.

I no longer have direct contact with Michelle. Or Sara.

And Sara, apparently, doesn't understand about needed the 1099 *EMAILED*
to me.

All I need is an email reply - with copy of 1099 attached.

 

I will pass this message on to Marc, when he contacts me.

But I wanted you to know.

I am unfamiliar with both of your names.

Could you tell me what your positions are?

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

 

44

Subject: Re: Follow up                                                                                RETURN

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2015

 

Bo

 

Sounds good. Marc will follow-up with you and provide the1099.

 

Best

Arthur Gutch

Chairman

 

 

45

Subject: Re: Mark Gregory - Contact Message                                  RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Mark Gregory

Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2015

 

Mark,

Thanks for getting back to me.

Art has already emailed me and said he was putting Marc Histand on the
case.

I don't know either of these people.

Are they new?

I am worried about my book and its future.

Sales have dropped off considerably. The first 2 years was almost twice
the sales as the last 4 years.

And that was only 85% of what my book did in its Korean

translation/publication for the same 4 years (2011-2014).

I asked about this in a general question to Michelle, put she did not

respond.

I am concerned as to whether I (and all the other authors) are getting
all royalties from all sales.

Your comment about the future of Infinity (as well as your leaving) also

has me concerned.

Tell me whatever you can.

Help me save my book.

Thanks

Bo Metzler

 

NO REPLY FROM MARK GREGORY

 

 

46

Subject: 1099 send

From: "Marc Histand"

To: bo metzler

Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2015


Hello,

 

I have researched your issue. We will be scanning in a new 1099 for you

shortly. Once we scan it into our system, we will send it as an
attachment in email.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.


Have a great day!

 

Marc Histand

Infinity Publishing

  
47

Subject: Re: 1099 send

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2015


It's April 15th.

Taxes are due.

I have been waiting for my 1099 since the first time I asked Michelle
for a copy on March 7th.

 

Bo Metzler

 

 

48

Subject: RE: 1099 send

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2015


I re-sent the 1099 in a forward. Looks like you didn’t receive

my first message yesterday. Please confirm to me as soon as you receive

your 1099. Thank you.

 

Marc Histand

Infinity Publishing

 

 

49

Subject: FW: Your 1099... Thank you for your
patience!

From: "Marc Histand"

To: bo metzler

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2015

 

If you need anything else, let me know!

 

Marc Histand

Infinity Publishing

 

ATTACHMENT  :  1099 form – finally!

                              Waited for over a month

 

 

50

Subject: Re: 1099 send                                                                             RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2015


received

 

Bo Metzler

 

 

51

Subject: Questions

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2015


Marc,

So now, if you would, answer these questions.

 

1) *Do you understand my predicament?*

I don't know how many other authors live overseas, so they have no US

address.

Or how many other authors have their bank address on file because
Infinity has no direct deposit. But I fit into this category, and,
therefore, need appropriate responses.

 

2) *Why couldn't I reach Michelle Shane directly, as I have every year at

tax time? *

She has, in the past, sent my 1099 right away. No problem. This year I
get a "ticket" set up for me on "Gold Support" not only after I wrote to

Michelle, but also when I did a follow up to Sara, and even when I wrote
to Mark Gregory (who I discovered wasn't employed at Infinity). And NONE
of these "Tickets" were ever answered!

It was only through Mark Gregory, reaching out on my behalf, that I
finally reached Arthur and then you.

 

3) *Why did it take so long?*

Even after explaining the situation to Sara, you and Arthur had to get

involved before this situation was settled. How big are the Infinity

offices? Is there no inter-office conversation? How far is Sara's desk
from Michelle's desk?

 

and 4). *Do you care?*

Do the authors at Infinity matter to you?

Remember - it is our product that pays employee salaries. And whether our

books are doing great or struggling, the authors are the backbone of

Infinity. Without us, there would be no Infinity. It would be nice to
know that there is respect from the staff and that we can count on the
staff to help us in unique situations.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Bo Metzler

 

 

52

Subject: response to your Questions                                                    RETURN

From: "Marc Histand"

To: bo metzler

Cc: "Arthur Gutch"

Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2015


Hello Mr. Metzler,

 

I have gone through all of your email threads and wanted to be sure I

have answered all of your questions. If you need anything else, please

let me know. Thanks.

 

1.       If you had been put through, what I had been put through on

this matter, how would you feel?

A) We apologize for you inconvenience, we are human and we make mistakes

which is why I made every attempt to fix the issue as soon as possible.

2.       Why no one responded to my 1099 request.

A)  Laura usually handles this type of request, she is away on family
medical leave.  Sorry for the delay. 

3.       Why I had to find Mark Gregory to open the door.

A)  We are sorry for the delay, we have been a little overwhelmed during

Laura’s absence.  We are striving to improve our office communications
and work on the backlog of such requests.

4.       Why no one informed you - if this was your job (as you said).

A)  The only answer I have is that you were not aware Michelle or Mark

were no longer in the company.  Both have stepped away for a few years
now.  I was, therefore, not alerted until you spoke with Sara and Art.

5.       Are you my new "go-to guy" now?   

A) not for book sales but I can answer general questions.

a.       about 1099's (in the future)  A) Yes, until Laura returns.

b.      about review copies?  A) Yes, however we only offer electronic

review copies.  We are no longer mailing printed copies to reviewers.

c.       about book sales?  A) Please dial the main number and speak

with receptionist.

6.       The questions were about why it took so long - not from when

YOU got involved - but from when I first started asking for my 1099.

A)    Laura usually handles this type of request, she is away on family
medical leave.  Sorry for the delay.

7.       Why couldn't I reach Michelle Shane directly, as I have every

year at tax time?

A)    Michelle has been gone a while now.  

8.       Why did it take so long?

A)    Laura has been responding to Michelle’s emails.  Since

Laura is away I have been back filling her. There is an auto-response

setting on Laura’s e-mail requesting that I be contacted in her

absence.

9.       Even after explaining the situation to Sara, you and Arthur had

to get involved before this situation was settled. How big are the
Infinity offices?

A)    I got involved because this is not Sara job, she primarily takes

book orders and handles general inquiries. Arthur is the owner and must

be tied-in to back-logged issues such as this to ensure proper accounting.

10.   Is there no inter-office conversation?

A)   There is plenty of communication in this office. Again, you

originally spoke with FORMER members of Infinity Publishing. If you ever

feel that something is wrong again, my recommendation would be to call

the main office number to ensure you are speaking with the right person

when asking different questions.

11.   How far is Sara's desk from Michelle's desk? 

A) Michelle no longer works here.

a.       Do you care?  

A) yes, I do

Again, this may have seemed redundant, however I want to ensure all of                                   RETURN        

your questions get answered. I am happy to hear you received your 1099

and again, if you need anything else, please let me know.

 

Marc Histand

Infinity Publishing


53
Subject
: MAY ROYALTY STATEMENT 2015

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Wed, 20 May 2015

 

ATTACHMENT :  Sales for 2015 02.pdf

              (No Sales)
54
Subject: JUNE ROYALTY STATEMENT 2015

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2015

 

ATTACHMENT :  Sales for 2015 03.pdf




55

Subject: JULY 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2015

 

ATTACHMENT :  Sales for 2015 04.pdf

 

 

56

Subject: JULY 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2015

 

ATTACHMENT : Sales for 2015 05.pdf

 

 
57

Subject
: SEPTEMBER ROYALTY STATEMENT 2015

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2015

 

ATTACHMENT :  Sales for 2015 06.pdf

                             (Beginning of 125 Book Fiasco)

 

58

Subject: Royalty earnings and statements

From: "Laura Wright"

To: bo metzler

Cc: sara matz

Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2015

 

Hi Bo,

 

Sara passed your email on to me regarding your royalty statements. I have

attached an updated life-to-date statement here for you. The large check
you are owed is from the most recent reporting month of June 2015. Those
checks have not yet been sent, but they will be sent out next week.

 

I have also attached the single statement from August that you did not

receive. Our system shows that it was sent out to you on 9/1/15 at 11:20
pm, so I'm not sure why you did not receive it.

 

Occasionally the royalty numbers look confusing depending on when the
report is pulled and what distributor information has been entered into
our system at that particular time. However, this life-to-date statement
shows everything up until the most recent reporting month of June 2015,
so this is the most accurate info possible on your account. Please let me
know if you still have questions.

 

Thank you,

 

Laura Wright

Services Manager-Infinity Publishing

 

ATTACHMENTS :    Life to date.pdf

                                    Metzler August Statement.pdf

           

 

59

Subject: Re: Royalty earnings and statements

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright

Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2015

 

Laura,

First of all - do I know you?

Are you from the new regime or a holdover from the Mark Gregory regime?

Anyway -

Thanks for the "Life-to-date" statement. Very interesting.

You state that it is "the most accurate info possible on [my] account."

Well, I did a little off-the-cuff audit of all the numbers, for the years

2013 and 2014, and I came up with some discrepancies.

Before you dismiss me out-of-hand as just an author, I would like to
inform you that I have a Bachelor's Degree in Math from Kent State
University. I have produced and or managed many theatre events and a
couple of road company tours of plays over the years, where I was in
charge of everything from logistics, transportation, accommodations,
scheduling and salary payments, among other things. Budgets, expenses,
line items and payroll are not foreign subjects to me.

I have been tallying the sales life of my book since it was first printed
 - month by month.

And, since my book sales are not great, it is more noticeable when
numbers don't seem to add up.

So I have attached 2 documents for you to peruse, which are a
consolidation of numbers for my book sales for 2013-2014.

One is a spread sheet summary of the INFINITY Monthly Statements and the

other is a flash look at the discrepancies in the INFINITY accounting.

ALL of the numbers are taken directly from your INFINITY statements –
easy to check (let me know if I made an error in copying or my calculator
made an error in adding.)

I have also included my bank deposits for the two years, as well.

 

Enjoy and get back to me with a plan on how to deal with all of this.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler


ATTACHMENTS :  Metzler Spreedsheet.docx

                                  Accounting Discrepancies.docx



60

Subject: RE: Royalty earnings and statements                                  RETURN

From: "Laura Wright"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2015

 

Hi Bo,

 

I apologize for the delayed response. I have been with Infinity for over

8 years, so I have weathered all of the changes.

 

I am looking into your royalty concerns. Thank you for providing the

spreadsheet and other information. As soon as I can gather the

appropriate info, I will provide you with an explanation that hopefully

clarifies everything.

 

Thank you,

 Laura Wright

Services Manager  Infinity Publishing

 


61

Subject: October 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2015

 

ATTACHMENT : Sales for 2015 09.pdf

 


 

62

Subject: 2 things

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity

Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2015

 

1) any word on me knowing who made the big purchase of my book recently?

2) can I change my address - for checks and 1099 forms?

to:

Robert Metzler

c/o Alex Metzler

345 xxxxx xx #1A

New York, NY 10065

 

Statements stay as email to: bometzler@gmail.com.

 

Thanks

Bo Metzler 
"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"



63

Subject: RE: 2 things

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2015

 

Bo

 

I have updated your royalty address.

I am still not able to give you the information of who bought your

books.

 

Thank you,

Sara Matz

Infinity Publishing

 

 

64

Subject: Check                                                                                               RETURN

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright

Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2015

   

Laura,

 

I am still waiting for my royalty check for $615.25 in book sales from
June.

What is the time frame between authors receiving their Royalty Statements

and authors receiving their royalty checks?

 

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

NO REPLY

 

 

65

Subject: Re: 2 things

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz

Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2015

 

Sara,

I am trying to understand why I cannot find out who bought 125 copies of
my book.

This isn't national security. This is about a book sale.

Can you please explain, without using the words "it's our policy", why an

author shouldn't know who bought his or her book?

 

My book, in case you are unfamiliar, is a book about theatre - for
theatre students. It is possible that the purchaser is a professor. And
it is also possible that he or she may wish to purchase more books in
the future. I wish to reach out to the purchaser, and enhance his theatre
and book buying experience, by letting him know that he can contact me if
there are questions about the book or a need for further explanations
about the content of the book for his students.

 

The book purchaser may also be a bookstore - where I might try to set up
a book signing.

 

Please help me reach out.

 

Bo Metzler

 

 

66

Subject: RE: 2 things

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Cc: laura wright

Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2015

 

Robert

 

We cannot give our customer’s personal information. This is not

about policy this is about our customers privacy.

 

We under no circumstances can nor will give our someones

personal contact information.

 

I do understand there is an opportunity for growth by talking to a

bookstore or teacher, and the best I can offer you is to send them a

form letter you write up requesting they contact you back. If you are

interested in that option please attach it in your next email, and I

will forward it over.

 

Thank you,

 

Sara Matz

Infinity Publishing

 

 

67

Subject: Re: 2 things

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz

Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2015

 

Hi Sara,

will you be forwarding the message via e-mail or snail mail?

 

Bo

 

 

68

Subject: RE: 2 things

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2015


I can do whichever you prefer.

Sara

 

 

 

69

Subject: Re: 2 things

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz

Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2015

 

Sara,

 

I think it would be nice if were sent snail mail.

 

Thanks

Bo

Letter attached.

 

ATTACHMENT :  Book Lover.docx

 

 

70

Subject: RE: 2 things                                                                                   RETURN

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2015

 

I will put this in the mail today.

Sara




71

Subject: NOVEMBER 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2015 20:05:33 -0500

 

ATTACHMENT : Sales for 2015 08.pdf

                 (Screwed up)

 



72

Subject: accounting

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright - Infinity

Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2015

 

Laura,

It is now getting weird.

 

1) You said you would analyze my mini-audit that I sent to you on Sept

29th. Have you had a chance to analyze it?

 

2) I still have seen no royalty check from sales on June 15th. I asked
you about this a week ago.

 

3) Today I received my Royalty Statement for August 2015 (attached).

It is confusing.

It looks like Infinity has changed their mind about my June sales and put
a line item with all the numbers in parenthesis - indicating a debit. And
it appears you are re-casting these sales as "Wholesale" which cuts my
royalty in half.

This requires an explanation.

 

Waiting to hear from you.

 

Bo Metzler

"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

 

ATTACHMENT  :   -2015 11_for_2015 08.jpg

 

 

 

73

Subject: RE: accounting

From: "Laura Wright"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2015

 

Hi Bo,

 

I did look over your mini-audit and have had to pull some reports of my =

own to be able to compare. I am still working on getting that comparison

together and getting you an answer.

As for the check from June and the negative amount on your statement, we

did not issue that check because, upon review, we found an error with

the way the order was processed. As an author, you receive 30% of retail

sales, meaning any order that purchases your book at full price. If a

customer orders your book at a discount, then the order is considered

wholesale, and you receive 15%. A large order placed in June by a school

was entered with a discount, but the royalty was not adjusted to

wholesale percentages, meaning the system overpaid you for that invoice.

In order to remedy the error, we had to reverse the order in our system,

and then re-enter the order with the correct wholesale percentage paid.

I am now in the process of voiding that original check and re-running

your earnings to reflect accurately. Once that is complete, I will mail

out the new check and send over an updated royalty statement for your

reference.                                                                                                                                                  RETURN

 We do apologize for that error and the confusion it caused. Please let

me know if you need any further clarification.

 

Regards,

 

Laura Wright

Services Manager- Infinity Publishing

 

 

74

Subject: Re: accounting

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright

Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2015

 

Laura,

I am hoping to find out what school ordered the 125 copies of my book.

If you don't know - my book is not a novel. It is a book written
expressly for theatre students.

I hope I can contact the purchaser and open a dialogue pertaining to my

book and theatre in general.

 

Bo

 

 

 

75

Subject: RE: accounting

From: "Laura Wright"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2015

 

Hi Bo,

 

We do not normally give out customer information for privacy reasons,

however because this is not an individual, I can tell you that the order

was from the School District of Springfield in Springfield, MO. They did

not specify which school within that district.

I completed the correction of your royalties. Attached here is your
updated statement for the year to date. I sent the corrected check out

in today’s mail.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

 

Regards,

 Laura Wright

 Services Manager- Infinity Publishing                                                                                               RETURN

 

ATTACHMENT  ::  Metzler YTD Statement pg 1.

                                          Metzler YTD Statement pg 2.



76

Subject: Quick question for Infinity authors

From: Marc Histand

To: bo metzler

DATE: Tue, 01 Dec 2015

 


 




77

Subject: DECEMBER 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 03 Dec 2015

 

 

ATTACHMENT : 2015 12_for_2015 09

 

 

 

78

Subject: We have more problems

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright - Infinity

Date: Sat, 5 Dec 2015

 

Laura,

After receiving my new statement for September, I have taken the time
to analyze things again.

 And, again, there are problems.

 Attached are copies of my June, July, Aug & Sept. statements with notes

written on them.

 Please clear this up.

 Still waiting for your analysis of my mini-audit submitted a few months
ago.

 

Bo Metzler



ATTACHMENTS  ::  Accounting errors and corrections on June, July,
                             August,  Sept Statements (4 documents)

                             Metzler - June 2015.pdf
                             Metzler - July 2015.pdf

                             Metzler - August 2015.pdf

                             Metzler - September 2015.pdf
      

     

 2016 -----------------------------------------------------

 



79

Subject: JANUARY 2015 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:38:52 -0500

 

Attachment :  Sales for 2015 10.pdf

 

 
80

Subject: Still . . .

From: Bo Metzler

To: Laura Wright - Infinity

Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2016

 

Laura.

Happy New Year

But . . .

The problems still exist with my account.

 

I just received my new statement - call "December Statement" for October

2015. There is still a deficit payment line on the statement.

 

This is getting deep, Laura. Another month passes.
When will we get it all cleared up so the numbers add up and I know what                              
RETURN

the TRUE picture is?

You never even responded to my email last month.

And you still have not responded to my mini-audit.

 

Bo Metzler

 

 

81

Subject: Ticket Received - Author Center

From: Infinity Support <support@infinitypublishing.com>

To: bo metzler

Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2016


Dear Bo Metzler,  We would like to acknowledge that we have received your
request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will be
reviewing your request and will send you a personal response.(usually
within 24 hours).  To view the status of the ticket or add comments,
please visit  https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/38721 
Thank you for your patience. 

Sincerely, Support Team

NO REPRESENTATIVE EVER CONTACTED ME


Now a Series of Emails 
Regarding 33 copies of my book never sent to buyer

82 
Subject: your book

To: bo metzler
From: Ellen Jones
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Hi,
I wanted you to know I tried to use your book in my Play Production class
at Youngstown State University. You should be aware your publisher is
n
on-responsive to the bookstore here, has still not shipped the book-
although they may have actually sent the order to somewhere in Texas. The
publisher finally sent a PDF- 3 weeks into the semester and I bet you
don't get anything for that as far as royalties go.
I teach the course every year and bet they will not want me to try to use
the book again.
I am also an author and know losing sales of 40 books at a time is bad
for royalties. I thought you should know since the publisher is
essentially costing you  money- no matter how little.
I wish you could resolve this problem so I could use the book- it is a
great resource for students to see the career of someone who has the same
career route they may well follow.
I just wanted you to know, because this might not be the only school 
where this has happened.
Thanks.
Ellen
 
83
Subject: Re: YSU your book adopted

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Hi Susanne,
So . . .
I heard from Ellen Jones who thought I might want to know about the 
trouble you have been having with Infinity Publishing regarding my book
"What We Do - Working in the Theatre.".
First, let me say, I am sorry.
Second - I am rather upset, as you might imagine.
I will be contacting the Publisher tomorrow and I will try to get this
sorted out.
You could help me - by furnishing me with any forms, bills, receipts or
correspondence that happened between you and Infinity.
In the absence of any hard copies, please tell me what method you used to
order the books. How many books did you order?
And who have you contacted and/or spoken to in your attempts to solve
this(names, phone numbers, etc)?
Where does the order stand now? Have you received any books?
Did you ask for a refund, or did Infinity offer a refund? Do you want the
refund, or do you (and Ellen) want the books?
Understand that I live in the Philippines, and we are 13 hours ahead of 
you.
So I will probably receive your email tomorrow. If you need to (or want
to)talk to me, I will try to call you - your morning; my evening. What
time do you arrive at work?
I will keep you posted about my contact with Infinity Publishing.
Again, I am sorry for your troubles in this regard.
Hopefully all will be resolved shortly.
Thanks.
Bo Metzler
 
84
Subject: Re: YSU your book adopted
RETURN
To: Bo Metzler
From: Susanne Fox
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Hi Bo,
I placed the order over the phone with Sara Max and prepaid 33 copies 
with our store credit card on 12/4/15.
$15.95List Price less 40% discount = $9.57e x *33 copies* = *$315.81 
PAID *(The order was to ship on our UPS Collect account)
I was told the order would Print on Demand and that the books were due
1/6/16.
I was given this information and coded it in our system:
EMAIL SARA@INFINITY.COM; WITHIN 90 DAYS OF DELIVERY FOR RETURNS EMAIL
SARA NO PENATLY OR RESTOCKING FEE. CONTACT SARA FOR ORDERS AND RETURNS
FIRST ORDER MUST BE PREPAID; AFTER PAY ON DELIVERY;40% DISC-CONTACT-SARA
I tried to contact Sara Max with the email I was given to check on the 
status, but the email came back as undeliverable; I'm not sure if I had
it transferred incorrectly when it was given to me.
Another employee here (Melissa Koch )tried contacting Infinity, but we 
ending up having to set up an account on their portal to communicate with
them.  We were given an updated due date of 1/15/16.  The following week,
we were given tracking information as we indicated that the books still
did not arrive.  Tracking shows it was shipped to a different state,
Texas.
We asked that the books be Rush re-routed to us at Infinity's expense.  
W
e had to send a couple messages via portal as we were not able to speak
to anyone there.  At some point, I was able to "dial by name" and left
Sara a voice message on her voicebox.  This "dial by name" is not always 
an option at their phone#, 877-BUY-BOOK, 610-941-9999 (local).
I also tried the other phone number on their website (Boston office), 
but the call could not be completed as dial was the operator's automated
message. from the Infinity website:  Boston Office · 781-577-6771
This is the last correspondence our bookstore had with Infinity (all
through the portal with a new ticket# created since there was no
feedback on the previous ticket#):
#38762 URGENT....PLEASE RESPOND ASAP!!!!!   (reported 1 day ago.)
Initial contact was for an invoice 43 days ago. I never did receive a
response to ticket #38382. I then tried contacting you ( Ticket#38566)20
days ago regarding the status of our order since we were charged but had
not rec’d the order yet. You had sent tracking information that showed
the order had shipped. Once the delivery date came and went I double
checked the tracking information and saw that this item had been
delivered to an address in McAllen TX. You had responded with the PDF
file of the book for the students to temporarily use and you said that
you would get back to us. We never rec’d a response even after
requesting that this order be rush shipped to us at your expense due to
your error....that was 9 days ago. Due to the lack of communication from
you and because of your shipping error we wish to be refunded in full
for our order with you. Please see to it that our credit card is
refunded for our purchase. Advise when you have done so as well as
forward me documentation showing the credit to our credit card. Thanks
for your prompt attention to this matter. Melissa Koch (YSU Bookstore)
Ellen Jones has been putting one chapter at a time out for student 
viewing/reading so that they would still be encouraged to purchase the
book (if they arrived).
As it stands now, Ellen has the entire book pdf.  We have not physical 
books which have been paid for.  At this point, we'd prefer a refund
since the likelihood of students buying your book for this spring class
has diminished.
Bo, If you need to speak with me, I arrive in my office at 7:30am US 
Eastern Time.
Thank you for contacting me.
Susanne Fox
YSU Bookstore
 
85
Subject: Re: YSU your book adopted

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2016
Thanks for this info.
Just so I know - who is Melissa Koch?
I am going to bed now.
I will get back to you as soon as I have any info.
Bo
 
86
Subject: Re: YSU your book adopted

To: Bo Metzler
From: Susanne Fox
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Melissa Koch works here in the bookstore and has helped me communicate 
with Infinity.
Thank you.
Susanne
 
87
Subject: Immediate attention required.
From: Bo Metzler 
To: Sara Matz - Infinity, Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
ellen e jones, Susanne Fox, Mark Gregory
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2016

TO: Sara Matz
CC: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand, Ellen Jones, Susanne Fox,  Mark Gregory
FROM: Bo Metzler - author of "What We Do - Working in the Theatre"

Sara,

Below you will find 2 email messages that I received yesterday regarding a December order from
Youngstown State University for 33 copies of my book "What We Do - Working in the Theatre."

The first email (in blue) is from a theatre professor who wanted to use the book in her theatre
class  (that has recently begun). When she ran into problems getting the books, she wrote to me
personally to make me aware of the situation.

The second email (in red) is from the manager of the campus bookstore that ordered the books for the professor. You will read her explanation of the trouble she has had receiving the books as
well as communicating with you – or anyone at Infinity.

 I am writing to you now (and cc’ing Marc and Art) because what happened with this book order is
an astounding travesty of incompetence.

 I suggest that SOMEONE at Infinity send 33 books to Susanne Fox at Youngstown State University
bookstore IMMEDIATELY!  And CALL Professor Ellen Jones with a sincere apology.

Don’t tell me about company policy or procedure. Don’t tell me that you first need to get back the
books that were mistakenly shipped to Texas. And don’t talk to be about cost.

NOT ONLY was this a multiple book order. It was the first order placed by this professor who
planned to use my book in her classes for many semesters to come.

This isn’t a situation where ONE book didn’t get delivered to a buyer (no big deal, she’ll read it later
when it arrives). This is a situation where ONE professor and 33 students didn’t have the book they
needed to conduct their theatre class in the proper way. (Sending them a PDF copy of the book is
NOT a proper way to begin semester course work at a university.)

I have much more to say on this subject, but I will pause here, so that I can get this email to you.

I will make my additional comments after I see how you handle this situation.

(One of those comments will deal with offering a “no charge” apology to the bookstore and to the
professor – in order to help insure that future orders will continue to come from this professor.)

 Bo Metzler

EMAIL #1

Hi,

I wanted you to know I tried to use your book in my Play Production class at Youngstown State University. You should be aware your publisher is non-responsive to the bookstore here, has still not shipped the book- although they may have actually sent the order to somewhere in Texas. The publisher finally sent a PDF- 3 weeks into the semester and I bet you don't get anything for that as far as royalties go.

I teach the course every year and bet they will not want me to try to use the book again.
I am also an author and know losing sales of 40 books at a time is bad for royalties. I thought you should know since the publisher is essentially costing  you  money- no matter how little.

I wish you could resolve this problem so I could use the book- it is a great resource for students to see the career of someone who has the same career route they may well follow.

I just wanted you to know, because this might not be the only school where this has happened.

Thanks.

Ellen
Ellen E. Jones


EMAIL #2

Hi Bo,
I placed the order over the phone with Sara Max and prepaid 33 copies
with our store credit card on 12/4/15.
$15.95List Price less 40% discount = $9.57e x *33 copies* = *$315.81 
PAID *(The order was to ship on our UPS Collect account)
I was told the order would Print on Demand and that the books were due
1/6/16.
I was given this information and coded it in our system:
EMAIL SARA@INFINITY.COM; WITHIN 90 DAYS OF DELIVERY FOR RETURNS EMAIL SARA
NO PENATLY OR RESTOCKING FEE. CONTACT SARA FOR ORDERS AND RETURNS
FIRST ORDER MUST BE PREPAID; AFTER PAY ON DELIVERY;40% DISC-CONTACT-SARA
I tried to contact Sara Max with the email I was given to check on the 
status, but the email came back as undeliverable; I'm not sure if I had
it transferred incorrectly when it was given to me.
Another employee here (Melissa Koch )tried contacting Infinity, but we 
ending up having to set up an account on their portal to communicate with
them.  We were given an updated due date of 1/15/16.  The following week,
we were given tracking information as we indicated that the books still
did not arrive.  Tracking shows it was shipped to a different state,
Texas.
We asked that the books be Rush re-routed to us at Infinity's expense.  
We had to send a couple messages via portal as we were not able to speak
to anyone there.  At some point, I was able to "dial by name" and left
Sara a voice message on her voicebox.  This "dial by name" is not always
an option at their phone#, 877-BUY-BOOK, 610-941-9999 (local).
I also tried the other phone number on their website (Boston office), 
but the call could not be completed as dial was the operator's automated
message. from the Infinity website:  Boston Office · 781-577-6771
This is the last correspondence our bookstore had with Infinity (all 
through the portal with a new ticket# created since there was no
feedback on the previous ticket#):
#38762 URGENT....PLEASE RESPOND ASAP!!!!!   (reported 1 day ago.)
Initial contact was for an invoice 43 days ago. I never did receive a
response to ticket #38382. I then tried contacting you ( Ticket#38566)20
days ago regarding the status of our order since we were charged but had
not rec’d the order yet. You had sent tracking information that showed
the order had shipped. Once the delivery date came and went I double
checked the tracking information and saw that this item had been
delivered to an address in McAllen TX. You had responded with the PDF
file of the book for the students to temporarily use and you said that
you would get back to us. We never rec’d a response even after
requesting that this order be rush shipped to us at your expense due to
your error....that was 9 days ago. Due to the lack of communication from
you and because of your shipping error we wish to be refunded in full
for our order with you. Please see to it that our credit card is
refunded for our purchase. Advise when you have done so as well as
forward me documentation showing the credit to our credit card. Thanks
for your prompt attention to this matter. Melissa Koch (YSU Bookstore)
Ellen Jones has been putting one chapter at a time out for student
v
iewing/reading so that they would still be encouraged to purchase the
book (if they arrived).
As it stands now, Ellen has the entire book pdf.  We have not physical
books which have been paid for.  At this point, we'd prefer a refund
since the likelihood of students buying your book for this spring class
has diminished.
Bo, If you need to speak with me, I arrive in my office at 7:30am US 
Eastern Time.
Thank you for contacting me.
Susanne Fox 
Bookstore RETURN
 
88
Subject: February 2016 ROYALTY STATEMENT

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com
Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2016

ATTACHMENT  ::  Sales for 2015 11.pdf
 
89
Subject: Gold Support

From: Bo Metzler

To: Sara Matz - Infinity, Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2016


I don't know who is responsible for addressing questions on Infinity GOLD

SUPPORT, but they are NOT doing it.

My question has been there for 11 days.

See attached screen grab.

 

Bo Metzler

ATTACHMENT  :: Author Center.jpg



90
Subject: Re: Immediate attention required.

To: Bo Metzler, ellen e jones
From: Susanne Fox  
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Hello,
Has anyone from Infinity been in touch with either of you after this 
email was sent last week?  I have not heard from anyone.
Thank you.
Susanne Fox
  
91
Subject: Re: Immediate attention required.

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox
Cc: Ellen Jones
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Hi Susanne and Ellen,
No, I haven't heard from Infinity. I was actually going to write to both 
of you today and ask you the same question.
I did write to Infinity (to the same people) yesterday on another matter,
and added a P.S. to the note saying:
"PS - It would have been nice for someone to have responded to my last
email (about the 33 book order that got messed up), even if to say:
"Sorry, Bo, we will take care of it."
I was hoping to hear from them today.
I will let you know.
Susanne, has there been any reimbursement to you credit card?
Keep in touch.
Bo
 
92
Subject: Re: Immediate attention required.

From: Susanne Fox
To: Bo Metzler
CC: Ellen Jones
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Hi Bo,
We checked today and there was no credit posted to our account.  I will 
be back in the office on Thursday and will check again before disputing
the charge.
Thank you.
Susanne
 
93
Subject: What is INFINITY?

From: Bo Metzler
To: Sara Matz - Infinity, Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016

At Infinity Publishing...
"...we aren't just a book publisher. We are your partner and publishing
advocate, always striving to provide you with success and the best
publishing experience possible. Take a look at some of our Remarkables
listed below. It's more than just a book, it's a journey."

Unequaled Customer Service
"Each of our authors is assigned their own Author Advocate, a personal
contact for live communication; from your first inquiry, through
preparation, publication and distribution of your book."

"Our authors deserve the very best!"  (Italics by Infinity)

Actually . . . No!
Infinity does NOT serve its authors.
They screw up book orders and accounting statements
and then they ignore emails written to them by authors.                                                              RETURN

 
94
Subject: What is INFINITY?

From: marc histand
To: bo metzler
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Hello Author,
Thank you for contacting me. Please be advised, I will be involved in 
multiple production meetings over the next business week, and my
correspondence may be light. Your book is important to me. I will be
answering all emails and voicemails in the order received and will return
your correspondence as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience.
Regards,
Marc Histand
Author & Agent Services Manager
 
95
Subject: Re: What is INFINITY?

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Sara Matz, Marc Histand
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Bo
We discussed your order yesterday. Let me know a good time for a call 
and I will confirm back.
Best
Art
 
96
Subject: Re: What is INFINITY?

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
I am available right now
646-535-xxxx
Weekday mornings 6am - 8am
Weekday evenings - 8pm - 11pm
Weekend mornings and evenings - hit or miss around the same times.
The people you need to call are the people who ordered 33 copies of my 
book and didn't receive it.
Professor Ellen Jones - 413-553-xxxx 
And the campus book store - Susanne Fox - 330-941-xxxx
Bo Metzler
 

97
Subject: What is happening???

From: Bo Metzler
To: Sara Matz - Infinity, Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand,
llen Jones, Susanne Fox
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
TO: Arthur, Marc, Sara, Ellen, Susanne,
FROM: Bo Metzler
RE: The 33 book order
Hello,
I am still waiting to get a response from INFINITY, on what is happening 
to fulfill the 33 book order of my book.
This is a time sensitive situation here.
The Professor and her students are in classes NOW. They had expected to
be using the books in class when classes began WEEKS ago. They DO NOT
HAVE THE BOOKS.
Any excuse by INFINITY to further delay the ordered books being delivered
is unacceptable.
Someone - PLEASE RESPOND!
Bo Metzler
 
98
Subject: Re: What is happening???

From: marc histand
To: bo metzler
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2016
Hello Author,
Thank you for contacting me. Please be advised, I will be involved in 
multiple production meetings over the next business week, and my
correspondence may be light. Your book is important to me. I will be
answering all emails and voicemails in the order received and will return
your correspondence as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience.
Regards,
Marc Histand
Author & Agent Services Manager


99
Subject: Re: What is happening???

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Marc -
What have you been doing for the LAST business weeks - when you failed to
answer my emails?
Every day you delay in solving my book sale crisis, is another day the
professor who ordered them, and her 33 students, are without my book.
And you are jeopardizing future book sales that this professor had 
planned on making.
Besides - why can't you have meetings AND respond to emails too? Is the 
job too big?
Getting more upset by the day
Bo Metzler

 
100
Subject: Re: What is happening???

To: Bo Metzler
From: Susanne Fox
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Hi Bo,
I just wanted to let you know that we still have not received credit, 
books or feedback from Infinity.
I've disputed the charge to our credit card yesterday so they will need
to respond to that.
Thank you.
Susanne Fox
YSU Bookstore
                                                             RETURN
  
101
Subject: Re: What is happening???

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Thanks for the update Susanne.
I got an email from the CEO of Infinity - finally - which said he (and I
assume Sara) had talked about the situation yesterday, and that he would
be contacting me by phone.
That means that it took a week for them to "talk" about the situation.
Interesting.
I gave him my schedule of availability and I also suggested he contact 
you and/or Ellen.
Bo
 
 
102
Subject: update from Bo Metzler

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox, Ellen Jones
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Hello,
It is Tuesday morning here in the Philippines (Monday evening on the East
Coast.)
Just wanted to give you a little update: 
Last Thursday, I sent a couple more emails to INFINITY trying to get them
to respond. On Friday, I got an email reply from the CEO - Arthur Gutch.
He said they had just discussed the situation the day before - at
INFINITY, and he wanted to give me a call. He asked for my schedule and
that he would confirm a call time.
I sent him an email with the best times to reach me and suggested that he
contact either of you regarding fulfill the order. It has been 4 days and
he has not replied yet, and, I assume, neither has he contacted either of
you.
I plan to give him a call this evening (my time) which is Tuesday morning
on the East Coast.
Questions - for my information.
Ellen:
- How are the students handling the situation without the book - and 
using the PDF?
- When did your class begin and when is the last day?
- How many students actually ordered the book on their own from Amazon?
Knowing this can help me check my December statement when it arrived from
INFINITY at the beginning of March - to see if these sales are credited.
- It would be my pleasure (if we can figure out how and when) to do a 
Skype chat with your class. What time is the class meet?
Susanne:
Have you received any communication from INFINITY regarding refund? 
Both of you:
- Is it too late to push for the books? Or should I just push for the
refund?
- And, pardon me for asking this one -- are you (Ellen) still planning to
use the book in subsequent classes, and order it through Susanne?  I need
to know as possible ammunition to confront INFINITY with - either way.
I am on this - as best as I can be. It's hard to deal with it from the
Philippines, especially with the time difference. I wish I was in the
States. I would pay a visit to INFINITY.
Sincerely,
Bo Metzler
 
103
Subject: Re: update from Bo Metzler

To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Susanne Fox
From: Ellen Jones
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2016
Hi Bo,
Thanks for keeping up on this. I have to do a head count with students to
see how many got the book from Amazon. You may also be able to check
Amazon sales by using your author's page and seeing how many were sold in
Youngstown, OH in December and January. I would guess they will be the
big buyers from this city.
We are using the PDF and that is working. The first day of classes was
January 11th and that was the day they were given the first reading
assignment.
At this point I think we are in place for a refund, not the
books because classes end the last day of April and then finals week is
the first week of May. There is also Spring break in the time left, so we
only have about 10 weeks of classes left. 
I do want to use the book again in this class, it will be taught again in 
the fall. The students really like the book and are engaged by it, and it
gives them a real sense of what a career in theatre really means. I was
actually already dreading trying to find a replacement that was as useful.
Thanks you again for being on top of this and working so hard to help. I
hope you get things resolved with your publisher.
Ellen
 
104
Subject: Re: update from Bo Metzler

To: Bo Metzler
CC: Ellen Jones
From: Susanne Fox
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Hi Bo,
No, there has been no contact made with our bookstore via phone, email, 
or through their portal.
We have disputed the charge to the credit card as the promised goods
were not delivered.
Thank you.
Susanne
 

105
Subject: Trying to talk to you

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Art,
I have been waiting, since you contacted me last week, for you to confirm 
a time to speak.
I tried calling today - Tuesday - 610-941-9999 - at 9am your time, and
only got a recorded message.
I left a message for you - to have you let me know what number I can
contact you at.
Indeed, I have been wanting to talk to anyone - you, or Marc, or Sara -
about the 33 book order placed in December by Youngstown State University
bookstore that never got delivered - since the professor emailed me on
Feb 3rd.
I have sent several email messages over the last almost 2 weeks. The 
people involved at YSU had sent emails too. NONE of our emails or phone
calls have been answered - by anyone.
It appears that no one is able to solve (or explain) the December botched
book order dilemma.
We are now past the point of re-delivering the books (a sad situation for
the professor who wanted to use the book as the total focus of her
theatre class.) It seems now that the charges are being disputed by the
bookstore who wish to get a refund.
I need to know what happened here and whether it will happen again, in 
the Fall, when this same professor will be teaching a new class and, once
again, using my book.
And I need to know what will happen to the royalties that I deserved to 
get paid - if the books had been delivered as it should have been.
I would appreciate a phone call.
It may be easier for me to call you - if you give me a number and a time
that you arrive to work.
You should know that I live in the Philippines. Our clocks are 13 hours
ahead of you. So, when you are at work, after 9am, it is 10pm here and I
am going to bed. And when I am up in the morning, by 9am, it is after 8pm
your time.
I can call from here to the States for free using g-phone.
Bo Metzler
"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"
                                             RETURN
106
Subject: Re: Trying to talk to you

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Bo-
How about tomorrow 8AM EST? 
Use this dial in number: 724-707-xxxx
PIN: 011xx
Best,
Art
Arthur Q. Gutch
Infinity Publishers Group, Inc.
 
107
Subject: Re: Trying to talk to you

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Art
Talk to you then.
Thanks
Bo
 
108
Subject: What we do-- Working in  Theatre

From: "Sara Matz"
To: bo metzler, Susanne fox
Cc: art, Marc
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:47:56 -0500

Packages were shipped UPS, and are expected out for delivery today.

Pkg #

Carrier Tracking #

Shipped Date

ISBN

Title

Qty

1

Tracking #: 1ZV40W500302639569

2/15/2016

9780741450043

What We Do - Working in the Theatre

30

2

Tracking #: 1ZV40W500302638042

2/15/2016

9780741450043

What We Do - Working in the Theatre

3

 Thank you, 

Sara Matz
Infinity Publishing

 

109
Subject: Re: What we do-- Working in Theatre

From: Bo Metzler
To: Sara Matz
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016
Sara, 
I specifically told Art that it may be too late for the books - they were
to be used in a college theatre class which is now half over. And I told
Art that the college bookstore had already put in for a refund.
He said he was going to call the bookstore and the professor to find out
if they still want the books.
Did he call them?
Did they say they wanted the books sent, or are you sending them just to
try and make things "right?"
If they don't want the books now, you may have just made things more
complicated and they might even be returning them.
The time to have resent the books was a month ago when you were being
contacted about the initial order not arriving.
Bo


110
Subject: RE: What we do-- Working in Theatre

From: "Sara Matz"
To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016  
Bo
I was told to get these books to the school, I would assume Art worked 
everything out if he did not change my direction.
If they choose a return, we would of course honor it.


111
Subject: Re: Trying to talk to you

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Marc Histand, Sara Matz
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016
Bo-
Amazingly the books will be delivered today to the bookstore!
I have a call into Suzanne to confirm and try to smooth things over.
Best,
Art
 
 
112
Subject: Re: Trying to talk to you

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016
Yes, I know - Sara just sent me the tracking numbers.
This is not good.
I told you that half the class bought their individual books on Amazon.
So they don't need 33 books anymore - and may not want any.
I told Sara that the time to have re-sent the books would have been a
month ago when she was being contacted about the non shipment.
I do not understand what motivated her to re-send the books now.
What will happen if the bookstore and professor do not want the books?
Are you going to force them to take them?
Bo
I am going to bed now.
 
113
Subject: Re: Trying to talk to you

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016
Bo-
I will speak with Suzanne. You had mentioned the next class would/could 
use them? Is that still true?
In either case I will take care of it.
Best, Art

RETURN

114

Subject: re-sending

From: Bo Metzler

To: Ellen Jones, Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016


Hi

 

I talked to Art Gutch, the CEO this morning. He said he was going to get
in touch with both of you.

I told him it was probably futile to re-send the books, and that Susanne

had already put in for a refund.

And then, I got an email that the books had already been resent, by Sara

Matz, 2 days ago.

Crazy.

When you talk to Art, and if you don't want the books, ask him how to get

them back to INFINITY.

If Ellen is going to need them in the Fall for her next class, keep them.

Or find out how many of your students want to buy the book now, and send

the remainder back to INFINITY.

 

Bo

 
115
Subject: Re: re-sending

To: Bo Metzler, Ellen Jones

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016

Hello,

 

I'm not sure if Infinity is shipping the books complimentary, but we

have already requested a refund and after no reply, disputed the charge

with the credit card company. 

Bo, in your original email to Infinity,

you made a request for the refund as well as complimentary books for

Ellen's class.  What they shipped and what we received yesterday were

_3_ copies of the 33 we paid for. 

Today, I received a voice message

from the CEO, Art.  When I returned his call, I l had to leave him a

voice message.

 

Ellen, I'm not sure if Art was also in touch with you, but I made it

clear we were seeking a refund and to issue a call tag for the 3 copies

if they are not complimentary.

 

Our bookstore is currently not in a position to pay for future fall
orders.

 

Thank you,

Susanne Fox

YSU Bookstore




116

Subject: Re: re-sending

To: Susanne Fox

Cc: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016

No contact with me from Infinity.

 

eej

*Ellen E. Jones

 

 
117
Subject: Re: re-sending

To: Ellen Jones, Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016

A second carton of books just came in from Infinity.  I considered

rejecting the shipment, but I didn't know if Infinity issued a credit

yet and are sending them complimentary.

We are still expecting a credit.

 

Susanne

 
118
Subject: Hold on

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

Susanne,

 

Hold onto the books.

I am trying to work this out - but everyone is acting on their own and

things are happening to make the situation worse.

 

My mention regarding complementary books was what, in negotiations, we
call a "floater." You float something out there and see if it will fly.
If given the opportunity, I will see if it will fly. (I never used the
word "complimentary")

It was certainly not something that was agreed on or that you could
depend on.

It hasn't even come up.

If it does - it will be more appropriate for me to bring it up, not you.

 

Apparently what happened in the last couple of days was, (according to

Sara) Art told her to send the books. This was before Art and I talked
(Wed morn your time). I am in the process of clearing up the time line
and whether this directive was actually given to Sara by Art.

Certainly, you don't need 33 books, at this time, anyway, because Ellen

tells me 19 students bought books on Amazon.

 

I am trying to work things out. Just hold on.

I understand that you want a refund. I guarantee you will get your refund

even if I have to send you a check myself.

I cannot guarantee complimentary books. I'll try - but don't count on it.

I am disappointed that you are also saying that you will not be ordering

books in the Fall for Ellen's next class.

 

I am going to talk to Art again on Thursday morning your time.

I have already told him that people calling INFINITY do not get to where

they want to go and never reach who they want to talk to. He is working

that out. I will tell him you tried as another example of people not

getting through.

What time of the day is good for you to receive a call from Art - if

necessary?

 

I have asked Ellen how many students would still be interested in buying

the book from you - from this re-supply that you just received. The
bottom line scenario will be that you will get refunded for all books
that aren't sold. And you will be reimbursed for any shipping costs.

 

Just hold on. It is hard to work this out from my point of view - being
in the Philippines, 13 hours ahead of you all. But I am trying.

I have a stake in this too Susanne. I don't get royalties for unsold
books.

I am trying to get to a point where everyone is satisfied.

 

Bo

 

119

Subject: Re: Hold on

From: Susanne Fox

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

Hi Bo,

 

I think you misunderstood me.  I am not clear if the books are being sent
complimentary as we have already stated that a refund was preferred and
requested.  You had mentioned this in your original email suggestion to
Infinity.  No one at Infinity has communicated how they would be handing
it.

 

As for fall, I never said that we would not order the books.  What I
said is that at this time, our bookstore is not in the position to hold
onto inventory until then; there are other factors involved.  Our
bookstore would certainly provide what she needed for her fall class.  We
would obviously be concerned about prepaying for books again from
Infinity based on this experience.

 

I appreciate your help with this.  If Infinity would have communicated to
their customer front the start, this could have all been avoided.  I
don't think anyone appreciates how much time has been spent on this order
because of their poor service.

 

Art left me another message this afternoon indicating that the additional
30 copies were also shipped.  I have not returned his call yet.

 

I'll just wait to hear back from you.

 

Thank you,

Susanne

                                             RETURN
120
Subject: Re: Hold on

F
rom: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

You are probably headed for bed now, so maybe you will read this in the

morning.

Yes, apparently , there have been misunderstandings.

I do not believe that the books were re-sent to you on a complimentary

basis.

I will attempt to talk to Art on Thursday Morning (your time).

I will clear it all up.

I regret your having to deal with this.

Please hold onto the books until you hear from me - regarding shipping
them back.

You are right - this is ALL Infinity's fault.

I hope to use that leverage.

 

Still want to know - when is a good time to reach you in your office?

 

Bo

 

 

121

Subject: The 33 Book Debacle

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016


Art

 

I just got up - Thursday morning (it is Wednesday evening for you).

 

Sara says you told her to send the books.

(Amazing that it took a directive from you to get her to do what she
should have done a month ago, when she found out the delivery went to
Texas - which would have prevented this whole debacle).

Did you tell her to send the books BEFORE we spoke?

Why didn't you mention this when we spoke - particularly after I told you

Susanne and Ellen don't want the books and students have bought the books

on Amazon.

If you had already told Sara to send the books, you should have mentioned

this to me when we spoke.

If you didn't tell Sara to send the books, then she just lied to me and
is attempting to shift her own responsibility on to you.

She has yet to apologize for anything, btw.

 

Susanne and Ellen do not want these books - in fact, Susanne has
indicated she will not order these books again - for any new class in the
Fall. (I am going to try to soften her on this issue).

Just sending them BEFORE you had a chance to talk to Susanne was a
mistake.

Susanne tried to call you back after she got your message, but hit the

INFINITY phone barrier and was unable to reach you.

 

It is 10:30am here in the Philippines (9:30 PM Eastern Standard).

If I can call you *now* - up until 10:30 pm your time - please give me a

reply with a phone number.

 

Otherwise, I will call you at 8am tomorrow morning (your time) - with the

same number I used earlier. If that number is not good - give me another

one.

 

I have told Susanne to hold on. Don't do anything. Wait to hear from me.

You and I need to talk.

 

Bo

 
122
Subject: Re: The 33 Book Debacle

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016

Bo-

 

The books were already in-transit when we spoke. I did not know this. I

spoke with Ellen this evening and had a pleasant conversation...Suzanne

and I have traded voice mails.  Let me see how it goes with Suzanne and
I will get back to you.

 

Best,

 

Art

Arthur Q. Gutch

 

123

Subject: Re: The 33 Book Debacle

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016
Please keep in mind that,
even though the original order was for 33 books,
3
3 books are not needed now - because some
students bought from Amazon.

And keep in mind that the other students may not want the book now - this

far into the semester.

This is not the fault of Susanne or Ellen changing their minds. Ellen had

to deal with the situation of not getting the books that were ordered and

being forced to teach without them.

If they want to return the books for a full refund, they should be allowed
to - and not have to wait weeks for the refund.

I will be the only loser - not receiving royalties.

 

I hope you connect with her soon.

I will not call you now.

I will wait for your email.

 

Bo

 

124

Subject: quick follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

A quick follow up to my reply.

 

I just got an email from Art. He is still trying to contact you and
assures me he will work things out. He did not elaborate. He said he had
a pleasant conversation with Ellen. Again, he didn't elaborate.

And he would get back to me after he talked to you.

 

So . . .

Hopefully you guys can work out the situation. Please keep in mind the

students. I have asked Ellen to ask the students if anyone wanted a copy
of the book - even at this late date. See if you can get that info from
her.

This way you might have a few sales and have less books to send back - if

returning the books is what you and Art agree on.

I don't feel asking for complimentary book would be appropriate. But you

could, in a jovial way, mildly suggest it - if the conversation presented

an opening. Like: Art: "I am sorry this all happened. "Susanne (with

humorous, lighthearted tone): "Sorry enough to allow complimentary copies.

Hint. Hint?"

 

I hope you two can come to a mutually satisfying resolve.

And, again, I am sorry you had to go through all of this.

I am glad Ellen wrote to me in the beginning.

I dread the thought that this has happened other times to other people and

I never heard about it.

 

Later

Bo

                                             RETURN
125
Subject: Re: quick follow up

From: Susanne Fox

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

I'll be in my office at 7:30am; 330.941.xxxx.  Another bookstore   number
is 330.941.xxxx; they can locate me.

I'm sure the only reason the books were shipped is because the credit
card charge was disputed, which is unfortunate.

 

Thanks,

Susanne

 
126
Subject: Susanne in office

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

Susanne wrote to me:

 

I'll be in my office at 7:30am; 330.941.xxxx.  Another bookstore   number

is 330.941.xxxx; they can locate me.

 

good luck.

 

Bo

 

127

Subject: Re: Susanne in office

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016


Thanks Bo.



128

Subject: Metzler book

To: art

From: Susanne Fox

CC: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016

Hi Art,

 

Thank you for your call this morning.  Ellen (instructor) indicated that

she will confirm in her class next Monday, but she does not believe any

students will want to purchase the book from us this semester.

Once I receive the confirmation from her next week, I will let you

know.  At that point, we would like you to proceed with the full refund

rather than holding the inventory.

 

Thank you.

Susanne Fox

YSU Bookstore

 
129
-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject: 
Re: Metzler book
From: Susanne Fox
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tues, 23 Feb, 2016


H
i Art,
Please issue the refund of $315.81 to our credit card account and let us 
know how to proceed with the 33 books that were shipped to us last week;
there is no longer a demand for the books.
Please confirm receipt of this email and advise on how Infinity/Books On
The Web will proceed.
Thank you,
Susanne Fox
YSU Bookstore
 
130
Subject: 33 Book fiasco wrap-up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2016

Art

 

I don't know when you were planning on contacting me about your rap-up of

The 33 book fiasco, but I have some questions - which need to be
addressed.

 

1) How could this whole fiasco have actually happen? (Please don't say:

"Sometimes things go wrong.")

2) Why couldn't Susanne (the bookstore mgr.) get in touch with Sara about

The delay in delivery in January? (The order was placed on 12/4/15 with a

delivery date of 1/6/2016)

3) Why was NO ONE from Infinity responding to any attempt by Susanne and

her staff (email and phone calls) to get things attended to? (THIS IS THE

$6 MILLION QUESTION)

4) How did the 33 books get sent to Texas because, by that time, a PDF
had been sent to Ellen (the professor) to "tide them over" until the
books were delivered - so SOMEONE knew there was a problem?

5) When, exactly, did Sara realize she had a problem? The chain of events

puts it sometime in January.

6) Why couldn't the 33 books have been re-sent earlier - on the day Sara

found out she messed up? (I was contacted by the professor on Feb 3 and

emailed all of you on Feb 4 or 5). Why a delay? If Suzanne could have

reached Sara in January, the whole fiasco could have been averted and

everyone would have made some money.

7) Why did it take my getting involved to get any response (yours on Feb

12)from anyone at Infinity?

8) You and I didn't actually talk until February 17 and you were going to

Talk to Susanne. Why did Sara resend the books two days earlier - telling
me she was told to? On whose order?

And finally . . .

9) How do I know that this kind of thing will not happen again?

10) How do I know that this type of failed delivery has not happened

 before and I was just never contacted by the buyers involved? Has this

kind of thing ever happened to other authors?

 

This fiasco was all about lack of communication AND not taking IMMEDIATE

action on a messed up order.

 

As near as I can tell, 19 students ordered their books directly from
Amazon.

That leaves a remainder of 14 books that didn't get sold. If Sara was not

penalized salary wise, is she going to be responsible for royalties on

those 14 books?

And, I would like to hear Sara's defense and apology for her royal

miss-handling of this situation.

If you don't want to type answers to all of these questions, I can call
you again. Just pick a morning when you are free and give me a phone
number.

Also, it will be interesting to see how all of this is going to be
entered in the Monthly Statements that I will be receiving in March and
April. I have already been trying to iron out accounting discrepancies
with Laura – since September of last year. She has not answered my last
two emails. And I am preparing a third.

In addition to the accounting email I am preparing for Laura, I am also

preparing another email for you with several questions about general
sales procedures, referencing Ingram, "wholesale,' Amazon, B&N, ISBN
numbers, fringe book Sellers and re-sellers, among other things.

 

I hope to get all of this dealt with soon.

 

Till then,

Bo Metzler

                                                                                                                           RETURN

 

131
Subject: Re: 33 Book fiasco wrap-up

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2016


Bo-

 

Can you do a call tomorrow/Thurs morning say 8AM EST? If so use same conf

number: 724-707-xxxx

PIN: 01xxx

 

Art

Arthur Q. Gutch

 
132
Subject: Re: 33 Book fiasco wrap-up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2016

Yes

 
133
Subject: Clarification

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2016

When you suggested either Susanne or Ellen or I keep any or all of the

books, were you suggesting that the retained books would be free of
charge?

and that Susanne would get a refund regardless of whether the books were

returned to Infinity?

 

Bo

 
134
Subject: Re: Clarification

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2016

That's correct. There will be a refund and if you feel it is best to give

to Ellen or Suzanne or to send to infinity office its entirely up to you.

 

 

135

Subject: Re: Clarification

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2016


I have contacted Ellen and Susanne for their input about the books.

Please proceed with the refund - alert anyone who needs to know at Infinity.

Susanne has disputed the charges through her credit card company at least

two weeks ago.

And she told you on Feb 18th to please proceed with the refund.

Please process the refund without delay.

 

thanks

Bo




136

Subject: Re:Clarification

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2016

Sounds good.

 
137
Subject: Update

From: Bo Metzler

To: Ellen Jones, Susanne Fox

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2016

Hello Ellen and Susanne,

 

Just checking in.

I spoke to Art at Infinity Thursday morning.

He was all contrite and apologetic about what happened.

I had sent him an email the day before asking him to explain how the 33

book fiasco could happen (as an author to his publisher).

He just said "Things happen."

 

I was surprised to discover that things had yet to be resolved.

He had suggestions about what could happen with the books at this time:

1) Keep them to use in the Fall class

2) Keep a couple (either Susanne or Ellen or both) and send the rest back

3) Bo use them for marketing.

4) a combination of 1-3

 

I told him that Susanne didn't want to keep them and wanted the refund.

I asked him if the refund was going through. He said "yes, Susanne will
get refunded." I asked him when. He said in about a week.

 

I am not too sure about his offer to let us keep the books. He never said

that keeping the books would result in either a smaller refund or no

refund, and I never asked point blank. I just sent him a follow-up email

asking for clarification.

 

At any rate, I told him I would contact you for your opinions. I am sorry

that this has gone on so long. I fully expected that when I talked to him

that he would tell me the books had been returned and the refund was done.

 

Susanne, he did say he talked to you again. Any thoughts?

 

So . . .

What do we do with the books?

Susanne - you have said that you cannot keep them. Was that in reference

to getting the refund? or a function of shelf space?

 

Obviously if the refund is hinged to return, I say return them.

We will do another order in the Fall.

 

Think about it. Talk together. Let me know.

I will let you know if and when he responds to my request for

return/payment clarification.

 

Bo

 
138
Subject: Re: Update

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

CC: Ellen Jones

Date
: Fri, 26 Feb 2016

Hi Bo,

 

Following is my email correspondence with Art at Infinity.  On 2/24, I

called him regarding my 2/23 email since he did not reply.  He said that

he did receive my email and wanted to speak with you first.  He also

asked what type of bookstore we were - as a customer, I'm not sure why

that matters.

 

I appreciate all of your efforts.  Our bookstore has made the financial

business decision to request a refund rather than tying up university

funds in inventory.  I won't be making any further requests for this

refund with Infinity.  Our credit card company has contacted me regarding
our dispute, which was initiated before Art initially contacted me and
before the books were shipped.  I have updated the credit card company
and have asked that the dispute remain open until the refund is processed. 
I trust that Infinity will make this right.

 

Thanks again.

Susanne

 
139
Subject: Re: Update

From: Bo Metzler
To: Susanne Fox, Ellen Jones
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2016

I have confirmed with Art to PLEASE proceed on the refund, ASAP. And tell

anyone at Infinity who needs to know, that when this comes across
someones desk, they are to process the refund. I do not know why he has
not done it as of yet - particularly since the refund in not tied to
books any longer.

He has told me that the books are ours to keep without charge.

Ellen, if you choose to teach the same class in the Fall, with my book,
we will re-order at that time - in plenty of time to receive the books.

So, Susanne, do you want some books to put on your bookshelves for clear

profit?   Ellen, do you want some books for your personal use?

The remainder will come to me for use in marketing the book.

 

Let me know.

And also let me know as soon as your account is credited with the refund.

 

Bo

                                             RETURN
140
Subject: Metzler - Account statement analysis and
editing

From: Bo Metzler
To: Laura Wright
   
Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
TO: Laura Wright
CC: Arthur Gutch
RE: Account statement analysis and editing
Laura,
I have been waiting.
The last time I heard from you was on 11/14/15 when you sent a Year-to-
Date statement, in an attempt to answer my accounting questions.
It did not solve the accounting issues.
I wrote to you on 12/5/15 - alerting you to problems on my June, July,
August & September Statements.
You did not bother to reply.
I wrote to you on 1/6/2016 - adding the October statement to the list of
Statements with new accounting errors. And reminding you that you HAVE
YET to respond to my Mini-Audit from back in September of last year.
You did not bother to reply.
YOU may THINK the subject is closed, but I DO NOT. 
Attached are two PDF files - the first is a copy of all of the statements
that INFINITY sent to me for sales/royalties going back to June when the
125 Book Fiasco started.
The second is the edited versions of those statements, or how the
Statements SHOULD have looked if the Infinity Accounting Department was
doing their job correctly.
There are also NEW QUESTIONS on the October and November Statements. 
These edited statements bring my account up to date as of the November 
2015 statement.
They correct the mis-catagorization of "wholesale" sales as "retail."
They eliminate the entries for payments that were never made.
They eliminate the deficit line created based on an imaginary over
payment that was never made.
They re-total all books sold since the 125 book fiasco began. (Some
earnings were deducted from the bogus deficit line.)
All of this was error on top of error spanning 6 MONTHS! I tried to get 
you to correct things ALL ALONG THE WAY. But you chose to ignore me.

N
umbers do not lie. But people dealing with numbers can AND DO make
egregious errors.
And when the errors are stupid, then this is inexcusable.
How, in heavens name, does an order for 125 books (wholesale) get labeled
and accounted for as retail???
It is time that YOU do YOUR job, and FIX the accounting errors. 
Don't tell me "Things happen."
Don't tell me "We've been very busy."
Your job is accounting which includes FIXING mistakes - NOT letting them
get to be BIGGER mistakes month after month.
Don't fix things according to your acceptability level.
Fix things according to the authors acceptability and satisfaction. 
If it is too big of a job for you (6,000+ titles) then hire more staff 
or, at least, stop adding more new authors to the Infinity roster.
I can't wait to see the December Statement - Because I am sure it will be
replete with failure.
Bo Metzler
ATTACHMENT : “Infinity Account Statements - 2 Docs”
         Infinity account statements 1.pdf
  Infinity account statements 2 edited.pdf

 
141
Subject: Re: Metzler - Account statement analysis
and editing

From: laura@infinitypublishing.com
To: bo metzler
Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
Thank you for contacting us. Laura Wright is no longer with Infinity 
Publishing. Your email will be forwarded to the appropriate party and
responded to in the order received.
 
142
Subject: Re: Laura Wright

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
Well isn't this just the cat's meow.
I have been composing a long involved email to Laura because she hasn't
been responding to me for several months - taking two weeks to finish it.
And then I send it this morning (with a copy to you) and I get back an
auto-response saying Laura is no longer with Infinity Publishing.
Wow!
When did she leave?
Obviously that is why I haven't heard from her.
So now I will have to start all over again to explain all the problems I
have been having with accounting - that stretch back 6 MONTHS!
This sucks!
Bo
 
143
Subject: P.S
.
From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
 
I mentioned my intention to write to Laura when I sent you my Wrap-Up
questions about the 33 Book Fiasco - on Feb 24th.
Why didn't you mention she was not with Infinity any longer??? 
Bo


144
Subject: RE: Metzler - Account statement analysis
and editing

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "'Bo Metzler'" , "'Arthur Gutch'"
Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
 
Hello Bo,
L
aura is no longer with Infinity. I am taking over her responsibilities.
Please use the link below to schedule an appointment with me to 
introduce me to the open issue you are facing.
I am available for appointments starting tomorrow. 
Regards, 
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
 
 
145
Subject: Accounting concerns

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2016
Marc, 
I think it would be easiest and more efficient if you would read through
the attached documents.
This will bring you up to date on the accounting questions I have had for
six months now. And give you some time to study things.
There is no way I can explain all of it in a phone conversation without
you seeing the documents.
Start with the PDF called *1 Laura Chronology - *attached to this email.
This is the email chain I had with Laura beginning in September of 2015.
It will bring you up to date on the whole multifaceted and complicated
set of accounting problems.
Laura spoke about her own research into the issues, but she never shared
that with me, so I do not know what she was figuring out - or not
f
iguring out.
She may have thought she solved things - but she didn't.
If you are still on speaking terms, maybe you can get her research and
thoughts from her.
You will see, as you read the *Chronology*, that there were attachments 
to various emails throughout the chain.
*Those attachments (nos. 2-13) are now attached to this email for easy
access.
*
 
Understand - I am not trying to re-invent the Accounting System at
Infinity. I am only pointing out errors that I have discovered on my
Royalty Statements.
Some errors have to do with math. And some errors have to do with
incorrect data entry.
And also understand, that my Bachelor's degree was in Math (44 years ago),
and in the meantime I have had a good amount of experience in payroll and
data organization, scheduling, personnel, supervising workers, management
and efficiency.
When you have had the proper time to analyze and absorb this mess, let me
know.
My guess is that the Royalty Statement that I should receive in a few days
will still have the residue of the unresolved problems.
If there is a miracle and all is resolved, I will let you know.
Sincerely,
Bo Metzler
 
ATTACHMENT : “Accounting Concerns - 13 PDF Docs”
	 1 Laura Chronology.pdf
2 Life to date to Jun 15.pdf
3 Metlzer August statement.pdf
4 Metzler Spreedsheet.pdf
5 Accounting Discrepancies.pdf
6 Roy_Stat_7522_7705.pdf
7 Metzler YTD statement.pdf
  8 Metzler - June 2015.pdf
9 Metzler - July 2015.pdf
10 Metzler - August 2015.pdf
11 Metzler - September 2015.pdf
12 Infinity account statements 1.pdf
13 Infinity account statements 2 edited.pdf

 
146
Subject: RE: Accounting concerns

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2016
Bo,                                                          RETURN
Thank you for this detailed information.
Once I have an answer for you I will advise.
Regards,
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
 
147
Subject: 33 Book Fiasco

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2016


A
rt,

I have just heard from Susanne in Youngstown.

She tells me that, there has NOT YET been a credit to her account.

 PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN ! ! !

Bo




148

Subject: RE: 33 Book Fiasco

From: "Sara Matz"

To: "'Arthur Gutch'"

        bo metzler

Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2016


Bo,

 

This order was credited Friday March 4th, Please allow 3-5 business days

to reflect the credit card.

 

Thank you,

 

Sara Matz

Infinity Publishing

 
149
Subject: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox, Ellen Jones

Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2016

 

Hello Susanne and Ellen,

Hope all is well with you.

Wondering if Susanne has received the refund to her credit card.

 

I am guessing that you do not want to let go of the books until your
refund is secure.

When that happens, keep 10 books between the two of you - to sell or
keep, and send the rest to me c/o my son:

 

Alex Metzler

xxx Builders

New York, NY 10001

 

Thanks.

And, once again, I am sorry this all had to happen.

 

Bo

 

150

Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Susanne Fox

From: Ellen Jones

Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2016


Thanks so much Bo. I appreciate you getting involved in this. I have
listed the book as my choice for my Fall class, so let' s hope this
doesn't happen again.

 

It is a great book for this class.

 

Ellen.

*Ellen E. Jones  


151
Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

CC: Ellen Jones

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2016

Hi Bo,

 

I just checked again and there has not been a credit posted to our
account.

 

Thank you,

Susanne



152
Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2016


I have sent a stern email to Arthur.

Bo

 
153
Subject: Fwd: 33 Book Fiasco

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2016


*Bo, *

*This order was credited Friday March 4th, Please allow 3-5 business

 days
to reflect the credit card.

Thank you,

Sara Matz

Infinity Publishing

 
154
Subject: Books

From: Bo Metzler

To: Ellen Jones

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Susanne is getting ready to ship out the books.

She got her refund.

 

Do you want a few?

 

Bo

  
155
Subject: Re: Books

To: Bo Metzler

From: Ellen Jones

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Sure, would love to have a few more copies. (I am at a conference in Utah

right now so email responses may be sporadic.)  How do we do that?

 

eej

*Ellen E. Jones413-553-xxxx*

 
156
Subject: Re: Books

From: Bo Metzler

To: Ellen Jones

Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2016

Ellen,

I have told Susanne to hold out 5 books for you.

I presume you can get them from her at the bookstore at your leisure.

 

I have also suggested that, in the Fall, when you want to order again –
let me know ahead of time so I can alert Infinity that the order is being
made and to process it ASAP.

 

Sorry again for all the problems.

Take care

Bo

 

156a

Subject: Re: Books

From: Ellen Jones

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

 

Thanks, Bo! I will pick them up from here. I will keep you in the loop.

I appreciate all your help with this. You have been very kind.

 

Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                                   RETURN

Ellen

*Ellen E. Jones  413-553-xxxx*

 


157
Subject
: MARCH ROYALTY STATEMENT 2015
To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2016

ATTACHMENT :  Sales for 2015 12.pdf


158

Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2016


Hi Bo,

 

With regards to the 33 books, my Director has instructed me not to keep

any of the inventory since a full refund was issued.  He has also asked

that if Infinity would like you to keep the books, arrangements should

be made for the shipping by Infinity so that we are not paying the fee. 

I did not receive any communication directly from Infinity regarding the

inventory and that is why I am relaying this to you.

 

Let me know how you'd like us to proceed.

 

Thank you.

Susanne Fox

YSU Bookstore


159

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Tell me how much the shipping to me will be, and I will send you a check.

 

Bo


160

Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016


Can you provide an exact shipping address; we need a street and number.

 Susanne


161

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

 

Alex Metzler

132 xxxx xxx Street, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10001

 

in case you need a phone number for Alex
347-533-xxxx

 

Susanne - do you have a PayPal account?

Bo
 
162
Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

The shipping cost is $15.58 for UPS. No, we do not have a PayPal account.

 

Are we shipping all 33 copies or did Ellen tell you she wanted a few?  She did not mention anything
to me.

 

Susanne



163

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Ellen has not told directly that she wanted any.

I will email her again.

Are you keeping a few  - I don't know what kind of place you have - do
you have bookshelves for browsers.

 

where do I send the check?

Bo
 
164
Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016

No, we will not be keeping any.  I'll wait to hear back from you on

whether or not Ellen wants any copies.

 

The check can be sent to:

YSU Bookstore

xxx xxxxxx xx

Youngstown, OH 44555

 

Susanne

 
165
Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2016

Hi Susanne,

 

The check will be put in the mail in the morning.

Let me know when it arrives and when you will ship books.

 

Please hold out 5 books for Ellen.

I presume she can pick them up from you at the bookstore.

 

In the Fall, when Ellen wants to do this again, please let me know,

I will alert Infinity and Arthur that your order will be made and to make

Sure that it is processed in a timely manner.

 

Thanks

Bo

 
 
166
Subject: Re: Follow up

To: Bo Metzler

From: Susanne Fox

Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016

Hi Bo,

 

I was informed that your check arrived.  I am not in tomorrow, but I

will still try to have them shipped out.

If not tomorrow, before the end of the week for certain.

 

Thank you,

Susanne

 
167
Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Susanne Fox

Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2016

Thanks Susanne,

Don’t forget to hold out 5 copies for Ellen.

 

Let me know when you are about to make the new order in the Fall - so I
can be on top of it.

Hopefully all will go smoothly next time.

 

Bo

                                              RETURN

168

#39068 Author Center Message

Bo Metzler

Reported 3 months ago -  Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2016

 I cannot log into the Author Center.

Does it still exist?

Any  Username and password I enter doesn't work.

Please advise

Bo

Bo Metzler

 

169
Subject: Re: Ticket Received - Author Center

From: Infinity Support <support@infinitypublishing.com>
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2016
Dear Bo Metzler,  
We would like to acknowledge that we have received your request and a 
ticket has been created. A support representative will be reviewing your
request and will send you a personal response.(usually within 24 hours). 
To view the status of the ticket or add comments, please visit  
https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/39068 
Thank you for your patience.  
Sincerely, 
Support Team

No Response was ever received. RETURN
 
170
Subject: Royalty Statement

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2016
It is March 8th.
I have not received a Monthly Royalty Statement.
Bo


171
Subject: RE: Accounting concerns

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2016
 
Hello Bo, 
I have begun the process of looking over your data and comparing to our 
own.
I cannot promise a quick turn-around on this, as I will be re-recording 
all data to my own personal spreadsheet to see where any errors may have
occurred.
If you have any questions in the mean-time, please advise. 
I will respond as soon as I have fully analyzed the royalties. 
Regards, 
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
 
172
Subject: Re: Accounting concerns

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2016
Thank you
Bo
                                             RETURN

173
Subject: March Royalty Statement

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2016
 
Marc, 
I wrote to Art - he didn't reply.
So now I am trying you.
I have not received my March Royalty Statement.
Is this a system-wide delay? or am I singled out as a lucky one?
Bo Metzler
 

174
Subject: RE: March Royalty Statement

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2016
Bo,
I am finalizing the February royalty statement, which is late due-to 
Laura’s leaving. I will be sending it today to all authors.
The March royalty statement will be completed on-schedule at the end of 
this month.
Regards, 
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
 
 
175
Subject: Re: March Royalty Statement

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016
Still waiting for the Royalty Statement
Bo Metzler
 
                                             RETURN
176
Subject: Royalty Clarification

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "Bo Metzler"
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2016
Hello Bo, 
I made an excel sheet of your LTD royalties since 2013 and came to the
following conclusion.
Due to an erroneous debit to your royalty account, Infinity Publishing
currently owes you royalty on 5 retail books.  
After further research, I found that a major order placed was combined 
with other orders and reversed as a whole, instead of just one sale. I
have noted this and corrected. You will see the additional funds added to
the next royalty statement, which will be generated in a few weeks. With
that, and your running balance, I see no reason for you not to receive a
royalty check for January Sales. (End of March Statement.)
I have attached my findings for your review. 
If you have any questions, please advise. 
Regards,
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
  ATTACHMENT : “Bo Metzler LTD royalty check.xlsx”
 
177
Subject: Re: Royalty Clarification

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2016
Hello Marc, 
Nice try on the audit, but chaos persists. 
The Title of your email is "Royalty Clarification."
Things have NOT become clear.
First of all, let's agree on the actual function of this mini-audit:
To examine the financial records and to find the things that are wrong
and fix them.
Agreed?
Now let's get specific regarding your Spreadsheet. 
I have added two new Columns to your Spreadsheet. (*See attached*) 
I have inserted a new Column "C," and I have added an additional Column 
F".
The new Column "C" includes the Infinity Royalty numbers directly from
each months Royalty Statement that was sent to me.
(Your your old Column "B" includes some numbers that are different (in
pink) and I do not know where you got them from - because they don't add
up to the check amounts, and they weren't on the Monthly Statements.)
The new Column "F" includes the dates in which the individual Infinity
checks were sent to my bank and actually appeared in my bank. I had set
up my Infinity mailing address as my bank so that mailing checks to my
bank, and not my home, functioned as a Direct Deposit. This is to verify
the receipt of each Infinity check that was cut.
So, Columns "C" and "E" are in green because these are accurate numbers
according to Monthly Infinity Royalty Checks in "C," and actual bank
deposits in "E".
You will also notice some orange highlighted cells.
These are notes for clarification of slight changes to your old Column
"C" which is now Column "D".
I have also put spaces between groups of months that are defined by the
Individual checks that were issued.
So . . .
Up to December 2014, the Spreadsheet is accurate IF you use the numbers
Directly from the Monthly Royalty Statements - Green Columns. Why didn't
you notice that your Royalty Amounts (Column "B") didn't add up to Issued
Checks???
Then things get wonky. (See Additional Notes on the Spreadsheet).
I don't know why you decided to include all of the accounting mistakes in
This Spreadsheet analysis. We want to CORRECT the mistakes and be able to 
look at an ACCURATE accounting of sales/royalties - not look at numbers
that were wrong.
So, the main issue is - what is the REAL story about the book sales in 
June 2015?
Was it a sale of 125 books mistakenly labeled "Retail" when they were
actually "Wholesale"? - as Laura told me. Or was it a miscounting of the
actual sales?
How much was the "Value Sold" for the 125 books at Wholesale? Laura had
this "Value Sold" figure at $1595.00 plus one separate book sold for
$7.18 , making a total of $1602.18 x 15% = $240.33 Royalty for June. (I
do not know if these numbers are correct.)
Once you enter the ACCURATE Royalty amounts for 15-Jun (Cell C-66), and
ELIMINATE all of the other bogus mistakes and misinformation, I believe
we will see the true picture as it relates to sales/royalties reported
on these Statements.
My Royalty Statements after June were all screwed up because a Debit Line
Was introduced into the accounting - even though there was no check cut
for the larger amount and therefore no need for a Debit Line. Subsequent
earnings were subtracted from this Debit Line - resulting in a MESS for 6
months.
Did you look at all of the monthly statements that I edited - eliminating
all of Debit Line mistakes and all of the bogus mistaken information that
carried on for 6 months??? I have been waiting for the Month of December
Statement to see if things ever got straightened out. I would love to see
ACCURATE statements from June through December 2015.
*PLEASE NOTE: I have NOT seen my February Statement - for 
December sales yet ! ! !
*
ALL that we have done here - ALL of this re-assessment and re-calculation
Of Royalties and outstanding balances is based on sale numbers reported
on the Monthly Royalty Statements.
I have NO IDEA if the tabulation and reporting of those sales numbers in
your data base is accurate. I have no idea how book sales are reported,
counted and entered by Infinity staff. That is a whole NEW level of the
Accounting Process and possible errors.
*Another QUESTION that was on my edited Statements and you 
did not answer:*

How can a wholesale book sell for $3.78 (Value Sold - 15-Oct & 15-Nov)
Earning a royalty of only $.57 ? ? ?
Sincerely,
Bo
ATTACHMENT:“Bo Metzler LTD royalty check-EDITED.xlsx”
                           
                                             RETURN
178
Subject: Follow-up

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2016
Bo- 
Lets get on the phone and see if we can move things forward.....I just
spoke to Marc and and want to better understand your questions.
Let me know some dates/times that work for a call. 
Best, 
Art
  
179
Subject: Re: Follow-up

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Hi Art,
Regarding questions I have for Marc (and had with Laura) - it's simple:
when will accounting be accurate, consistent and on time?
Did you read what I just sent him?
I also have questions for you. See attached.
If you chose to write answers, do it section by section - no hurry, be
thorough.
I don't think one phone call will suffice. Maybe several.
I wish I were still living in New York, I'd love to come to the office
and chat.
And I too would love to move things forward.
Regards,                                        
Bo
 ATTACHMENT : 7 page PDF Document – “Art.pdf”
                                                            RETURN
180
Subject: Re: Follow-up

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Bo-
Lets start with a call. I will review your document. Let me know what 
works for you.
Best,
Art
 
181
Subject: Re: Follow-up

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Art,
It is March 22nd. I still do not have my Royalty Statement for December
2015 sales.
If I see it in my inbox by 9am your time (9pm my time) I will call you at
the number you gave me before.
Bo
 
182
Subject: Fwd: Follow-up

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
 
see below.
Arthur Q. Gutch
 
183
Subject: Re: Follow-up

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
If you attached something - it didn't get attached
It is time for me to get my son ready for bed.
I'll catch up with you tomorrow.
Bo

 

 

184

Subject: Calling

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2016

 

Art

 

I just attempted a call to you but you didn't answer.

Maybe you are not in the office.

It's 8:30am your time.

 

I can call any day around this time - 7:30am - 9am your time.

Let me know which day.

 

Bo

 

 

185

Subject: My February Statement

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2016

 

Marc and Art,

 

Holy Week is over. Christ has died, risen and ascended.

Now -- back to business.

 

Marc -

I am still waiting for my February Statement - for December 2015 sales.

You said they were delayed because Laura left (or was fired), and you

also said that you were sending them out March 11 or 12.

You also used numbers from that month's sales on the recent Spreadsheet
you sent to me.

So - where is my Statement?

 

And --Regarding the Spreadsheet . . .

What number do we put in cell C-66 so we can do the math and get caught
up with my Royalty arrears?  Was Laura's figure of $240.33 accurate?

 

Art -

I would like to settle the accounting situation before we start to talk

about my letter to you, and all of the questions. This will give you some

time to work on some answers.

(P.S. - I tried calling you on March 23rd. No answer.)

 

Thanks

Bo

 

186

Subject: Re: My February Statement

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2016

 

Bo-

 

I will talk to Marc this morning and we will let you know where things

stand.

 

Thanks,

Art

 


187

Subject: Royalty Statement Attached -- December Sales

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "Bo Metzler"

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2016

 

Hi Bo,

Please see attached. Art informed me you did not receive your statement

automatically when it was sent.

 

Regards,

Marc Histand

Client Services Manager

 

ATTACHED ::  Sales for 2015 12.pdf

                                                                                                                         RETURN

 

 

188

Subject: Re: Royalty Statement Attached -- December Sales

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2016

 

Marc,  (cc: Art)

 

First of all, your statement suggesting that Art informed you yesterday

that I did not receive my statement when it was sent - for last
December's sales – is really a stretch.

On March 16th I sent you a message saying I had not received my Statement.

And on March 21st I sent you my revised Spreadsheet which included me
saying that I had not received my Statement *IN BIG BOLD LETTERS*.

I will not belabor the issue of your not reading my emails or not
retaining information.

 

Moving on:

 

You have yet to comment on my Analysis/Edit of your Spreadsheet.

But, as it turns out, now that I see the Statement for December, we have

More cleaning up to do.

 

1. (as it relates back to the Spreadsheet) The December Royalty Statement

says there was a Total Payment Due of $23.33 for December - which
included a $2.22

Balance from November. On your Spreadsheet you entered the number $21.11
for 15-Dec.

This is correct because on the Spreadsheet we are only entering Royalties
earned each month – NOT payments due.

 

Then - if we also enter the amount of $240.33 in MY Cell C-66 (the figure

from Laura), we can subtotal earnings from 15-Jan through 15-Dec. So Cell
C-73 = $296.68 - minus the

$263.85 check that was cut in November, which results in $32.83 Owed to

Client. This is less than the $43.82 that was on your Original
Spreadsheet. But this number can be accurately traced from all of the
Monthly Royalty Statements for 2015 and therefore it is substantiated by
accurate numbers instead of all of the chaos that resulted from

the mis-calculated 125 book sale back in June 2015.

 

So, therefore, we have a $32.83 amount owed to me for UNPAID Royalties

PRIOR to January 2016 - because only the $263.85 check was cut for 2015.

This can either be a separate check for arrears, or it can be entered on

the January Sales Statement (coming at the end of March) as "Balance as
of 12/31/2015."

 

When either of these things are done, we will be up-to-date with payments

BASED ON NUMBERS ENTERED ON THE ROYALTY STATEMENTS, AGAINST CHECKS CUT.

Because every month we let this go, means there is a new month of numbers

we have to calculate into the equation of Back Royalties Owed.

 

And to top it all off . . .

 

2. On a slightly different area of the Accounting of my book sales . . .

Amazon says that I sold the following number of books from January 2014
to January 2016 - compared to Infinity Wholesale Sales Numbers
(from Royalty Statements).

See attached screen grab.

 

*AMAZON SALES*   * INFINITY WHOLESALE SALES *(not including INGRAM)

2014

January    0 ------------------------------ 0

February  0 ------------------------------ 0

March      0 ------------------------------ 0

April         2 ------------------------------ 2

May          2 ------------------------------ 1 *                         *  Infinity is less than Amazon

June          2 ------------------------------ 1 *

July            6 ------------------------------ 5 *

August       3 ----------------------------- 3

September 1 --------------------------- 1

October      3 --------------------------- 0 *

November 25 -------------------------- 0 * !!!

December  2 ---------------------------- 0 *

 

2015

January      1 ----------------------------- 0 *

February     0 ---------------------------- 0

March        1 ----------------------------- 0 *

April           1 ----------------------------- 0 *

May           1 ------------------------------ 0 *

June           2 ----------------------------- 0 *     ------------------ Not including the 125

July            2 ------------------------------ 0 *                             Purchase Direct from Infinity

August       2 ------------------------------ 0 *

September 1 ----------------------------- 0 *

October   1 ------------------------------- 1

November  1 ---------------------------- 1

December  1 --------------------------- 11

 

2016

January  31 -------- we will see what Infinity says I sold.

 

So . . .

for 2014 and 2015 there were 14 months that Infinity reported less

Wholesale Books sold than Amazon says were sold by them - for a total
of 44 books that Amazon said they sold that were not on my Royalty
Statements.

(I have no way of knowing how many non-Amazon "Wholesale" books were sold

and not reported on my Royalty Statements.)

 

*Someone needs to explain this.*

 

Looking for answers

 

Bo

                                                                                                                        RETURN

 

 

189

Subject: Royalty Follow-up

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "Bo Metzler"

Cc: "Arthur Gutch"

Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2016

 

Hello Bo,

 

I have reviewed your last email, as well as all information provided.

 

The amounts that I recalled for 2013-15 were directly recorded from our

distributors. The royalties are automatic calculations from those

distributors. Once completed, the amount owed to you was recorded and
sent to you. The numbers that you responded with are not from our records.
All recording that we have on file through our accounting system has been
triple checked and is showing you up-to-date, with the small adjustment
of 43.82, and then the addition of the royalty statement just sent.

 

Again, the numbers calculated and subsequently generated are those from

automated systems. I have double and triple checked all and find no errors.

 

I trust you can accept the adjustment already provided and we can
continue working together.

 

Regards,

Marc Histand

Client Services Manager

                                                                                                                          RETURN


190

Subject: My Book

From: Bo Metzler
To: Inquiry.LSI@ingramcontent.com
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2016

Hello,
I am an author of a POD book published by Infinity Publishers.
Ingram is a distributor for Infinity and sells my book.
I would like sales data for the copies of my book that you sell. 
Thank you. 
Bo Metzler
"What We Do - Working in the Theatre"
978-0-7414-5004-3     (0-7414-5004-6)
978-0-744-9072-8  (eBook)

 

191

Jana (Ingram Content Group)

Apr 5, 8:44 PM

Thank you for your email.

You will have to contact the publisher on this book as we can only provide data to the publisher only.

If you have further questions, please let us know.

Thank you,
Jana

IngramSpark Supervisor
1-800-509-4156
lsisupport@ingramcontent.com

 

 

192

Subject: Re: [Ingram Content Group] Update: FW: My Book

From: Bo Metzler

To: LSI Support Team <lsicustomersupport@ingramcontent.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2016

You are telling me that I need to ask the publisher of MY book for sales
data for MY book.
I am in a dispute with the publisher regarding the sales data for MY book.
I am asking Ingram for sales data for MY book - to analyze and verify the
sales data that MY publisher has given me.
Don't you get it? 
Bo Metzler

 

193
Jana (Ingram Content Group)

Apr 6, 12:30 PM 

Thank you for your email.

We can only work directly with publishers who have accounts with us. We do apologize for the
frustrations.

Thank you,
Jana

IngramSpark Supervisor
1-800-509-4156
lsisupport@ingramcontent.com



194

Subject: Re: [Ingram Content Group] Update: FW: My Book
From: Bo Metzler
To: LSI Support Team <lsicustomersupport@ingramcontent.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2016

Jana
Does that mean you can only work DIRECTLY with publishers when defrauding
authors of royalties as well?
You need to explain WHY the author can't know your sales numbers. 
Bo Metzler

 

195
Kristen
(Ingram Content Group)

Apr 11, 9:30 AM
closing - Infinity has reached out to the author via ticket 359752

Thank you,
Kristen
Lightning Source Support Team

 

 

 

196

Subject: Inquiries with Ingram/LSI

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "Bo Metzler"

Cc: "Arthur Gutch"

Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2016

 

Hello Bo,

 

We received communication from Ingram that you have been sending multiple

emails to their facility requesting information that is already provided
to you by Infinity Publishing on a monthly basis . Please discontinue

communication with Ingram, as they will only provide sales information to

the account holder on record, which is Infinity Publishers.

 

Thank you.

                                                                                                                                                                  RETURN

Regards,

 Marc Histand


 

197

Subject: APRIL MEMO

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand

Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2016

 

TO: Art Gutch, Marc Histand

FROM:  Bo Metzler

DATE: 4/6/2016

 

Re:  April Memo

 

1) Marc - I have not received my March Royalty Statement - for January

sales.

 2) Art - How are you coming along with the answers to my many questions?

 

Sincerely,

Bo Metzler

 

 

198

Subject: Re: APRIL MEMO

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2016

 

Bo-

 

Lets get on the phone tomorrow...what time works for you?

 

Art


 

199

Subject: Re: APRIL MEMO

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016

 

As I have told you before - I can call you any morning, between 7am and
9am (your time). Just tell me when you will be in the office.

I can also call you in the evenings - after 9pm your time.

 

I hope you will have some answers to my queries.

 

Bo



200

Subject: phone call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016

 

It is 9pm here in the Philippines - 9AM where you are.

I am going to get my son ready for bed and then I will be turning in
myself - rough day.

When are you in the office Wednesday morning (your time)?

 

BTW, This is me. Is this you?

 

Bo         

 

 

201

Subject: Re: phone call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016

 

Bo-

 

How about 8AM wed? Use this conf line 267-930-xxxx pass 98624xxxx

 

Art


 

202

Subject: Follow-up

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 13 Apr

 

Bo-

 

Good catching up this morning. I hope most of your questions were
answered.

I’ve asked Marc to check on royalty match....and also whether Sara has
heard anything from customer.

 

Let me know some dates that work for the week of the 2nd of May and we
can have a pre-interview call and then schedule the interview.

 

Best,

Art

 
 

 

203

Subject: Re: Follow-up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

Good talking to you too - but, in retrospect, I have more questions.

Some of my new questions are outgrowth of what we did talk about.

And then there are all of the other questions from my 7 page
"dissertation" which, I have a feeling, you haven't read.

At least read it. 10 minutes.

 

You said in your follow up email that you would talk to Marc about the

Royalty Match.

And don't forget to ask him where my March Statement is.

 

Bo                                                                                                                                                              RETURN

 

 

204

Subject: My March Statement

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

As I told you last week in my April Memo

and as I told Art yesterday on the phone -

*I have NOT received my March Statement yet.*

 

This is the *second* month in a row and the *second* month during the
time you and I have been discussing Royalties, that I have NOT received
my Statement on schedule.

 

Bo

 


 

205

Subject: RE: My March Statement

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

Bo,

 

All March statements went out overnight.

Please let me know if you have received it.

Regards,

 

Marc Histand

 

 

 

206

Subject: MARCH ROYALTY STATEMENT REPRESENTING
JANUARY SALES

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

ATTACHMENT  ::  Sales for 2016 01.pdf

                                       (BLANK)

 

 

207

Subject: March Statement for January Sales

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

Well,

what a surprise

NO sales in January.

Interesting.

Amazon (Bookscan) says I sold 31 books in January.

                                                                                                                                                                 RETURN

Explain this.

Bo

 

208

Subject: March Royalty Statement

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "Bo Metzler"

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

Hello Bo,

 

The March royalty statement was sent incorrectly. It will be resent this

evening with proper values.

 

Regards,

 

Marc Histand

 
 

209

Subject: RE: March Statement for January Sales

From: "Marc Histand"

To: "'Bo Metzler'"

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2016

 

Bo

One update… I am seeing sales recorded with this royalty

statement. A check will be cut for you in the amount of $23.33.

 

Regards,

 Marc Histand

 

 

210

Subject: Re: March Royalty Statement

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2016

 

How can this happen ? ?

 

 

211

Subject: WTF

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2016

 

I have just logged on this morning. It is 9am here and 9PM over in your

neck of the woods.

 There were 3 emails from Marc to greet me - apparently sent yesterday

morning - your time.

 

#1 said --

"Bo,

All March statements went out overnight.

Please let me know if you have received it.

Regards, Marc"

 

#2 said --

"Hello Bo,

The March royalty statement was sent incorrectly. It will be resent this

evening with proper values.

Regards, Marc"

 

#3 said --

"Bo,

One update… I am seeing sales recorded with this royalty statement.=

A check will be cut for you in the amount of $23.33.

Regards, Marc"

 

No explanation.

How can this happen ? ?

 

Bo

 

                                                                                                                                                                  RETURN

 

212

Subject: Re: WTF

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2016

 

Bo-

 

When have we team transitions on certain task such as royalty processing
we sometimes have challenges and have to correct which we did. Apologies
for the first e-mail, it looks like Marc quickly corrected.

 

Best,

 Art

 

 

213

Subject: Re: WTF

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2016

 

Are you suggesting this was a system wide screw up - and not just with
*my* statement? Did all 4000 authors get blank Statements?

What "team" has transitioned? I thought only Laura left (or was fired).

And how many other "tasks" does a new "team" have to adapt to - other
than Royalty Processing? What else is in their job description?

How many other errors have they made?

Is this the same story as last month - when Marc said the February

Statements went out - but I hadn't received mine by March 28th?

Or, again, was this system-wide? There is a problem here.

Marc took over from Laura how many months ago?  4? 5? And he is still

figuring out what to do?

Maybe this is why Marc and his "team" can't seem to answer the accounting

disparities I have questioned for the last 9 months.

Maybe Marc isn't suited for the "challenges" of his new responsibilities.

What is his accounting background?

 

In theatre terms this is akin to the curtain not going up after the house

lights go out. The audience is waiting for the show to begin and some new

"team" is running around trying to figure out which rope to pull.

 

Saying the problem was "corrected" doesn't explain it. And using the word

"quickly" is absurd - especially since I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE CORRECTED

STATEMENT AS OF THIS WRITING - 14 hours after you sent your message!

You love to trivialize things that are the bones of Infinity.

It's like your explanation for a sale of my book for $3.78 under
Wholesale with a royalty of $.57. "That's just the nature of the
business."

It's like when Michelle Shane once told me "our accounting system is not

compatible to what you would like done.”

 

All I want is accuracy on my account. I would guess that all authors want

the same thing.

I would think this would be the biggest priority for you and Marc and

anyone else on the "team" (instead of signing up more new authors.)

 

I STILL don't know *why*  the 125 copy order of my book last June was

marked as Retail, then 'woops' changed to Wholesale reeking havoc on my

statements that still hasn't been cleared up yet.

And Sara STILL has not apologized for the 33 book fiasco - or explained

what went wrong and why.

 

'Woops' is not an answer or an excuse.  Explanations are in order.

 I never made mistakes as a stagehand on Broadway. If I had, I would have

never worked again. I learned detail and attention and repetition and
efficiency. I observed. I anticipated. We did 8 shows a week with
hundreds of cues that had to happen with precision EVERY time.

I learned new methods and changed with experience - immediately! No

adjustment period.

Maybe I need to help make things run better in the accounting dept.

 

214

Subject: My March statement is still LATE

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016

It is 8:40 am Sunday , here in the Philippines.

that means 8:40 PM Saturday - on the East Coast.

 

I still HAVE NOT received my updated March Statement for January sales.

 

Bo

 
215
Subject: WAITING

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2016
Marc -- 
4 days ago you told me the BLANK Royalty Statement that I received 
(2 weeks late) was an error.
In fact, you said, there WERE sales for January.
BUT
you STILL have not sent this new Statement to me!
I am waiting. 
Bo
P.S. And you still have not explain the *WHY* of the mistakes and delay.

NO REPLY from Marc Histand

 
216
Subject: Royalty Statement

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2016
Where is my Individual March Royalty Statement for January sales - that,
presumably, ALL other Infinity authors received weeks ago?
Bo


217
Subject: RE: Royalty Statement

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "'Bo Metzler'"
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2016
Hello Bo, 
Thank you for your inquiry. For some reason, some authors were not sent 
the updated royalty. Please be advised that this statement has identical
sales information for the month in question.
Please see attached. 
Regards,
Marc Histand
Client Services Manager
ATTACHMENT: Year-to-Date Statement
                  2016 02 YTD insert.pdf
 
218
Subject: My Royalty situation

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2016

Marc,
It is my understanding that this is where we stand . . . 
I am currently owed 3 Royalty checks 
1) $91.53 - for January 2016 sales 
2) $23.33 - Total Payment Due (from March Statement for December 2015)
(May have been cut, but I have not received.)
3) arrears Royalties - based on the long standing account audit we have
recently "completed" (which was begun by Laura Wright.)
Depending on whose addition you will go with -- as per your spreadsheet 
and my edits. $43.82 (your addition) or $32.83 (my addition).
Please note:
The next royalty Statement is due in approximately 10 days (April for
February sales).
I hope it arrives unscathed and on time.
Please edit the Life-to-Date account you sent me yesterday so that the
entries are accurate by the month (instead of March and April, it should
have said Nov-15 and Jan-16 - pages 5 & 7 sales).
Bo
NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand
             

219
Subject: End of the month ALERT

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2016
ALERT -- ALERT 
Marc -
Please be aware that Royalty Statements are going out at the end of this
week.
Please make sure that I receive mine.
Please make sure it has all of the accurate sale numbers on it.
Thanks
Bo
P.S. Have you fixed the miss-labeled entries on the Life-to Date 
accounting sheet?
 
Art -
Please read the 7 page dissertation that I sent to you - and answer my
questions.
If I understand how it all works, in POD / Self-Publishing, I will be
better able to market my book, track sales, and make more money for both of
us.(After all - that's what it's all about, right?)
Thanks.
Bo

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand

                                             RETURN
220
Subject: MAY MEMO

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Wed, 4 May 2016
 
MAY MEMO
To: Marc Histand
CC: Arthur Gutch
Re: April Royalty Statement
Marc,
It is May 4th.
I HAVE NOT received my April Royalty Statement for February sales.
I sent you an email 8 days ago ALERTING you to the end of the month and
expressing my hope that the April Statement would arrive on time and be
accurate.
It saddens me to see that this has not come to fruition.
Please attend to this. 
Bo 
P.S. - to Art - I have not received any response from you regarding all 
of the questions I have asked (in my 7 page dissertation.)

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand



221
Subject: MAY MEMO #2

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Fri, 6 May 2016
 
Guys -- 
I have NOT received my April Royalty Statement yet. 
Neither of you have responded to my last few emails. 
What gives? 
Bo 

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand

 
222
Subject: MAY MEMO #3

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 9 May 2016

Hello ! ! !
Are you there ? ? ?
I still have NOT received my April Royalty Statement (for February sales). 
Neither of you have seen fit to reply to my last several emails. 
I am beginning to think you don't love me anymore. 
Please reply. 
Bo
 
223
Subject: Re: MAY MEMO #3

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Marc Histand
Date: Mon, 9 May 2016
Bo-
I will check with Marc and check status.
Thanks,
A
rt

224
Subject: MAY MEMO #4

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand
Date: Mon, 16 May 2016
 
Art and Marc, 
I still have NOT received my April Royalty Statement - for February sales. 
On April 26th I sent you an End of the Month ALERT - reminding you that
statements were due to be emailed shortly. Neither of you replied.
On May 4th I sent you a May Memo telling you I hadn't received my
Statement. Neither of you replied.
On May 6th I sent you May Memo #2 reminding you I had not received my
statement. Neither of you replied.
On May 9th I sent you May Memo #3 - Arthur replied saying that you would
check with Marc.
That was a week ago - and I have not heard anything more from either of
you.
It is now May 16th. This is May Memo #4 -- And I still do not have my
Royalty Statement.
What is the game here boys? 
Bo 

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand

 

 

225

Online Support Request

#39506 Royalty Statements

Bo Metzler, reported 5/21/16

Hello to all the people in Accounting at Infinity.

Someone forgot to send me my April Royalty Statement.

I have sent messages to Arthur and Marc - but they do not reply.

Please send my Statement. (And also send the Royalty checks you owe me.)

Bo Metzler

 

226
Reply-from: Infinity Support

From: Infinity Support <support@infinitypublishing.com>
To: bo metzler
Date: Sat, 21 May 2016
Dear Bo Metzler,  
We would like to acknowledge that we have received your request and a 
ticket has been created. A support representative will be reviewing your
request and will send you a personal response (usually within 24 hours). 
To view the status of the ticket or add comments, please visit 
https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/39506 
Thank you for your patience.  
Sincerely, Support Team
NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME REGARDING 
THIS ONLINE SUPPORT REQUEST
 
227
Subject: MAY MEMO # 5

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand
Date: Mon, 23 May 2016


ART & MARC,

Yes, it's ANOTHER damn email from the author/math major with all the

questions.

Why?

Because I STILL have *not received* my April Royalty Statement.

(or any checks, for that matter).

 

I have been professional and respectful of your positions. We have had, I

thought, very positive interaction - despite issues - until last month,

when your respect for me began to wane.

 

You can avoid me all you want, but the fact remains that I am owed a

Royalty Statement for April as well as Royalty checks for December and

January, and the arrears from last year. And it is your responsibility
(by contract) to mail them to me.

 

If you have an explanation for the delay, I would be interested in
hearing it.

Otherwise, make me happy, and send me my stuff.

 

Thanks.

Bo


228
Subject: Most recent Royalty statement

From: "Marc Histand"
To: "Bo Metzler"
Date: Tue, 24 May 2016
Hello Bo,
The most recent royalty statement has been completed and is attached.
Regards,
Marc Histand

229
Subject: Re: Most recent Royalty statement

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand
Wed, 25 May 2016
Marc -
Thanks for the statement, but -
These are exactly the same numbers you sent to me on a Life-to-Date Sheet
last month, after I questioned why I got a blank Statement for sales for
the month of January.
The sales for March and April are included here - which is premature on 
an April/May Statement for February sales..
Normally sales for a particular month don't come until the Statement two
months later.
Will I see the same April numbers on the next Statement (for March sales) 
- which is due out in a week?
When will things get back to normal on my account? 
Bo 

NO REPLY from Marc Histand                                      RETURN

 

230
Subject: END OF MAY - ALERT

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2016
Marc -
ALERT
*It is time for another Royalty Statement - for March Sales.*
Please don't forget to send my Statement - instead of making me wait 2-3
weeks.
And
Please don't just copy the sales numbers from the last two identical
Statements.(I can read, you know).
 
BTW - you haven't explained *why* *my last two Statements had the same
sales numbers*
- especially when the first one, for January sales, was
sent out at the end of March and it included April sales numbers. And the
second one, for February sales, was sent out at the end of April and it
too included the same April sales numbers.
And you also haven't bothered to explain why each of those Statements 
were *2-3 weeks late.*
What? You don't think I deserve an explanation? Because I am just an
author, and you are a big shot Client Services Manager?
 
Oh, and by the way, I am still waiting for all of the *accounting errors
from last year, that I started debating with Laura, get settled, and my
account arrears are paid.*
Art:
You haven't told me, yet, *If Amy sent my letter* to the purchaser of 125
of my books.
She said she was going to mail it last October. I find it highly unlikely
that the purchaser would have ignore my letter - if s/he received it.
And
You haven't explained to me *who is charged with reading messages* sent
to authors on their Authors Pages - before messages are sent, and what
gives them the right to intrude on those messages.
*If it was "against privacy policy" to give me the email of the person 
who bought 125 of my books, why isn't it against privacy for someone to
read messages to authors?*
BTW - I have not "received" the message sent to me via my Author Page. 
*Come on guys - ignoring me isn't going to make me go away.* 
Bo 

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand

 
231
Subject: JUNE MEMO #1

From: Bo Metzler
To: Marc Histand, Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2016
Art & Marc - -
Six days into June and I have not received my May Royalty Statement for
March sales.
This really is a habit that you need to break. 
Bo Metzler 
P.S. Answers to my question in previous emails would be appreciated.

NO REPLY from Arthur Gutch or Marc Histand

 


232

Subject: June MEMO #2

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

June 13, 2016

 

Dear Art,

 

Another week has come and gone and

I have NOT received my May Royalty Statement for March sales - despite my
2 reminders.

And I have also NOT received any Royalty checks since last December.

 

Someone at Infinity Publishing is not doing their job.

And YOU are ultimately responsible.

 

Infinity Publishing is required, by contract, to send statements and
checks every month.

I have had to ask 2-3 times, for the last three months, before I get what
should come automatically.

And even when the statements come, the figures on them are questionable.
Like - why did my last two statements (one of which wasn't even a
statement) have exactly the same numbers on them?

 

I am tired of playing this stupid, disrespectful game.

 

All I ever wanted from you and from Marc was accurate numbers and the
answers to a few questions to help me better understand the
self-publishing business.

What I have gotten is an "ignore him" attitude that completely lacks any
integrity.

Understand this: when you DON'T do what you are required to do, and DON'T
respond to my emails, you are demonstrating a behavior that is
disrespectful and fundamentally indicative of your attitude toward
Infinity authors.

 

I refuse to be treated this way.

 

You have until Thursday to remedy this situation - to get statements and
checks accurate, automatic and on time - or I will be forced to begin
Phase 4 of our formerly congenial, now antagonistic relationship.

 

Phase 1: Questions about Royalty calculations with Laura last year.

Phase 2: You and Marc "eager" to work things out.

Phase 3: My questions and debate make you chose to turn your back on me.

Phase 4: (If you still want to play games - wait and see.)

In the meantime, read my unpublished book "Behind the Lion's Roar"
http://www.whatwedo-book.com/Journal2.html

 

Let's get back to the way it was in Phase 1 & 2.

All I am asking is for you (and Marc) to do the right thing.

 

P.S. I did not copy Marc with this letter. It's just between you and me.

 

Bo

 


233
Subject: Re: June MEMO #2

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Mon, 13 Jun 2016
Bo- 
We have discussed many of these items before. Marc has reviewed all of 
the calculations and sales numbers with you and has reviewed those with
me as well.
I'm wondering if your location is having an effect on e-mail. Has Marc 
not responded? Statements for June will go out this week.
If you would like to have a call please let me know. 
Best,
Art

 

234
Subject: Re: June MEMO #2

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
June 15, 2016

 Art -  (Your words are in black. My words are in red)

 

We have discussed many of these items before.

(What "items" are you referring to? My email yesterday was about my not

receiving my Royalty Statement for the third time in a row. And about

checks I am owed. And about my not liking the game being played. And we

have not "discussed" *these* issues "before". Your comment makes no
sense.)

 

Marc has reviewed all of the calculations and sales numbers with you and

has reviewed those with me as well.

(Which "calculations" are you referring to? If you are speaking about the

"calculations" from the arrears Royalties from last year, *then we still

are not settled on that*.

If you are speaking about other "calculations" then you need to be

specific.

No one has yet explained why the last Royalty Statement (dated 5/24) has

the exact same sales numbers on it as the one previous (dated 4/19).

No one has explained why the 4/19 statement wasn't even a formal/usual

Statement, but was a Year-to-Date document.

No one has explained how this Statement/Year-to-Date document, sent on
4/19 can include sales numbers FOR APRIL!!!!

 

You comment that things "have been discussed", but you don't tell me when

things are going to be resolved.

Accounting inaccuracies are still prevalent.

Many questions on many subjects are still unanswered.)

 

I'm wondering if your location is having an effect on e-mail.

(OMG. You did NOT just say this. LOL. Sounds like something Trump would

say.)

 

Has Marc not responded?

(Marc has not responded to my last two Memos reminding him of the

end-of-month due date for the Royalty Statement. Prior to that, all he
has done is send the Royalty Statements - with no discussions - going
back to the end of March.)

 

Statements for June will go out this week.

Has this delay in sending Royalty Statements for the last 3 months
applied only to me? or are other authors also getting their Statements
late?

Statements have traditionally gone out at the end of the month - as in,

last day of the month or first day of the next month, depending on when a

weekend falls. For the last 3 months, statements have gone out in the 3rd

week of the month - *after* I have sent 2-3 Memo's reminding you and Marc

that they are late.

Are we ever going to get back to the way it was before?

 

If you would like to have a call please let me know.

Please answer all of the questions I have send in emails over the last
few months. Because you never have time to answer them in our phone calls.

 

It is very simple - as I have said before:

I want accurate Royalty Statements, on time and automatic (without having

to specifically request them).

I want checks for Royalties that are owed to me - including arrears

Royalties.

I want my emails replied to and I want my questions answered.

And, if I were able to survey all Infinity Authors, I would expect that

they would want the same things. (Maybe that is why you won't let us
write to other authors without you "reviewing" our Author Page Messages
first.)

 

This is not too much to ask because it is guaranteed in our Author

Agreement with Infinity. All you need to do as CEO is see to it that this

is accomplished.

What I DON'T want, is someone who can't handle criticism about his

accounting (Marc), or someone pretending that he is not receiving my

emails, and, therefore not replying to them. THIS, I am aware, is already

happening to *many* Infinity Authors. I have read many Self Publishing

blogs and this is a fairly prevalent comment about Infinity within the
last few years. "I write to them and I never get a reply."

 

And, last but not least, I don't want anyone telling me "everything is

fine" when I know that is is not. Numbers don't lie - that's the thing

about numbers.

 

To paraphrase Donald Trump -- "Make Infinity Great Again."

 

Bo

 

P.S. As I was writing this email,  I received a Royalty check dated

3/29/2016 in the amount of $23.33.  This amount was owed from December

sales and appeared on the 3/15/2016 Royalty Statement.

* WHY DID IT TAKE 3 MONTHS TO REACH ME -- 2 1/2 months since it was

cut ????*

From now on, starting with this question, whenever I write to you,

I am going to highlight any questions in *green *- so you will notice
them and answer them.)

 

I am going to treat your "wonderings" about email service from

other countries as a joke.

In the spirit of that humor, please enjoy the attached cartoon.

 

NO REPLY FROM ARTHER GUTCH

                                                                                                                         RETURN
 




235

Subject: June Memo #3

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch

Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2016

 

 

JUNE MEMO #3

To: Infinity Publishing CEO, ARTHUR GUTCH

RE: The End of the Games

 

Art -

 

So . . . just to catch up . . .

 

Last Monday (the 13th) you stated in an email, that the already late May

Royalty Statements were going out "this week" (meaning last week).

If you remember, I had alerted you on June 1st - at the time the
Statements SHOULD have been mailed, and then reminded you  a week later
(June 6th), and then another week later (June 15th).

It is now June 20th and my Royalty Statement is still LATE - and this has

happened FOUR MONTHS in a row.

There is no excuse for this.

These Monthly Royalty Statements are required by the Publishers Agreement

with Infinity Authors. They have ALWAYS been emailed at the end of the

month.

 

Either you, and your man, Marc, are incompetent.

Or . . .

you are playing a game with me because I dared to take issue with some of

my Royalty figures, and now you want to exasperate me enough that I "move

to another Publisher" (your words).

Listen up. Pay attention. I'm done playing your games.

 

That is why, as I warned you, I will be putting into effect, over the
next several weeks, Phase 4 of our business relationship.

In this Phase, I will be writing a Synopsis of everything that has
happened between us over the last year - all the emails and the lack of
replies; and the questions that were unanswered; and the bad accounting I
discovered a year ago that has not been rectified; and the total
mishandling of a large order for my book; and the delayed Statements and
Royalty checks owed – as well as the questionable termination of staff
members who are now under non-disclosure liability.

I will be distributing the Synopsis - for free - to all social media and

online outlets including a new facebook page, and twitter account with

appropriate hash tags. I already have created a new webpage to post the

Synopsis on, in an effort to expose the anti-Authors unfriendly 
goings-on at Infinity Publishing.

 

I will also be posting a link to the Synopsis website with every

POD/Self-Publishing blog, and/or comment section, and with all media
people who announced the 2010 sale of Infinity Publishing which placed
you in the position of CEO.

 

The Synopsis is currently 44 pages long, with most emails copied and

pasted, going back to when I was informed that Laura was no longer with
the company. Yes, I have already started it (see attached) and it is

tentatively titled "Looking Into Infinity."  Still to come are the

corroborating documents or explanations as well as comments from me - and

more emails.

 

I presume that "Looking into Infinity" will be read by new Authors in

search of a Publisher. I also presume that they will consider the
material

before choosing Infinity. My intent will be to expose your mishandling of

Infinity affairs as they pertain to me and my book - documented in your

emails and Account Statements and spreadsheets, as well as your lack of

replies.

Perhaps there will be less new Authors signing up for Infinity Publishing,
which will afford you the time to get right by the Authors who are ALREADY
signed up with Infinity.

 

I am also in the process of googling all Infinity Authors and putting

together an email list so that all Infinity Authors can know how you have

been running their business and how to watch out for accounting practices

that are, at least, questionable.

 

Authors who chose Infinity Publishing, under the Tom and Mark Gregory

regime, did so believing their interests would always be honored - after

all, there is no Infinity without the Authors. We have all labored

intensely - some of us for upwards of 20 years - before giving birth to
our literary offspring. We all want our books to live long and healthy
lives and to reap whatever rewards we worked hard for and are entitled
to.

On the other hand, aside from ignoring the questions I have put to you,
you are obsessed with signing *new* authors, taking their fees, and
adding them to a roster of over 4,000 Authors whose books you no longer
print in-house, and whose sales, as you have demonstrated, clearly
overwhelm your Accounting Department. Under your leadership, Infinity
will implode due to your mismanagement. I am trying to sound an alarm and
hopefully forestall Infinity's destruction.

 

For me, at least, the ego, the patronizing and the pretense that I have

encounter, with you and members of your staff, is beyond acceptable. You

seem to forget one basic fact - Infinity Authors do not work for you. You

work for Infinity Authors. Our work earns the money and pays the bills,
as well as your salary.

 

I have tried only to get you to fulfill your responsibilities –
accurately and on time - and I have tried, and tried, and tried. Everyone
will know how I have tried by reading  "Looking Into Infinity". Heck -
maybe I'll even have it "published" by another Publisher and, hopefully,
make a few bucks.

 

These are words quoted directly from the Infinity website:

“simply stated, we know what we’re doing – we do it exceptionally well – and we care about you, the author,
and your book – before, during and after we publish your book. We earned the respect of the book publishing
community by keeping promises made to our self-publishing authors and booksellers, by doing our utmost to
appreciate the uniqueness of our authors and always treating them fairly; by never missing a royalty payment
and providing an accurate record of all books sold corresponding with royalties paid...”

As far as I have experienced over the last year, these words are not born out in reality.

 

Now is the time for you to end your lame promises, and games, and get

serious about your responsibilities, for the sake of all Infinity Authors,
or move on to some other investment take-over so that we, the Authors who
make Infinity what it is, can MAKE INFINITY GREAT AGAIN.

 

Hoping you change your ways,

Bo Metzler

                                                                                                                           RETURN

See Attachment

 ATTACHEMENT ::  A 44 page PDF of back and forth emails with Infinity

 

236

Subject: Re: June Memo #3

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2016

 

Bo

Are you available to speak this morning?

Art


237
Subject: New voicemail from (978) 440-xxxx

From: Google Voice <voice-noreply@google.com>
To: bo metzler
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2016  -  8:35 AM Eastern
Voicemail from:  (978) 440-xxxx at 8:35 AM

Transcript:

Hey, Bo, it's Art Gutch. I saw your email, ummm, kind of
disturbing. Ummm Why don't you give me a call when you get a
chance 978 440-7502. I think what you're planning to do is really
not right. We've been communicating with you, and I had mentioned
in my last email that I thought you’re location might be an issue.
I think you're not getting our mail, and you're not getting our
emails, and I do think that's an issue and I do think Bo that
we've done quite a bit to try to help with your cause, so I'm a
bit unhappy about what I read this morning. I know you are too,
but we have tried to kind of make this right, and why don't you
let me know when you can do a call 978 440-7502. Thanks.

 
238

Subject: REPLY to your Voice Message

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2016

(Preface: Interesting that I got your email with the phone call request, in response to my email
where I announced Phase 4. AND I got your phone message, which was a call to my Google Phone
Number. This means that you called and left your message ON MY COMPUTER, on my desk, via the
internet, at my location in the Philippines. Interesting. How can that happen? And, BTW,
how was
it waiting for a whole 24 hours till I replied?
Not nice to wait, is it? I, in fact, have been waiting for
3 weeks for my March Sales/Royalty Statement. Waiting sucks.)

 Your Voice Message Transcript:

 Hey, Bo, it's Art Gutch. I saw your email, ummm, kind of disturbing. Ummm Why don't you give me
a call when you get a chance 978 440-7502. I think what you're planning to do is really not right.
We've been communicating with you, and I had mentioned in my last email that I thought you’re
 location might be an issue. I think you're not getting our mail, and you're not getting our emails,
and I do think that's an issue and I do think Bo that we've done quite a bit to try to help with your
cause, so I'm a bit unhappy about what I read this morning. I know you are too, but we have tried
to kind of make this right, and why don't you let me know when you can do a call 978 440-7502.
Thanks.

REPLY:

"I saw your email, ummm, kind of disturbing."

Yes, it is disturbing. Probably the most disturbing email I have ever had to write, based on the most disturbing business relation I have ever had in my life.

 "Why don't you give me a call when you get a chance..."

I will not be calling you any time soon.

You are very condescending when we talk. I have let it happen twice, so far, just to give you a chance to establish what you are like on the phone. You are patronizing - complimenting my book (which I am sure you haven't even opened); suggesting an interview that, surprise, never happened; constantly telling me that things will get worked out; and telling me you have no time to answer questions, and you have to cut the call short because you are expecting another call (such a busy CEO).
The main thing I got from our phone calls is how YOU don't get it.

You HAVE NOT answered my many questions, and the mistakes in accounting, that go back to Laura, are still not solved (whether or not you or Marc say they are).

You need to answer all the questions from my 7 page dissertation.

What is the status of my letter that Sara was supposed to send to the person who purchased 125 copes of my book? Was it ever sent? (this is not the 33 book fiasco) Because if it was, I believe without a doubt, he would have replied to me. And he has not.

Why was the message from a friend who wrote on my BBOTW Author page not been forwarded to me?

Why does someone at Infinity have the right to intercede and review these private messages before they are delivered to the author?

Just read through the 44 pages of emails and every time you come across a sentence that is followed by a question mark (?), that means it's a question. So answer the questions.

In the meantime, answer the ones I have referred to in this email - and highlighted in green.

 "I think what you're planning to do is really not right."

Not right for you, maybe, but definitely right for me, and, I believe, definitely right for all current and prospective Infinity authors.

"We've been communicating with you, and I had mentioned in my last email that I thought you’re location might be an issue. I think you're not getting our mail, and you're not getting our emails, and I do think that's an issue..."

I responded to your suggestion that my location is an issue, when you suggested it in your last email. I laughed it off as an absurd joke. Didn't you see my cartoon? Now you are doubling down on this theory, and I am worried, for the sake of all the Infinity authors, that you may be delusional.  

I live in the second largest city in the Philippines (population approx 900,000 - equal to San Francisco and larger than Washington D.C.). Cebu has an International Airport, cars, streets, big buildings, houses, tons of motorcycles and two internet providers. I am online all day with my facebook account. It is the way I keep up with news about the narcissistic, delusional, egomaniac, racist Donald Trump. I get hundreds of posts from my friends and I answer many of them as well as posting my own comments and shares based on what people post. Every morning it takes 2
hours just to scroll through all of the overnight posts on my wall - because while I am sleeping  everyone else is awake and active online (12 hour time difference). I am in contact by email with dozens of people including my family, as well as friends and business connections and other professionals. And through it all, over the 6 years I have been living here, NO ONE has EVER suggested that there was email trouble, where I wasn't getting their messages or they weren't getting mine. NEVER. EVER. NEVER.

Until you came along and thought this was a good way to excuse the fact you're not replying to me. It's absurd, Art. Really. It is so absurd that it is bordering on delusional.

But . . .

If you think there is a message or two or six, that you sent to me, that I did not receive, then you can't just claim this. You are going to have to prove it.

Here is what you do: 

1) Read through the 44 page document I attached to yesterday's email and look for missing messages. If there are no messages missing, then stop and apologize to me because this bullshit waste of time is over.

If you think you have a message that was skipped in my collection of emails, then proceed . . .

2) Go to your "sent" folder and locate the messages
3) Open one at a time in your email program.
4) Click on "Forward" and enter my email and forward them to me.
5) Do not copy/paste them in a new email message because then I won't believe they were actually previously sent emails.

Tell Marc to do this as well, with any "sent" messages he thinks he sent and that I did not receive.

If you have already deleted your old "sent" messages, then how convenient for you. You can continue to foster your delusional claim that I am not receiving messages because of my location.
The fact that you can't verify or prove it won't matter to you at all. But, be advised, I am NOT going to buy it.

 

The main thing, aside from responses to my questions, that I have not received from you - on time - are the Monthly statements. For the last 4 months I have had to remind you 2 or three or four times to send me my Royalty Statement. I have received the statements 3 weeks LATE for 4 months!! And 2 of them were questionable regarding authenticity (I have explained this in a previous message). Not getting statements on time has never happened before in my history with
Infinity Publishing, and it has not even happened before under your leadership - UNTIL I started getting analytical with my Royalty calculations, and Marc took over for Laura.
Coincidence? I think not.

BTW - in your desperation to get me on the phone, you have  FAILED TO SEND ME MY MARCH SALES & ROYALTY STATEMENT, due 3 weeks ago.

(WHY have my Statements been late for 4 months in a row??)

Regarding "mail" (I assume you mean snail mail) - all snail mail goes to my son in New York, who copies everything and sends the copies to me via email from his office. I have received one check from Infinity since last December (for $23.33). That's it.

If you have sent anything else, and it didn't reach my son, I would assume it got returned to sender. If this is the case, then please photo copy anything you sent and email it to me.

"I do think Bo that we've done quite a bit to try to help with your cause."

First of all - this is not a "cause." This is a business relationship with inherent requirements as well as courtesies all driven by integrity. Accurate sales and royalty records are not only what authors rely on, they are, in fact, the obligation of your accounting staff to produce - accurately and on time - according to our signed contract. Businesses who are engaged in bad business practices, resulting in shortages for investors, are guilty of fraud. I am only planning to expose your bad
business practices. It will be for someone else to decide whether fraud is involved. I do have a cause of action (if that is what you mean by "cause"). And I am bringing that cause of action to the court of public opinion for their review. (Unless you stop the bullshit, change your ways, and start doing the RIGHT thing.)

And, to the point, what exactly is the "quite a bit" you think you have done? All you have done, so far, is procrastinate with answers and delay with statements and miscalculate with number. So, I'd say, what you are "doing" is not professional or ethical or even friendly.

The spreadsheet Marc concocted with numbers that he claims come from Infinity records, do not, sequentially, add up to the check amounts that were cut. The numbers that I put on the spreadsheet,  that came directly from my monthly statements, DO add up sequentially to the checks amounts that were cut. This means that there is a problem. Marc just dropped it by suggesting that his numbers were correct. This is NOT a resolution of the accounting errors.

Maybe a professional audit would be in order.

"...we have tried to kind of make this right."

No, you haven't. You have procrastinated profusely. You have denied facts, figures and reality. You have implied, subtly, that since you are in charge as CEO and Marc is the "Client Services Manager" that your opinions and interpretations and "facts" are the correct ones. You are wrong. BTW - Why did Laura stop working for Infinity?

 I am calling you out for what I perceive that you are. If you are not what I say, then PROVE IT, DEMONSTRATE IT. Don't just infer or claim it.

Start by sending be my March Sales/Royalty Statement - in it's usual format - just like everyone else and just like it has always been. And continue to do it EVERY MONTH (the April Sales/Royalty Statement is due in a week and a half - don't be late).

In the meantime I will continue writing up my Synopsis of our relationship. It is up to you how far I get and what I do with the finished product.

Remember GREEN means QUESTION - answer them.

(The computer gets turned off after I send email to you. It is PM over here and time to get my 5 year old, and me, ready for bed.)

Bo

                                                                                                 RETURN
239

Subject: June MEMO #4

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand

Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2016


Well I just got up this morning to find that I

Still have not received my Statement for March Sales/Royalties.

After all I have harped and harped about Monthly Statements -

it is now 22 days LATE

Amazing incompetence.

 

Bo



240

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2016

 

 Bo

 

I am planning to respond to your email of this morning this evening.

 

Best,

 Art

 


241

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2016

 

What you need to do FIRST

is send my statement!

 


242
Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

From: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2016

Bo-

Below are your most recent questions answered by Marc and include my
inputs where needed. We did not go back to your “dissertation”. Bo, the
reason we had that hour long call was to review all of the issues that
you had. We covered a lot of ground, regarding the industry and your
specific issues. Unfortunately for us, as we work to provide better
service, we have to better manage our time.

It is difficult to run a small business, particularly one that that has
consistently served a community for almost twenty years. We are one of
the few “original” author services companies and are certainly feeling
the pressure when competing against the behemoths like CreateSpace,
Ingram and others. Not only do we have to compete with these extremely
successful companies but we also have to work with them to distribute and
print our books.

All that said, we believe in working to provide our authors a different
kind of experience. Generally we do a very good job, with some authors we
have to work harder, knowing we sometimes do make mistakes. Currently we
are working to develop a tiered customer service offering that would
incorporate more options for communications and focus on scheduling calls
to better manage our resources. My point here is that yes, we are not
perfect in fact we need to constantly fight to give our authors a better
experience.

Your letter of a couple days ago made some allegations that were
extremely harsh and as a business owner very concerning. It is my hope
that we can continue to work with you and help you with your future
publishing needs. My offer still stands to do an interview based on your
book and background. Believe it or not I really enjoyed our call when we
spoke, which made your last note very surprising.

Bo, the answers to your recent questions are below. If you would like to
discuss this further I am open to doing another call.

 1. And, BTW, how was it waiting for a whole 24 hours till I replied? Not
nice to wait, is it? I, in fact, have been waiting for 3 weeks for my
March Sales/Royalty Statement. Waiting sucks.)

a. You are correct waiting can be difficult. All authors are
waiting for royalty statements this month. We are running
behind and trying to get them out by week end or early next
week. You are actually on our manual send list for royalty
transmissions to be sure it gets to you.

We believe we are the only author services company (that we
know of) that sends statements every month, because of that
“waiting” issue. Most companies/publishers send out their
statement quarterly. We did this to try and better serve our
authors, to get them paid more quickly. We should also say
that is very difficult to manage. As we discussed on the
phone some time back, aggregating all information that is
required takes a lot of time and effort. We have been thinking
about doing tit quarterly…what do you think?

2.  What is the status of my letter that Sara was supposed to send to the
person who purchased 125 copies of my book? Was it ever
 sent?

a. The customer did not respond to the letter we sent. This
was sent to the customer months ago, we can assume they did
not want to communicate with you.

3. Why was the message from a friend who wrote on my BBOTW Author page
not been forwarded to me?

a. We did not know what you were referring to on this until
today. We found the message and have sent it to you. We
missed it in prior scans.

4. Why does someone at Infinity have the right to intercede and review
these private messages before they are delivered to the author?

a. This was designed so that our authors would not be
harassed or spammed. It has worked very well over the years
and saved our authors from having to manage all the unwanted
e-mail..

5.  Didn't you see my cartoon?

NC

6. Not getting statements on time has never happened before in my history
with Infinity Publishing, and it has not even happened before under your
leadership - UNTIL I started getting analytical with my Royalty
calculations, and Marc took over for Laura. Coincidence? I think not.

a. Yes. I/Marc am a bit late with statements. This happens at
times when we are understaffed. All statements have been
delayed and this will happen during these times. We are
working to automate this process with a new application for
our authors that we hope to have in place this year.

7. (WHY have my Statements been late for 4 months in a row??)

a.      See above.

8. what exactly is the "quite a bit" you think you have done?

a.     Marc, in particular, spent several days compiling a
list of all sales made, and reimbursing the author for those
that were voided by mistake. He is now up-to-date on
royalties.

9. Why did Laura stop working for Infinity?

NC                                                

Arthur Q. Gutch
Phone: 01(978)-440-xxxx
CEL: 978-460-xxxx

                                                                                                 RETURN


243

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2016

 

(My Responses in red - Additional questions in blue.  Pardon any grammar, or punctuation errors. I wanted to get this back to you fast.)

Bo-

Below are your most recent questions answered by Marc and include my inputs where needed. Since I don’t know who wrote what, the term “you” will refer to whoever is responsible for each particular issue/statement.

We did not go back to your “dissertation”. Bo, the reason we had that hour long call was to review all of the issues that you had. We covered a lot of ground, regarding the industry and your specific issues. Unfortunately for us, as we work to provide better service, we have to better manage our time.

Meaning what? “We gave you your hour, Bo. Now stop with the questions. We have other things to do.”  See how it really sounds on the receiving end – this is what you were sayingbut in your patronizing way. (Most of the time people who patronize don’t realize they are patronizing/condescending.) We “covered a lot of ground” but, for me, we did not “review all of the issues.”  And telling me we did doesn’t make it so.  In the dissertation I asked you to explain things to me as if you just hired me and I needed to know how everything worked so I could do my job.  I don’t think you did that. I don’t even know if you actually read the dissertation – it covered a lot of stuff.

I will review the dissertation and ask, again, the questions that I don’t feel have been
answered.

Moving on.

It is difficult to run a small business, particularly one that that has consistently served a community for almost twenty years. We are one of the few “original” author services companies and are certainly feeling the pressure when competing against the behemoths like CreateSpace, Ingram and others. Not only do we have to compete with these extremely successful companies but we also have to work with them to distribute and print our books.  You picked the job. You knew what the job entailed before you took over. It is silly to lament it. My whole career was filled with critical details and responsibilities, but I rose to the challenge and accomplished things no one else had ever done.  I remember the Infinity of 8 years ago. It has changed in more ways than just competition.

All that said, we believe in working to provide our authors a different kind of experience.
“Different” doesn’t necessarily mean “better.” I am trying to make it “better” from the
existing author’s point of view.
 But it seems you want me to keep my distance and just go sell my book. Generally we do a very good job, with some authors we have to work harder, knowing we sometimes do make mistakes. (And don’t really fix them) Currently we are working to develop a tiered customer service offering that would incorporate more options for communications and focus on scheduling calls to better manage our resources. Try fixing the “Online Support System” first. I have had two questions open for MONTHS.  Hold off on instituting a new complicated system that you cannot handle. My point here is that yes, we are not perfect in fact we need to constantly fight to give our authors a better experience.  I have never felt you “fighting” to give me a better experience. In this last year or so, all I have experienced is being ignored and patronized and brushed off.

Your letter of a couple days ago made some allegations that were extremely harsh  (Think of them as a wake-up call.)  and as a business owner very concerning.  So, wait, you “own” Infinity?? I thought it was purchased by an investment company.  It is my hope that we can continue to work with you and help you with your future publishing needs. My offer still stands to do an interview based on your book and background. Believe it or not I really enjoyed our call when we spoke, which made your last note very surprising. And it made my last 4 -6 months very frustrating.  I noticed your “welcoming embrace” in the phone conversation.  I was hoping that it was a foreshadowing of a great relationship. But then you and Marc didn’t live up to it. It was like the “friend” who embraces you with a greeting and rolls his eyes while looking over your shoulder.

Bo, the answers to your recent questions are below. If you would like to discuss this further I am open to doing another call. You should have said “our” or “my answers to your questions.” When you say “the answers” you subliminally suggest that there are no other answers. This is not the case.

 1. And, BTW, how was it waiting for a whole 24 hours till I replied? Not nice to wait, is it? I, in fact, have been waiting for 3 weeks for my March Sales/Royalty Statement. Waiting sucks.)

a. You are correct waiting can be difficult. All authors are waiting for royalty statements this month. We are running behind and trying to get them out by week end or early next week. You are actually on our manual send list for royalty transmissions to be sure it gets to you. Why couldn’t you have explained that you were having trouble completing your task 3 weeks ago??? Were you afraid to admit it? The result of your not being frank was that I and probably other authors felt like you were incompetent. My using that word was accurate. You earned it by not being forthcoming.

We believe we are the only author services company (that we know of) that sends
statements every month, because of that “waiting” issue. Most companies/publishers send out their statement quarterly. We did this to try and better serve our authors, to get them paid more quickly. We should also say that is very difficult to manage. It wasn’t before. Everything got delivered smoothly and on time. As we discussed on the phone some time back, aggregating all information that is required takes a lot of time and effort. We have been thinking about doing tit quarterly…what do you think?

Aggregating all the information for so many authors and so many titles is the nature of your problem. Stop signing up new authors until you can handle the ones that you have. Thousands of authors under the Infinity banner makes serving the authors next to impossible. Creating a bad situation (by adding countless authors) leads to exactly the situation that you are trying to alleviate. It’s like you have created your own self-fulfilling prophecy so now you can “remedy it” with quarterly Statements to make your jobs easier.

Don’t change our Royalty Payment schedule. Stop signing authors.  No business can grow beyond their capabilities without the walls falling in. Is that what you want? 

 2.  What is the status of my letter that Sara was supposed to send to the person who purchased 125 copies of my book? Was it ever sent?

a. The customer did not respond to the letter we sent.  My letter to him did not invited him to respond to you, I  invited him to respond to me. (unless a different letter was actually sent.) This was sent to the customer months ago, we can assume they did not want to communicate with you.  I am sorry, but no one who buys 125 books about theatre would not want to communicate with the author. My book is not a novel.  My book is about theatre education and, inherent in all education is the concept of communication – even more so in theatre.  The responses I have received about my book are a testament to this.  It is my belief that Sara did not, in fact, send the letter.  And that is very disconcerting.  (I have lived my life listening to people “claim” things that couldn’t be farther from the truth.) 

 3. Why was the message from a friend who wrote on my BBOTW Author page not been forwarded to me?

a. We did not know what you were referring to on this until today. We found the message and have sent it to you. We missed it in prior scans. The message has not arrived.  How many other authors have not received messages??

 4. Why does someone at Infinity have the right to intercede and review these private
messages before they are delivered to the author?

a. This was designed so that our authors would not be harassed or spammed. It has worked very well over the years (except in my case - interesting) and saved our authors from having to manage all the unwanted e-mail.   I find it hard to imagine that authors were getting harassed by all kinds of unwanted email.  Presumably there were messages to authors that were not harassing.  Were you given specific permission by the authors to be able to read their personal messages?  I didn’t give you that permission. Do the authors even know that you are doing it? I doubt it.  And why is violating the authors privacy about messages different from the violating the privacy of someone who buys 125 copies of your book (so that I cannot have his name and address)?

This is somewhat hypocritical.  I think there is something else going on here.

 5.  Didn't you see my cartoon?

NC – Come on. No sense of humor?  I realize it was somewhat biting, but that is the nature of sarcastic criticism. You gotta admit – he did look like you. 

6. Not getting statements on time has never happened before in my history with Infinity Publishing, and it has not even happened before under your leadership - UNTIL I started getting analytical with my Royalty calculations, and Marc took over for Laura. Coincidence? I think not.

a. Yes. I/Marc am a bit late with statements. This happens at times when we are
understaffed.  The business was sold to the investing company specifically for capital improvement and specifically in the area of adding personnel. Art made that clear in an article I read about the transition. What happened to the plan?  All statements have been delayed and this will happen during these times. We are working to automate this process with a new application for our authors that we hope to have in place this year. 7. (WHY have my Statements been late for 4 months in a row??)

a.      See above.  But WHY couldn’t you TELL me this fact 4 months ago???  Or, did you just make this up recently as your reasoning for all the delays?

 8. what exactly is the "quite a bit" you think you have done?

a.     Marc, in particular, spent several days compiling a list of all sales made, and
reimbursing the author for those that were voided by mistake. Please don’t try to make it sound like what he did was extra special or above and beyond.  I spent several MONTHS researching and compiling all of the numbers.  He took over from Laura and analyzed all of the work and effort we (Laura & I) had already put into it – FURNISHED by me. And his numbers do not add up. His spreadsheet was not accurate.  Have you ever looked at it or just listen to what he told you about it? Besides, you insinuate that he went out of his way for me to adjust accounting mistakes. This wasn’t a favor. Mistakes were made. This was a requirement.  He is now up-to-date on royalties. He is not up-to-date on royalties – certainly not with the payment of them.

 9. Why did Laura stop working for Infinity?

NC – Maybe if she was still with the company you wouldn’t have the trouble you are
having getting the statements out on time every month.

 Opinions and procedures are not facts and are not necessarily truth.
N
umbers don’t lie.
“Absolute power corrupts, absolutely.”
If a person always does the right thing, it’s hard to criticize or to find fault.

                                                                                                                                                                 RETURN

244
Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

To: Bo Metzler
From: Art
Cc: Marc Histand
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2016

 Bo-

I've tried to answer your questions below:

- So, wait, you “own” Infinity??

We can discuss the history if you like. Let me know.

- Why couldn’t you have explained that you were having trouble completing
your task 3 weeks ago??? Were you afraid to admit it?

We probably should have.

- Is that what you want?

No.

- What happened to the plan?

Long story. We could discuss.

Hope that helps.

Art
Arthur Q. Gutch
Infinity Publishers Group


                                                                                                                         RETURN


245

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2016

 Art

You forgot one question.

Here it is - in context.

a.     Marc, in particular, spent several days compiling a list of all sales made, and
reimbursing the author for those that were voided by mistake. Please don’t try to make it
sound like what he did was extra special or above and beyond.  I spent several MONTHS
researching and compiling all of the numbers.  He took over from Laura and analyzed all
of the work and effort we (Laura & I) had already put into it – FURNISHED by me. And
his numbers do not add up. His spreadsheet was not accurate.
 Have you ever looked at it
or just listen to what he told you about it?
Besides, you insinuate that he went out of his
way for me to adjust accounting mistakes. This wasn’t a favor. Mistakes were made. This
was a requirement.
 He is now up-to-date on royalties. He is not up-to-date on royalties –
certainly not with the payment of them.

BTW - your other answers were very disrespectful.

Bo                                                                                                                                RETURN

 


246

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2016

 

Bo-

 

In order to get this finally resolved we suggest that we all get on the

phone and review the numbers to see if we can resolve any other concerns

you may have.

Can you suggest a few date/time's next week to have that call? We will

confirm back.

 

Best,

 

Art

Arthur Q. Gutch

 

                                                                                                                                     RETURN


247

Subject: Re: June MEMO #4
From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2016

 Art

Are "we" getting on the phone to resolve the *one issue of the
spreadsheet/accounting errors and their ramifications*?
Or are we going to deal with other issues as well?
And who is the "we" you refer to? Will Marc be involved? Will you be in 
the same place, or separate?
Will you have paperwork in front of both of you?
Will we need to be in visual contact? I can call using G-phone if you 
both have cameras on your computers and a Google phone number.
My Skype handle is *bo.metzler* but I am not familiar with Skype.
Will there be a time limit to our conversation?
There are *other issues* that need to be resolved as well.
Among them:
1. Monthly Statements - lateness and messed up entries.
2. General Accounting methods.
3. Amazon v Infinity numbers.
4. All of the questions on the 7 page "dissertation.
5. Privacy Issues.
6. Create Space Royalties v Infinity Royalties
7. Printing and postage charges.
These are the top 7 to start with. (There are more)
Do we deal with all of them on the one phone call?
Or do we do 2 or 3 or 4 phone calls?
No one wants to tie all of this up more than me.
All I have ever wanted was communication and accurate statements that are
on time.
But, there is a difference between A: Sharing info/facts and coming to a
mutual understanding and consensus, and B: you issuing a decree that I
must follow on the other hand. or C: people not doing their jobs
I am all for A and have no interest in dealing with B or C.
This is not like a negotiation with opinions and preferences and excuses.
This is about facts and details and truth and performance of duties.
8AM in the morning Eastern Time always suits me. Can be at 7AM if you are
an early bird.
Wednesday thru Friday of this week are best for me.
Let me know which issues you want to deal with first - so I can prepare.
Attached is an updated PDF with all of our emails from February 29th and
including the recent ones. Now 59 pages.
We can refer to these emails if necessary in our discussion. 
I urge you to read through some of our emails, which I will be doing too,
to give us a footing as we hash through things.
Marc's Spreadsheet email is on 3/17.  (page 9)
My reply is on 3/21. (pages 10-12)
Marc's response to my reply is on 3/30 (page 20)
The 7 page dissertation is on 3/22.(page 13)
Amazon v Infinity numbers is on 3/29  (pages 17-19)
(the dates may be 1 day different, either way, due to the 12 hour time
difference between us.)
There are over 2 dozen emails, from me, month after month, 
asking "where is my Statement."
Most of them unanswered.
Bo
I am logging off now - for the night.
I will read your reply when I get up in the morning - 12 hours 
or so from now.

 

 ATTACHMENT : Looking into Infinity - emails 1b.pdf

 

                                                                                                                         RETURN

248
Subject: Schedule

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Marc Histand
Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2016
Bo
Busy week in the office. How about Friday morning to have our call?
Art

 

 

249
Subject: Re: Schedule

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2016

 

OK - what number do I dial?
What time?
Bo

 

 

250
Subject: Call

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Marc Histand
D
ate: Tue, 28 Jun 2016

Bo
Let's do 9:30 am EST on Friday. I will send over call in number tomorrow.
Art

 

 

251
Subject: Re: Call

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2016

 

Pick a day when 8am works for you.

 


252

Subject: Meeting time

From: Arthur Gutch
To: Bo Metzler
Cc: Marc Histand
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2016

 
Bo-

We open at 9AM and close at 5PM. Maybe we could start at 9:15?
Thanks,
Art
Arthur Q. Gutch

253
Subject: Re: Meeting time

From: Bo Metzler
To: Arthur Gutch
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2016
Why was I able to call you at 8AM before?
Everything is always changing.
OK
9:15 am - your time Friday Morning
If I start falling asleep before we finish our call, you'll know it's
because it's past my bedtime.)
Which number do you want me to call?

                                                                                                 RETURN

Phone call took place on July 1st

between Art & Marc and me.

 


254
Subject: Sales from Distribution and royalty statement

From: "Marc Histand"

To: bo metzler

Cc: "Arthur Gutch"

Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2016

 

(Sent following the meeting)

 

Attached is your royalty statement showing all sales posted thus far
this year. Please be advised, due to a shipping date typo, January sales are

being recorded as April. My apologies for that typo.

 

Also attached is your record for sales from our Ingram distribution
channel.

You will note there is one sale. As you can see in the statement, you
were given 35 sales. This make-up the difference of books that were marked as

returned, but were, indeed not returned.

 

Regards,

Marc Histand

 

 

ATTACHMENTS  :: 1 - Bo Metzler Actual January Sales.xlsx

                                 2 - Bo Metzler December throughFebruary Sales.pdf

 

                                                                                                                        RETURN

255

Subject: Re: Sales from Distribution and royalty statement

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand

Cc: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2016

 

Marc,

 

Yeah - this was on my list of questions . . .

I wondered about this "April" entry the first time you sent this data to

me. It is the *same* "typo" that appeared on the YTD Statement you sent
me on April 19 as a replacement for my blank April Statement for January
Sales. And it is also the *same* "typo" you sent me on May 25th as my
May Statement for February sales. I was wondering why I was getting
sales numbers for April on a Statement sent to me *IN* April.

But I never got the chance to ask this question - and you never EXPLAINED.
If you had, then maybe this all could have been settled back in April.

 

So, when you wrote: "*due to a shipping date typo, January sales are
being recorded as April*" did you mean the "shipping" of the Statement? 
Because my first thought, with that the "shipping" had something to do
with shipping books, which was confusing.

*Why* was there a "typo" error. How does this error happen? Who did it?

 

Why didn't you inform me of the creation and posting of this "fake" sale
- BACK IN APRIL !!??

We WASTED three months and like 15 minutes of our hour long phone

conversation last Friday on this because I WAS UNAWARE of what you did.

 

*But now - the Details*:

There are 3 entries on this statement for April (Jan). Where do the
"fake" entries fit in?

You also attached the Ingram data to confirm that there was only one
Ingram sale for that month.

Does that mean that 34 out of the 35 Ingram sales were your "fake" sale?

If so, that calculates to 34 x $1.08 = $36.72 as your "fake" royalty

amount. That is not the figure you came up with on your Spreadsheet.

 

You mentioned in your Email containing your Spreadsheet that "*Infinity

Publishing currently owes you royalty on 5 retail books*."

That means, to me, that Retail is not part of the "fake" sales. Right?

 

*So where does the balance of $7.10 come from?*

The "Wholesale" category?

Amazon (Bookscan) says I sold 31 books in January. What category are the

Amazon numbers recorded in?

If Amazon sales are in the Wholesale category, it doesn't look like any
of Wholesale are "fake."

 

And I have no idea what this sentence means?: "This make-up the
difference of books that were marked as returned, but were, indeed not
returned."

What does books returned or not returned have to do with past unpaid

royalties?

 

So, you see, Marc, there are still questions. Your tidy little "give him

what he is asking for" explanation didn't turn out to be so tidy.

Sure, you gave me something to look at, but there still are questions.

Your "answer" didn't clarify things like you thought it would.

Just because you give a *response* to a question doesn't mean the
question got *answered*. Not when there are all of these follow up
questions.

 

These 2 documents were sent to me, in a jiffy, to show how a "fake" sale

that you created has paid the arrears Royalties that you determined on
your Spreadsheet. But you didn't show/explain exactly *how* your "fake"
sale covers that $43.82 arrears Royalty figure you came up with.

Am I supposed to somehow, magically, come to that understanding on my
own?

 

The numbers, once again, do not add up.

A problem/misunderstanding/accounting error is not settled until all the

questionable data/facts are presented, explained, understood, and
accepted.

When you do better with the presenting and explaining, I promise I will
do the understanding and accepting.

Only *then* can we move forward.

 

*Side Notes:*

1 - Here is a suggestion that, I believe, would alleviate tons of
confusion when anyone has to look back at and discuss statements from
the past.

When you send out the statements (or when they are auto-generated), make

the SUBJECT of the email state the *Month Of the Sales* - not the month

that the Statement gets sent.

ie. label the upcoming statement that we are waiting for (for March
sales)as "MARCH SALES STATEMENT" - not "JULY STATEMENT" for when it
might be sent this month.

And if a statement has 2 or more months of sales figures, then label it
as such. Subject: MARCH/APRIL SALES STATEMENT

If you don't understand this suggestion, feel free to ask questions.

 

2 - Another suggestion -- stop signing up new authors until you get a

handle on the accounting for all the current authors.

I never had to wait for weeks for my monthly statements - until you

took over for Laura.

 

Bo

 

No Response from Marc Histand to this email

 

                                                                                                                                                               RETURN

 

256

Subject: Follow Up to Phone Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch, Marc Histand

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2016

 

Art -

 

I have been ruminating about last Friday's phone call because, for me, it

was stunning (and not in a good way).

 

As I look back, it seems to me that the entire conversation centered
around 5 things:

 

1) How much you have to do, and how your time is limited - referring to

answers to my emails (still claiming that I am not receiving your
answers).

2) How mistakes are made in all businesses. "We do our best." And how you

are short handed and this is causing delays in the Statement delivery.

3) Telling me that authors are calling all the time and you are helping

them with their questions and problems.

4) Telling me that my questions have been answered and I am belaboring

issues (on behalf of Infinity Authors) and, instead, you'd like to see

suggestions rather than questions.

5) We spent a good 15 minutes on the arrears Royalty issue - and Marc
said it was solved by a "fake" sales entry - but there are still
questions (see separate email to Marc).

 

So basically, we had an hour long conversation, filled primarily with
your business laments and mantras, and we accomplished nothing in
reference to the many issues I still have.

Then you had to get another phone call.

 

Oh, yeah, you told me another Author asked about how the Amazon Numbers

relates to the Infinity numbers - but you didn't give ME the answer.

 

And you liked my suggestion about posting *Answers to Authors Questions*.

You mentioned a FAQ section that I cannot find on the Infinity website -

because I cannot log on to the Author Center (I have asked about this

before - NO REPLY).

 

And you offered my another phone call.

 

All in all - my take away - it is my feeling that we wasted time on your

business laments, we weren't on the same page, we accomplished nothing
and you resent me for asking all the questions, while I resent that the

questions are not being answered.

Analogy: Interviewing a politician . . . the politician is always d
iverting attention away from questions he/she doesn't like toward a
subject or sound bite that he/she wants to focus on. Or the politician
claims the question has already been asked and answered.  Sound familiar?

 

It is my opinion that people who don't like questions are people who
either don't have answers or know that the true answer doesn't make them
look good.

 

We have to STILL solve the accounting questions -- Marc!

And I have other questions. Some of which you SAY have been answered (but

that have not), and some we haven't had the opportunity to deal with yet.

 

All was fine between me and Infinity Publishing until late in 2014 when I

started noticing my *Royalties dropping*. In 2013 they were less than
half of what they were in 2011. And in 2014 they dropped by half again.
For several months there were zero sales. I never had zero sales before.

In August of 2014 I tried to contact Mark Gregory, who I always had a

prompt cordial email relationship with. For the first time, he did not

reply. I tried Michelle Shane. She did not reply.

I tried Mark again in Nov-14 and again in Dec-14 regarding a
Complimentary Review Copy - no reply.  Then, just before Christmas 2014,
I got a message from Brittany Lavin, telling me Mark's email was no
longer in service and that I should contact Sara Matz, which I did, and
she wrote back informing me that  "*Mark Gregory has not worked with us
for about a year now.
*"

WOW!!!

Then I went back and forth with Sara, tried reaching Michelle again, and

then, when I was getting frustrated about not getting a copy of my 1099 f
or 2014, you got involved on April 12, 2015 by telling me Marc would
handle it. *I didn't receive my 1099 until 3 days later on April 15th!!!*

That's how it began between me and you and Marc. I was already a
frustrated Author, and my first thought was - all this shit started after
Mark Gregory left.

Then in September of 2015, *Laura got involved to try to address my
Royalty questions
*. This involved the original numbers that were curious
to me for 2013 and 2014. It also involved the *Jun-15 125 Book Fiasco*
where the sale was labeled Retail then switched to Wholesale - reeking
havoc on my statements for MONTHS! I went back and forth between Laura
and Sara about the 125 Book Fiasco. The last I heard from Sara about
this was when she was gong to send my letter to the person who bought
the 125 books.

Then *I stopped hearing from Laura* from November of 2015,

Then the *33 Book Fiasco happened* - February 3, 2016 - which
monopolized

our time till it's resolution on March 23rd (after 76 emails between me
and you and Ellen and Susanne, and we even talked on the phone).

Then, SURPRISE, *Laura was no longer working for Infinity. *For 3 MONTHS
I was waiting for her to reply to me.

Interspersed in all of this was my trying to *contact Author Center and

Gold Support - no one ever replied* to any of my messages.

Then, early in March, I sent Marc all the info that I had worked on with

Laura. And he came up with his *Spreadsheet *on March 17th.

And also at this same time *Statements were starting to be delivered late*.

And 4 months went by with late statements and now, in July, the Statement

for March Sales is already more than a month overdue.

We, the Authors, are still waiting for the Statement, and I am still

waiting for all the questions to be answered from Marc about the wacky

accounting, and from you on everything else.

 

So, you can see, in this loose summary, that I have *not* *had great,

helpful, efficient, relations with Infinity* for more than a year now -

through SEVERAL fuck-ups and many many emails.

I am not a happy camper. And you DARE to tell me that the wacky
accounting was a "one-off." And all you want to do is "move on."

There is nothing "one-off" about my stressful dealings through several

issues with the staff and management of Infinity Publishing.

*I've pointed out 10 problems that I have had to deal with over the last

year ! ! ! !  *And there are other smaller troubles as well.

 

ALL of what I have experienced, over the last year and a half, BEGAN
UNDER YOU MANAGEMENT. Is this a coincidence? It is, at least, a
fundamental question.

 

So - if the July 8th phone call is going to be like the one we just had,

where we accomplish nothing because you don't want to, then maybe I'll
pass.

 

Let me point out - your time and your obligations to CURRENT Infinity

Authors are not "services" you "offer" out of the goodness of your heart.

They are contractual obligations.

And they are promises as part of your sign up campaign for new authors.
Do you need me to quote the Infinity website.

 

As a Broadway Stagehand my job, for 8 shows a week, was to do my cues

EXACTLY right, at EXACTLY the right time, on cue, completely, WITHOUT
FAIL.

There was NO ROOM for "I'm busy" or "just a minute." There was NO ROOM
for error. ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM. The entire show revolved around scenery
and props and lights and wardrobe hitting their marks and making changes
at EXACTLY the right time. The bigger shows had crews of 40-50 people,
working in the dark - ON TIME and with PRECISION.

This is how I spent my professional life. I was so good at being
efficient and capable - in ALL areas (as an electrician, as a carpenter,
as a propman and even in wardrobe), that I had a reputation as the go-to
guy that could be called to come in and do probably 20+ different jobs -
at any time – on any one of 4 or 5 Broadway shows.

So it pisses me off when people try to cop out and make excuses.

 

If you can't handle the job, if you can't get the Statements out ON TIME
- then get someone who can or hire more people.  Hiring more people was
your goal when you took over. At least that is what you said.

 

So . . . you tell me, Art, are we going to dick around on the phone some

more on Friday the 8th? Or are we going to get something accomplished.

Are things going to change or are you going to continue to give me the

runaround and make excuses for all of the things that go wrong?

 

I am going to stop now - even though I have soooo much more I want to
say -

about:  accountability, transparency, responsibility . . .

about, as you admit, many authors have questions and problems . . .

about how you came to "own" Infinity . . .

about why you keep signing up new authors when you can't take care of the

ones you have . . .

and the list goes on and on.

 

But you have made it clear how you don't have time for emails. So I will

stop now.

 

*Here some quick questions*:

Why can't we have a link to our own book websites on our BBOTW Author
Page?

Why didn't the message from my friend reach me *yet* from my Author Page
- EVEN THOUGH YOU TOLD ME IT HAD!

 

Bo

 

                                                                                                                                                                 RETURN


257

Subject: Conf call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2016

 

Bo-

 

I am on conf line for our 8AM Call?

 

Art


258

Subject: Re: Conf call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2016


Sorry,

I am not prepared to have a call right now.

 

Did you receive my email?

Did Marc receive my email?

 

Bo

 


259

Subject: Re: Follow Up to Phone Call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2016 08:13:04 -0400

 

Bo-

 

My offer still stands to have the call and do appreciate the input on how

we could make the experience a better one.

 

On your questions:

 

1. We may be able to put a link in your author site I will check in that.

Please send the link you would like to have inserted.

2. We did forward the message from BBOTW, I will check on that and have

them resend. Did you check your spam folder?

 

Best,

Art

 

 
260

Subject: Re: Follow Up to Phone Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2016

 

Sorry, we will have to postpone.

 Pick a morning (your time) next week, and let me know.

 

Bo

 


261

Subject: Schedule

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Cc: Marc Histand

Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2016

 

Bo-

 

How about Friday the 15th again at 8AM?

 

Best,

Art

 

 

262

Subject: Re: Schedule

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2016

 

OK

Same number as the last phone call?

 

In preparation -- I hope you have read both of the emails I sent you last

week. One was about Marc "explanation" of my Royalty dilemma - which left

many questions. And the other was regarding the nature and format of our

conversations.

Let's deal with the issues there - as a starting point.

Time is a valuable thing. Let's not waste it.

 

Also, so you can look into these things ahead of time . . .

In addition to my friends message that STILL has not reached me through
my Authors Page, here are outstanding Gold Support requests - that, by
the notation on the page, are still "Being Processed" - two going back
to March 2015.

https://infinitypub.freshdesk.com/support/tickets

They may be outdated, but I need an explanation as to WHY they were never

addressed. A REAL, CONCRETE, FACTUAL explanation.

How many other authors have experienced this Gold Support that was
neither golden or supportive.

A screen grab of this page is attached, in case you can't get to it.

 

There are also unanswered messages on my Author Center page - which I
still CANNOT log into. I have tried every Username and Password combo I
can think of, but the login doesn't recognize anything - or let me set
new credentials.

 

Looking forward to a productive and satisfying conversation.

till Friday

Bo


ATTACHMENT ::    Gold Support being processed.jpg

                                                                                                                        RETURN


263

Subject: Follow up

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2016

 

Bo

 

Apologies. I've had something come up this morning can we do the call

Monday or Tuesday.

 

Best

 Art

 

264

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2016

 

pick a day

let me know

 

Bo

 
265

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2016

 

Bo-

 

Lets shoot for Wednesday. I may need to head out of town to help my

parents, if so will let you know.

 

Use the same conf number.

 

Best,

Art

 
266

Subject: Re: Follow up

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2016

 

Ok                                                                                                                     RETURN



 

268

Subject: Call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2016

 

Bo

 

I will be in car in the am. Call into same number as before.

 

Best

Art

 

 

 

269

Subject: Re: Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

You want to have a phone conversation while you are in a car?

Will you have appropriate paperwork with you to refer to?

Will you be able to concentrate? Will we be able to understand each other?

Will we be able to maintain the phone connection? Or will you blame

internet break-ups on my "location."

 

 

 

270

Subject: Re: Call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2016

                                                                                   RETURN

Bo

 

Call in. If we need to reschedule we can do so.

 

Best

Art

 

 

 

271

Subject: Re: Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

Pick a day when you can be at your desk & computer, follow along previous

emails, analyze them and answer the questions.

 

Marc has not replied to my last email to him - with questions about how he "wrapped up" my past royalty concerns.

It has been 19 days.

My guess is that he is blowing me off.

My guess is that he doesn't feel I deserve any further discussion.

In his mind - he has spoken.

His arrogant attitude in our three-way conversation tells me that.

 

So, that means that YOU need to address the bullshit in his "wrap-up".

Not by saying "Marc has explained everything."

Not by saying "Let's move on."

But by knowing the facts and dealing with my questions.

Pretend you are on the stand, in court, being drilled by a Prosecuting

Attorney.

In that situation - you HAVE to answer the questions with "the truth, the

whole truth, and nothing BUT the truth."

Can you and will you do this??

 

If not, I will publish my new website on the web and let people know how

you have NOT answered the questions.

( Just to be clear - - RESPONSES are NOT answers. HANDLING things doesn't

mean SOLVING things.)

 

I am through playing your games.

 

YOU represent ME and all the other Authors.

YOU work for ME and all the other Authors.

I (along with all of the other authors) PAY you to represent us.

I think, in your mind, you see everything differently.

I think you believe that we (the Authors) are just a means to your profit

ends.

You, and Marc, need to rethink your attitude.

 

Attached is a screen grab of the Intro portion of

Looking into Infinity.com

I am not bluffing.

All I want is for OUR business to work more efficiently, with less mistakes

and apologies, and with openness, honesty and fairness for all involved.

If you agree, then ACT LIKE IT.

 

Your move.

 

ATTACHMENT  ::  Screenshot of Title page of Looking into Infinity.com

 

                                                                                                                         RETURN

272

Subject: Re: Call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

Bo

 

I am out of the office all day today and out of town all next week. Let me

know what works for you the first or second week in August.

 

Art

 

 

273

Subject: Re: Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

Art

 

I have told you several times that I can always call you at 8am M-F - your

time.

You tell me when you will be in your office and prepared to answer

questions.

 

Bo                                                                                                                                                            RETURN

 

 

274

Subject: Royalty Statement re-send

From: "Marc Histand"

To:

Cc: "Arthur Gutch"

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

Hello,

 

You are receiving this email because our royalty system is no longer

recognizing your email address as active. You will receive a royalty

statement monthly. Please see below, important information regarding

statements.

 

ATTACHMENT  ::  Royalty Statement RE-SEND for 2016 3.pdf

 

                                                      FINALLY !! -- 50 Days Late ! ! !

 

275

Subject: Re: Call

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2016

 

Bo-

 

We better talk before any further analysis....How about a call at 8AM on

Friday?

 

Art

 

 

276

Subject: Re: Call

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2016

 

I assume you have looked at what Marc just sent me and CC'd to you.

I must tell you, I broke out laughing.

 

From the Subject: "Royalty Statement resend"

to the innocent "Hello"

to the phrase "royalty system is no longer recognizing your email address

as active."

(if there is ANY email address that should be recognized at Infinity, it is mine - with over 260 emails shared between us over this last year.)

 

And then there was the statement itself . . . OMG!

 

THIS whole thing has got to be the *most ridiculous* message I have

received from Infinity.

It is another example of the total incompetence that I have been talking

about for over a year.

 

We will talk Friday. And YOU will explain and YOU will have ANSWERS.

But if you utter the phrase "sometimes things/mistakes happen," I will be

hanging up the phone and posting my new website online.

 

Bo

 PHONE CALL :: July 22nd                                                                        RETURN     

 

 

277

Subject: Things to do

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch

Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2016

 

1 - Message to my Author Page

2 - Old Gold Support tickets un-attended to.

3 - Unable to log into Author Center

 

for Marc

1 - address issues from my follow-up to his email, after our July 1

three-way call (he is not responding to me because either he thinks I don't deserve a response because HE has spoken, or he realizes he made errors and doesn't want to admit it)

2 - issues about the recent Statement

a) it has the same typo as last 2 statements,

b) there is a debit amount entered in the Summary equal to a check I

received last month.

c) it was 50 days late

 

 

278

Subject: Re: Things to do

From: Arthur Gutch

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2016

 

B-

 

Already on it.

Just sent you message on BBOTW and requested new login.

 

A-

 

 

279

Subject: Author Central Login

From: Arthur Gutch <art@infinitypublishing.com>

To: Bo Metzler <bometzler@gmail.com>

Cc: Marc Histand <marc@infinitypublishing.com>

Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2016

 

Bo-

 

Login below:

Email:  bometzler@gmail.com

Password:  xxxxxx

 

Art

 

 

280

Subject: Re: Author Central Login

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2016

 

I thought the AUTHOR CENTER was going to be a place for resources for the

published author at Infinity.

What an anti-climactic surprise to find that it is ONLY a place for me to

edit the info on my Author Page.

 

 

281

Subject: This is a test

From: art@infinitypublishing.com

To: bo metzler

Date: 22 Jul 2016

 

Dear Bo Metzler Hello Bo this is a test to see if you are getting

 your messages From BBOTW

 

 

282

Subject: Re: This is a test

From: Bo Metzler

To: Arthur Gutch

Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2016

 

I got a message from you @infinitypublishing.com. It did not come from

BBOTW.

How do I know it came from a message sent from my Author Page?

 

So - there is no was my email server (Gmail) would have thought it was SPAM.

And - there is no reason why I didn't receive the original message from my friend.

Unless - this is just another aspect of Infinity Publishing that is screwed up.                       RETURN

 

 

283

Subject: JULY 15 ROYALTY STATEMENT REPRESENTING MARCH 2016 SALES

To: "Robert A. Metzler"

From: statement@bbotw.com

Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2016

 

ATTACHMENT  ::  Royalty Statement for 2016 3.pdf

                                           SENT on July 16th - Apparantly the Original Statement -
                             which stragely went to my SPAM Folder

                                                                                                                          RETURN

284

Subject: Reaching out

From: Bo Metzler

To: humanresources@spsmail.org, communications@spsmail.org,

        klooten@spsmail.org

Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2016

 

Hello,

 

My name is Bo Metzler,

 

I am reaching out to anyone in the Springfield Public School System to,

hopefully, discover who purchased 125 copies of my book last year.

My book is titled: "What We Do - Working in the Theatre" and, by the title, it can be seen as a theatre book.

 

My Publisher, Infinity Publishing, cannot give me the name of the person

who purchased my book - they say it's for Privacy reasons.

 

So I am trying to reach out on my own.

 

First, I would like to thank the person who purchased the books. And I

would be very interested in learning about the school program that the book would be used for.

 

It is rare for that number of copies to be purchased by one person.

Hopefully we can commiserate about how the book is being received.

 

Thank you.

Bo Metzler


                                                                                                                         RETURN

285

Subject: Re: Royalty Statement re-send

From: Bo Metzler

To: Marc Histand Cc: Arthur Gutch, Arthur Gutch

Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2016

 

Marc,

 

So . . .

finally I get a Statement on 7/20 - that was 50 days late.

And I look at it and it looks EXACTLY the same as the last 3 Statements.

And it was called "RE-SEND" because of some ridiculous reason that my email address was no longer in the system.

 

Then I look closer and see that there were 3 additional sales recorded for Mar-16, in addition to the 1 that was recorded on previous Statements.

All these books were sold at a Wholesale price of 3.83. With a royalty of

.57 per book. This, in itself, is a travesty. *Why are my books being sold for $3.83 per book ??? <<<< ANSWER THIS !*

 

But then I see that a new check was "cut" on 7/15 for the new Totals Earned.

And then I see a Debit amount in the Summaries (of Books and eBooks), that is equal to the amount on a check I have already received.

 

Why are you cutting a new TOTAL Payment check when only 3 books were sold

for $.57 each. And then, entering a Deficit to recover the previous check

that was sent? This makes no logical sense. (The only reason I can think of is that you had these recent Statements is such disarray, with sales

entries continuing to show up month after month, that you figured THIS was the only way to clear out the repetition and get back to one month per Statement.)

I hope it's not a "fake check" like the last Statements had your "fake

sale" on them.

 

BAD ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE.

 

THEN . . .

I just HAPPENED to check my SPAM folder, because Art seemed to think

e-mails weren't getting to me.

And, low and behold, there was an e-mail titled: JULY 15 ROYALTY STATEMENT REPRESENTING MARCH 2016 SALES

While I was pleased to see that you incorporated the Month of the Sales in the Statement Title, I was confused as to why it was here.

Why did it go to SPAM when no other Statement ever went to SPAM?

 

And after I looked at it, it was clear that your RE-SEND was not a

"re-send" of the Statement, it was a "re-work" of the Statement.

Your accounting methods sent a statement with totals incorporating ALL the sales entered on the current Statement.

Which we know was an incorrect thing to do - because the previous Royalties had been paid already.

 

*So how did it come to your attention? How did the flag go up ** <<<<

ANSWER THIS !*

And WHY did you call the new Statement "RE-SEND"? Why didn't you call it

"Woops we fucked up again?"

And why did you blame whatever you were doing on my e-mail not being in the system?

 

You should have owned up to your fuck up, Marc.

That would have been the professional and ethical things to do.

Too much for your ego I suppose.

 

My guess is that your "system" will be deducting all new Sales going

forward, until the previous check amount is zeroed out. That is IF I

actually receive the new check in the mail this week.

 

I will be waiting for the new check.

I will be watching, Marc, to see if your accounting gets back to square one.

 

Now . . . you need to learn something about your position at Infinity. I'll tell you what I told Art:

YOU represent ME and all the other Authors.

Art may have hired you, but YOU work for ME and all the other Authors.

I (along with all of the other Authors) PAY you (from *our* earned

Royalties) to represent us .

We (the Authors) are the very *reason* YOU have a job.

I think, in your mind, you see everything differently.

I think your mind is asking you "Who the hell does this Metzler guy think

he is?"

You need to fix your attitude.

 

 

*So don't forget, Marc - you still haven't addressed my issues & questions

from my last e-mail, seeking clarification on how you "fixed" the

outstanding Royalties owed by creating your "fake sale." *

 

*It needs clarification, NOT because I'm dumb, but because YOU don't

explain things completely.*

 

Or, maybe you'll just ignore things, as usual. And maybe, ultimately, it

won't matter. Because I think that the writing is on the wall.

 

Bo                                                                                                                                                             RETURN

 
Marc did NOT reply

 

286

Subject: FW: Reaching out

From: "Gallamore, Hope J."

To: "bometzler@gmail.com"

Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2016

 

Bo,  

My name is Hope Gallamore and I am the Secondary Literacy Coordinator for Springfield Public

Schools. We have resource adoptions every 7 years and our theater teachers decided to adopt

your book. We have 5 theater teachers in the district that are using the text. If you have any other

questions please let me know, thank you.   

 

Hope Gallamore

Secondary Literacy Coordinator

Springfield Public Schools

 

 

 

287

Subject: Re: FW: Reaching out

From: Bo Metzler

To: "Gallamore, Hope J."

Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2016

 

Hello Hope,

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

 

It is rare that an author can see 125 of his books purchased for one

location.

I am very interested to learn how the committee came to know about my book and to select it.

I am also interested in how the students are enjoying the book.

Will the students be keeping their copies of the book?

Will the book be used in future classrooms as well?

 

Since I was not given the name of the person who actually purchased the

books, I wrote that person a letter that my Publisher mailed on my behalf.

I am wondering if that person ever received my letter, because they did not respond.

 

If the students have any questions for me, about theatre, I would be very

happy to answer them.

They can email me and Identify themselves as "Student from Springfield

theatre class."

 

Once again - thanks

Sincerely,

 

Bo Metzler

www.whatwedo-book.com




288

Subject: Re: Reaching out

From: "Gallamore, Hope J."

To: Bo Metzler

Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2016

 

Bo,

 

I'm sorry, but that person no longer works for Springfield and I don't have contact information.

 

Hope Gallamore

Secondary Literacy Coordinator

Springfield Public Schools

                                                                                                                         RETURN












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