Corbis to destroy Sigma negs?

[Harry Lime]

This is worrisome to say the least. If anyone wants their negatives back you may want to give them a shout...

http://blog.melchersystem.com/2011/02/25/the-fire-this-time/


God, how awkward.

[Freakscene]

I'm trying to get mine now.

Marty

[Bill Pierce]

I'm trying to get mine now.

Marty

Me too. Let's hope.

[Bill Pierce]

Here's a more detailed article than the previous post.

http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/news/2029367/fate-uncertain-millions-sygmas-images

[kbg32]

This is sickening.

[Harry Lime]

This is totally insane. These idiots are going to quite literally incinerate history. The term 'barbaric' comes to mind.


Spread the word.

[newsgrunt]

Presuming the majority of negatives and prints were filed/ archived properly following usual conventions, how hard could it be for them to simply google names ? I find it absolutely unbelievable that they would consider this an acceptable course of action. I hope everyone is able to reclaim their work before it's too late.

[Frank Version Two]

Hey if people are too lame to keep track of their photos then to Hell with them, torch them. Less photos means more rarity and higher prices ;-)

[_larky]

Anybody want to try to grab a load, put them in storage until we can figure out what to do. Do we know what physical size space would be required to store them temporarily? I'm a digital archivist (I write software and algorithms to make better us of digital technologies) who lives with an archivist, so this to me is too sad to let happen.

[Harry Lime]

http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/news/2029367/fate-uncertain-millions-sygmas-images

update

[Joe Brugger]

Has anyone read both of the articles??? No images have been destroyed, and none are in immediate danger of being destroyed.

Arguing and pontificating from a sound factual basis aren't in the spirit of the Internet. Instant wounded outrage is.

Interesting read, and still kind of a scary article. Even when the facts are out.

[Bill Pierce]

Here is an email that many of us who had pictures at Sigma received from Stéphane Gorrias. As Sigma, by their own admission, were unable to contact many photographers whose pictures were in their collection, his remarks seem a little arrogant and dismissive.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Following your request about a possible restitution of your pictures, I inform you that the judicial liquidation is open since May 25th, 2010.

The Information provided regarding the destruction of the archives are totally inaccurate.

Contrary to what has been specified on various blogs, we are unable to make restitution of pictures.

Indeed, the period to assert the rights of photographers has expired.

Remaining at your disposal for further information.

Best regards

Stéphane GORRIAS