Jef Aerosol
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,320
Likes โข 4
September 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Jef Aerosol on Nov 6, 2009 17:46:51 GMT 1, Hello Didn't want to start a thread abiut that here, but now I guess I have to. I've been having an issue with Opus for more than a year now. They owe me several thousands of pounds and they just don't reply to my emails or phone calls (I always have that lady telling me nobody's available and they'll call me back and nobody ever does!) I'm at a loss and just don't know what to do ! Next step would be start a lawsuit but I've never done such a thing so far and would hate to have to. Anyone here knows them well ? Any other artists in a similar situation ? Any member living in Newcastle who know what's going on with Opus ? thanks
Hello Didn't want to start a thread abiut that here, but now I guess I have to. I've been having an issue with Opus for more than a year now. They owe me several thousands of pounds and they just don't reply to my emails or phone calls (I always have that lady telling me nobody's available and they'll call me back and nobody ever does!) I'm at a loss and just don't know what to do ! Next step would be start a lawsuit but I've never done such a thing so far and would hate to have to. Anyone here knows them well ? Any other artists in a similar situation ? Any member living in Newcastle who know what's going on with Opus ? thanks
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origo
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,973
Likes โข 512
April 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by origo on Nov 6, 2009 17:49:40 GMT 1, Auch, this one doesnยดt sound good Jef. Never dealt with them, but I do hope you sort it out.
Guess lawsuit depends on the amount that they owe you, could be very expensive starting one and if they are in finanical trouble you could end up without a penny anyway.
Good luck!
Auch, this one doesnยดt sound good Jef. Never dealt with them, but I do hope you sort it out.
Guess lawsuit depends on the amount that they owe you, could be very expensive starting one and if they are in finanical trouble you could end up without a penny anyway.
Good luck!
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silvermyn
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,611
Likes โข 781
April 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by silvermyn on Nov 6, 2009 18:04:30 GMT 1, Hi.
I'd always suggest putting something in writting requesting a response within 10 days. Phone calls are easy not to return but if you put something in writing it gets things formalised and the other party is on notice.
If you don't hear back from them and you're talking sub ยฃ5k then the small claims process is your best bet. It's cheap and you can do it all yourself. There is loads of information on it if you google "small claims court".
Hopefully you'll get your money without hassle on the back of the letter. Best of luck with it.
Hi.
I'd always suggest putting something in writting requesting a response within 10 days. Phone calls are easy not to return but if you put something in writing it gets things formalised and the other party is on notice.
If you don't hear back from them and you're talking sub ยฃ5k then the small claims process is your best bet. It's cheap and you can do it all yourself. There is loads of information on it if you google "small claims court".
Hopefully you'll get your money without hassle on the back of the letter. Best of luck with it.
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Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Deleted on Nov 6, 2009 18:06:21 GMT 1, Fly over and get up to their office/shop. i wouldn't mess around with several thousand in the current financial climate. if they can't pay you in cash take as much art as you feel will compensate you. hope it doesn't come to that. but thats definatley what i would do. today.
Fly over and get up to their office/shop. i wouldn't mess around with several thousand in the current financial climate. if they can't pay you in cash take as much art as you feel will compensate you. hope it doesn't come to that. but thats definatley what i would do. today.
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Daniel Silk on Nov 6, 2009 18:08:36 GMT 1, Not good PR for the Gallery considering loads of Artists are gonna be reading this. Lets hope this gets sorted out fast!
Not good PR for the Gallery considering loads of Artists are gonna be reading this. Lets hope this gets sorted out fast!
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Problem with Opus gallery, by notworthit on Nov 6, 2009 18:13:06 GMT 1, Have a word with zero cool, he used to be a manager there, he might be able to help, or might know something?
Have a word with zero cool, he used to be a manager there, he might be able to help, or might know something?
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curiousgeorge
Junior Member
Posts โข 5,833
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March 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by curiousgeorge on Nov 6, 2009 18:24:05 GMT 1, Over a year!?! Sorry but for me it would be time for no more Mr Nice Guy, turn up in person and raise hell
Given the time-frame they have not got a leg to stand on in terms of explaining, they are taking you for a complete mug
Over a year!?! Sorry but for me it would be time for no more Mr Nice Guy, turn up in person and raise hell
Given the time-frame they have not got a leg to stand on in terms of explaining, they are taking you for a complete mug
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Michael Jacob
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,049
Likes โข 29
October 2006
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Michael Jacob on Nov 6, 2009 18:25:32 GMT 1, Jeff Sorry to hear about your issue. I dealt with Opus Underground. They owed me money and Ive never seen any of it (less than what youre talking about, but money none the less). I tried numerous times to reach them and often times got no where. I got tired of trying. Hope it works out for you.
Jake
Jeff Sorry to hear about your issue. I dealt with Opus Underground. They owed me money and Ive never seen any of it (less than what youre talking about, but money none the less). I tried numerous times to reach them and often times got no where. I got tired of trying. Hope it works out for you.
Jake
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digitalkid
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,282
Likes โข 35
October 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by digitalkid on Nov 6, 2009 18:27:03 GMT 1, You can use the small claims court (not sure how this works if you live in France?) - I'm sure they will pay after a summons.
One thing for the future NEVER let anyone go over 30 days payment. I have terms and conditions on all my invoices and have the right to charge interest on any late payments. If a company is run to avoid payments (plenty are), if you seem a soft touch they will take the p!ss.
You can use the small claims court (not sure how this works if you live in France?) - I'm sure they will pay after a summons.
One thing for the future NEVER let anyone go over 30 days payment. I have terms and conditions on all my invoices and have the right to charge interest on any late payments. If a company is run to avoid payments (plenty are), if you seem a soft touch they will take the p!ss.
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afroken
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,018
Likes โข 29
February 2009
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Problem with Opus gallery, by afroken on Nov 6, 2009 18:50:45 GMT 1, Regardless of terms and conditions you have the legal right to charge them interest. I'm not sure what the exact % is but you'll be able to find it on businesslink.gov.uk.
If you really want to put the shits up them start an insolvency petition. I guarantee they'll pay up pretty quickly if they have the money.
Regardless of terms and conditions you have the legal right to charge them interest. I'm not sure what the exact % is but you'll be able to find it on businesslink.gov.uk.
If you really want to put the shits up them start an insolvency petition. I guarantee they'll pay up pretty quickly if they have the money.
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Jef Aerosol
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,320
Likes โข 4
September 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Jef Aerosol on Nov 6, 2009 19:21:44 GMT 1, Thanks for your replies and suggestions and thanks for the pms too. this has actually been going on since that Kounter Kulture thing. Since then, I have managed to get all the pieces they still had shipped back to me, but they still owe me the money. When I said thousands of pounds it was because I didn't want to mention the amount. But I can as well say : it's about 4000 pounds they've been owing me for more than a year now. Last reply I got about the money was in July when they promised I would be paid before the end of the month (of July) ! I hesitated before posting about all that on here, but thought it might make them react...
Thanks for your replies and suggestions and thanks for the pms too. this has actually been going on since that Kounter Kulture thing. Since then, I have managed to get all the pieces they still had shipped back to me, but they still owe me the money. When I said thousands of pounds it was because I didn't want to mention the amount. But I can as well say : it's about 4000 pounds they've been owing me for more than a year now. Last reply I got about the money was in July when they promised I would be paid before the end of the month (of July) ! I hesitated before posting about all that on here, but thought it might make them react...
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Harveyn
Forum Guardian
Full Member
Posts โข 7,685
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July 2007
Staff Member
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Harveyn on Nov 6, 2009 20:08:31 GMT 1, Jeff some good advise so far and I am sorry to see another business apparently struggling. Its really tough out there and they have my sympathy. That said they owe you money and I suggest you move quickly.
I have found in recent times arriving at someones doorstep (and I am talking blue chip companies) does actually work. It sounds crazy but it true.
We recently got offered ยฃ0.08 in the pound on a ยฃ100k debt only to finally settle at ยฃ0.90.
Otherwise I am presuming you do not have credit insurance so I would suggest put it in writing and go through the small claims process.
Good luck mate.
Jeff some good advise so far and I am sorry to see another business apparently struggling. Its really tough out there and they have my sympathy. That said they owe you money and I suggest you move quickly.
I have found in recent times arriving at someones doorstep (and I am talking blue chip companies) does actually work. It sounds crazy but it true.
We recently got offered ยฃ0.08 in the pound on a ยฃ100k debt only to finally settle at ยฃ0.90.
Otherwise I am presuming you do not have credit insurance so I would suggest put it in writing and go through the small claims process.
Good luck mate.
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craigf
Full Member
Posts โข 8,557
Likes โข 846
May 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by craigf on Nov 6, 2009 20:12:12 GMT 1, Jef, they owe you enough for you to petition the court for a winding up order. If they don't sort out the petition the company will be wound up and assets distributed to their creditors, one of which is you. Alternatively you can as indicated above go through the small claims court. You and Crazy Jake could petition jointly to sort you both out (and you can claim your costs back if successful)
Jef, they owe you enough for you to petition the court for a winding up order. If they don't sort out the petition the company will be wound up and assets distributed to their creditors, one of which is you. Alternatively you can as indicated above go through the small claims court. You and Crazy Jake could petition jointly to sort you both out (and you can claim your costs back if successful)
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Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Deleted on Nov 6, 2009 20:33:53 GMT 1, just to make sure.. they still represent you, isn't it? I think I saw some pieces (very good ones!) at the AAF Amsterdam a week ago or so.. they prices were pretty steep...
if it is worth the money (and I think it is) I would visit them.. let them know you will be coming with a lettre (signed for) so they can't ignore you anymore.. If you think you need any support, just ask anyone you know who knows anythin about legal issues to go with you, together you probably know more than they do...
Good luck, that's for sure.
just to make sure.. they still represent you, isn't it? I think I saw some pieces (very good ones!) at the AAF Amsterdam a week ago or so.. they prices were pretty steep...
if it is worth the money (and I think it is) I would visit them.. let them know you will be coming with a lettre (signed for) so they can't ignore you anymore.. If you think you need any support, just ask anyone you know who knows anythin about legal issues to go with you, together you probably know more than they do...
Good luck, that's for sure.
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pezlow
Junior Member
Posts โข 5,388
Likes โข 254
January 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by pezlow on Nov 6, 2009 21:22:09 GMT 1, Jef/CJ - you both have email
Jef/CJ - you both have email
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spiiiiiike
New Member
Posts โข 108
Likes โข 0
March 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by spiiiiiike on Nov 6, 2009 23:00:04 GMT 1, Sounds like another Leonard Street Gallery setup again...Opus are probably on their way out. Good luck Jef!
Sounds like another Leonard Street Gallery setup again...Opus are probably on their way out. Good luck Jef!
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Jef Aerosol
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,320
Likes โข 4
September 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Jef Aerosol on Nov 6, 2009 23:08:31 GMT 1, just to make sure.. they still represent you, isn't it? I think I saw some pieces (very good ones!) at the AAF Amsterdam a week ago or so.. they prices were pretty steep... if it is worth the money (and I think it is) I would visit them.. let them know you will be coming with a lettre (signed for) so they can't ignore you anymore.. If you think you need any support, just ask anyone you know who knows anythin about legal issues to go with you, together you probably know more than they do... Good luck, that's for sure.
Hello No, they don't represent me anymore, of course ! The pieces you saw in amsterdam were presented by the French Art Studio whom I've been working with for a quite a while now. They are Caroline and Jรฉrรดme Leluel and they are extremely nice and serious people. The prices are the same in all the galleries I work with. All 100x100cm canvases, for example, are 4000 euros (or equivalent in local currency) in all the galleries I work with. So, the prices you saw in amsterdam aren't steeper that anywhere else. About the advice : thanks a lot. Will use everybody's suggestions. I am off to Tokyo next friday till end of november, so I guess I'll take the decisions when I'm back. thanks
just to make sure.. they still represent you, isn't it? I think I saw some pieces (very good ones!) at the AAF Amsterdam a week ago or so.. they prices were pretty steep... if it is worth the money (and I think it is) I would visit them.. let them know you will be coming with a lettre (signed for) so they can't ignore you anymore.. If you think you need any support, just ask anyone you know who knows anythin about legal issues to go with you, together you probably know more than they do... Good luck, that's for sure. Hello No, they don't represent me anymore, of course ! The pieces you saw in amsterdam were presented by the French Art Studio whom I've been working with for a quite a while now. They are Caroline and Jรฉrรดme Leluel and they are extremely nice and serious people. The prices are the same in all the galleries I work with. All 100x100cm canvases, for example, are 4000 euros (or equivalent in local currency) in all the galleries I work with. So, the prices you saw in amsterdam aren't steeper that anywhere else. About the advice : thanks a lot. Will use everybody's suggestions. I am off to Tokyo next friday till end of november, so I guess I'll take the decisions when I'm back. thanks
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moleman
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,866
Likes โข 0
March 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by moleman on Nov 6, 2009 23:15:35 GMT 1, Jeff you seem like a great guy stand for your right man. Will be a shame to see opus fail they have some great artist on board.I would listen to harvyn he is pretty lucky in those respects to have those connections.
Jeff you seem like a great guy stand for your right man. Will be a shame to see opus fail they have some great artist on board.I would listen to harvyn he is pretty lucky in those respects to have those connections.
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Martin Whatson
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,285
Likes โข 7
May 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Martin Whatson on Nov 7, 2009 1:37:00 GMT 1, Ive had some minor issues with opus after anthony left them. And lately I've discovered they removed my site and artist profile from their site. Annoys me as they still have alot of my unsold works. They owed me some cash for a year. But got them eventually! Keep pushing jef. And if you don't get anything, think about going legal. After all. 4k is alot of money for most people.
Ive had some minor issues with opus after anthony left them. And lately I've discovered they removed my site and artist profile from their site. Annoys me as they still have alot of my unsold works. They owed me some cash for a year. But got them eventually! Keep pushing jef. And if you don't get anything, think about going legal. After all. 4k is alot of money for most people.
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Problem with Opus gallery, by notworthit on Nov 7, 2009 1:58:39 GMT 1, failing that, I'm in newcastle and know some people who know some people
failing that, I'm in newcastle and know some people who know some people
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Jef Aerosol
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,320
Likes โข 4
September 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Jef Aerosol on Nov 7, 2009 2:21:29 GMT 1, Thanks for the suggestions, guys... Whatson, this is what happened to me too : they also removed me from their website some months ago without telling me and for no reason whatsoever... I have received about 10 private emails since I started that thread and what comes out is that I should go there, so I may do that in december, but what if they aren't there on the day i go there !? And if I tell them I'm coming, they'll obviously manage not to be there on that day... I also have to study what those "small claims" are, had never heard of that. Don't think we have that here in France. Anyway, I just know nothing about legal matters ! Fortunately, I've never had to deal with those things so far...
Thanks for the suggestions, guys... Whatson, this is what happened to me too : they also removed me from their website some months ago without telling me and for no reason whatsoever... I have received about 10 private emails since I started that thread and what comes out is that I should go there, so I may do that in december, but what if they aren't there on the day i go there !? And if I tell them I'm coming, they'll obviously manage not to be there on that day... I also have to study what those "small claims" are, had never heard of that. Don't think we have that here in France. Anyway, I just know nothing about legal matters ! Fortunately, I've never had to deal with those things so far...
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bristolboy
New Member
Posts โข 664
Likes โข 37
September 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by bristolboy on Nov 7, 2009 10:00:53 GMT 1, I bought a print from opus and never got anything sent. I had the same problem of no response to emails and when i called they said i would be called back but nothing ever happened. In the end I had to get my credit card company on the case to recover the money. Once they found out about this the refund was issued. Basically unless you take legal action they will never pay
This happened to me with Leonard Street Gallery, we all know what happened there.
I bought a print from opus and never got anything sent. I had the same problem of no response to emails and when i called they said i would be called back but nothing ever happened. In the end I had to get my credit card company on the case to recover the money. Once they found out about this the refund was issued. Basically unless you take legal action they will never pay This happened to me with Leonard Street Gallery, we all know what happened there.
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shaunyboy
New Member
Posts โข 559
Likes โข 38
March 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by shaunyboy on Nov 7, 2009 12:02:11 GMT 1, Emma Poole, Director of Opus Art is fairly active on Twitter.
It might be worth tweeting her.
twitter.com/emmarella
Emma Poole, Director of Opus Art is fairly active on Twitter. It might be worth tweeting her. twitter.com/emmarella
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eddiedangerous
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,600
Likes โข 40
October 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by eddiedangerous on Nov 7, 2009 12:14:24 GMT 1, small claims court...asap before they liquidate...classic signs
small claims court...asap before they liquidate...classic signs
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Pure Evil
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,338
Likes โข 340
December 2006
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Pure Evil on Nov 7, 2009 12:36:18 GMT 1, I like the Stone Roses' solution to disputes : show up with a pot of paint and start throwing it around everywhere....
Galleries should realise that the artists they represent are their lifeblood.... GALLERIES !!! PAY YOUR ARTISTS .
I like the Stone Roses' solution to disputes : show up with a pot of paint and start throwing it around everywhere....
Galleries should realise that the artists they represent are their lifeblood.... GALLERIES !!! PAY YOUR ARTISTS .
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Harveyn
Forum Guardian
Full Member
Posts โข 7,685
Likes โข 4,839
July 2007
Staff Member
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Harveyn on Nov 7, 2009 13:48:52 GMT 1, Jef do not wait until December. Act now.
Jef do not wait until December. Act now.
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craigf
Full Member
Posts โข 8,557
Likes โข 846
May 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by craigf on Nov 7, 2009 15:03:32 GMT 1, Jef do not wait until December. Act now.
Agreed, they have been taking you for a ride for much too long
Jef do not wait until December. Act now. Agreed, they have been taking you for a ride for much too long
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Billy Sport
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,252
Likes โข 79
February 2008
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Billy Sport on Nov 7, 2009 15:16:59 GMT 1, www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/
warning though, you may win your case but it is no guarantee you will get your money back, as we have found...
www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/warning though, you may win your case but it is no guarantee you will get your money back, as we have found...
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,796
Likes โข 833
May 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Gentle Mental on Nov 7, 2009 17:19:52 GMT 1, on the verge of buying some newtons.....
will be on hold till doubt clears...
To Opus & Co - do not underestimate the wrath of this seemingly catty and frequently shallow board.
on the verge of buying some newtons.....
will be on hold till doubt clears...
To Opus & Co - do not underestimate the wrath of this seemingly catty and frequently shallow board.
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Photoxtc
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,495
Likes โข 189
July 2007
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Problem with Opus gallery, by Photoxtc on Nov 7, 2009 19:24:29 GMT 1, To Opus & Co - do not underestimate the wrath of this seemingly catty and frequently shallow board.
Very very true...
I would seriously have second thoughts on buying anything from them at this point...
To Opus & Co - do not underestimate the wrath of this seemingly catty and frequently shallow board. Very very true... I would seriously have second thoughts on buying anything from them at this point...
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