This blog has been up for over a year, so I thought I would give an update:

On two separate occasions Ron Rowe contacted one of his former artists, who is a friend of mine, telling him to get me to remove the information. "I asked you once before to get Duane to take the... page off of the internet." Both times I have responded back saying I would be glad to talk with Ron.  Even though he has my contact information, he has not communicated to me, nor has he called me. I even offered to call him on my dime.  People who have dealt with him have said that he comes across pretty strong and controlling, but maybe he knows that he has met his match. I do not know, but he still does not contact me...he just tries to put pressure on others to get me to remove the blog and factual information.  He knows what I said was accurate and truthful, and if it was brought out in court, he would not have a leg to stand on. 

So why do I keep this information up here?  I want to be sure that others are aware of his business dealings so that they do not fall into the same trap. They are still doing business, selling artwork that they have not paid their artists or other creditors for.  Interestingly enough, during the time that this website has been up, I have had many people that Rowes have done business with over the years contact me, including former artists and employees.  They have validated that what I described is indicative of the kinds of experiences they experienced as well.

I hope someday Rowes might comprehend that while they may have been well-meaning, their actions were frequently unscrupulous, and in the end, they alienated and hurt many people.  And as they understand this, that they will, as it has been wisely said, have "fruit in line with repentance".  Right now it appears they still have closed eyes to the issues...only seeing that they are being embarrassed by this information being publicly available.  Alas, I think they see themselves as victims, rather than understanding how many people really feel victimized by them.  In some cases people have forgiven them.  In others, they have not.  But in both cases, Rowes injured others, and from what I continue to gather, have never really made things right in practical ways, and in fact, have not even admitted they did anything wrong.

Until something changes, I will continue to keep this material available. A few dozen folks a month find the site through web searches, so it is obviously being viewed, and hopefully helpful.  I may add more examples I am receiving from others as I have time.  Meanwhile, I just want to be sure that the facts are presented.