23 December 2005
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to make known the facts concerning John Shelton Ivany, a Capitoline, Calif.-based gentleman who has in the past represented himself as a writer for the New York Times Syndicate and describes his "Top 21" column as "published in over 200 national newspapers."
Mr. Ivany is not now and never has been a writer or other employee of The New York Times Syndicate, The New York Times or any related company. We have never syndicated or otherwise distributed anything written by Mr. Ivany, and indeed do not syndicate record reviews by anyone in any form.
Furthermore, so far as we can determine, "The John Shelton Ivany Top 21" does not appear in any newspaper anywhere, and never has. Nor is he affiliated with AOL Music Channel, ASCAP, BMI, Hardrock.com, spinner.com, TowerRecords.com or United Press International, as he also has claimed in the past.
Our legal department has contacted Mr. Ivany, and has obtained certain assurances that will prevent any future misrepresentation on his part so far as the Times Syndicate is concerned. However, he continues to make more generic claims that are nonetheless equally untrue, and we suggest that anyone having dealings with him proceed with caution and trust his representations only after independent verification.
Should you have any questions about this matter, I can be reached at (212) 499-3329.
Sincerely,
Gayden Wren, Senior Editor
The New York Times Syndicate |