The Secret
Posted: 01 Jun 2008
No, not another attempt by the BKWSU ... this time the author of "The Secret" is being sued and not for the first time. Well, it has grossed $300 million US dollars so far ...
Remember the email that was circulating amongst BKs last year, "learn and enjoy" and the introduction of "The Law of Attraction" concept into teachings? Well, this is a good and interesting example of how these ideas always seem to fail. Adherents, even the author herself, no doubt putting it down to "Karma". So, the so-called 'Law of Attraction' is nullified by the 'Law of Karma'? Complex metaphysics. If it all works, why did she "attract" this? The Secret, given the authors choice of business partner, is obvious a good lawyer.
Perhaps there is a simple answer. Links to discussion of this, here, here, here and actual law suit here. The issues arose because the independent, Australian filmmaker Heriot claims he was offered a percentage of the profits for his early input.
The Secret changed the business of DVD distribution by selling and promoting mainly from a website. Now perhaps we can put into context The Tao of the Traveller, and discussion behind contracts, licensing and potential profit as it is targeted at the very similar audience.
Remember the email that was circulating amongst BKs last year, "learn and enjoy" and the introduction of "The Law of Attraction" concept into teachings? Well, this is a good and interesting example of how these ideas always seem to fail. Adherents, even the author herself, no doubt putting it down to "Karma". So, the so-called 'Law of Attraction' is nullified by the 'Law of Karma'? Complex metaphysics. If it all works, why did she "attract" this? The Secret, given the authors choice of business partner, is obvious a good lawyer.
Perhaps there is a simple answer. Links to discussion of this, here, here, here and actual law suit here. The issues arose because the independent, Australian filmmaker Heriot claims he was offered a percentage of the profits for his early input.
The Secret changed the business of DVD distribution by selling and promoting mainly from a website. Now perhaps we can put into context The Tao of the Traveller, and discussion behind contracts, licensing and potential profit as it is targeted at the very similar audience.
some blogger wrote:Filmmaker Mr Heriot said, "To all who have been inspired by 'The Secret,' please know that I am not suing the universal principles of 'The Secret'" says Mr. Heriot. "Rather, I am suing the corporate principals behind 'The Secret,' who promised at the outset that profits would be shared, and who have not kept faith with 'The Secret's' tenets of gratitude and integrity."
So, Mr. Heriot: a question, please. If you indeed did not get the money you feel is due you, is that because:A) You weren't thinking enough positive thoughts
B) The people denying you the money were thinking more positive thoughts about screwing you over than you were about getting said money
or
C) The magical elves were busy that day
Author of “The Secret” Needs to Learn to Give to Avoid Attracting Law Suits - May 13 2008
It has recently become apparent that Rhonda Byrne, the author of "The Secret," a best-selling motivational movie and book based on the "Law of Attraction," has missed an important step in the manifestation process. The process of receiving what we desire also involves giving – especially to those who help us create our desires. In this case, Byrne appears to be refusing to give the film’s co-creator, Drew Heriot profits from sales to which he says he is entitled, a fact that caused her to receive – or attract – a big, fat lawsuit.
On April 26, the New York Times reported that four days earlier attorneys for Heriot, who co-authored the screenplay and directed "The Secret" movie, had filed a federal lawsuit in the UnitedStates District Court for the Eastern District of Illinois/EasternDivision. However, Heriot didn’t file suit against the universal principles of “The Secret” but against the corporate principals behind “The Secret,” who he claims “promised at the outset that profits would be shared and who have not kept faith with 'The Secret's' tenets of gratitude and integrity."
The lawsuit alleges that Rhonda Byrne, executive producer of "The Secret," and Robert E. Rainone Jr., a Chicago businessman, conspired to deny Heriot's rights to co-ownership and profits from the movie and related works. The combined gross revenue from DVD and book sales of "The Secret" currently may exceed $300 million.
According to Heriot’s attorney, evidence exists that Byrne and Heriot collaborated and shared source materials to produce the original film and book. Heriot simply wants to be compensated for his work and creative contributions.
“I am very disappointed to hear that Ms. Byrne is not sharing her wealth with Mr. Heriot, who seems deserving enough if his claims are true,” said Nina Amir, author and maggid (Jewish inspirational speaker) who focuses her work on practical spirituality and human potential and personal growth from a Jewish perspective. “I was very excited to see ‘The Secret’ book and DVD hit the stores and to watch its ‘stars’ appear on Larry King and Oprah. I had long ago heard about combining thought and feeling to manifest desires, although I had first heard it called conscious creation and creative thought rather than the Law of Attraction, and I knew and respected many of the people Byrne chose to feature. It was wonderful to see these concepts, which really were no secret, go mainstream.”
Originally released in March of 2006 for DVD and online sales, "The Secret presents what is called the "Law of Attraction." Embraced by many self-help experts and the subject of extensive media coverage, the film and the corresponding book teach that thoughts and feelings attract real events into individuals' lives, creating a basis for a higher sense of personal and spiritual fulfillment.
Many people have criticized “The Secret” for being too ego-centered, never mentioned God, and failing to tell people how to use its “secret” to help others and or heal the world of its problems. “The fact that Ms. Byrne has attracted these legal issues despite her knowledge of the Law of Attraction does seem to indicate that some element is missing in her teaching. I would agree that she needs to add in a spiritual focus that makes her want to give as well as to receive,” said Amir.