I think that probably, after reading all the information about the lawsuits that the truth is somewhere in the middle of the two sides of the story.

I won't be booking an Olivia trip until I know that this suit has been either thrown out of court or settled in some way.  

What a shame to have this kind of "in fighting" going on within our own industry.  At least we HAVE an industry, which didn't exist before Olivia. 

While it would be so easy to try to judge from the outside, I instead remain hopeful that this will be worked out fairly and justly through our legal system.

It is a simple task to compare the costs of a Holland America cruise to the same destination when we sign up with Olivia.  We all know how much more Olivia charges for exactly the same cruise itinerary.  However, it most certainly IS NOT exactly the same cruise (for all the right reasons) and that is what Olivia has to sell and what we are willing to pay a premium price for.  If we agree to that deal, there is absolutely nothing unfair about Olivia pricing.

Welcome all competitors!  No one has even been able to come close to creating the wealth of experience and enjoyment Olivia has made available to lesbians everywhere. 

Good luck, Olivia.  Hope you come out with shining colors!

Once more, I get great information and discussion from the Forum; thanks, gals.

Best wishes, Barb

Amy already has another job!! Note all of the Olivia references on the second link.Input had to come from her resume!

http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2007/10/15/daily7.html

http://www.trinityventures.com/team-amy_errett.php

It was Ellen who re-posted the letter from Ney Ney!  (Rene)

This would be one jury trial I wouldn't mind sitting on!   We constantly talk about how "rude" this situation is.  Judy and Olivia will prevail. 

On the flip side...hmm wonder if Amy will be able to find another job?  I certainly would be leary.  

I feel bad for Amy's daughter, whom I remember on a cruise, swimming in the pool with Judy.   

Suzanne,

Thank you for the update and the link.  This definitely be something to keep an eye on.  I would hope there would be a settlement soon...would be good to cut the ties with Amy and the others and move the company forward.  We hope this resolves very soon.

Rene, what have you heard about this? 

We agree we hate the nasty public mud slinging. 

Kath&Linnie

Amy, et al, have amended their lawsuit and are no longer asking for the dissolution of Olivia, which is good news.    The case, unfortunately continues...

 http://newsblaze.com/story/2007110611455600005.mwir/newsblaze/CALIFORN/California.html

It's really sad when people find it necesssary to sling mud at each other....

Suzanne

Rene,

Thank you for the update and information.  Being relatively new to Olivia travel, you gave us useful information to consider.  We're pleased that it looks like all is well with Olivia and that justice has prevailed. 

We look forward to having you entertain us at a future Olivia vacation.  Have a great day!

Kath&Linnie

2006 Hawaii;  2007 Tahiti;  2008 Turks & Caicos

Found this ....

 http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid50124.asp

 Just found this thread tonight...made me very sad.  So, I

 went looking for an updates...found this on a search for Olivia on ebar....Go Renee!!

"Olivia's former execs want it both ways

In response to "Rough sailing for Olivia" [September 20]: I'm a native San Franciscan, a black woman who came out at 16, former CPA, and an award-winning comedian. I've performed on Olivia trips for two and a half years. My income from Olivia is a small portion of my livelihood – loss of income isn't my motivation for writing. It's because for many years, I've experienced the profoundly positive effects that Olivia and Judy Dlugacz, as visionary of Olivia, have had on the lesbian community.

Since 1973, Olivia has been a groundbreaking company, significantly essential to the lesbian identity. Now there are people, who after five years of involvement, have called for the dissolution of a company, which previous to their arrival, had 30 years of sustained success. Companies have internal turmoil without demanding company dismantling for personal profit. That's irrational. They cite jealousy for their dismissal. What's this? High school? Why would Judy be jealous? She created the company – the majority owner. They were plotting their "coup" while at Olivia, reaping its perks and financial benefits. It's apparent the jealousy was directed at Judy. The article references e-mails that are part of the lawsuit, that refer to the pending takeover of Olivia, as "D-Day." Doesn't that invoke a warm, fuzzy feeling, when lesbians use military terms, in planning to "do in" another lesbian? Judy probably should have saved the cost of the "life coach," instead hiring an exorcist, to rid Olivia of the demonic influences trying to possess the company.

Why, if Olivia was "taking advantage" of the lesbian community, didn't Amy Errett, as CEO, alter that unfair situation or leave? She stayed for five years. After her dismissal, she voices concern. They can't have it both ways – entitled to $30 million for their enhancement of the company, yet not responsible for the "alleged" monopolistic practices happening, during the same time. Olivia isn't a monopoly. The lack of competition is due to Judy's established excellence in being dedicated to serving the lesbian community. Olivia has to make money to reinvest back into the company, in order to combat spiraling business costs in the travel industry. Costs that are often determined by outside forces – 9/11, oil prices, the Bush economic policy.

Olivia has survived because of Judy's "Herculean" efforts. I've witnessed, on a few occasions, passengers coming to Judy to say there's something they needed in their cabin and she personally made sure that need was met.

This is a temper tantrum disguised as legal action. Stand with Judy Dlugacz and the rest of the "Olivia Nation" in support of Olivia's right to remain a viable and functional part of the lesbian community.

Rene Hicks

Vallejo, California"

Not knowing Judy at all and barely having met Amy, it's difficult for us to read what's accurate and legitimate and what's not in this article.  We have loved our Olivia experience and hope to travel more with them in the future. However, these trips are significantly expensive to us and if there is unrest and uncertainty in the company we would like more information before we book additional vacations.  We're surprised that there hasn't been any updates on how the hearing went...I guess we're hoping that Olivia itself would comment and hopefully announce a resolution or at least progress towards one. 

As far as our support and commitment to Olivia, we have booked the "Laugh out Loud" resort trip to Turks and Caicos in October, 2008.  We are part of a very large group (63 at last check) that will be traveling together.  Thankfully we have purchased travel insurance that will cover us if either Club Med or Olivia are unable to fulfill this vacation.  We don't plan to book anything else until more information comes from this case. 

Here's hoping that all is well and life moves on with Olivia!  Enjoy your weekend! 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Kath&Lin 

2006 Hawaii;   2007 Tahiti;   2008 Turks and Caicos

Not planning any additional trips would ONLY hurt "Olivia" and her effort to bounce back from the kick in her stomach.

You do not kick a person after they are already down. 

Olivia has given us the opportunity to "be who we are" and we need NOT turn our backs..but instead......offer our support.

I agree with Brewmax and Evergreen.

We were on the Hawaii 2006 and Alaska 2007 cruises and noticed something was "wrong".  Had NO idea it was this!! 

The media has a way of not telling the whole truth. We may never know, but I'll bet that Judy, being the person she is, will explain it once it is over.

Shame on Amy!   Our feeling is that she (for whatever reason) overextended the company (too many trips..and therefore the ships are sailing not completely filled) in an attempt to make or break the company.   To buy the company for herself?  Judy brought Amy onboard to help with the day to day operations of the company.  The audacity of Amy's intentions!! 

Had to look up "megalomaniac" -a delusional mental disorder that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur. Omnipotence- an agency or force of unlimited power

Judy IS the reason why Olivia is what it is today.  She and nine others had the vision and built this empire.  We ALL knowingly and willingly pay for the services to "feel free". 

It isn't a "delusional mental disorder" it's literally being in a position, held by no one else and being successful.  And someone is envious.  Bank on your own ideas and visions!

Olivia was doing great all by itself.  Hang in there Judy.  We will follow you to the moon! 

Has anyone heard how the hearing went?  We haven't met Judy, but certainly have great respect for the company she developed.  We have met Amy and enjoyed our time with her. 

Sad that this has to be a public fight.  At this point, I don't think that we will plan any additional Olivia trips until this is resolved.  Last summer we booked (and fully paid for) Turks and Caicos in 2008, we'll hope all works out fine for Olivia. 

Thanks evergreen.  I second the request for the ability to edit rather than delete.

 I have never met Amy.  But I have met Judy on a few occasions.  That being said (and my bias put on the table)  I must say that Judy's passion and love for Olivia are obvious.

I have written this multiple times and can't come up with the right words to express my need to show Judy my (our) support.

Usually I am not at a loss for words (as most of you know ! LOL)  But treachery and deceit are not things I know how to commiserate about.

Judy, just know we love ya and are here for you.