Legal Threat Demands We Shut Down Techdirt

from the first-test-of-the-SPEECH-Act? dept

Here at Techdirt, unfortunately, we get an average of about one legal threat per month. The threats are almost always frivolous -- and often made in anger without the individual realizing why the threats are frivolous. While some sites take the position that they will publish any and all legal threats, we have always tried to give the threatening party the benefit of the doubt, and to recognize that they made their demands in a moment of excess anger and misunderstanding. As such, we generally explain our position as to why any legal action would be a mistake -- and in nearly every case, we never hear back from the person who threatened us.

However, we have recently received a legal threat that we feel deserves attention and airing for a variety of reasons.
  1. Unlike most threats, this one came directly from lawyers representing the individual, rather than from the individual directly.
  2. The threats are quite incredible, demanding that we shut down the entire site of Techdirt, due to a comment (or, potentially, comments) that the client did not like.
  3. The lawyer fails to identify, other than a single snippet and a date, what post or specific comments are objectionable and why (beyond a suggestion of anti-semitism, which while despicable, is not illegal). I guess, since they are demanding we shut down the entire site or be sued, such details are not considered pertinent.
  4. As we detail on this site on a somewhat regular basis, sites like ours are protected by Section 230 of the CDA from libel charges against statements made by users of the site. So any legal action against us is entirely pointless.
  5. Most importantly, this threat is coming from the UK, and the lawyers insist that they will take it to court in the UK. This makes it rather timely and newsworthy for an entirely different reason. Just a few weeks ago we wrote about the new SPEECH Act that was passed into law to protect against libel tourism. As the Congressional record shows, the law was specifically designed to protect US businesses from libel judgments that violate Section 230 -- and the bill's backers explicitly call out libel judgments made in the UK. In other words, the SPEECH Act explicitly protects us from exactly the sort of threat that these lawyers and their client are making against us:
    The purpose of this provision is to ensure that libel tourists do not attempt to chill speech by suing a third-party interactive computer service, rather than the actual author of the offending statement.

    In such circumstances, the service provider would likely take down the allegedly offending material rather than face a lawsuit. Providing immunity removes this unhealthy incentive to take down material under improper pressure.
  6. Separate from the Section 230 defenses, we are also protected due to a lack of personal jurisdiction, which, again, is supported by the recently passed SPEECH Act. It is entirely possible that the lawyers were unaware of the SPEECH Act, but it does seem like a law firm making legal threats in a foreign country should be expected to have researched the legal barriers to making such a claim before using billable hours to make threats they cannot back up.
  7. Finally, it's important to note that a part of the SPEECH Act allows sites protected under this law to seek attorneys' fees should they be targeted in such a lawsuit. Rest assured that we would explore the option to the fullest, if need be.
Separately, I will note that on the same day that I received the legal threat letter from this law firm of Addlestone Keane, I also received an email from someone claiming to be both a regular Techdirt reader and a friend of the client, Jeffrey Morris, saying that he was contacting me to ask if I could, out of the kindness of my heart, remove the comments that are bothering Mr. Morris. Of course, the paper threat letter sent by Mr. Morris' lawyers was sent five days prior to this email from Mr. Morris' friend. Our policy at Techdirt is that we do not remove comments on such requests, other than comments that we judge to be spam, so we would not have removed the comments, anyway. However, it is odd that Mr. Morris would first have his lawyers pull out the "nuclear option" and demand that we shut down our entire site, and then days later have a friend reach out to make a personal plea.

As such, given the newsworthy nature of an example of where the brand new law (thankfully) protects us, as well as the fact that we do not feel it is decent or right for anyone to demand we shut down our entire site or be sued halfway around the world, because he does not appreciate a comment someone made about him, we are publishing the letter that was sent to us. Thanks in part to the new law, we have no obligation to respond to Mr. Morris, his friend or the lawyers at Addlestone Keane, who (one would hope) will better advise their clients not to pursue such fruitless legal threats in the future. Should Mr. Morris and his solicitors decide that they wish to proceed with such a pointless and wasteful lawsuit against us, which will only serve to cost Mr. Morris significant legal sums with no hope of recovery, we will continue to report on it, safe in the knowledge that it has no bearing on us. The only potential issue I could foresee would be that any UK judgment against us could prevent me from traveling to the UK in the future, which would be unfortunate, as I have quite enjoyed past visits to the UK. But perhaps such ridiculous outcomes will help the UK realize that it's really about time to update its incredibly outdated libel laws and begin respecting free speech rights.
While I don't think it's all that relevant to this discussion, for those who do want to see it, this is the post that the story is about. Even though the law firm failed to point it out, the friend's email did link to it. You will note that the post is from 2004, though there are more recent comments on it, purporting to be from disgruntled former employees of Mr. Morris, which seem to be the concern. There are also, as noted in the legal threat letter, a series of bizarre, nonsensical comments in the same thread, which mostly make the thread somewhat unreadable. Frankly, I am always somewhat amazed when people get upset about situations like this. It seems quite unlikely that random, semi-coherent, anti-semitic comments, buried in a thread on a random blog post from six years ago are going to have any actual impact on your business. People say mean things, it's true, but when put into context, who is actually likely to believe any such comments? People seem to think that if someone says something bad about you online, others will automatically believe it.

Instead of worrying about how people might view such marginal, buried, angry comments on an ancient blog post, it might make more sense to first consider how people might view an excessive legal threat that has no weight against a site based in another country.
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Filed Under: free speech, jeffrey morris, legal threat, section 230, speech act, uk
Companies: addlestone keane


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  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:35am

    Mr Morris

    Phhbbbbbbbt!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Poster, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:36am

    What a freaking dumbass.

    Hope he enjoys this post.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Jose_X, 30 Aug 2010 @ 1:20pm

      Re:

      How do I know you aren't Mr. Morris adding some vulgarity to this thread as an excuse to later sue to have the whole US Internet taken down?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:38am

    Streisand Effect

    Dear Mr. Morris's solicitors:

    I had no idea who your client was before you threatened to take down an entire website. I do now.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:56am

      Re: Streisand Effect

      Solicitors; you might want to consider refunding your client's money.

      Mr. Morris; you might want to sue your legal team, they are obviously uneducated.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:03am

        Re: Re: Streisand Effect

        "Mr. Morris; you might want to sue your legal team, they are obviously uneducated."

        Who would he hire to sue his own legal team? That same team? That'd be priceless....

        But seriously, that whole thread was an abortion. Two things stood out to me:

        1. There are a shit ton of mindless dolts who think that posting Christian scripture randomly to blog posts is apparently doing God's work spreading the word. They are wrong. God hates them. He told me so while we were watching The Shield together. He also hates marshmellows and people who use the word, "Dude". Damn God is picky....

        2. The anti-semetic remarks in that thread were some of the most benign I've ever seen referred to as anti-semetic. I hate bigotry as much as the next person, but you don't attack it by finding the mot weak examples and attacking them. Hell, go after Nazi websites if you think you can get away with this. Some guy saying you take care of your Jewish workers before the other? What boss hasn't been accused of favoritism before?

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:08am

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          Dude, everyone from Cali is done for. Wait.. god only exists in your head, must be my lucky day, dude.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          John Doe, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:10am

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          So you hate mindless dolt Christians and you also hate bigotry. Oh the irony.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • icon
            Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:13am

            Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

            "So you hate mindless dolt Christians and you also hate bigotry. Oh the irony."

            Nice try, but a fail. I said I hated mindless dolts who randomly post Christian scripture to blogs. I do NOT hate Christians as a rule (here's a hint, I'm Christian by tradition....), therefore, not bigoted.

            Or are you actually trying to defend these scripture posters?

            link to this | view in chronology ]

            • icon
              :Lobo Santo (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:20am

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

              I'm a Santaist, also by tradition.

              ; P

              (and don't anybody question my belief in Santa or it'll be time for some jihad up in here.)

              link to this | view in chronology ]

            • identicon
              John Doe, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:31am

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

              I am not defending them but I won't criticize them either. I am sure most of their posts fall on deaf ears or eyes as the case may be, but so what?

              If you are a Christian, why do you care if they do it or not? You should understand that you cannot save anyone and you also cannot send anyone to hell.

              link to this | view in chronology ]

              • icon
                Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:39am

                Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                " I am sure most of their posts fall on deaf ears or eyes as the case may be, but so what?"

                So it's annoying and of no use to anyone at all. I was trying for a funny way to point out my distaste. Why bother taking false offense at it?

                "If you are a Christian, why do you care if they do it or not?"

                Er, BECAUSE I'm Christian I don't like them putting those of us that are reasonable in our faith (which, in my experience, is the vast majority of Christians and other religious groups) in a negative light by being spammy pole-smokers. I'm not trying to save anyone and I generally don't offer my views on faith w/o the subject already being open or unless I'm asked.

                Not sure exactly what the problem is here....

                link to this | view in chronology ]

                • identicon
                  John Doe, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:06pm

                  Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                  I am not sure what the problem is, you seem to have the most problem with it though.

                  link to this | view in chronology ]

                  • identicon
                    DS, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:55pm

                    Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                    We get it, you are a jerk.. you don't need to remind us every few minutes.

                    link to this | view in chronology ]

                    • identicon
                      John Doe, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:51pm

                      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                      Dark Helmet and I were having a discussion with neither of us being jerks to the other one. But then you showed up with the name calling. So who is the jerk here?

                      link to this | view in chronology ]

                      • identicon
                        Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:20pm

                        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                        Pretty sure it's still you.

                        link to this | view in chronology ]

              • icon
                TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:14pm

                Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                I care, as a Christian, for the simple reason that yarding a quote from the Bible to make a point, completely out of context, is a dangerous caricature of our faith. It's the context, in the vast majority of cases, that matters and defines the quotation.

                It's not far wrong to say that you can make any point you want, no matter how wrong it is, by grabbing an isolated quote out of the Bible.

                That's also true of any faith's holy works, by the way. Or any philosopher worth quoting.

                As you say, with most of them it falls on deaf ears when pointed out to the offenders but it's others I'd like to educate that what is being said, and justified, is simply and purely wrong.

                link to this | view in chronology ]

                • identicon
                  Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:24pm

                  Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                  Pretty sure you'd like to say the entire Leviticus can be taken out of context.

                  At some point your words should stand on their own. The bible, in any framework, is a joke.

                  link to this | view in chronology ]

                  • icon
                    TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:38pm

                    Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                    Are you missing my point or just not the sharpest tack in the shed?

                    I vote for #2.

                    link to this | view in chronology ]

                    • icon
                      Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:41pm

                      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                      Pshh. Must be a Mormon.

                      Hey-Yo!!!!!

                      link to this | view in chronology ]

                    • identicon
                      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:58pm

                      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                      Your point was "My belief/book is precious and you shouldn't take it out of context."

                      The reality: "Few take it out of context, because there are entire chapters that are downright silly banter babbletalk. You always have the New Testament to fall back on!"

                      Or did you think you were enlightening us with something novel in the way the bible teaches us? Hell, I see preachers CONSTANTLY cite a line or two out of their own book and then lecture from that single line on how to act from it.

                      link to this | view in chronology ]

                      • icon
                        interval (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:16pm

                        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                        @ac: "...because there are entire chapters that are downright silly banter babbletalk."

                        I think that was a forum spammer.

                        link to this | view in chronology ]

                        • icon
                          TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:25pm

                          Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                          No kidding. Not to mention a particularity poorly read one as my remarks were not limited to simply the Bible.

                          Not the sharpest tack in the shed of forum trolls either.

                          link to this | view in chronology ]

                          • identicon
                            Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 3:40pm

                            Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

                            Ah, ad hom attack, with absolutely no rebuttal. You make it too easy. Carry on, Christian Soldier.

                            link to this | view in chronology ]

            • identicon
              Howard the Duck, 31 Aug 2015 @ 7:41am

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

              If they post Christian scripture to blogs, they must be Christian, no? So "Oh the irony."

              link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:15pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

            What he hates the stupid who give Christianity a bad name.

            One of my favorite prayers is 'Lord save me from the faithful'.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          Almost Anonymous (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:10pm

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          Furthermore, as to #2, saying that someone is taking care of Jewish workers would not be anti-semitic, it would be pro-semitic. Or something like that.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          DS, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:53pm

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          If you ask me, I would guess that the bible copypasta is being posted to hide comments. Unless, of course, it's common for old blog posts on Techdirt to get religious copypasta.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          interval (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:13pm

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          @Our Dark Helmet: "The anti-semetic remarks in that thread were some of the most benign I've ever seen referred to as anti-semetic."

          No kidding. I had to read the passage twice, and that was after wading through some Xtian spammer post that looked like he's using TechDirt buffer space to store an online bible. It looks like an attempt at some kind of goofy smear job because the offending remarks are actually praising Morris for treating his Jewish workers better than his (presumably) gentile ones, or something...

          I started laughing though when I read the part where the lawyers are saying something about (I paraphrase) "as soon as we get a judgment then the almighty legal forces of the United States will be set upon you so you had best tremble with fear..."

          Haw! That's comedy gold right there.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 9:25pm

          Re: Re: Re: Streisand Effect

          He also hates people who misspell "marshmallow".

          link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      cak, 26 Aug 2010 @ 6:04pm

      Re: Streisand Effect

      I don't think they are at all concerned about what you or anyone else here thinks about Jackass Morris.

      However, they are worried about anyone searching his name. That is why they want the comment removed, so that his name is no longer linked to this article. Perhaps he has gone legit now, perhaps he is having trouble conning other people.

      This is obvious, is it not?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 29 Aug 2010 @ 8:31am

      Re: Streisand Effect

      And, of course, the only thing that will be victorious from this all is the Streisant effect. Then again, maybe Mr. Morris did this on purpose, to gain more publicity. Otherwise, he's the biggest dumb[censored] in the Whole World.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    BoloMKXXVIII (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:40am

    Oops

    If the client was trying to make himself look better he failed quite completely.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    kosmonautbruce (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:42am

    UK libel laws or no...

    I am confident in saying Mr. Morris is quite possibly the stupidest person alive today. Wow, what a dumb move.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Anonymoose (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:43am

    Shining a flashlight on something you want hidden...

    Seems ripe for an autoresponder that simply fires back http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect


    :)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Chris ODonnell (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:46am

    I'm sort of disappointed. I was hoping this was going to to be the RIAA or some at least marginally relevant organization.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:01am

      Re:

      I was thinking the same thing. RIAA for pointing out how useless they were, or ASCAP for defending the EFF, or that Australian collection agency for pointing out people had choices in CC and the like, or ...

      (20 minutes and 50 acronyms later)

      ... but it ends up being some dumbass brit with his panties in a bunch. Go figure.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Killer_Tofu (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:09pm

        Re: Re:

        I wouldn't doubt that they have tried before. They could be one of the others Mike referred to who he just pointed out that they were being stupid so they shut up.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    paperbag (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:46am

    hehe

    Sorry you had to waste time and effort on this worthless waste of time (the lawsuit).

    Striesand effect? :)
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Christopher Mims, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:51am

    Lawyers are what clueless rich people resort to

    ...because they think they'll get results. And also because they don't understand the internet. I'm sure whatever just-out-of-lawschool associate they forced to draft that letter was cringing the whole time.

    I received a letter like this once. My own lawyer bounced it back with a "see you in court." Then the sending lawyer said to my lawyer "look, between you and me, please just send me a response in order to satisfy the person who is threatening you." That's when I realized what a charade it all was...

    Of course it never went to court.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:51am

    Enter Barbra stage left ...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Matthew (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:57am

    fake?

    Could this be a fake designed to use the Streisand effect against Jeffrey Morris? Seems pretty weak and aklaw.co.uk doesn't even have a website. Of course, Addlestone Keane might just be yet another old-fashioned internet-clueless law firm.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:24am

      Re: fake?

      Could this be a fake designed to use the Streisand effect against Jeffrey Morris? Seems pretty weak and aklaw.co.uk doesn't even have a website. Of course, Addlestone Keane might just be yet another old-fashioned internet-clueless law firm.

      I contacted the law firm and confirmed that it was real before writing this post.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Dan, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:52pm

      Re: fake?

      You could call and ask them yourself:

      Addlestone Keane
      Carlton Tower
      34 St Pauls Street
      Leeds
      LS1 2QB
      Tel: 0113 244 6700
      Fax: 0113 244 6680
      Email: markkeane@aklaw.co.uk

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    crade (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:58am

    I couldn't find the problem comments. I want a refund.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:03am

      Re:

      sure but there is a 15% restocking fee ...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:09am

      Re:

      Control-F, then type Jew, click next.

      Unfortunately, you have to wade through about eighteen posts talking about some guy named Jesus. Not sure who that is, but a friend tells me that he too was Jewish.

      AAAAHHHH! It's a conspiracy! The Elders of Zion are unleashing their protocols on us!

      /sarcasm

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:22am

        Re: Re:

        "Control-F, then type Jew, click next."

        Lol ... I have this image in my head of a 6 year old clone of adolph being taught to use software.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:24am

          Re: Re: Re:

          Yikes! I certainly don't want to sound like a young Hitler....

          :(

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • icon
            Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:56am

            Re: Re: Re: Re:

            You didnt sound like hitler. It just brought up the image of a kid with a software manual being taught.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

          • icon
            Cixelsid (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:30pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re:

            You'd need to be austrian.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

            • identicon
              JC, 27 Aug 2010 @ 7:03am

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

              You must be German, they all say that.

              When I was in high school we had a German foreign exchange student. We were discussing WW2 when out of no where she starts yelling about Hitler being Austrian. She got so worked up that the teacher had to take her out of the classroom and the only thing I could think was "if she can be that crazy in a history lesson no wonder the Germans were crazy enough to ..."

              link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        crade (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:24am

        Re: Re:

        Dude, I totally did this! (Well, I used '/' instead of ctrl-F, but you get the point)
        All I saw was someone claiming this Morris dude is prejudiced and is biased towards jewish people. Not exactly anti-semetic since it's just about this Morris guy being a dick, not generalizing or anything. And also a bunch of copy and pasted spam messages.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:20am

      Re:

      There's simply no way you could have read all the comments in that thread between the time this story was posted and now.

      Nobody can read that quickly.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Crosbie Fitch (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:58am

    Morons rather than Machiavelli

    At least it looks like it's morons demanding your lighthouse move out of their way rather than Machiavellian manoeuvres to extinguish your light.

    Then again, who knows? The 'libel' could have been deliberately planted as a future option for plug-pulling (without raising suspicion it was on behalf of an unrelated party).

    Either way, anachronistic privileges such as copyright and patent must be abolished, and laws designed for the wealthy and famous such as libel and trademark need major reform. There is no right to a reputation, only not to be deceived or defrauded.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:01am

    "As such, given the newsworthy nature of an example of where the brand new law (thankfully) protects us, as well as the fact that we do not feel it is decent or right for anyone to demand we shut down our entire site or be sued halfway around the world, because he does not appreciate a comment someone made about him, we are publishing the letter that was sent to us."

    You mean you're not selling it on eBay?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    MarksAngel (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:02am

    OMG My feelings are hurt somebody made up bad things about me on the internet!!!!

    Sheesh grow a pair already will ya!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    RD, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:03am

    Um...

    Um....statute of limitations anyone? In most states, its only 1-3 years from time of publication (or statement). So how can they expect to bring a 6+ year old suit? Again, dont they know the laws of the land where they are attempting to sue? Oh right, they are in the UK and have no standing for a lawsuit here....

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:06am

      Re: Um...

      Did you read the comments? The comments are from this year. Its lame nonetheless.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        BearGriz72 (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:19am

        Re: Re: Um...

        What surprised me (along with the wholesale spamification of the bible passages and other book long 'comments' having nothing to do with the article), is why the hell is a 6 year old article that has little to do with anything current getting all this attention (comments) in the last few months?

        Unless as was previously suggested, somebody is trying to hijack the space/bandwidth to store an online bible. Seems like kind of a stupid way to go about it though, jacking old blog posts.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • icon
          Crosbie Fitch (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:40am

          Re: Re: Re: Um...

          It's those old comments turning up in Google that someone doesn't want to turn up in Google.

          Consider it a crude attempt at 'reverse SEO'.

          1) Post some libel in order to take it down.
          2) Threaten litigation.
          3) Try asking nicely.
          4) Post some copyright infringing material
          5) Report a DMCA violation to the ISP for instant takedown
          6) Post something from WikiLeaks that the CIA wishes to stamp out
          7) What next?

          These tactics are from the Al Capone school of diplomacy: "You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.”

          link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:24am

      Re: Um...

      Remember the cause of the War of 1812? Some of the Britsh still seem to think that their law takes precedent.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        crade (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:20pm

        Re: Re: Um...

        I remember the cause of that war.. Invasion. :)

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:25pm

          Re: Re: Re: Um...

          No, it was boarding American ships and pressing sailors into the British Navy.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • icon
            crade (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:58pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re: Um...

            No, I remember distinctly, Canada was hanging around minding our own business, and someone invaded, causing us to go to war to defend against the invasion.

            Britain was off doin whatever brits like to do over there in Europe (trying to stop Napolean I think), so they basically said "yeah your on your own with that whole U.S. invasion thing", and we were like "wtf, you guys suck, if we manage to fend off the U.S., we are gunny be looking make our own country"

            link to this | view in chronology ]

            • icon
              Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:00pm

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Um...

              I forgot how this one ends. Did a golden moose gallop in and valiantly save the day?

              link to this | view in chronology ]

              • icon
                crade (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:01pm

                Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Um...

                I'm pretty sure Bryan Adams came in and single handedly held the line until they gave up trying to invade :)

                link to this | view in chronology ]

              • icon
                TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:29pm

                Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Um...

                Also some attrative girl with an anglo name saw poorly dressed Yankee tourists come across the border heading for Montreal. All packing heat.

                One of the few things the anglos and French of that time agreed on is that neither wanted to join the United States.

                The girl in question went on to establish a fantastically successful chocolate company. Laura Secord. :)

                link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 2:09am

        Re: Re: Um...

        could take years to get to court in the UK and the government are bringing in laws to stop the UK being used for lible tourism and protect free speech so no worries.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Jessica, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:28pm

      Re: Um...

      The comment specifically mentioned in the take down letter was posted in April of 2010. So more like 4 months. He seems to be basically peeved that when people Google him... they don't get the pretty picture he commissioned to be painted. Instead they get this... which he has no control over. Whiner....

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 8:54pm

        Re: Re: Um...

        Instead of threatening anyone with a lawsuit he could have first politely asked Google to change his search rank.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Caliburn, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:16am

    Are you joking?

    Idiots. They are complete idiots.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:18am

    Ok, all those comments are tl;dr (specially when they start putting songs and weird christian stuff). Someone here that actually read the antisemitic comments care to repost (or link to the comments directly)? Also, who in their right mind will mind about that discussion? It gets really difficult to follow really fast.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      BearGriz72 (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:58am

      Re:

      In regards to your request to repost/link to the comments, I am just guessing here, but I think it is this one.
      http://www.techdirt.com/article.php?sid=20041001/0941211#c1102 --
      "I get paid 30k a year to get slapped about like a whore by jeffery. Who only looks after his own 'jewish' workers. the rest treated like shite."
      Possibly this one as well, but I'm not sure.
      http://www.techdirt.com/article.php?sid=20041001/0941211#c1653 --
      "As an aside, there was a report of an event which one of his siblings attended in London for the well to do Jewish fraternity. 1000 people attended and raised a grand total of Ł3000 for charity! wow very generous- they probably spent more on parking than that.'
      Honestly like DH said "The anti-semetic remarks in that thread were some of the most benign I've ever seen referred to as anti-semetic." so I could see how they would be hard to find.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    DearMrMiller (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:27am

    UK Libel Laws.

    Sock it to 'em Mike.

    The libels laws here in the UK suck ass preventing any form of factual criticism of entities and corporations such as this for fear of unfounded reprisals and lawsuits. Even completely unemotional and factual presentation of information could potentially force one into court where you have to prove your innocence. A woeful situation for anyone wanting to speak out.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    average_joe (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:30am

    The blog post and all the comments were made before the SPEECH Act was signed into law. Are you sure the Act protects you?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:35am

      Re:

      I would have thought that was immaterial as the lawsuit was filed in the present, not the past....

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:55am

      Re:

      The blog post and all the comments were made before the SPEECH Act was signed into law. Are you sure the Act protects you?

      The law concerns legal judgments. Any legal judgment on this would occur after the law was passed. Thus, we are protected. Of course, even without the law, there would be a problem enforcing this due to lack of jurisdiction, but the new law just makes it that much clearer.

      FYI, we also had two well regarded lawyers in this particular field review this response before posting it, and both were emphatic that we are clearly protected, and this is exactly what the new law protects.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Martinhalstead, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:31am

    Addlestone Keane

    there's a rundown of the law form at
    http://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/Detail.aspx?r=5277

    "Niche commercial practice advising PLCs, substantial private clients and companies across a broad range including sport, merger and acquisition, and employment." Presumably includes incompetence in international law.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Clide, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:33am

    According to what I remember, in some European countries, if you sue somebody, you have to go to the sued party's jurisdiction. As such, I wouldn't be surprised if UK laws did not apply in this case.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:31pm

      Re:

      Shhh..don't say that. the English will tell you loud and clear the LAST thing they are is European!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:37am

    i'd love to see a "legal threats" archive, like TPB has :)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Dave, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:37am

    Streisand Effect

    Wow, what you seem to be getting is standard lawyer procedure. Issue a threat intended to scare you, and then get the "good cop" to ask politely. They hope to have softened you up into capitulating. Then they don't have to spend any more time or money, and they will have won. How transparent, and how totally stupid.

    These shysters are the same, whatever country they come from.

    Maybe everybody here should reprint the "offensive" part elsewhere, that would be quite amusing, and give them the Streisand Effect that they richly deserve!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    darryl, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:37am

    New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

    what about "the crime' being committed before this new "yanks are allowed to say what they like" laws that have recently been introduced.

    Im sure that new law will not be retroactive..

    BTW: do you know how stupid that new law sounds to anyone who is not American. What are you saying ? if you are in America you can say what you like about anyone else, or anything else because of your "free speech" thing ?

    WOW, talk about ego's !!

    The US is internationally on the nose anyway, I suppose this could not make things much worse..

    Also the US being able to say what they like to other countries or people, is a US LAW.

    If your web page is available in the UK, you are acting under UK law, so you might only get blocked to the UK.

    But it would be fun, and interesting to see it tested in court. Under UK law !!

    You refused to take down this post, and you wonder why he took it further !!. What is there to wonder about, what other choices did he have.

    As for racist comments, you should be able to remove offending material, and take a little responsibility for your posts. And you would be surprised at what some people will believe, or mabey not, as you say some 'off the wall' stuff yourself, that is often 'believed' by your followers.

    Those who do not wish to think and enquire for themselves.

    And allthough you say you will not remover posts when asked, you will certainly remove posts that you dont like yourself. Double standards ?

    (or will this post also be removed because you dont agree?).

    But using the Constitution as your took to be an international bully and mouth, is not a good look for the US. Considering their (your) track record over the past 10 or so years.

    So its ok to use the constatution for your own gains, but when it comes to Muslum community centre near the 911 site, you quickly want to forget that prized constatution to get your own way..

    US law is not internation law, and the US are not the police governing system for the planet.

    So why expect the rest of the world to abide by your laws, if you will not abide by their laws.

    And if you are in the WEB in the UK are ARE IN THE UK, and subject to UK law.
    (they might extradite you for a freebee trip the london!!,, but not to see the Queen..).. :)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:59am

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      Thank you for demonstrating your complete lack of knowledge about anything except comedy, Darryl.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        interval (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:23pm

        Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

        @darryl: "...yanks are allowed to say what they like..."

        Yep.

        Or; explain to me how enacting some kind of "sticks and stones" law makes everyone safer?

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Brendan (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:00pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      You use a lot of words without saying anything relevant. That amuses me.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      RadialSkid, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:03pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      Mike didn't break the laws of the country he operated in, so therefore he can't be punished in a nation that he doesn't operate in. What's so hard to comprehend?

      Do you think anyone who operates a pornographic site should be prosecuted in Iran, since such material likely breaks the law there?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        ferridder, 27 Aug 2010 @ 10:29pm

        Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

        Don't you think that the Iranian Mullahs will prosecute, given half a chance?
        Same thing in the UK: if it can be proven that the libel was transmitted to the UK, then the UK claims jurisdiction. In related news, the Daily Show geoblocks UK.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Poster, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:03pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      You're an even bigger idiot that the guy this post is about.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Not even an american, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:04pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      But you're still an ingnorant troglodyte homunculus.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      ChronoFish (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:04pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      Cool - I'm in a web in the UK. If only I could get past this glass to see the sites....

      -CF

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      DanG, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:08pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      "And if you are in the WEB in the UK are ARE IN THE UK, and subject to UK law."

      Do you even know how the Internet works? He's (presumably) hosting this page on a webserver in the US. Why should he have to conform to dumb laws in other countries? If other countries don't like what they see on the web then they should stop accessing outside servers (like China -- not that I endorse that option at all, it's just the only one that makes sense).

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Theoden, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:12pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      I can't help but think that English (UK or US version) is not darryl's native language.

      Get a grip darryl, it sounds like too much caffeine leaked through your tin foil hat this morning.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      interval (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:20pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      I'm constantly amazed by you cats in Europe who don't get the free speech thing here.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Palmyra (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 3:26pm

        Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

        Dangers of not having a written constitution.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          ferridder, 27 Aug 2010 @ 10:35pm

          Re: Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

          The USA is not the only country with a written constitution, in case you did not know.

          Moreover, t's mostly the British colonies that use Common Law. Continental Europe uses Civil Law, which is much more explicit.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:29pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      I know this is utterly pointless BUT do you know a damned thing about International Law, English Common Law (not the same as Scottish Common Law by the way), the legislative process in the United States, the UK or anywhere else?

      There are many things that this Canuck finds uncomfortable about things like US Foreign policy, over reaction to any number of things, it's belief that it's blessed about all states and so on. That doesn't blind me to the fact that the United States Constitution is a seminal document in the development of freedom and liberty not only in the USA but in Canada, England, Scotland and globally on a par with Magna Charta and the battle that established that the legislature (Commons) not the government controlled the purse strings of a nation.

      I hear your nurse coming in to put your straight jacket on now so we'll get some rest from your lunacy.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous from US, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:32pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      OK asshole. We invented the internet and we can take it back. See where that gets you!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        'lanthiras, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:05pm

        Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

        "OK asshole. We invented the internet and we can take it back. See where that gets you!"

        He may be an asshole and yes, americans invented the iwebs but what I am curious about is how you're planning to 'take' internet back? Sure, you can shut it down but that will only shut it down for the US and leave the other 96% of the world mostly unaffected. And ofc there are a few vital functions that the iwebs need that are located in the US and it'll take a few days for the backups to get online during witch time the world might experience some slowdowns but that's about it :)

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          JC, 27 Aug 2010 @ 8:29am

          Re: Re: Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

          Is witch time like regular time, or does it have magical properties which allow it to function differently?

          link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:34pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      Is it really that difficult to understand that us "yanks" and our "free speech thing" is an integral part of why America was founded?


      You go ahead and keep being proud of your society that takes away your freedoms. I'll take my U.S. Constitution any day over the Tyranny that you so happily accept.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      PRMan, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:43pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      I'm pretty sure Mike is in America. But you may be right about the comment coming before the law...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Damian (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:05pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      So Mike doesn't have to bother with you, I'm gonna respond for him.

      "or will this post also be removed because you dont agree?)."
      Techdirt only remove spam posts. There have been countless comments that Masnick doesn't agree with, but he doesn't delete them: instead, he'll more than likely respond.

      "You refused to take down this post, and you wonder why he took it further !!. What is there to wonder about, what other choices did he have." Mike has already stated why he didn't take it down, he has no legal obligation to do so.

      "And allthough you say you will not remover posts when asked, you will certainly remove posts that you dont like yourself. Double standards ?" Again, Techdirt only remove spam and he doesn't remove posts he doesn't like.

      "So its ok to use the constatution for your own gains, but when it comes to Muslum community centre near the 911 site, you quickly want to forget that prized constatution to get your own way.. " Emm, what are you talking about? As far I know, Techdirt haven't done an article on that topic, and I don't think it will, since it has nothing to do with technology, law or any of the other pertinent topics Techdirt like to write about.

      "US law is not internation law, and the US are not the police governing system for the planet.

      So why expect the rest of the world to abide by your laws, if you will not abide by their laws." Look up ACTA on this site, and read Masnick's many posts on it. It's basically an attempt to extend US copyright law around the world, which Masnick is against. So I don't know why you're complaining about this.

      "And if you are in the WEB in the UK are ARE IN THE UK, and subject to UK law." By your logic, if I write the following sentence 'Islam is a shite religion and all who follow it are idiots' and someone in Saudi Arabia reads it online, then I must be subject to Saudi law, and be put to death, for dishonouring Islam. Masnick and Techdirt are based in the US. Techdirt is served from a US server. Sure, Britain can block it, if the site is deemed illegal, (which it hasn't) and again, as Masnick quoted, he is protected by both US and UK laws against cases such as this. So either UK law doesn't apply, and he's protected, or UK law does apply, and he's protected again anyway.


      "As for racist comments, you should be able to remove offending material, and take a little responsibility for your posts." Masnick has no responsibility for posts here. Technically, he doesn't even have to remove spam, but does so. Racist comments are the fault of whoever writes them. Oh, and watch this clip of Penn and Teller
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPhje8wepyg&feature=related

      You do not have a right not to be offended. As P & T, say, if material offends you, get away from it. As a non-theist, I'm offended by religions claimning to be the One Truth, and the path to God. But I don't go out and say they can't write about it anymore.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:20pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      The Crime in question is a fraudulent lawsuit in a foreign country.

      Jeff the Morris Dancer had better develop a thicker skin or a deeper pocket to pay all those legal types unprincipled enough to take his money for a suit they know they can't possibly recover anything from.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      romeosidvicious (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:19pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      what about "the crime' being committed before this new "yanks are allowed to say what they like" laws that have recently been introduced. Im sure that new law will not be retroactive.. BTW: do you know how stupid that new law sounds to anyone who is not American. What are you saying ? if you are in America you can say what you like about anyone else, or anything else because of your "free speech" thing ? WOW, talk about ego's !!

      Firstly the new law applies to lawsuits and not content so it covers this threat of a lawsuit regardless of the age of the post or comment in question. Secondly you apparently do not understand U.S. law regarding free speech. You can say anything at any time about anything with few restrictions. If the things you are saying could be damaging, and the offended party must be able to prove damages, then you may cross the line into libel or slander depending on the medium however if the statements made are true then you have a defense. If what you say is opinion and not represented as fact you also have a defense against lawsuits. There are other situations but they don't apply here. In fact the two situations mentioned don't apply here because Mike did not say the things that have offended Mr. Morris. The things in question were said by posters on this website and Mike is protected from liability for comments made on the site by U.S. law which is one thing that makes this lawsuit laughable. The new law to which Mike refers only aims to keep U.S. citizens from having their rights violated by foreign laws.
      The US is internationally on the nose anyway, I suppose this could not make things much worse.. Also the US being able to say what they like to other countries or people, is a US LAW. If your web page is available in the UK, you are acting under UK law, so you might only get blocked to the UK. But it would be fun, and interesting to see it tested in court. Under UK law !!
      You are dead wrong on your statement that if your webpage is available in the UK then you are subject to UK law. Jurisdiction depends on where the server is physically located which, in this case, is in the U.S. so British law does not apply to Mike's site. The only enforceable judgement, provided Mike doesn't travel to the UK, is the site being blocked in the UK which I am not sure happens anyway. The UK has absolutely no right to try and apply its laws to citizens of the United States who are operating legally and physically inside of the U.S. and you speak of the arrogance of Americans? For the UK to think they can apply their laws to citizens outside of their country is much more arrogant than US citizens practicing their right to free speech.
      You refused to take down this post, and you wonder why he took it further !!. What is there to wonder about, what other choices did he have.
      He could have gone after the actual culpable parties which are the people that made the posts. Mike is not legally responsible for the posts made by others on Techdirt. You may be used to living without freedom or protection of speech but here in the US we take that sort of thing seriously. Attempts could have been made prior to the threat of a lawsuit which Mike clearly states was the first action. Mr. Morris's attorneys decided that attempting to file suit without any way to enforcement a judgement would be a good first step. There were other options.
      As for racist comments, you should be able to remove offending material, and take a little responsibility for your posts. And you would be surprised at what some people will believe, or mabey not, as you say some 'off the wall' stuff yourself, that is often 'believed' by your followers. Those who do not wish to think and enquire for themselves. And allthough you say you will not remover posts when asked, you will certainly remove posts that you dont like yourself. Double standards ?
      Have you read any of the comments on the years old post to which this threat is related. The "racist" comments are comments accusing Mr. Morris of giving preference to Jewish employees. The only racism in the thread is accusations thereof. And furthermore why should Mike take them down? Isn't it better to address filth like racism, or accusations of racism, in public where refutation can occur or is it preferable to sweep it under the rug? Mike is taking responsibility for his posts he is just not, nor is he required to, take responsibility for other's comments on his posts. And Mike doesn't remove posts he doesn't like he removes spam which is another matter entirely. There are tons of posts which disagree with Mike all over this site and some of them are quite well thought out and well reasoned but they still stand. It's just a guess but I predict your idiotic post will stay just like all the rest all over the site.
      But using the Constitution as your took to be an international bully and mouth, is not a good look for the US. Considering their (your) track record over the past 10 or so years.
      Constitutional freedoms are why the US has a less than stellar international reputation. In fact some of the reasons can be argued to be a violation of the very same. We have had some bad leaders and that's not debatable but whatever the idiots in Washington do or look like no foreign government is allowed to trample on the rights of US citizens and we just passed another law to make sure of it. Sorry if that offends you. Ok I am not sorry but it sounded good at the time.
      So its ok to use the constatution for your own gains, but when it comes to Muslum community centre near the 911 site, you quickly want to forget that prized constatution to get your own way..
      I don't see anyone in the US government threatening to pass laws to prevent the mosque from being built. What you see if public outcry which is well within the rights of the people. You can say what you want but I have the right call you on your bullshit. Just like the folks wanting to build a mosque have a right to build it anywhere they own land, depending on zoning which I think is stupid anyway, I have the right to tell them they are being inconsiderate assholes for building it where they are. Neither of us has violated the rights of the other. They offend me by building where they want to build but I would take up arms if the federal government told them they couldn't but until that happens I'll keep calling them assholes and hoping they build somewhere else. You apparently have no grasp of how freedom actually works.
      US law is not internation law, and the US are not the police governing system for the planet.
      You are right. And British law is not international law and the British are not the governing system for the planet which is why the US passed laws protecting its citizens from being subject to oppressive laws from other countries. The British don't get to come and enforce their laws on Americans. If you think they can and can get away with just look at the history of the United States. They did it once and we are still making sure no-one else can do it again. Of course our own leaders are whittling away our rights but that's another story.
      So why expect the rest of the world to abide by your laws, if you will not abide by their laws.
      We don't expect the rest of the world to abide by our laws. We expect them to respect our laws on our soil which is all this hoopla is about. Some British twat has threatened an American with British law to which he is not subject and now we are laughing at the British twat.
      (they might extradite you for a freebee trip the london!!,, but not to see the Queen..).. :)
      You are wrong about jurisdiction here. Mike is US citizen and the server is in the US which makes him subject only to US law. The US government wouldn't allow British laws to be enforced in the US for something that is perfectly legal in the US and happened in US jurisdiction and to even think for a second they would allow an extradition based on a case like this is lunacy. I know I am not supposed to feed the trolls but I couldn't help it this time...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Niall (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:34pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      This is nothing to do with US law/arrogance taking over the world. That's a whole 'nother world of arguments (ACTA?). What it is, is about a stupid over-reaching British law that is massively abused within the UK and stupendously abused outside it. You've got it so backward - here is about BRITISH law being over-reaching and arrogant "OMGZ someone in Britain MIGHT have read this drivel, quick let's sue them no matter where in the world they are!"

      Whilst I despise the US's cowardly avoidance of international norms (minefield treaties, international criminal responsibility), this law makes complete sense given the stupid, biased laws and countries out there. It's embarrassing that the UK is one of the causes of this law being necessary, rather than some tinpot dictatorship.

      There is also the over-reaction idiocy - why remove the entire site? That's like blocking the entire News of the World because they 'libel' one person.... waiiiiit ;)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Ceseuron, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:48pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      TechDirt is based in the United States and is NOT subject to UK Law. Furthermore, I think it will be unlikely in the most extreme sense of the word that the UK will extradite any of TechDirt's owners, members, or affiliates over what amounts to nothing more than one ignorant blowhard getting his feathers ruffled over a six year old blog post.

      Your asinine conclusion that TechDirt is subject to UK law because it's accessible via the Web shows you have absolutely no education in any form of law, UK or US or otherwise. I recommend you at least make some feeble attempt at even the most minimal research on the subject of law in both your own country and the US before you open your mouth and make a fool out of yourself. Thus far, all you've managed to prove is that you're basically a European version of Jack Thompson, without the law degree...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 6:08pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      You have absolutely zero knowledge of international law, right?

      "If your web page is available in the UK, you are acting under UK law,"

      No------ There is actually no consent to jurisdiction when citizens of another country reach out into the US to access a US based server, but why spoil a good anti-US rant with legal realities?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 6:50pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      Darryl is the new TAM!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      aukxsona (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 9:10pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      LMAO LMAO this is funny. Do you seriously believe this crap you type? Using our Constitution doesn't look good for the US considering our track record?

      1.) THIS is a US based business. Sure they can block it and may be prevent him from entering the country (UK)... that's it. Our courts would laugh at the very idea of this suit. I think we went to war to not have to deal with British arse holes. It would be well received to snub UK courts in this fashion over a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. Then they would fine the bringer for "spurious" law suits. They did that recently to another panty waste here in the US over a similar whiny ass problem.

      2.) As far as extradition... you're funny. We have not extradited over an internet libel case EVER. Keep dreaming. He is not a subject of the Queen, nor subject to UK law. HE pays US taxes, and as such has only the expectation to follow US law. As such, suck it up...you're getting jack. I know people that would lay down their life to ensure it too. Our ancestors did, and we sure as fuck will too.

      As far as the Mosque, our government fought FOR the Mosque, but our people are not for it. That is not a legal question, but rather a moral one. Legally the Mosque has the right, morally and sensitivities wise...yeah not gonna make friends anytime soon. In fact, I think it's pissing the people off frankly. That doesn't mean we are wrong, in fact the system is WORKING as the government is protecting the rights of the Mosque to build. But I can't guarantee the owners will be happy once they succeed, because well violence is already happening. My personal opinion, they are jerks... and once we have a Memorial to ALL that fell regardless of religion, no religion should be represented.

      That's right, US is NOT international law, and neither is the fucking UK. Since it's our home boy, having a site on our soil, it's our fucking law. Deal with it.

      As far as the web operation in the UK etc... we have laws against selling prescription drugs, but we bend it for your British sites that sell them to US customers without prescription, so STFU. Should we start extraditing every pharmacy in the UK that doesn't have a script from a US doctor for their US patients? Oh this could get uglier actually. May be we should round up your extremists and GITMO them, since we aren't at war with the UK it isn't a "prisoner of war" issue...and it will get rid of some radical elements in the world.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      BearGriz72 (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 4:21am

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      and this is my other brother Darryl...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2010 @ 12:17pm

      Re: New law but old crime.. its not going to protect you..

      1. At first I thought that you were just ignorant but I've come to another conclusion and won't make any statements on your intelligence.
      2. They, as Americans, can say what whatever they like in their country.
      3. While it is true that this website is available in the UK, it is still a US website and subject to US law.
      4. As for him not taking down the post... thank goodness he doesn't have to answer to the whim of every person he's annoyed over the years.
      5. If you have shady business practices and a website points them out, try changing your business practices, not suing them so others don't find out about it. (Yay for free speech).
      6. You say they use the constitution to their own gains, and point out the plight of the Muslims building a center in NY near the terrorists attacks. What you fail to realize is that it is a minority of people making a stink, and it is gaining as much media attention in the US in favor of building the center. Such is the beauty of the American process -- some people might object to something, but it will be found without merit, and the few religious/old/backwards people that are making a stink will have to shut up and color.
      7. As far as thinking people of the US "expect the rest of the world to abide by your laws" once again you clearly misunderstand the law. The law forces no one to abide by theirs, but protects US citizens from the laws of other countries. If you don't like the website avoid it, or if there is a legitimate problem a government can blacklist it.
      8. The more I read this the more baffled I get over your reasoning. If make a website that offends an English businessman I will not be sent to England to face charges. Likewise if I make a website that offends a Muslim government (pictures of Mohamed anyone?) I will not have to face such a silly charge.

      If you are a troll, then you are a troll of epic proportion and I bid you good day.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    bigLol, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:46am

    big lol @ Legal Threat

    LOL

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:53am

    interesting. along with the scriptures and tom jones lyrics someone posted "bartleby the scrivener" by herman melville. it's a good story, a nice commentary on the meaningless drudgery of corporate slavery. it's almost like a 19th century postmodernist piece. it's crazy. read it.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    ReallyEvilCanine, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:55am

    If they're British then cite a British case

    I suggest quoting Arkell v. Pressdram (1971).

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Free Capitalist (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:57am

    Jeffrey Morris, The Loser

    Jeffrey Morris, The Almighty has a message he wants you to deliver to the people of the Internet:

    Thou Shalt Not Google Thyself
    (nor thy neighbor's wife, nor his oxen, nor his neighbor's smart-phone)

    Vanity, not curiosity, killed the cat.

    I have no idea who Jeffrey Morris is, but all the readings I'm getting point to "Jeffrey Morris is a fucking tosser".

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:05pm

      Re: Jeffrey Morris, The Loser

      I googled myself once. I found some cool stuff: my own blog, my old high school volleyball statistics/records, some old articles covering my team.

      But then there were a bunch of links claiming (ironically in this thread) that I was part of a Jewish banker conspiracy aimed at overthrowing sovereign governments and installing a world government plutocracy.

      It took me a while to figure out that my name and pronunciation is close to Timothy Geithner....

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Teh Fair and Balanced Blogger, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:59am

    Oooh. Let's Datamine

    Hmmm. Mike, have you considered leaking your entire comment and story database online?

    Do you want *ME* to? It's not complete, but it has 380,000 rows of comments.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:38pm

      Re: Oooh. Let's Datamine

      It already is online? The database is google/msn/askjeeves, and it's working fine.

      But if you want it online just torrent it.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    sarah_layton, 26 Aug 2010 @ 11:59am

    Did he just get served?

    I believe he did.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Simon, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:03pm

    Response...

    Dear Addlestone Keane

    We are very excited that your client wishes to participate in our CwF+RtB program.

    Unfortunately we are unable to process the order at this time as you appear to omitted payment.

    Please review the details at http://www.techdirt.com/rtb.php?tid=100000000 and send a cheque for $1M USD. Upon clearance of the funds, we will happily proceed with closing techdirt.com for a year.

    Sincerely

    MM

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Hephaestus (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:09pm

      Re: Response...

      Dude its $100M USD not $1M

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Simon, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:19pm

        Re: Re: Response...

        Dude its $100M USD not $1M
        Ah-ha! That explains it, those metric cheques are too small for that big a number.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Dark Helmet (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:12pm

      Re: Response...

      For the love of all things holy, Mike, PLEASE send this off as a response....

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Killer_Tofu (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:23pm

      Re: Response...

      I think this comes up as the best response possible. You did give them a way to do it Mike. Now is your chance to cash out and retire early!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Killer_Tofu (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:25pm

        Re: Re: Response...

        Oh, I do want to add though that if Techdirt went away I would be sad panda. So, if you do decide to retire early you have to let somebody else run things after the year is up so the site can continue on!

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:33pm

          Re: Re: Re: Response...

          Maybe he can close techdirt and open a competing sight with a suspiciously similar layout and content: Techdort. Edited by Mark Mansick.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Brian (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:41pm

      Re: Response...

      BUT remember its only for one year. I think these people are talking about an eternity or until the client passes which could be a while depending on the persons age. So maybe a group discount of 20 years for 1 billion dollars?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:03pm

    I went to the original post linked to have a quick look at the comments that so upset Morris and decided not to when met with a number in the hundreds.

    No wonder it took six years to find them!

    Any bets that within a day or two all I'll have to look for on Google are Jeffery Morris and Techdirt and every one of them will be linked?

    Quite beyond the painfully obvious stupidity as noted by Mike it seems libel trolls are about as stupid as the copyright/patent trolls we encounter here. Maybe more so.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    iamtheky (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:05pm

    on the original post: the first 19 comments were all made by the same individual, and you could not find anyway at all to contact the submitter?

    I'll give you a hint: (its probably that guy)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Bob, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:07pm

    Maybe we can get the Swedish Pirate Party to host TechDirt. ;-)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:08pm

    is this the Addlestone Keane that raped his children and then sold or traded them to carpet dealers for CHILD PORN? Or is this the Addlestone Keane that killed 20 nuns in a fit of cocaine rage? Or is this the Addlestone Keane that was rated the worst lawyer in modern times? I'm not sure, but someone told me never ever to use something called an Addlestone Keane ever. Is this the same Addlestone Keane? I will have to ask my friend Streisand to see if this is true, especially about the Jews!!!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Teh Fair and Balanced Blogger, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:12pm

    Can't you just put up a notice that says "This Speech Is Not Available in Your Country" like what happens when you try to watch The Colbert Report from Australia?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    interval (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:16pm

    Do I have this right?

    Some cat in the UK is offended by some racist comments made in a TechDirt item from 2 years ago, and so wants the entire site down? What am I missing here???

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Free Capitalist (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:28pm

      Re: Do I have this right?

      What am I missing here???


      Ooh ooh, I know... "Jeffrey Morris is a fucking tosser!"

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      TtfnJohn (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:35pm

      Re: Do I have this right?

      That this guy is a clone of George The Utterly, Completely, Droolingly Mad III?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Dlang123, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:17pm

    Good thing they don't have Reputation Defender

    If he had Reputation Defender, they remove unflattering info from the internet....

    Is this the dumbest company you have ever heard of or what? Constant commercials on satellite radio.. my first thoughts were are people dumb enough to fall for this? Then I realized, heck, I'm paying for radio.. so I guess yes.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    ECA (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:22pm

    Lets see.

    As with TV in the past, it was a suggestion..IF you dont like whats ON, turn the channel.
    I wonder HOW he found it? He looked up his own name randomly? And found it?
    This is as bad as Channel changing, and finding a SHOW you dont like. CHANGE the channel.

    I would also suggest an IDEA..
    Send a request for a Flight ticket to goto the Judgment. Make it 2 way. Or at least request it from the Judge.
    It should not be on YOUR HEAD, to get to England.
    Get a free trip.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:31pm

    I think more interesting is this law firm now has a permanent record of "false accusation" on its hands. Eventually this may end up as the #1 hit for a google search for this firm's name, which may have long-term ramifications for future clients, even current clients may reconsider. Clients, if you are reading this, seriously think hard if you want a firm that ruined their clients reputation representing you in the future.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:32pm

    Re: Re: Re: Response...

    >>Oh, I do want to add though that if Techdirt went away I would be sad panda.

    So... You're a furry too?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Killer_Tofu (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:47pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Response...

      No, just a phrase used in conversation.
      I almost missed this reply as being to me.
      Did that phrase originate with the furrys? I just heard a friend say it a couple years back and it sounded funny.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:14pm

        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Response...

        It originated with South Park. Sexual Harassment Panda.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    TDL, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:34pm

    From a Techdirt lover:

    FUCK YOU!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Crosbie Fitch (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:35pm

    DMCA coming soon

    Given this "Post anti-Semitic comments, then sue" shot has failed to remove the defamatory material that is the real objective, I suspect that the Tom Jones lyrics may well be used as the subject of a DMCA take down - as the next strategy.

    Perhaps it's already been tried and failed? I suppose it's a simple matter to delete the comment.

    Of course, there is a strategy that even Mike will agree has a good chance of shutting TechDirt down for at least a year, and that's the CwF+RtB sanction. No-one's had deep enough pockets to go for it yet...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Streisand, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:36pm

    Nuff said.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    SUNWARD (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:36pm

    suggestions

    First, it may be time to close comments after a period of time, say 3 months. Or have them approved after a period of time.

    Ban the users posting long comments.

    Lawyer is kind of foolish.

    As Techdirt is in the US, the lawsuit should be in the US.

    Surprised he didn't say the letter was copyright!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Tanner, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:40pm

    I feel bad for you poor people

    I feel very bad for those in other countries. I didn't realize that in Australia it is illegal to speak again the queen. Serious that is such crap. I really do value the first amendment and the constitution as it specifically allows you to speak against the government. In the UK you can't speak against a persons religion. I really do feel bad for you guys. I would have been in jail like 8 times just today. Whooopse.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    John Doe, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:47pm

    Streisand is in full effect!

    Google Addlestone Keane and you will find this blog post near the top of the results. While Jeffrey Morris doesn't show in the first page, you will surely get their from the Addlestone Keane search. Keep up the good work Addlestone Keane.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:49pm

    Re: Re: Oooh Let's Datamine!

    >> It already is online? The database is google/msn/askjeeves, and it's working fine. But if you want it online just torrent it.

    No man, It's totally going online for people who want to setup T-Shirt selling scraper blogs and want to make it big in the Adsense business.

    Cha-Ching!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    ofb2632 (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:50pm

    Be proactive!! Sue them for harassment and for mental distress!!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 12:59pm

    @killertofu

    no its from southparks 'sexual harassment panda' episode.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:03pm

    This video pretty much sums it up.

    Mike is a real life Leslie Nielson

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSjK2Oqrgic

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    john, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:06pm

    The UK is free to do what it wants in the UK; the SPEECH Act means that the US doesn't have to help them--that is, it won't enforce UK judgments.

    The issue of whether a country has jurisdiction over something is up to *that country* to decide. There are principles of international law, but national courts and legislatures decide in the end the extent of their own jurisdiction.

    Even operating under the fiction that international law is "real," while international law hasn't kept up with the web, but I'm pretty sure that every county does have "jurisdiction" over a website to the extent that a website is accessible in its country, and it can even issue jail sentences to the operators of websites that are located in foreign countries. This is what Italy *just did* to the Google execs.

    But no other country has to pay any attention to that. It's like declaring yourself emperor of your cubicle.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      minijedimaster (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 6:52pm

      Re:

      "It's like declaring yourself emperor of your cubicle."

      LOL... I'll have to find a way to use this in everyday conversation. I have just the person to use it on too.....

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    anonymous coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:09pm

    Your response should be...

    "Dear Sir,

    In response to your notice, we would cite the defendant's response in Arkell v. Pressdram.

    Thanks."

    http://countlazarus.wordpress.com/2006/11/20/arkell-v-pressdram/

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Jeffy, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:17pm

    Why not reply with...

    Why not reply with:

    "Eat a dick"

    ?

    I think that would be an excellent way to enforce negative punishment on them, as it would frustrate them to the point of thinking twice before filing frivolous lawsuits against US companies.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    NullOp, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:18pm

    Opinion

    Much to the dislike of the small minded people in the world, people have and, by law, are allowed to have opinions. In some countries it is even legal to state your opinion in writing. I guess some would like to live in a country much like old Iraq where stating an opinion could easily get you jailed if not killed. Mostly the mini-minds just want THEIR opinions honored because yours are obviously wrong. I suspect whoever threatened TechDirt wanted to throw out their concern and instantly have TechDirt comply with their wishes as they have a lawyer to speak for them. Obviously this person has NO awareness of the law! Laws are often enacted to keep the frivolous among us contained!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    mjb5406 (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:26pm

    Look at the bright side...

    Your site COULD have been named Techbook and Mark Zuckerburg could be breathing down your throat. All you have to deal with now is a bunch of powdered-wigged solicitors with bad teeth.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    Jimr (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:27pm

    SPEECH Act

    Since SPEECH Act remuneration for attorneys' fees can all the commenter on this thread be considered consultants? Can we seek payment for our time and effort in posting?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Free Capitalist (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:52pm

      Re: SPEECH Act

      It would seem only darryl has come out "Pro Boner" on this thread. (I wonder if its pronounced dar-ILL?)


      (See what I did with the Internet there Jeffrey? Boner.. haha that's you)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    daunorubicin, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:28pm

    Sad really

    Lol, I know that building.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Adolph, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:32pm

    Eat me

    Dear Mr. Morris,
    Suck my circumcision scar.
    Mel Gibson was right.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    tomh, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:37pm

    You could also mention...

    You could also mention the people in the UK who are trying to reform the stupid liable laws: http://www.libelreform.org/#

    Hopefully something will come of it soon

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    mikeinrichmond (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:39pm

    Mr. Morris, you may be a circumcised penis, but a penis nontheless.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:43pm

    Let's assume this lawsuit has an ulterior motive. Anyone who reads Techdirt knows of the streisand effect (in fact, if you start to type in 'streisand' in google, it suggest the effect *before* it even suggests her). This lawsuit obviously has zero chance of succeeding in any respect. But it very obviously was going to result in a post and draw a lot of attention to the individual, or more importantly to the brand new law.

    But sadly, Occam's razor usually helps dumb people cut themselves so face value it is!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    MorrisDance, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:51pm

    This topic needs more Morris Dance

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ytMspgJ5A

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 1:54pm

    what about "the crime' being committed before this new "yanks are allowed to say what they like" laws that have recently been introduced.

    Im sure that new law will not be retroactive..

    BTW: do you know how stupid that new law sounds to anyone who is not American. What are you saying ? if you are in America you can say what you like about anyone else, or anything else because of your "free speech" thing ?

    WOW, talk about ego's !!




    I'm pretty sure most of the comments in question were posted by Brits.

    But thanks for playing.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Dan, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:21pm

    Hopefully someone can illustrate the end of libel tourism to the UK with the cowardly, disgusting and freedom-negating behaviour of almost all Western news organisations towards Sheikh Khalid bin Mahfouz.

    http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2009/09/the-end-of-libel-tourism/

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 2:48pm

    Now go away or I will mock you a second time!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    John Collins, 26 Aug 2010 @ 3:33pm

    Addlestone Keane

    They don't have a website or one that works anyhow. If you look at their offices on Google Earth it's clearly a tiny firm in rented offices alongside several other firms without even their nameplate on the door.

    The libel lawyers all hang out in London.

    These people aren't worth any time being spent on them as far as I can see.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Matt, 26 Aug 2010 @ 3:56pm

    UK Libel Laws

    As a resident of the UK, can I just take a moment to apologise for our absolutely preposterous libel laws. They are, frankly, a joke, and I commend the fact you've passed laws to protect yourselves from them. They're simply an unruly beast the government after government has failed to curb. Good luck with giving this particular complaint the finger.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Annoyed Reader, 26 Aug 2010 @ 4:23pm

    The world is full of stupid people

    It's always amusing when people pitch a bitch fit about something someone said on the internet. Especially when it's something few people have seen and/or know about. Getting your knickers all in a bunch and demanding the shut down of a website or you'll sue only draws attention, All you are doing Mr. Morris is bringing attention to an otherwise hardly noticed comment on a 6 year old thread, Happy now?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Techdirt, 26 Aug 2010 @ 4:58pm

    Typical jewish scumbags trying to censor the internet

    Techdirt will not bow down to threats from kikes!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    minijedimaster (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 7:00pm

    Possible reply to lawsuit:

    "Chuck Norris"

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    NAMELESS.ONE, 26 Aug 2010 @ 8:02pm

    siting Section 230 of the CDA

    i think the lawyers are shitfor brain morons bent on eating my turds and they love gay porn and fucking goats
    signed
    NamelessOne

    p.s. SUCK MY LEFT NUT DOUCHE BAG LAWYERS , i screwed all yoru wives in the ass

    ------------
    thats my reply

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 8:24pm

    Pass more popcorn, bitch!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    G Thompson (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 8:38pm

    Not sure about this, but if they initiate legal proceedings in the UK.. no matter how misguided and unattainable under the new SPEECH Act, since they think they can do whatever they normally anyway, could you perchance have a counter claim under the Californian Anti-SLAP act?

    Could be one of those "short sharp shock" (or "slap up the backside of the head") moments for the UK libel solicitors/industry that they so surely need at the moment.

    Though looking at what Mr J Morris allegedly does you might leave yourself open for a whole lot of SPAM, that is unless you have the secure Leak proof and Spam proof [tries not to laugh] email system they were flogging off years ago that even got talked about in the Grokster case

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    G Thompson (profile), 26 Aug 2010 @ 8:42pm

    Oh and before I forget. For those UK Solicitors who are guaranteed to be reading this..

    My response/reply to you (and I'm sure Techdirt's is as well though they are too polite to say so) is the same reply as in Arkell v. Pressdram (1971) UK [unreported]

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 26 Aug 2010 @ 10:44pm

    L.......OOO..L.....
    L......O...O.L.....
    L......O...O.L.....
    L......O...O.L.....
    LLLLLL..OOO..L LLLLL

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    freddy b chops, 27 Aug 2010 @ 12:09am

    this site is just like slapshod slasdot

    Really this site is ALMOST as dumb assed as Slashdot itself it is full of biggoted yanks that spend all day playing five knuckle shuffle without the first idea .
    That so called SPEECH act is a load of baloney designed to allow loud mouthed yanks to say what the hell they want and THINK they can get away with it , Well i got news for ya open your gob wide and step outside the usa see how long you last before you are rotting in some deep dark crap hole i can guarentee it wont be long that goes for all of you right up to the pres super power my aunt fanny micro dick more like that why all the viagra adds are yank based you need them

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 6:00am

      Re: this site is just like slapshod slasdot

      What you just said is illegal in North Korea. Someone there just read it, so please report to jail immediately. Thank you.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    techflaws.org (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 1:34am

    idle threats are so boring

    Really this site is ALMOST as dumb assed as Slashdot itself it is full of biggoted yanks that spend all day playing five knuckle shuffle without the first idea .

    Right, so although you seem to fit in perfectly just get lost if you don't like it.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Richard, 27 Aug 2010 @ 1:59am

    Protection from other countries' laws

    You have laws protecting you from our laws. Now if only our politicians could develop the backbone to protect us from some of your laws! We seem to have imported the DMCA and are willing to extradite people for all sorts of reasons.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    mhenriday (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 5:08am

    UK libel laws

    Keep on fighting, Mike ; this battle is not only for you and Tech Dirt, but for us all ! In case you are not entirely up-to-date about the UK's absurd libel laws, you might want to check out the website (http://www.simonsingh.net/) of Dr Simon Singh, who's had his dusts with them.... Henri

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 5:51am

    I errr... don't like this Morris fella now.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    TDR, 27 Aug 2010 @ 7:12am

    I have only this to say about Mr. Morris:

    "He's such a smee... He's such a smee... He's such a smee-hee!"

    Nice one, smeghead. You've just shown yourself to be a complete git.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 7:59am

    Those here who choose to post comments that mock the plaintiff using potentially defamatory statements should bear in mind that they do not enjoy the protection of Section 230. This protection extends to the service provider, and not commenters. They would be wise to more carefully measure their words, and techdirt is wise not commenting on their comments. Otherwise, it could place techdirt is a position that could deny it 230's safe harbor.

    The so-called Speech Act does not give me much comfort since it has no track history before the courts. It is ripe for challenge on various consitutional grounds where the likely outcome is anything but certain, not the least of which are principles of Federalism and the associated doctrine of "federal preemption" of state action.

    The same can be said of personal and subject matter jurisdiction by UK courts. Clearly such courts have subject matter jurisdiction, but the scope of personal jurisdiction over a foreign party outside is unclear. Jurisdiction of courts in situations such as yours are much more nuanced that merely saying "I live in the US and the action, if filed, would be before a UK court...so I am home free."

    Frankly, if I was techdirt at the very least I would be in contact with a UK solicitor to discuss the law and options on how best to respond, if at all. After all, this does involve UK law, and reliance on the opinions of US attorneys who are likely not conversant in UK law is, in my view, a roll or the dice and of no moment before a UK tribunal.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2010 @ 6:48am

      Re:

      Yes yes, we all know that you have an extreme aversion to actually having an opinion. Sorry.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2010 @ 8:40am

        Re: Re:

        I have an aversion to expressing opinions on matters of law whenever necessary facts are missing/incomplete.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Free Capitalist (profile), 30 Aug 2010 @ 11:08am

      Re:

      Those here who choose to post comments that mock the plaintiff using potentially defamatory statements should bear in mind that they do not enjoy the protection of Section 230. This protection extends to the service provider, and not commenters. They would be wise to more carefully measure their words, and techdirt is wise not commenting on their comments. Otherwise, it could place techdirt is a position that could deny it 230's safe harbor.

      That doesn't make Jeffrey Morris of Jeftel any less of a fucking twat for all the world to see for having filed the suit in the first place. That's my honest opinion.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Ken, 27 Aug 2010 @ 12:45pm

    Hooray!

    Golly. I'm a lawyer. I've litigated defamation cases. I've won anti-SLAPP motions in the trial court and on appeal. And I'm not clear exactly how "principles of federalism" and the "associated doctrine of federal preemption of state action" would prevent application of the SPEECH Act if the bumptious Brits are foolish enough to try to enforce a judgment in the U.S.

    If they try in federal court, then those concerns are moot. If they try in state court, then (1) they'd face similar state statutes in an increasing number of states -- like California, New York, Illinois, and Florida, and (2) they'd have to come up with some actual authority, not catchphrases. Can the critics of the SPEECH Act point to any cases interpreting prior federal statutes governing recognition of foreign judgments that support the view that the SPEECH Act is subject to attack?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 2:50pm

      Re: Hooray!

      "I'm a lawyer."

      I will take you at your word, in which case I am a bit surprised you seem prepared to accept the Speech Act almost at face value as being a valid and enforceable exercise of federal power under Article 1.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Ken, 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:30pm

        Re: Re: Hooray!

        I'm ready to accept it as a "valid" exercise of power under Article I as defined by all pertinent caselaw existing before United States courts, which have expanded Congress' power to the point that growing your own wheat in your backyard implicates the Commerce Clause.

        I am familiar with, and sympathetic to, arguments that such laws exceed Congressional power under Article I. But as a practitioner, rather than a theoretician, I know that those arguments have approaching zero relevance to actual law practice in actual courts, and will be of no use whatsoever to our Bumptious Brits if they wander over here to challenge the SPEECH Act.

        The argument that the SPEECH Act exceeds Congressional power, however appealing as a matter of philosophy, was lost as a matter of practice more than a half-century ago.

        It would be fascinating to see a Tea Party/British Libel Lawyer axis emerge, though.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

      • icon
        Mike Masnick (profile), 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:40pm

        Re: Re: Hooray!

        I will take you at your word, in which case I am a bit surprised you seem prepared to accept the Speech Act almost at face value as being a valid and enforceable exercise of federal power under Article 1.

        At this point, I've spoken to numerous experts in First Amendment Law, international law, and defamation law... and you are the *only* person who seems to think the SPEECH Act is not valid. I can't find anyone else who has a problem with it.

        So who do we believe? The well respected experts in the field who have actually done stuff, or an anonymous commenter?

        Tough one...

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Ken, 27 Aug 2010 @ 3:55pm

          Re: Re: Re: Hooray!

          Mike, ultimately what will determine a court's approach to the SPEECH Act is not what people on the internet say, or what experts say, but what precedent says.

          If AC is correct, that the SPEECH Act exceeds Congress' power, then there must be cases that stand for that proposition that AC (or someone who agrees with him) can cite.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • icon
            G Thompson (profile), 28 Aug 2010 @ 2:50am

            Re: Re: Re: Re: Hooray!

            Exactly.. Like any Statutes it is Valid until at such time that a court makes it Invalid and the appeal process validates the invalidation..

            Being a non-US citizen I actually applaud the US lawmakers for creating the SPEECH Act and acknowledging that there are jurisdictional problems with international venues and laws when dealing with the insanity that is the internet in regards to other laws. Especially when this Speech Act affects another common Law jurisdiction (UK).

            I myself come across this insanity nearly every week though luckily not in a civil role like Defamation, instead to do with CyberCrime etc. One day we might have a real and binding International Criminal Code, though I think Satan will be wearing Ice Skates first *sigh*

            In regards to this C&D legal nasty, I suspect someone like David Green aka Jack of Kent [http://jackofkent.blogspot.com/] would be highly interested if this went any further within the UK.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 27 Aug 2010 @ 4:56pm

    Importantly, I believe I did not make any statement of opinion on the constitutionality of the Sspeech Act. What I did state is that it is not clear to me that the act is constitutional (and, yes, the federal government in large measure has made a mockery of federalism).

    One aspect of the statute that piques my interest is a congressional mandate that "ties the hands" of state courts.

    Another is the "just like the First Amendment" and "well, not 'just like' but good enough" provisions in the statute.

    There are some others that come to mind, but these are the two that initially caught my attention.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Steve V, 27 Aug 2010 @ 9:56pm

    Good for you!

    F*ck 'em & F*CK the UK.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    fairuse (profile), 28 Aug 2010 @ 8:51am

    My page down key melted

    The academy presents this award; "having the most popular word/phrase in this comment stream".

    streisand = 42

    speech act = 29

    christian = 14

    jewish = 11

    free speech 10

    hitler = 3


    THE WINNER is streisand !! Jane Fonda would be so proud of her.

    Note: Nothing in this comment should be considered peer reviewed. All text can be found in the post if one wishes to verify counts.
    -f

    P.S. No, I was not trying to change the subject. Just looking at key points in the subject matter. ;-)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 30 Aug 2010 @ 10:43am

    i love how much of a tactfull and polite middle finger they sent back to mr. morris

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Luddite, 31 Aug 2010 @ 10:03am

    ces mecs sont des abrutis

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Jakon, 3 Sep 2010 @ 8:39am

    The USA have a good history of not giving in to foreign countries demands so I think even if he takes this all the way, there is nothing that can happen to you personally unless you consent to it.

    The most these lawyers could do is get your domain removed from all UK DNS servers, and make it so your staff can no long visit the UK.

    Big whoop.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    lawn mowers melbourne, 4 Nov 2010 @ 12:11pm

    Excellent post.This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad that I finally came here! Thanks for sharing the such information with us.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    TheRealNews, 3 Jun 2011 @ 4:37pm

    Mr Morris

    If Mr Morris expects sympathy for his business ethics being posted online, he's sorely mistaken. I haven't had time to read all the comments here but I'm quite sure most people know the real score when it comes to his issues. There is still a legal battle in full swing with Morris and his company for the payout of, I believe 13 individuals who haven't been paid various amounts for full months worked at his last company.

    It's a tiring process going through the legal system to try and get money from an ex employer, and when they are as devious as Morris with his little team of legal boffins it only gets worse. All this talk of libel- surely it's only libel if the comments aren't true? Morris is a business gangster who uses regular people as his own personal bank account. I've kept my silence for as long as I've felt I can but I think its disgraceful that he gets away with setting up any number of shell companies (IMJack PLC is the 'parent' company of IMJack Secure Communications) so that when push comes to shove, no one even knows who it is they should be claiming the money from. Worse still, it's quite clear that Secure Communications is going to be wound up which means seeking payment from the National Redundancy Office. But if they find out Morris has set up YET ANOTHER company in the same building and using the same 'private' information obtained by the IMJack workers, the redundancy office will most likely say the grievance lies with his new company.

    It's about time something bigger was done to expose conmen like Morris, the economy is ridiculously skewed as it is without morally bankrupt fools taking liberties with people who just want to earn a living.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    El Bandido, 1 Sep 2011 @ 6:04am

    Life In New Mexico!

    Hey,

    Whilst researching the above threads I found the following;

    Jeffrey Morris/Bees in Action
    Edugeek Limited has published comments defamatory of Mr Jeffrey Morris and his business Bees In Action on this website. Edugeek Ltd has also posted a link to the Techdirt website which contains substantial material defamatory of Mr Morris, members of his family and his businesses.

    Edugeek Ltd accepts that as a responsible business providing a valuable service to the education sector, it was entirely wrong to post the comments and the link to Techdirt and has removed all the offending material from its website which it undertakes not to publish further. Edugeek Ltd apologies unreservedly to Mr Morris and his family for all distress, damage and embarrassment they have been caused as a result of its actions which it deeply regrets.


    Please note this apology is not to be discussed further on Edugeek, hence this thread is locked. Any new threads created about this issue will be removed.

    It would appear that this Morris cat has got cause for redress, and I support him!

    Lots of love,

    The Bandit

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    no way fella, 3 Sep 2011 @ 12:46pm

    Plenty of substance

    Dear Mr. Bandit

    Edugeek chose the path of least resistance here. Take it from those that know (and that admittedly still remain anonymous) that this guy is a real piece of work. It's scary what he and his lackies have gotten away with. I wouldnt have believed that a business owner and employer of hundreds of staff could get away with physically refusing to pay workers and then having the cheek to issue payslips.

    In addition to this, he's refused to pay every single supplier he's had at their first, second, third and fourth attempts with them having to threaten court action as the final measure in getting this guy to pay. He's as dodgy as they come. His day-to-day treatment of staff was worse and this guy governed by fear and the mockery of his work-force.

    There's some unfair shouting and name calling but thats it. He's scammed fellow entrepreneurs, suppliers, staff, friends..you name it. No morals whatsoever this chap.

    Lots of love,

    An old old employee

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • icon
    mike allen (profile), 20 Feb 2012 @ 2:38am

    These guys are complete idiots. Yes i am English and I dont give a monkeys about libel laws you morris your lawyers are all spammers!!!!!!!!! Oh go on sue me and try to get me into court even I TAKE NO NOTICE MORON.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    LE, 22 Jun 2016 @ 5:48am

    UK/US law

    There is a whole explanation on the difference between UK and US law here: http://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/training-contract/types-of-law-firm

    Good on you for sticking it to them!

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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