You say it is a connumdrum. But I don't think it is. Journalism has always supposed to be impartial. Report what happened. Now people are deciding that is not so good an idea. Since the internet has changed things people thing the rules should change to. Yes I understand that in the past, nobody knew what was in a docket, or in a paper in some town 2 states over. And people are constantly trying to figure out how we can use this technology only for good. Try to minimize the bad. But I agree with some of the others. And with what Mike has said many times. The answer to speech you do not like is not censorcism. It is more speech. Makeing sure people can post responses to articles and have that found on the search engine as prominently as the original is the answer.
I have always been impressed with the quality of the reporting and the integrity of Techdirt, but I am disappointed in how this played out. I have been waiting, hoping that Mike would follow up and honor the reputation this site has built up.
If I have missed something in the reporting of this incident, please let me know, but as it stands it seems Mike is going to leave us hanging.
Told us he knows about this serious issue with our courts/government, but one of the actors got to him with a sob story about how sorry he is, so he's not going to tell. I think this is terrible.
Yes, it is his site. He can do what he wants. Just pointing out that in the future I will have to be more skeptical of this site. How will I know if I am getting the full story, or just some spun one because he got a good "explanation" from someone.
It took a lot of work to build the journalistic reputation this site and Mike had. In my opinion, he threw it away.
I believe that even sealed cases are still listed on the court dockets. You can find out the case number and the people involved. Now I understand national security cases seem to get a lot more hidden, but we still seem able to find out the cases exist. Don't they usually just seal the depositions, court filings and the records from the trial?
You were interested in what people thought and it seems clear. While unfortunate for this person, by contacting you they have alerted you to a very serious issue. One that most journalists would feel some duty to report on. An issue that has serious ramifications.
I don't understand how you would report on this without providing the details. Reporters should provide enough facts that readers can do their own fact-checking if they feel it necessary. (This is not a national security case)
I have followed this site for many years. You and your writers do a great job of presenting stories and issues in a way that is understandable and you always provide the information I need to do my own follow-up if I suspect any bias.
You may not call yourself a reporter, but to many you are a Journalist. I empathize with your position. You did not ask to be in it. And It seems from your comments that you are really torn. But in a lot of reporting their are sympathetic actors who get the raw deal. It is not a great situation, but you do understand how serious this is. And I think it is obvious what you should do, even though it may be unpleasant.
I understand that trademark is for the benefit of the consumer. Not being a lawyer though, is it just supposed to protect me from getting a fake product, or also give me some assurance as to the source of the product?
Could I create a snack and call it Pepsi Chips? As long as I don't use their logo?
I can see as to how both these products being beverages someone could be confused as to who the manufacturer is.
Coke and Pepsi may rightly believe that someone could not make a bottled water and call it by their name. Even though they do not sell one with their name on it.
Justifying your earlier decision?
Disappointed in Techdirt
If I have missed something in the reporting of this incident, please let me know, but as it stands it seems Mike is going to leave us hanging.
Told us he knows about this serious issue with our courts/government, but one of the actors got to him with a sob story about how sorry he is, so he's not going to tell. I think this is terrible.
Yes, it is his site. He can do what he wants. Just pointing out that in the future I will have to be more skeptical of this site. How will I know if I am getting the full story, or just some spun one because he got a good "explanation" from someone.
It took a lot of work to build the journalistic reputation this site and Mike had. In my opinion, he threw it away.
Old but relevant
has there been more recent rulings on the constitutionality of secret dockets. from this article, the 11th and 2nd circuit ruled against them.
Re: Re: The message from your readers seems clear
The message from your readers seems clear
I don't understand how you would report on this without providing the details. Reporters should provide enough facts that readers can do their own fact-checking if they feel it necessary. (This is not a national security case)
I have followed this site for many years. You and your writers do a great job of presenting stories and issues in a way that is understandable and you always provide the information I need to do my own follow-up if I suspect any bias.
You may not call yourself a reporter, but to many you are a Journalist. I empathize with your position. You did not ask to be in it. And It seems from your comments that you are really torn. But in a lot of reporting their are sympathetic actors who get the raw deal. It is not a great situation, but you do understand how serious this is. And I think it is obvious what you should do, even though it may be unpleasant.
And I believe you know it also.
purpose of trademark
Could I create a snack and call it Pepsi Chips? As long as I don't use their logo?
I can see as to how both these products being beverages someone could be confused as to who the manufacturer is.
Coke and Pepsi may rightly believe that someone could not make a bottled water and call it by their name. Even though they do not sell one with their name on it.
price vs value
Price is what you pay, Value is what you get.
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