I Can’t Believe This
Remember that post I wrote a few days ago about Clickbooth? Well, they aren’t too happy with it. I just received an email threatening possible legal action.
Yes, that’s right. I report on a current event in the affiliate marketing world, and I get threatened with a (potential) lawsuit. Apparently expressing an opinion constitutes libel.
It has been brought to our attention that a post titled “Don’t Do Business with Clickbooth” was recently created regarding the performance-based network, Clickbooth.com. It was posted March 9, 2008.
The aforementioned post’s content contains defamatory statements referencing Clickbooth and its owner, John Lemp. The information throughout the post is considered libelous, and legal action has already been taken against another such individual publishing similar statements.
I know they’re just bluffing (pesky freedom of speech and all that), but I don’t have the means to stand up to these guys. I’m just a poor college student. I’m going to get some advice from the guys over at Wickedfire, and then go from there.
EDIT: I just took the post down. Like I said, I don’t have the time or resources to deal with this bullshit. Lawyers - 1, freedom of speech - 0.
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March 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Fuck them, even more of a reason not to do business with them. If their service is terrible we can write whatever we want to about their service provided it is true. They can either fix their service or continue to expect these negative posts. If a company ever threatens to sue me I would gladly take them to court if they wish to limit my freedom of speech.
Libel: “a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person” -Princeston.edu
There you have it, I regretfully missed your post about them because I have no interest in Clickbooth. I don’t doubt that your post revealed only true and 100% accurate information. Clickbooth would be wasting their time suing you.
I realize you are only protecting yourself. That is exactly as they expected you to react, and their purpose was only to get the post removed. They had no interest in pursuing a lawsuit.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I would’ve just added a disclaimer at the bottom stating that it’s an opinion post and left it at that, but don’t blame you for a second for CYA.
Good luck!
March 17th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaame
March 17th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
You know, in truth, this post itself is more of a discredit to them than your last one. They need to toughen up their skin and stop caring about bad comments on their service - they are only making it ten times worse for themselves and their reputation.
Also, as I am sure you know there is little they could have done about it. But as you said, it would still take time and would not be worth it just to leave a post up.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
So, is your name Alex B. or Geoff?
March 17th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
@Matt
Aww, I knew I’d have to address this some day. Alex is my first name, Geoff is my middle name. I’m just going to leave my last name ambiguous for now.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Blogosis got one too.
http://www.blogosis.com/2008/03/18/looks-like-i-might-be-in-trouble/
I think it’s just a big bluff. Anyway, if you do get sued I’m sure you’d be able to find help amongst the Wickedfire and blogging community.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Hmmm. I did not mean to reveal something meant to be kept in the shadows. I came across your WF account and your name is used as your username and your email address listed in your WF profile. You should probably hide it so no one sees your last name as I did.
I didn’t really think that comment through. My subconscious must of assumed you weren’t trying to hide your real name with that post on WF. Apologies man, my mind is being fueled by caffeine and hasn’t had quality sleep in days.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:15 am
@Matt
No biggie, it’s not like I thought it would be a secret forever. I mostly try to keep it a secret so my readers don’t find my personal blog (meant only for people who know me IRL). Don’t worry about it.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Bluffing or not sometimes it is not worth the hassle.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Lousy big-shot mongrels. Keep up the good work, don’t let it get you down.
Should start a blog that writes about these things, but try to keep your identity as private as possible!
March 18th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I think in situations like these that the world needs a Blogchan. Completely anonymous blogs, completely anonymous commenting, no IPs stored ever, hosted on Sealand or The Pirate Bay’s island (if they ever get it).
I would totally do it but one look at all the people suing the owner of 2ch is enough to make me think twice.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
this must be a joke, clickbooth will not sue you, why would they sue you for something like that. You’re just trying to scare other publisher away and try to bring down clickbooth’s business.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
@peter
Yes, that’s exactly right. I made it all up. You must be proud of your great leaps of logic.