Quotes lawsuit update (page 3)

GoingGoingGone

So any of us is vulnerable at any time? Any company with a burr up its butt can decide to bring a civil case against me and as long as on its face it is sustainable enough for a trial, I'm toast.

It costs just as much money to bring a suit against someone as it does to defend yourself. Unless a corporation has something to gain by suing you (money, publicity, protecting it's interests - as the WTS is doing), then they won't.

Unless you have undisclosed millions hidden away somewhere, I wouldn't worry about it...

GGG

AlmostAtheist

Unless you have undisclosed millions hidden away somewhere

Or you happen to run a satire web site that makes fun of corporations, CEO's, and celebrities...

Dave

Enigma One

Well if quotes had intentionally published his materials in a satrical way, (one in which no one would take the claims seriously) then he would have been ok.

AuldSoul

Or if he had the kind of critique that would have made JWs avoid the site like it was plague-ridden, he'd have been fine too. As in, a simple motion to dismiss the case on it lack of merit would have sufficed. Plenty of precedent already on the books.

Alternately, if hosted in the U.S. his site would have been protected as long as it was under an NPO. U.S. precedent proves the courts bend over backwards in favor of ruling Fair Use on the side of NPOs.

AuldSoul

GoingGoingGone

I agree with EO... It's why the beef industry tried to sue the pants off Oprah for her opinion, but David Letterman and Jay Leno can nightly insult every public figure known to man, with no reprecussions.

GGG

Enigma One

I'm not sure he would have been protected under US law. But I'm not a laywer....I've just been screwed by many.

Firstly, he probably should have started a corporation that owned everything, including web site. He could / should have used a Panamanian or Nevis based server farm. Thus, if they decided to sue in those countries, they would have had a hard time piercing the corporate veil that would protect his personal assets.

Simon

Well if the lawsuits work in Canada like they do here in the USA, he will have a court date about 3 years from now. Over the next 30 months the lawyers will trade motions, discovery, and whatnot. Quotes will run up a $ 200,000 bill in legal expenses.....against an adversary who unlimited resources. In three years a trial will ensue. Then whoever loses will appeal the decision. So we should have it all sorted out sometime in Oct. of 2010.

In Quotes' case, Goliath is coming after him, he ain't going out to meet him. Except, this Goliath is EIGHTY feet tall and wearing a full helm with bullet proof visor and he's carrying his own sword (hint: it isn't leather-bound). I don't think Quotes will have a choice other than to capitualte early and settle. No doubt removal of the materials, gag agreements, and a small remuneration will make the case go away. I won't feel bad at him for doing what he has to do, he has helped a lot of people and gotten a lot of information out there that formerly was fairly well hidden from prying eyes.

Keep in mind Almost....initiating lawsuits can be expensive too. But the WTBS isn't out for money. They want him to shut the site down. So Quotes could probably throw them $ 25,000 (or less) and shut the site down and they would be happy. It doesn't make sense to sue someone with no money to get. But one must be VERY, VERY careful to avoid lawsuits. They are devestating. Especially when many lawyers will take cases on contingency whereby they get the first % of a settlement. For a few hours of their time they can make a few thousand $. It's sick!

I agree

I think it would be a huge mistake to try and fight an adversary on their terms on their battle-ground (ie. in court where money counts). What would be gained? ... compared to what would be lost.

It's easy for people to chearlead from the sidelines and say "Quotes should do this" ... "Stand up to them" .... "Don't back down" etc.

They are not the ones putting things on the line.

If I were Quotes I would concentrate on not paying the WTS a penny more than he has to and he will have my utmost respect for doing this.

AlmostAtheist

If I were Quotes I would concentrate on not paying the WTS a penny more than he has to and he will have my utmost respect for doing this.

Yep, agreed. I wish I could claim I'd done as much to help get/keep people out of the Watchtower.

Quotes

Dave

Elsewhere

Sure, this discussion is all well and good... but what about an update on Quotes' Lawsuit?

Eyebrow2

Yeah...what elsewhere said.

Quotes lawsuit update

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