Re: The League

Erik

On Sat, Dec 18, 2010 at 10:59 AM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:

Sorry? I didn't mean to claim that it can legally be construed as libel in the U.S. and did not say any such thing. I meant that what he said about me was false and easily verified as false. I certainly didn't mean to overstep my bounds by telling you how I feel about the way I was sometimes received, but I've had a really difficult time figuring out what those bounds are, as you know. I don't see how my request that any further comments of the sort at least be contradicted by someone over there could be construed as threatening to our amicable terms. I mean, it was just a request, and was made because I obviously wouldn't feel comfortable posting comments over there myself in my own defense or otherwise.

Erik, I know that a "hostile comment" is probably not going to damage my career. But a comment claiming that I'm misrepresenting myself professionally is harmful to the extent that it serves the function of the comment, which is to be seen. The fact is that I am being watched closely. Last night there were already people discussing how crazy old Barrett Brown got kicked off The League for stalking a commenter because I forgot about how I knew he worked for the Alabama government, information which was sent to my mailbox and which was enough to prompt me to spend two minutes making sure it wasn't someone else. So, yes, a comment here and a comment there claiming that I'm just making shit up about my work is not something I'm really happy about. Think about it this way - what cause was there for you to delete those hostile comments about you the other day? And can you see how I might feel similarly about other comments that are directed at me? And can you please consider this as an honest question from a well-meaning person who has really tried to help your blog rather than as a debate or a human resources lay-off debriefing?

Again, I don't want to bother you any further or offend you or whatever it is that I keep managing to do. I was just trying to be honest with you, so I'm kind of disappointed to see you begin an e-mail with "most amicable of terms... however" jargon, which is code for "you are in the wrong." You don't have to respond if you think I'm being out of line. I'm not sure if there's anything to be accomplished here anyway. Good luck with everything.

On Sat, Dec 18, 2010 at 9:17 AM, Erik Kain <erik.kain@gmail.com> wrote:
Barrett

I hope to end the League partnership on the most amicable of terms. However, there is simply no way that a comment from a blog commenter to a blog author can be legally construed as libel. If that were the case the libel suits in this country would be astronomical in number. Libel is actually a very high bar to cross. Just let the whole thing blow over - which it will, I'm sure - and roll with the punches. A hostile comment on a blog won't damage your ability to pursue your projects. Hell, if that were the case my experience at Balloon Juice would have sunk me long ago!

Cheers

Erik

On Fri, Dec 17, 2010 at 8:10 PM, barri2009 <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:

Understood. Can you do me one favor? I don't mind if anyone expresses a negative opinion of me at your blog, of course, but if anyone libels me, can you please act on it? Mfarmer claimed that I have been misrepresenting myself and that I remind him of young people claim to write for certain publications but really don't. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but I really don't care for the fact that such assertions can be made against those who write for your site. I am far from perfect but I am working on several projects that will suffer unfairly to the extent that I am portrayed as a fraud. I will also admit to being hurt that such a person can remain in good standing after making those sorts of accusations. All I ask is that you at least counter any such assertions that are made in the future. Obviously a comment or two at a blog are not the end of the world and are unlikely to cause me any problems, but it is still upsetting to receive them.

At any rate, I wish you and the rest the best of luck and I am sorry for the inexcusable mistakes I have made.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
From: Erik Kain <erik.kain@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:50:51 -0700
To: Barrett Brown<barriticus@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: The League

Barrett,

That would be for the best I should think. I'm going to take your last post down as well. I think this is just not the best fit.

All the best

Erik

On Fri, Dec 17, 2010 at 6:41 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
If you think it would be best for me to resign, let me know; I absolutely understand if that's what you decide to be best for The League. I really think highly of the blog and have tried to promote it, but perhaps on the whole I may be damaging it by not thinking through some of my actions. I still don't think I did anything wrong in this case as I had reason to suspect that this person was someone else and was concerned about him working for the government, and had forgotten how I'd known that when I openly noted he did so along with his own statement about having served in the military, but I've already attracted a great deal of negative attention from some of your regular commenters such as MFarmer. Again, I will absolutely understand if you think I should leave and don't want you to refrain from having me do so out of politeness; this is your blog.

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Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302

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Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302