Tempers Flare Over Ill-Tempered Sword Remarks

msaulters writes "The Austin American Statesman is reporting on Daniel Watson, a Hays County swordsmith who is suing a group of San Francisco-based techies, charging that they extorted him by posting negative comments regarding his sword-making business on the discussion forums they host and then offering to clamp down on such comments if he bought advertising with them. On the one hand, this sounds very chilling, as the defendants, Sword Forum International, are very well-known and respected in the world of sword-making, and abuse of that position would be very un-cool. On the other hand, they make some valid points in the article, and historically, the ability to express your opinions freely online is one aspect of the internet that arguably should never be curtailed."

Blackmail, Libel

[stefanlasiewski]

then offering to clamp down on such comments if he bought advertising with them.

On the other hand, they make some valid points in the article, and historically, the ability to express your opinions freely online is one aspect of the internet that arguably should never be curtailed."

Is Blackmail or Libel protected speech?

so the website is mightier than the sword?

[Sevn]

someone was going to say it

usually

[falsification]

In my experience, it's usually a bad idea to piss off somebody with a sword.

He sells a sword called "Bringer of Tears"

[HotNeedleOfInquiry]

I think I have a new name for my laptop.

Saber tattling?

[icemax]

Just another example of Saber Tattling by weapon manufacturers

Good lord, no wonder they removed it.

[Sevn]

I wonder if tinfoil hats help you channel the
natural energy your body has as well as their
swords do. That page had me singing the highlander
theme song and saying "there can be only one!" in
a chrisopher lambertesque voice.

This shouldn't be settled in court...

[raider_red]

These two need to settle this like men. They should duke it out in a sword fight to the death at the next Texas Renaissance Fair.

Re:On the contrary...

[Anonymous Coward]

I've found a sword is a good tool for offing someones pisser!