Facing bad publicity from a malicious user
So I had a disgruntled ex member of one of my forums turn into a malicious user.
Just been pointed out to me that he’s starting up a smear campaign against Tech Watch and Britecorp.
And he’s threatening to escalate it.
At this point there are two options available:
- Allow this guy to escalate his hate campaign, and try and fight it as it happens
- Give in to blackmail and just pay him to keep the peace
Option 1 initially seems the preferred option, because it can be shown to be what it is - nothing more than a smear campaign.
However, there is the problem that no matter how I reply, there may be negative publicity for Britecorp that may harm the company.
Option 2 could at least attempt to keep the peace and stop me having to chase the issue - but it’s a very slippery slope, and there’s nothing to stop such a person continuing such a campaign regardless, and continually demand money.
At present I think no action until I’ve had time to consider the matter seriously is the better option.
Pretty sad stuff, but I guess it’s a general hazard of the internet.
ADDED:
Okay, I figured talk instead can possibly hold off the issue until such point as a decision for action needs to be taken.
However, the user didn’t show any interest in discussing the matter privately.
Although attempting to make calm and dignified responses, especially in the face of outright libel, the wolf-pack mentality that descended on the thread meant I felt it would be the better business decision to simply make the payment again.
However, after a few days, the thread was closed by NamePros staff and the payment was refunded.
No idea what private discussions happened, but while I have no intention of revisiting Namepros for quite some time, they appear at least to have dealt with the matter responsibly.
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Visited 428 times, 1 so far today since July 24th 2007
Brian brian brian…
Revenge is a dish best eaten cold and my freezer is empty!
I have dealt with idiots like this in the past but you have to be prepared for full blown global thermonuclear war.
Don’t know how much you know about him, or whether he’s in your legal jurisdiction or not, but contact me privately if you want to make his life a living hell as I’m kinda bored and get very creative with my “revenge” under the influence of 124 proof bourbon ;)
Anyway, I would never pay some idiot.
I would make him pay, in ways he can’t even imagine…
For starters, all the links he’s posting to your site from various sources would be met with a 301 redirect based on the referrer to a full page about this idiot and the “listing” they just read.
Now, the page they land on would probably be on a server outside your legal jurisdiction and return explain exactly what he’s doing.
Then I’d probably post his info somewhere for people looking for tranny outcalls in his area.
You get the idea, I can help ;)
Comment by IncrediBILL — July 4, 2006 @ 8:13 am
OH YEAH, I forgot to mention, use only the best “elite proxy” servers which dont pass on the user agent for the FORWARD information.
Don’t trust any proxy server unless you test it on your server first to see what kind of trail it leaves. I use a test script that displays if the proxy claims it’s a PROXY, VIA or FORWARDED information as the best elite proxy servers give NO CLUE.
Also, don’t use a proxy server within your legal jurisdiction to be outside the realm of a subpoena.
Good luck! :)
Comment by IncrediBILL — July 4, 2006 @ 8:23 am
Bill, you have an enviable amount of time on your hands. :)
I’m so busy at present restructuring and administrating sites that I really didn’t want to have to chase this issue up, and for the present it seems closed - but those are some great tips.
Hopefully I’ll never need to use them…
:)
Comment by Administrator — July 4, 2006 @ 8:42 am
I wouldn’t say my free time is enviable, but when I’m in playtime mode late at night and properly motivated with the appropriate expensive libation anything is possible.
Good luck with your sociopath ;)
Comment by IncrediBILL — July 4, 2006 @ 9:38 am