Maui X-Stream Threatens To Sue DrunkenBlog For Slander Over CherryOS Exposure

This is priceless. The original company behind CherryOS sent a nastygram to Michael Bell (aka DrunkenBatman) that basically says they are getting ready to sue him for - get this - libel and slander.

"Now, you may be curious as to why a company named Maui X-Stream (MXS) has a problem with me to the point where they're essentially telling me they're trying to figure out how to sue me, they happen to be the company that birthed CherryOS upon the world..."

This lengthy post on Bell's DrunkenBlog is a shining example of investigative journalism. It wouldn't make a bad mysery novel either. If you have the time, give it a read and learn more about:

The legal threats against those finding the evidence, and why DrunkenBlog had to get a lawyer.
The evidence of infringing GPL and LGPL programs within their VX30 products. Programs like XviD, LAME, Media Player Classic, phpAdsNew, and more.
How the evidence was gathered, and how you can verify it for yourself.
My three hour chat with Arben Kryeziu regarding VX30, CherryOS, the evidence of infringing code in their other commercial product called VX30, and a whole bunch of other goofy behavior.
Much, much more.

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This is priceless. The original company behind CherryOS sent a nastygram to Michael Bell (aka DrunkenBatman) that basically says they are...

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Laurie

Sneu - if you read the letter Maui X-Stream sent Michael Bell, they accuse him of " Speaking untruths to a third party" - by telephoning their customers (a claim he denies). That /is/ slander, whether you're a blogger or not.

May 17 2005 at 7:38 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

SNeu

Sidenote: Slander is spoken word, if you're sueing a blogger it can only be libel, which applies to the written word. Sadly, you know this stuff when you work as a journalist.

May 17 2005 at 3:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

drunkenbatman

Adding fuel to the fire: drunkenbatman is my baby's momma too...

Who's your daddy? *rimshot*

May 16 2005 at 6:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rob Knight

I wasn't much aware of this story except for the coverage hear at TUAW...amazing! That's like the coding equivalent of me changing 50 words of 'War and Peace' and selling it as my own. It is sad to see such blatant theft not make more news. Shouldn't the MXS people be punished as if they stole something tangible?

May 16 2005 at 6:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bryan

I was acting as a mirror for this story and drunkenbatman confirmed that he did have adequate legal representation :)

May 16 2005 at 5:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

superpixel

I really hope Michael has adequate legal representation... Anyone can file claims for anything these days, and since MXS has deep pockets it could be costly for the "little guy" to get proper justice (welcome to America v.2005). And after reading most of Bell's story/saga I think there's no case here. In fact, MXS is kinda redefining the term "spurious" with all this nonsense. They'd have to prove damages depending on what they file too... So sad. Adding fuel to the fire: drunkenbatman is my baby's momma too...

May 16 2005 at 5:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

mmm. White Russians..

May 16 2005 at 4:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Laurie

LOL @ Rob. What's funny is that I typed that post up really fast and after I hit "publish" I noticed that stupid brainfart, I immediately clicked "edit" and corrected it. Only thing I didn't do was hit the publish button again :) Fixed now!

May 16 2005 at 4:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rob

Based on this, they're liable to sue him for libel too.

May 16 2005 at 3:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply