Maine Advertisers Attack Maine Citizen
Thursday, May 04, 2006
(SNN Bangor) A Maine blogger faces a million dollar lawsuit after criticizing the efforts of the Maine Office of Tourism to swindle unsuspecting tourists into vacationing in Maine.
Lance Dutson
"This is supposed to be our biggest industry, but it's being run like a trailer park daycare on its 3rd notice from the Human Services people."
Lance Dutson of www.mainewebreport.com has been critical of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT). He has called their advertising agency Warren Kremer Paino Advertising LLC child abusers. He even went as far as to post a draft of one of their advertisements on his blog to let readers decide for themselves.
The advertising agency is accusing Dutson of copyright infringement, defamation, trade libel/injurious falsehood, terrorism and public urination. Their law firm Preti Flaherty is asking for $900,000 for posting images on his blog as well as unspecified punitive damages and legal fees.
Fun things to do in Maine
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While some say that this is a clear freedom of speech case, other say they are overlooking the vast amounts of money that what the case is really about is the ability of a company to use lawyers to intimidate and potentially ruin someone who dares point out that their work is utter crap.
Still it remains disconcerting that not only would people go to Maine to vacation, but some people consider it Maine's biggest industry. Come on, they have to do something else there, right? Seriously. Sure, there's fresh seafood, but isn't there anywhere to camp or hike or boat in your own state?
Regards,
Jon
: 5:32 AMCongratulations on figuring out how to use the "Other" option on the comments page. Other people have had trouble with it in the past. However, at this time, we are unable to be intimidated by anyone who uses the three letter spelling of "Jon". It is a silly way to spell the name and reeks of a French heritage, possible drug use, or perhaps just a man with a lazy eye and one of those C. Everett Coop reverse beard things.
But personal attacks aside, do you know how much child abuse it would take to get a trailer park daycare a third notice from Human Services in Maine? Neither do I. However, I assume it involves at least two children "falling down the stairs" and very possibly a dead baby. So please go back to your bong, you lazy eyed, freaky bearded, Frenchman.
Seriously though, despite what is said above, we an NewsBlog 5000 recognize the fact that you may work for the law firm representing Lance Dutson or possibly even Warren Kremer Paino Advertising LLC. If you are about to bring the full force of the law down on us, you must remember, we are journalists with integrity, and we will buckle like a belt at any sign of trouble. Perhaps even some sort of settlement might be in order. If so, make checks payable to:
SNN Maine Field Office
5703 Main Street
Bangor, Maine 04401
