Ya. About that.
The more I thought about why I was willing to let Cosco Management Inc. bully me into handing over my domain, the more pissed off I became. Pissed off at myself more than them. Let me explain. The issue here is not really that of carrying the internet’s burden on my shoulders. The issue? Is failure. *My* failure. See, I have this fail-safe mechanism that kicks in whenever I’m faced with a daunting task. My reasoning is that if I don’t fight, I can’t be upset if I lose. In this case, if I don’t fight for my principles, I can’t feel guilty that I’ve taken time from my family, and spent money we didn’t have in the first place (which I found out, I don’t have to pay a dime to respond to the dispute… so YAY!). Like with exercising: for the longest time I avoided it so I wasn’t let down when I put HOURS into workouts only to see little change in the scale. Or taking years to begin the filing process for accreditation in my field…
I fear stepping outside the box for risk of failure.
Faced with the daunting task of reading the eight emails containing attachment after attachment, page after page, where Cosco Management Inc.’s (owner’s of Cosco, Dorel Juvenile Group, Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer, Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Hoppop, and trademark holders for Baby on Board – which they haven’t done a great job protecting in the first place… ) lawyer laid out – quite intelligently (Heh.), why I am a delinquent, trademark-infringing, cyber-squatting, domain stealer, feeding upon the innocence of on-line shoppers who are deceived dumb so uneducated they don’t know the difference between BORED and BOARD, I panicked.
That’s just about the awesomest run-on sentence ever. Take it in, people.
I panicked because: 1) I just don’t have the time. 2) Legal is like Shakespeare to me: The more I try to understand it, the more I second guess what I’m comprehending. 3) BUT WHAT IS THIS GOING TO COST MEEEEEEE!?
When I wrote about my tales of woe, I was shocked to see the responses, emails and offers of help and support. Those that have offered to help know I am extremely grateful, but I had a hard time accepting that support because I feel I as though I am taking those people away from other important tasks in their lives to help me fight a losing battle.
But I took a leap of faith.
I put my trust into strangers friends, and took them up on their offers to help. I am currently working with a lawyer, Evan Brown (@internetcases on twitter) who took time out of his busy lawyer-y schedule to help me file my Response. I don’t know if it’s the accent (which he says I have, but I’m certain it’s him), but I get this sense of calm from Evan. After our conversation the other day I felt much more secure in my decision to file a response at all.
So, we’re responding. We’re fighting. Not because we’ll win or get anything out of this, but because I feel it’s important. Not for the domain itself - neither Stef or I care if they get it – but because even though I may be fighting a David and Goliath-type battle, I know in my heart that I can’t just let them walk all over me. I know when I think about it years down the road I will be angry with myself for letting them get away with pushing people around just for the fuck of it. I mean, if they had a solid case it may be a different story, but dude? Did you see their evidence?
Goliath is taking one in the shins this time, people.
:::
Also? I am totally boycotting all those companies from now on. I am torching everything I own that is Cosco Management Inc. related (even though was I really want to do is ship it all back to them, ripe with week old diapers and my response to the dispute. Too bad I’ve been advised against it…) and telling everyone who will listen to me about this bullshit.
I urge you to stand up and fight. This is just one instance of a corporation bullying the little guy because they feel they are entitled. We have to stand up for ourselves because you could be next…
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{ 12 comments }
ROCK ON. I’m so glad you’re doing this, and that you’re doing it for yourself at least as much as you’re doing it for the rest of us.
Yes. Good job. It’s a fight that needs to be fought, and I am so happy you are doing it. whatever you need girl, ask.
WOOT FOR YOU! I’m so GLAD, S, so GLAD you chose to challenge yourself.
You’re awesome.
Standing up and fighting is hard. This I am learning. But if you believe in it, then it’s worth it. I’m glad you are standing up and fighting.
*hands over ass kicking flip-flops*
YOU GO! Thank you! Keep us posted.
you are awesome. I am so not a fighter as well. I can’t place my finger on it, maybe I’m lazy, maybe I like to be surrounded by happy, maybe I just don’t care enough, but fighting has always been an effort for me.
I’m behind you 100%, and even though I don’t know lawyer speak, I’ll help you any way possible.
I am behind you all the way..Cant offer more support than that, but I think companies that try to push around “the little people” should be shoved back into their seats. We are their consumers, and one way or another we can take them down. i will boycot all their products without a problem. Much support to you!
Yes. This is as it should be. That’ll learn those big bullies to pick on the “little people”.
Good for you! Fight “the man”!! I hate HATE injustice against the little guy (gal) and so I am proud of you for at least letting your voice be heard! Woot to you! FIST BUMP!
Good for you! Thanks for doing the hard thing and standing up for the rest of us.
I wish everyone did this, even though I’m not entirely sure I would have the balls to do so in your place. Good job, Rock Star!
I’m glad for you that you decided to take this up. As you pointed out in the original post, their argument is ridiculous so you’d probably be irritated with yourself for a long time if you just rolled over. Don’t worry about the rest of the internet though, you don’t have to live with us HAHA! Good luck and thanks for the update!
I was positive I left a comment offering Emily’s help with this, but if I didn’t, then I’m leaving it again.
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