Legal

It really is sad that I would even have to put this notice up on my blog – but with the world being what it is, one can never be too careful. And often in big corporations, things happen without everyone being on the same page, or sometimes minions get big heads and want to impress the higher ups, only to find out they’ve made a fool of themselves, or of the brand image. So it’s with dismay that I have to put this legal notice and disclaimer on my blog, but I do it without hesitation, as I know of the scattered and checkered history of previous bloggers within the corporation. Though I do give Sprint/Nextel props and a gentle ‘nod’ for steps they’ve made in the right direction, untl there’s a firm policy in place that protects both my career and my right to speak freely about any issue I choose, I feel this is necessary.

Oh, and you can stop staring, it’s ok. really.  I realize that this is likely the first time you’ve seen a real, live blog, penned by a Sprint/Nextel employee, that openly admits it. Theres plenty of others links on the site if you don’t know the reason why, so I wont post them again, instaed I’ll just remind ya of that handy search feature over on the sidebar, and that the Corporate Security guys, for the most part, were from Internal Affairs departments in their previous jobs, so it’s not entirely their fault they come across the way the do, it’s just a part of who they are mixed with what impression Sprint wants them to portray. Maybe it’s the fact that they don’t imtimidate me that keeps them from attempting to try to do so anyways – that or they’ve been well versed on my previous media related resume’, and are all weary of an  expose’… which while isn’t a terrible idea on it’s face value, would be bad for the brand image, so while the thought of that idea may help me sleep better at night occasionally, it’s nothing more than a fleeting thought, lol.

So, if you’re part of the ‘Goon Squad‘(AKA Corporate Security), or the legal team, please pay attention, boys and girls – because this part is for you. And besides – if you bothered to read any of my actual content you would realize that I actually love and live the brand, while not being afraid to call bullshit when I recognize it, or talk about policies that I have an opinion on, there’s nothing illegal or unethical here, so save us both some time and energy, and move on to the next watched name on your list, and hope for greener pastures. Got your #2 pencils ready? Cause it’s time to go to school:

I’ll only inform you and ask you comply once, and that request is here and now. Do not send any idle-threat, non-researched or unsubstianted, pre-motion, pre-litigation, DMCA takedown, trademark/copyright infringement, or any other type of complaint. request, order, or notice to the author, commenter, or any other legal or administrative representative of this blog, website, or hosting/service provider. If you do make the industry standard (BonusTip: just because it’s a standard, does not make it legal/ethical!) attempts at restricting any use of this web site and/or blog, or the content thereof, and you cannot show valid cause or merit (and no current pre-trial letter or similar notice in any similar case has met this burden of proof in a court of law as of January 2009), you will be subjected to being served a notice bearing your own legal name, seeking not only penalties, but also asking for a BAR Association review of your conduct in regards to any such potential unfounded litigation.

In short, don’t think you can make threats and get me to go away, as legally I have the right to author my opinion in a public forum, such as this blog. Like a lot of things in life, the more you attempt to show dominance, more times so than not, you will end up being  dominated. I have the law on my side(not to mention my stellar good looks), so ask yourself, do you really want to compare that to some paper with a corporte embossed letterhead, or are you just looking to get dominated in some other way? Thought So. We have a employee group for that, too, btw.

A couple of things to be aware of:

• You are hereby notified that any correspondance may, at the receivers sole discretion, and without regard or attention to any restriction, (unless bound by a current court order with valid standing)  that may be contained therewithin, publish said communication, in whole or in part, and in any format or reproduction method available. 
• Yep, that means if you send me a silly notice/cease/takedown letter, the whole world, along with Google’s cache will have the ability to read, store, and/or distribute it. No Questions asked, No exceptions made. You wrote it, you get to benefit from it’s PR (de)value. Might be the first time legal had to check with marketing first, and not the other way around! 
• Oh yea, just so we’re clear…any use of the Sprint/Nextel name, logo, or branding that is trademarked or copyrighted for it’s use, is being used appropriately on this site, under the “fair use” clause. This website is a privately held,  non-commercial interest, and is used to disseminate, receive, and share personal opinions, thoughts, and ideas that may or may not be related to Sprint/Nextel Corp. and the time of their publication. You may agree or not, or like it or not, but according to the Supreme Court: criticizing, commenting, reporting and teaching are all considered “fair uses” of copyrighted material.

So, all you lawyerly types(who else really clicks on the ‘legal’ page of a blog, right?): As long as you’re being respectful, you will find me in the same regards towards you and any business you might be conducting. The very first time that you try to send me some damn letter or make a phone call, in the hope that I’m too slow or dumb to know what legal bounds I have to live within, in regards to my public speech and this website; that is when we will begin to have problems. It’s an odd thing how it worked out in regards to the legal information (so ironic that I’m going to mention it, in fact). As a part of my benefits from years back, I receive legal services at practically no cost to me, and other than having them draft a will and assist in the close of a residential property, I had never found much use for them over the years. And while there is this clause in our benefits terms that we can not used them for any suit, filing, or situation, regarding Sprint/Nextel Corp, there’s the other half of the equation, which is the attorney-client privilege. And While if you call to make an appointment and state your reason invovled the corporation, you will be told you cannot be seen… I was informed when mentioning it after completing some other business, to just state I was continuing my current endeavor and needed a follow up meeting. 2 weeks later, I was provided with verbal and written confirmation of my rights and limits, both from the state/federal law prespective, and from the Internal standpoint of Sprint being my employer – all on Sprint/Nextel’s dime. So, thanks for paying for my consultation to ensure my rights are upheld – something that you should be proud to do, anyways.