Legal Self-Sufficiency
We'll continue to concentrate on topics no other site dares touch
In 2003 I had a very lengthy E-mail signature; a lot of it was just my addresses and phone numbers (at home and at work, MCC, home of the first GNU/Linux distro). By 2006 the signature focused on me being a "freelance journalist" as I was being paid well to write technical articles at Datamation (now defunct) and elsewhere. When this site was born 20 years ago I had full freedom, true independence (as long as I managed to ignore the trolls). I managed to attract sources, leakers, and whistleblowers. Hence I was able to publish "Explosive" "Exclusives" that drove Novell's CEO up the wall. I didn't "fit in" with obedient media that parroted false narratives (as he and his managerial colleagues desired).
Some years ago I found myself in the peculiar position of being a Litigant in Person (due to budgetary constraints) and I was "told or taught how to fish" by reputable solicitors, first David, then Mark (David introduced me to Mark). They taught me some valuable lessons and I therefore learned how to handle forms, submit mostly compliant pleadings, prepare witness statements etc. In a sense I turned away from investigative journalism into my own (and our team's) legal counsel, a role I never chose to step into but am nowadays feeling increasingly comfortable with. I think I improve at it over time. Sometimes the judges give me helpful pointers and much-needed lenience. I truly appreciate this. When they actually talk to me (to my face) I can sense empathy; I'm not just some name on paper/s. I don't do any of this for money and I'd die to protect my sources.
Some years ago I noticed a compatriot, who describes himself as a litigant, taking on a nasty/Nazi landlady (she settled) as well as trademark bullies who did their best to censor him. It's not hard to guess who I speak of. He too helped me when I uncovered pension fraud and when the same censors who had targeted him soon came after us.
Recently, Daniel Pocock's 'office' challenged the very existence of Reform UK Party Ltd (it is still progressing today or this week) and that means he goes after racists now, as he did in Switzerland (a Nazi landlady).
Don't be easily conned/misled by nasty things they tell you about Pocock. They pay a lot of money for lawyers to spoon-feed lies about him (to defame him with "appeal to authority").
As of today, with a pending appeal to the Court of Appeal, I imagine I'll continue to "act" for Techrights for the year if not years to come. I don't mind it anymore, as it hardly gets in the way of investigative journalism. It's a "side duty" that I can handle. Aid is available where it is crucial.
The more impact our work has, the more legal bullying will come our way. █
Image source: Weston Park