As readers of my blog know I am a big fan of the forums over at Experienced-People.net run by Clinton Lee.  Although the forum is small and still in its infancy, there are many good people over there willing to give their help to anyone who is looking to buy or sell a website.  Some of the advice given on the forums I couldn’t agree with more, and some advice differs from my thinking/experiences completely.  But, that is what makes a great forum — the sharing of different ideas and different opinions.

One day while doing my usual checking for new posts I come across this thread.  The thread basically explains that Clinton has been offered $5000 to remove a (different) thread that Avid Amiri feels has the potential to hurt his business (Internet Enterprises).  And, should he not remove the thread, he would be sued.

My initial reaction to this was what my readers might expect…  I said that the offer should be refused — to me, this was a slippery slope. Once “hush money” is taken, where does it stop?  When someone cannot afford the price?  When someone does not have a legal weapon?  Clinton did consider it for a bit, and he insisted that (should he remove the thread) the money be paid to a charity and not to him.

Clinton never did remove the thread and Avid Amiri’s legal threats continued…  UNTIL TODAY.  Today Experienced-People.net fanatics were happy to read Clinton’s update:

You have now changed your mind.

You contacted my host yesterday to say that you’ll now be satisfied if I “move the entire thread” to a private area. In return you agree to waive all rights against me and my company, stop the suit in the UK and drop your claim for IP and email information of posters. In that same email you continue your posturing, claiming that you could win legal action, claiming that you’ve suffered significant damage that you are going to prove in court etc.

Ahh…  Folks, the lesson here perhaps is that when someone posts a complaint about you online do not react with guns blazing.  AND, when someone threatens your forum or blog with legal action — follow Clinton’s amazing example; keep cool and don’t react in fear.

In the end Avid Amiri did more damages to himself and to Internet Enterprises LTD than did any anonymous post.  Is Avid Amiri a scammer?  I don’t know…  Don’t think so.  But he definately hasn’t made himself look very friendly either.  Payoffs, legal threats, etc.  I think everyone who buys and sells websites online, or who just does business online should take a look at the Avid Amiri thread — and join the discussions on Experienced People…  The thread and the site provides some great lessons!