Crime?

["Klopfenstein, Ed (AFS)" <EdK -at- ACCU-FAB -dot- COM>]

I was asked in a private e-mail by Mr. Bonney why his information
request could be considered illegal if he was scouting for quotes to use
to market his company.

Here's an example:

Let's say the LA Times writes that a movie was "cinematic trash, save
the brilliant attempts at greatness by Jodie Foster."

Then, the movie company creates an advertisement about their film that
says, "LA Times = 'Brilliant.' "

That's considered misrepresentation and fraud.  If mining for illicit
marketing quotes is Bonney's intention (and please note that I'm not
saying it is because I don't know), then it would be a federal crime
because Bonney's company is based in Canada, and he's soliciting for
quotes internationally.

If a tech writer discovered his/her name on a "Bonney" brochure, they
could realistically sue for a percentage of sales since that
"recommendation" was used without their consent.

I hope that helps.

Oh, and concerning technical writers being a "paranoid" bunch, as you
said, you're right (in this case).

SO......identifying yourself, your company, and you're intentions ...
and calm that concern.

Ed Klopfenstein

Technical Writer
Accu-Fab Systems, Inc.
Corvallis, OR
http:\\www.accu-fab.com

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