Flights of Fancy

1.05.2005

Blog the Planet

Some sad news today from Joe at Woolamaoo Gazette and the permission from him to talk about what happened. He was laid off today (seems such a nice way to put it) because of comments made on his personal blog, on his own computer, in the comfort of his own home, on his own time. A blog that clearly states that it "is a satirical newspaper I first started on email way back in 1992. It allows me to vent steam on stories which are bugging me or amusing me and hopefully make people think at the same time. Satire is the best defence in any democracy. Items in the old Woolamaloo Gazette style newpaper articles will be obvious from the bold-face banner headline. Anything else is just my ramblings, mumblings or rants."

He made reference to Waterstones as Bastardstones, gave his boss the nick "Evilboss" and generally complained a bit about his job. In reality though that is such a minimal part of what his blog was about, and let me point out again that it is his personal blog.

Joe was called before a disciplinary hearing and instead of being asked to refrain from posting about his job, boss or any other such issues he felt like discussing on his blog he was let go. The charges were "gross misconduct" and "bringing the company into disrepute".

This is such a disgusting and actually frightening situation, knowing that they can fire someone over comments made on a blog. Are they not familiar with Freedom of Speech? Freedom of Expression? Satire? Comedy? Waterstones can dictate to their employees what they can say and write on their own personal time. If they got away with this disgusting and infringing action, I ask who is next? One of you out there in blogger, or any other posted journal sites? Me? Where exactly will this line be drawn?

I know he has friends who are supporting him and I am proud to call myself one of those people. Many are boycotting Waterstones (not sure if there is one in your area or not), posting about it on their own blogs (see The Alien Online) and there are discussions to contact the media (the BBC). I will do my part to get this out, to make sure I do what I can to help and hopefully prevent this from happening to any of you.
What can you do to help??

~Lili~ at 1:17 PM

Flights of Fancy
"I take pleasure in my transformations. I look quiet and consistent, but few know how many women there are in me." Anais Nin
1.05.2005 Blog the Planet Some sad news today from Joe at Woolamaoo Gazette and the permission from him to talk about what happened. He was laid off today (seems such a nice way to put it) because of comments made on his personal blog, on his own computer, in the comfort of his own home, on his own time. A blog that clearly states that it "is a satirical newspaper I first started on email way back in 1992. It allows me to vent steam on stories which are bugging me or amusing me and hopefully make people think at the same time. Satire is the best defence in any democracy. Items in the old Woolamaloo Gazette style newpaper articles will be obvious from the bold-face banner headline. Anything else is just my ramblings, mumblings or rants." He made reference to Waterstones as Bastardstones, gave his boss the nick "Evilboss" and generally complained a bit about his job. In reality though that is such a minimal part of what his blog was about, and let me point out again that it is his personal blog. Joe was called before a disciplinary hearing and instead of being asked to refrain from posting about his job, boss or any other such issues he felt like discussing on his blog he was let go. The charges were "gross misconduct" and "bringing the company into disrepute". This is such a disgusting and actually frightening situation, knowing that they can fire someone over comments made on a blog. Are they not familiar with Freedom of Speech? Freedom of Expression? Satire? Comedy? Waterstones can dictate to their employees what they can say and write on their own personal time. If they got away with this disgusting and infringing action, I ask who is next? One of you out there in blogger, or any other posted journal sites? Me? Where exactly will this line be drawn? I know he has friends who are supporting him and I am proud to call myself one of those people. Many are boycotting Waterstones (not sure if there is one in your area or not), posting about it on their own blogs (see The Alien Online) and there are discussions to contact the media (the BBC). I will do my part to get this out, to make sure I do what I can to help and hopefully prevent this from happening to any of you. What can you do to help?? ~Lili~ at 1:17 PM \|
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