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Jack Thompson's Last Stand (We Hope)

tarnoktarnok Registered User regular
edited December 2007 in Games and Technology
I know a lot of you are getting tired of hearing about him, but this could be the last JT thread ever. How's that sound?

http://gamepolitics.com/2007/11/26/jack-thompson-faces-trial-before-the-florida-bar-today/

tl;dr: Jackie's case is finally before the court and they've dedicated the entire week to deciding whether or not to disbar him.

I think even he may realize he's in trouble as he has reportedly said that he's willing to accept a 90 day suspension, but it looks like the court's going for the whole enchilada.

Wii Code:
0431-6094-6446-7088
tarnok on
«1345

Posts

  • RizziRizzi Sydney, Australia.Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Last stand huh..
    I demand a gunfight!

    Rizzi on
  • HenroidHenroid Mexican kicked from Immigration Thread Centrism is Racism :3Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    This will be quite the week because of this. I know a lot of people are all concerned about someone else taking his 'place' in the video game nonsense, but I really think we should just worry about that when it happens. I want him disbarred because he's a terrible lawyer, not because he has something against video games. He sets a shitty example.

    Henroid on
  • UncleSporkyUncleSporky Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Henroid wrote: »
    This will be quite the week because of this. I know a lot of people are all concerned about someone else taking his 'place' in the video game nonsense, but I really think we should just worry about that when it happens. I want him disbarred because he's a terrible lawyer, not because he has something against video games. He sets a shitty example.

    Yes, this is true. If somebody does take his place, hopefully they'll be intelligent and competent and possibly even help our cause. There are indeed some things that could be fixed.

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    UncleSporky on
    Switch Friend Code: SW - 5443 - 2358 - 9118 || 3DS Friend Code: 0989 - 1731 - 9504 || NNID: unclesporky
  • HenroidHenroid Mexican kicked from Immigration Thread Centrism is Racism :3Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Henroid wrote: »
    This will be quite the week because of this. I know a lot of people are all concerned about someone else taking his 'place' in the video game nonsense, but I really think we should just worry about that when it happens. I want him disbarred because he's a terrible lawyer, not because he has something against video games. He sets a shitty example.

    Yes, this is true. If somebody does take his place, hopefully they'll be intelligent and competent and possibly even help our cause. There are indeed some things that could be fixed.

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    If somebody steps in that has a very reasonable stance toward whatever they persue, I'd be fine with it. And maybe if they don't maybe a reasonable outcome will result from it anyhow. The point is that Thompson simply wasn't going to accomplish a damn thing.

    And yeah, let's not have any "stop paying attention to him!" posts here. This is largely significant.

    Henroid on
  • AxenAxen My avatar is Excalibur. Yes, the sword.Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    I ain't to worried about someone taking his place. If there was someone better than Jack Thompson then they would already be in the limelight. Uh, by better I mean being better at being Jack Thompson. Whatever that is.

    Worst case scenario we get someone even less effective than Jackie Boy.

    Axen on
    A Capellan's favorite sheath for any blade is your back.
  • tarnoktarnok Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    I think the problem with the "we don't want someone competent" argument is that anyone smarter than Jack would realize what an idiotic position he's arguing and so would not argue it.

    tarnok on
    Wii Code:
    0431-6094-6446-7088
  • PolagoPolago Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Henroid wrote: »
    This will be quite the week because of this. I know a lot of people are all concerned about someone else taking his 'place' in the video game nonsense, but I really think we should just worry about that when it happens. I want him disbarred because he's a terrible lawyer, not because he has something against video games. He sets a shitty example.

    Can't help but fully agree with this.

    Polago on
  • shrykeshryke Member of the Beast Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Wait, shouldn't we be AFRAID of someone competent actually taking up the reins of the whole "Anti-Video Game" thing?

    shryke on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    I wonder how long the Florida bar has been assembling a case against him.

    Also, someone competent wouldn't be so anti-game. They would seek reasonable compromises (like clearer ratings and such).

    MKR on
  • LeumasWhiteLeumasWhite New ZealandRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
    "Maybe there are some things kids shouldn't see" isn't a particularly bizarre position to take, and it's what you get when you strip the insanity away from Jack. Encouraging developers to be a bit more responsible is a good thing; banning everyone in the known universe from so much as looking at vidja games is not.

    LeumasWhite on
    QPPHj1J.jpg
  • shrykeshryke Member of the Beast Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    A better rating system would be nice.

    Hey, how about one that has multiple categories? You know, so I'd know if the 16+ or whatever the fuck was because of blood gushing everywhere or digital tits.

    shryke on
  • GoslingGosling Looking Up Soccer In Mongolia Right Now, Probably Watertown, WIRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
    shryke wrote: »
    Wait, shouldn't we be AFRAID of someone competent actually taking up the reins of the whole "Anti-Video Game" thing?
    If it leads to a meaningful, reasonable, and above all constructive ruleset concerning game legislation, I welcome a worthy opponent should one be found.

    Jack, meanwhile, is only worthy of mockery and derision.

    Gosling on
    I have a new soccer blog The Minnow Tank. Reading it psychically kicks Sepp Blatter in the bean bag.
  • tarnoktarnok Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Something occurs to me though. What is GP going to do with no Jackie? I don't think I've ever read an article on GP that wasn't about Jack Thompson.

    tarnok on
    Wii Code:
    0431-6094-6446-7088
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    tarnok wrote: »
    Something occurs to me though. What is GP going to do with no Jackie? I don't think I've ever read an article on GP that wasn't about Jack Thompson.

    Don't worry, the gap will be filled.

    MKR on
  • HevachHevach Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    Also, as somebody pointed out in the GP thread: Even disbarred, he can still do a lot. He can't represent every client in sight and sue everybody except the perpetrators, but he can still be very loud and obnoxious, which is all he ever did anyway.

    Hevach on
  • HenroidHenroid Mexican kicked from Immigration Thread Centrism is Racism :3Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    shryke wrote: »
    Wait, shouldn't we be AFRAID of someone competent actually taking up the reins of the whole "Anti-Video Game" thing?

    If someone competent takes up the reigns of putting restrictions or laws on video games, then bad things shouldn't happen, right? At most we'd see a reworking of the ESRB rating system (or maybe a replacement of it).

    Henroid on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Hevach wrote: »
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    Also, as somebody pointed out in the GP thread: Even disbarred, he can still do a lot. He can't represent every client in sight and sue everybody except the perpetrators, but he can still be very loud and obnoxious, which is all he ever did anyway.

    But then he's just some loony with a grudge, not a practicing lawyer. It's harder to get on CNN or Fox if you're just plain loony. An "expert gaming lawyer" is better for news than "barely noteworthy anti-game crusader."

    MKR on
  • AxenAxen My avatar is Excalibur. Yes, the sword.Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    "Maybe there are some things kids shouldn't see" isn't a particularly bizarre position to take, and it's what you get when you strip the insanity away from Jack. Encouraging developers to be a bit more responsible is a good thing; banning everyone in the known universe from so much as looking at vidja games is not.

    I don't think developers need to be more responsible. I mean what should they do? Not make MA-rated games? If a kid plays a violent video game its not the developers fault. Its whoever bought it for him and or sold it to him. If a kid is caught watching porn people don't go blaming the porn industry. If minors are caught in a rated R movie the movie producers aren't blamed. If a minor is caught smoking cigarettes people don't go blaming the cigarette company- oh wait, nvm that one. :)

    Axen on
    A Capellan's favorite sheath for any blade is your back.
  • The Rocking MThe Rocking M Brisbane, AustraliaRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
  • tarnoktarnok Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    If you have some time and brain cells to kill here is a wikiquote for JT. Warning: It's loooong and stupid.

    tarnok on
    Wii Code:
    0431-6094-6446-7088
  • Mr BubblesMr Bubbles David Koresh Superstar Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    tarnok wrote: »
    If you have some time and brain cells to kill here is a wikiquote for JT. Warning: It's loooong and stupid.

    Theres not enough D: in the world

    Mr Bubbles on
  • LeumasWhiteLeumasWhite New ZealandRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Axen wrote: »
    "Maybe there are some things kids shouldn't see" isn't a particularly bizarre position to take, and it's what you get when you strip the insanity away from Jack. Encouraging developers to be a bit more responsible is a good thing; banning everyone in the known universe from so much as looking at vidja games is not.

    I don't think developers need to be more responsible. I mean what should they do? Not make MA-rated games? If a kid plays a violent video game its not the developers fault. Its whoever bought it for him and or sold it to him. If a kid is caught watching porn people don't go blaming the porn industry. If minors are caught in a rated R movie the movie producers aren't blamed. If a minor is caught smoking cigarettes people don't go blaming the cigarette company- oh wait, nvm that one. :)

    I meant with advertising and stuff, make it clear which games are for which age group. I don't want censorship of any kind, but they should make people aware that some games just aren't for kids.

    LeumasWhite on
    QPPHj1J.jpg
  • AxenAxen My avatar is Excalibur. Yes, the sword.Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Mr Bubbles wrote: »
    tarnok wrote: »
    If you have some time and brain cells to kill here is a wikiquote for JT. Warning: It's loooong and stupid.

    Theres not enough D: in the world

    I couldn't tell if most of those quotes are made up or real. . . I don't think I want to know.

    edit- In response to above.

    Oh yes totally. I was just using your quote as a stepping stone of sorts. Because of people like Jack who try to sue Developers.

    Axen on
    A Capellan's favorite sheath for any blade is your back.
  • KhavallKhavall British ColumbiaRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
    MKR wrote: »
    Hevach wrote: »
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    Also, as somebody pointed out in the GP thread: Even disbarred, he can still do a lot. He can't represent every client in sight and sue everybody except the perpetrators, but he can still be very loud and obnoxious, which is all he ever did anyway.

    But then he's just some loony with a grudge, not a practicing lawyer. It's harder to get on CNN or Fox if you're just plain loony. An "expert gaming lawyer" is better for news than "barely noteworthy anti-game crusader."

    That's a pro-JT stance to take even. He's not some loony, he's a loony who was disbarred for harassment. Try and sell a crazy aggressive loony who was disbarred on the news to talk about how video games cause aggression. That's even harder.

    Khavall on
  • Undead ScottsmanUndead Scottsman Cybertronian Paranormal Eliminator Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Hevach wrote: »
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    The Florida Bar is what gives him the right to pratice law, IIRC. He got a Pro hac vice thingy to pratice law in Alabama using his Flordia Bar credientials, but that got revoked.

    Basically, if he gets disbarred in Florida, he's no longer able to practice law.

    Plus, you know, huge disgrace and a major blow to the weight of anything he'd say after that.

    "I think game developers should be sued for violent video games!"
    "...and we care what you think WHY exactly? Your conduct got you stricken of your biggest qualification."

    Undead Scottsman on
  • DrezDrez Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Thompson abuses the law. I would be lying if I said I wasn't specifically annoyed by him because of his preoccupation with games - a hobby I enjoy and would like to see become a protected form of artistic expression - but, all in all, it comes down to the fact that Jack wields the law like a weapon which is not how it is intended to be used.

    I hope they throw the book at him.

    Drez on
    Switch: SW-7690-2320-9238Steam/PSN/Xbox: Drezdar
  • Magic PinkMagic Pink Tur-Boner-Fed Registered User regular
    edited November 2007

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    Can we also not have people telling the more level headed amongst us what to do?

    Because that's the same shit, different smell.

    The man thrives on attention. It's a fact. No one but the truly stupid are giving his diatribes any consideration at all. He is, quite literally, no threat anymore. And I can guarantee you that has nothing to do with a bunch of forum posters going LOOK LOOK AT THE CRAZY MANS.

    Magic Pink on
  • redfenixredfenix Aka'd as rfix Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    I'm actually working on an extensive paper regarding the ESRB's rating system, and how much of a mess it is. This will be some nice fodder for that.

    Also, I'm glad JT may finally get what's coming to him.

    redfenix on
  • HevachHevach Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    MKR wrote: »
    Hevach wrote: »
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    Also, as somebody pointed out in the GP thread: Even disbarred, he can still do a lot. He can't represent every client in sight and sue everybody except the perpetrators, but he can still be very loud and obnoxious, which is all he ever did anyway.

    But then he's just some loony with a grudge, not a practicing lawyer. It's harder to get on CNN or Fox if you're just plain loony. An "expert gaming lawyer" is better for news than "barely noteworthy anti-game crusader."

    Haven't watched Fox News lately, have you? The last three video game related stories they had all had washed-up actors in place of everything from disgruntled users to Sony representatives. They've always let loonies with grudges on (Phelps), but lately you don't even need to be that anymore.

    Hevach on
  • Dark_SideDark_Side Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Don't forget though, that he was largely responsible for that whole anti-music/anti-rap crusade in the early 90's, of which is speculated that he only started as an underhanded jab at Janet Reno, of whom he had a massive grudge against at the time. He's simply latching onto whatever counter culture he can selectively pick juicy targets from and make lots of headlines. And now, it's pretty much come to him getting disbarred, and given his history, I'm certainly not going to be surprised when it happens. But it won't stop him, he'll certainly find something else to rail against, and lazy news producers will still put him on the air.

    Dark_Side on
  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    edited November 2007
    We should mail this information in to Fox News, considering they had him on as little as a month ago.What's worse, the Fox anchor supported his stance and what he was saying! Yes, I know, it's Fox, but he is VERY dangerous if he starts becoming a "talking head." As this whole thing with Kanye West's mom proves, media outlets aren't exactly selective in who they use as a talking head.

    Athenor on
    He/Him | "We who believe in freedom cannot rest." - Dr. Johnetta Cole, 7/22/2024
  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Dark_Side wrote: »
    Don't forget though, that he was largely responsible for that whole anti-music/anti-rap crusade in the early 90's, of which is speculated that he only started as an underhanded jab at Janet Reno, of whom he had a massive grudge against at the time. He's simply latching onto whatever counter culture he can selectively pick juicy targets from and make lots of headlines. And now, it's pretty much come to him getting disbarred, and given his history, I'm certainly not going to be surprised when it happens. But it won't stop him, he'll certainly find something else to rail against, and lazy news producers will still put him on the air.

    Indeed. It's not that he actually thinks vidja games are a menace, he just thinks bashing them is his ticket to fame. And it's worked.

    Glad he's getting disbarred. His tactics make him sound like a horrible lawyer in general.
    Athenor wrote: »
    We should mail this information in to Fox News, considering they had him on as little as a month ago.What's worse, the Fox anchor supported his stance and what he was saying! Yes, I know, it's Fox, but he is VERY dangerous if he starts becoming a "talking head." As this whole thing with Kanye West's mom proves, Fox News isn't exactly selective in who they use as a talking head.

    Fixed. Not that other media outlets are saintly mind you, but Fox News seems particularly egregious in editorializing and finding shitty "experts."

    Also, D:

    cloudeagle on
    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • FuruFuru Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Magic Pink wrote: »

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    Can we also not have people telling the more level headed amongst us what to do?

    Because that's the same shit, different smell.

    The man thrives on attention. It's a fact. No one but the truly stupid are giving his diatribes any consideration at all. He is, quite literally, no threat anymore. And I can guarantee you that has nothing to do with a bunch of forum posters going LOOK LOOK AT THE CRAZY MANS.

    Actually I'm pretty sure forum posters sending things to the Florida bar is how this got started to begin with.

    Furu on
  • HevachHevach Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Furu wrote: »
    Magic Pink wrote: »

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    Can we also not have people telling the more level headed amongst us what to do?

    Because that's the same shit, different smell.

    The man thrives on attention. It's a fact. No one but the truly stupid are giving his diatribes any consideration at all. He is, quite literally, no threat anymore. And I can guarantee you that has nothing to do with a bunch of forum posters going LOOK LOOK AT THE CRAZY MANS.

    Actually I'm pretty sure forum posters sending things to the Florida bar is how this got started to begin with.

    Yes, it was. The bar was quite happy to let him continue forever otherwise. They'd tried to stop him once before, and lost big time, which he took as carte blanch to continue. Which, effectively, it was, he got away with it for years before complaints about his statements forced the bar association to look at the case again.

    Never, ever ignore a lawyer who's trying to do something, because they're pretty much guaranteed to pull it off without opposition. Several forms of outdoor sport that never even existed (remote/internet hunting for example) are illegal because nobody paid attention to the crazy people campaigning to stop the barbaric practice.

    Hevach on
  • JihadJesusJihadJesus Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    cloudeagle wrote: »
    Fixed. Not that other media outlets are saintly mind you, but Fox News seems particularly egregious in editorializing and finding shitty "experts."

    Also, D:
    To be fair, the Fox News dictionary defines 'expert' as 'someone who agrees with the opinions of our owner completely, and is somehwat charismatic and has an impressive sounding string of worthless qualifications'. Or perhaps alternatively 'someone who disagrees with our ownership's opinions, but is a scrubby looking dope fiend who touches children and has all the personality of a dirty napkin'.

    While other media outlets define 'expert' as 'ANYONE who will boost our ratings. Big titties may be a plus'.

    JihadJesus on
  • EvanderEvander Disappointed Father Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    tarnok wrote: »
    I think even he may realize he's in trouble as he has reportedly said that he's willing to accept a 90 day suspension, but it looks like the court's going for the whole enchilada.

    Naw, he definitely knows he's in trouble.

    He's trying to freaking settle out of court.

    At a disbarment hearing.

    Man, he is attorney of the year!

    Evander on
  • Undead ScottsmanUndead Scottsman Cybertronian Paranormal Eliminator Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    JihadJesus wrote: »
    ANYONE who will boost our ratings.
    Big titties may be a plus'.

    Same thing, innit?

    Undead Scottsman on
  • EvanderEvander Disappointed Father Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    shryke wrote: »
    A better rating system would be nice.

    Hey, how about one that has multiple categories? You know, so I'd know if the 16+ or whatever the fuck was because of blood gushing everywhere or digital tits.

    The ESRB already puts that stuff on the back of the box.

    Dunno what ya got in cananida

    Evander on
  • EvanderEvander Disappointed Father Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    MKR wrote: »
    Hevach wrote: »
    Question: I know he's been prohibited from practicing law in at least one other state, but is Florida the last one he can practice in? He might just move to a different venue again.

    Also, as somebody pointed out in the GP thread: Even disbarred, he can still do a lot. He can't represent every client in sight and sue everybody except the perpetrators, but he can still be very loud and obnoxious, which is all he ever did anyway.

    But then he's just some loony with a grudge, not a practicing lawyer. It's harder to get on CNN or Fox if you're just plain loony. An "expert gaming lawyer" is better for news than "barely noteworthy anti-game crusader."

    He declares himself an "analyst", and then it's "JT-a-go-go"

    I'm sure that there's some anti-game think-tank out there willing to stick him on the payroll.

    Evander on
  • EvanderEvander Disappointed Father Registered User regular
    edited November 2007
    Magic Pink wrote: »

    Also I am sick of the "NOBODY PAY ATTENTION TO HIM HE WILL GO AWAY YOU ARE ALL FEEDING THE FIRE" sentiment, so let's not go there.

    Can we also not have people telling the more level headed amongst us what to do?

    Because that's the same shit, different smell.

    The man thrives on attention. It's a fact. No one but the truly stupid are giving his diatribes any consideration at all. He is, quite literally, no threat anymore. And I can guarantee you that has nothing to do with a bunch of forum posters going LOOK LOOK AT THE CRAZY MANS.

    He is going to pull his shit whether we pay attention to him or not.

    He WILL NOT go away if we ignore him, he will in fact get louder. By ignoring him we just give him creedance, as though he is so right we have no response.



    He is the free entertainment for the evening. Why pass up the show?

    Evander on
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