The ‘Directory of wonderful things,’ Boing Boing reported over the weekend that they had received a letter from Baker & McKenzie LLP of London, the world’s biggest law firm, informing them that their client, Infront Sports & Media, “anticipates the possibility of unauthorized streaming and downloading of FIFA World Cup matches.” Presumably from Boing Boing. No wrong doing yet, just a precautionary measure.
Does this strike anyone else as an example of the Pythonesque surreal?
Thankfully, the Boing Boing crowd take a decidedly irreverent stance on the bully tactics.
The letter goes on to warn Boing Boing that Baker & McKenzie will be “actively monitoring your website … to identify unlawful activity and will, if necessary, take appropriate action to ensure the protection of Infront’s rights of those licenses.”
Oh brother. I don’t even know what the FIFA World Cup is. I’m guessing it’s soccer, which I hate just as much as any other pro sport. Every editor at Boing Boing detests professional sports, and we would sooner stream a video of a crumpled up paper napkin in the corner of a room than show some jackasses running after a ball. The only time we would ever post anything about pro-sports would be to make fun of them.
A screenshot of the letter is available in high regard on the Boing Boing site. As just desserts, they BB crowd retort:
Baker & McKenzie, be on alert: henceforth, Boing Boing will be actively monitoring your website to identify dumbass activity and will, if necessary, take appropriate action to point out instances of wasting clients’ money by sending out unnecessary and obnoxious warning letters.”