Important News (4-1-04) – AOL Threatens Lawsuit Against Points in Case Over Use of ‘AIM'
Read the March 31, 2004 article in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution >>
Unfortunately, AOL has contacted me by mail (not so nicely) over the use of the name ‘AIM' as well as the content associated with it in our Away Messages and AIM Convos sections. They have asked that I transfer ownership of the domain name to them within 3 weeks or they will take legal action.
I'm pretty sure they have no right to do this, since most of our stuff is parody material anyway, and I hope to keep the site around as long as possible, even if that means 3 weeks. If any of you know someone willing to help with initial legal representation by email or phone, I'd appreciate it. We'll keep you posted in the coming week…
-Court
Update 4-1-04, 8:30PM:
I have been in talks with AOL lawyers all day today and we have reached a compromise to avoid going to court. Starting tomorrow, Points in Case will only be accessible to visitors using AOL 9.0 Optimized®. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is what has to be done. I hope you will all learn to appreciate the new AOL 9.0®, as it really is completely optimized, but more importantly, will allow you to read Points in Case again every day.
Thanks,
Court
Update 4-1-04, 10:00PM:
I have just finished negotiating a new compromise with AOL lawyers. Visitors from all browsers will now be able to access Points in Case.
However, we will now be conducting random visitor background checks based on the last 3 digits of your IP address. You will be categorized according to the new AIM® Hacker Threat Alert system. Users with excessive warning levels (20%+) on their AOL Instant Messenger® accounts will be classified as either “High” or “Severe” and may not be able to view this website.
Please refrain from using foul language or sexual innuendos on AIM, as this may cause your warning level to increase.
Thanks,
Court
APRIL FOOL'S SUCKAZ!! as;ldfkjaslkjasdf;lkj
By Court Sullivan | Fri, April 2, 2004
Yes, it is true, I played a little joke (see below this update), and you responded unabashedly.
Some of you offered legal advice, others of you called AOL all kinds of dirty names I've never heard before, and a few of you broke down in e-tears. One of you fine young ladies even suggested offering AOL 9.0 Optimized Scholarships for broke college kids who still want to enjoy PIC.
But one thing is for sure: 91% OF YOU GOT PLAYED LIKE A ONE-STRING BANJO IN A WESTERN MUSICAL. (Speaking of which, we're putting on a musical soon, if any of you actually do play a one-string banjo, please email me a professional recording of yourself…I'd like to hear how sweet it sounds. OUCH!)
I do appreciate those of you who cursed AOL for me, and hopefully it was a good laugh for those who remembered it was April Fool's. For the people who offered their legal assistance, I'll be re-assigning each of you to one of my other pending legal troubles shortly. Kidding! *Nervous laughter*
So to wrap up:
1) There's no lawsuit threat.
2) AOL is still uncool anyway. (Except for that AIM part.)
3) If I ever really do get sued, irony will solidify into ferrous sulfate, which I will then struggle to swallow in pill-form.
And now, just to make things clear, I will violate several various trademarks and copyrights simultaneously:
Points in Case is both intimately affiliated with, and romantically linked to, AOL, AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), and America Online, Inc., all three of whom have been brought to climax by PIC after a night of hard drinking. We do not regret any involvement in these lustful and impulsive activities. 