Back in June, I completely fisked an article by this guy, Yomin Postelnik, where he claimed to have “logical proof” of God’s existence, and boasted that he’d show atheism to be illogical. The article was beyond a joke, so I butchered it (and him) mercilessly. YP didn’t take too kindly to that, and started calling the ACA (who have nothing to do with the blog), making vague legal threats if my post wasn’t taken down, that kind of thing. Over the next few days, he underwent a highly entertaining online meltdown, posting hysterical rants on Richard Dawkins Forum and other locations. Oh yes… he also thought the best way to get revenge for my article would be to vandalize my Wikipedia page with accusations of drug addiction and pedophilia. I let this lie for a while, since the guy had pretty much self-destructed online. But after THREE months, here he was, still obsessing over me and having his attorney send me cease and desist letters, which was patently bizarre. All this time, he’d been accusing ME of stalking and harassment — basically, everything he was doing to me — and I finally decided enough was enough. So I’m suing him for libel and defamation. In other words, after three months of him crying wolf I’m calling his bluff. Thank to donation help from many folks in the atheist blogosphere, the suit was filed last week and YP is getting served this week. I’ve set up a separate blog explaining everything here. You can see some of the over-the-top behavior this guy has engaged in, including starting up four blogs solely to smear me with. (You can scroll down to read the first post.) http://thisisjustinsane.blogspot.com/ Pharyngula linked to it last month, helping get the ball rolling. http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/09/help_an_atheist_out.php In addition to all the money of mine I’ve been pumping into this, the kind donations of the atheist blogosphere, and all the fine folks who have agreed that this guy’s actions are simply inexcusable, have been a huge help. I’ve been told a suit like this (on which I’ve already paid about $2300) can run anywhere from $5000 to $10,000, especially if YP decides to be an idiot and try to defend it in trial. (The evidence I have linking his IP address to the Wikipedia vandalism is solid, and to date, the ONLY excuse YP has for why his IP is on the libelous edits is — get this — that *I* “spoofed” his IP address and basically libeled myself in order to defame him by accusing him of it!) As I’m now in the second round of donation soliciting, I thought I’d try some different online atheist outlets than before (I didn’t come to you the first time because I wanted to test how willing people might be to help out in the first place, considering how fucked up the economy is, and also because PZ and I have met). If you get the chance, would you be willing to read over the links I provided you? And then, if you agree with what I’m doing and that YP’s behavior is disgraceful, maybe you’d be willing to write a post for NoGodBlog letting people know that they can pitch in if they see fit? I have a deal where a $15 donation will get you a T-shirt, but if people can’t afford that, hell, even $3 and $5 donations make a huge difference. There are about 150 people on my current donor list, and it would be nice to add 200-300 people to that, just so the same folks aren’t the ones I’m always going back to. Anyway, I appreciate your time and consideration. If you decide this isn’t appropriate for NoGodBlog, I certainly understand. But I thought your readers might enjoy contributing to a little creationist pwnage!
Take to you soon,Martin
Well, I certainly think it’s appropriate. This is a form of religious terrorism. Lies to protect lies. Please check this out.
