# Suing spammers for fun and profit

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [December 26, 2010, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454 "2010-12-26T21:53:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [December 26, 2010, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454/1 "2010-12-26T21:53:58Z")

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[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40812560/ns/technology\_and\_science-security/](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40812560/ns/technology_and_science-security/)

> [@](#):
>
> SAN FRANCISCO — Daniel Balsam hates spam. Most everybody does, of course. But he has acted on his hate as few have, going far beyond simply hitting the delete button. He sues them.
> 
> \<snip\>
> 
> He has racked up well in excess of $1 million in court judgments and lawsuit settlements with companies accused of sending illegal spam.
> 
> His courtroom foes contend that Balsam is one of many sole practitioners unfairly exploiting anti-spam sentiments and laws. They accuse him of filing lawsuits against out-of-state companies that would rather pay a small settlement than expend the resources to fight the legal claims.
> 
> “He really seems to be trying to twist things for a buck,” said Bennet Kelley, a defense lawyer who has become Balsam’s arch nemesis over the years in the rough-and-tumble litigation niche that has sprung up around spam.

‘Unfairly exploiting the laws’? Well boo-freakin’-hoo!

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### Author: ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454/2 "2010-12-27T17:57:06Z")

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> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40812560/ns/technology\_and\_science-security/](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40812560/ns/technology_and_science-security/)
> 
> ‘Unfairly exploiting the laws’? Well boo-freakin’-hoo!

A lawyer complaining about somebody “exploiting the laws”? That’s what lawyers do all the time! If this lawyer was doint the same thing (to enrich himself) he’d be a crusader for humanity! Lawyers never cease to amaze me!

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### Author: ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454/3 "2010-12-27T18:48:13Z")

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I think I have a new hero.

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### Author: ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suing-spammers-for-fun-and-profit/565454/4 "2010-12-27T20:24:32Z")

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> [@ralph124c](#):
>
> A lawyer complaining about somebody “exploiting the laws”?

I’m shocked, _shocked!_ to find that gambling is going on in here!  
[a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]  
Your winnings, sir.