From a discussion entitled "The Sysops Legal Manual Conference" from GEnie:
[Holly] HS> I have a related question, Jonathon...are you
familiar with Thompson v. Predaina? (The case that never was...
*grin*)
JON.WALLACE> Yes, I read the pleadings, and have talked to and
been flamed by, Linda Thompson *grin*.
[Holly] HS> Can you summarize the case a bit for the rest of us
and give us your opinion? (I happen to personally know both
parties... Linda was a friend of mine. Bob is a friend of mine.
Key word: "was") Everyone's been flamed by Linda Thompson.
*grin* Linda sued Bob under the ECPA claiming that he had
disclosed private messages and files of hers to the public. He
was not the recipient of the files or messages and, if the facts
as stated in the complaint are true, it seems as if there was a
technical ECPA violation. The case never went any further
because (I am told). Predaina declared bankruptcy (since you
know him, you can clarify if this turns out not to be the case).
[Holly] HS> Bob did declare bankruptcy, which was a wise move.
I didn't read the complaint, however, I also know that when
Linda (and Al) had a BBS, they were "guilty" of exactly what I
understood Bob did. (Allegedly)
JON.WALLACE> I've often thought it was a too drastic move on
his part. Based on the information I had, I doubted the case
would have resulted in drastic damages, even if there was a
technical violation.
The moral of the story: Don't disclose private mail of which you
are not the sender or recipient.
[Holly] HS> I think it was very precautionary on Bob's part.
And, if I understand what happened, the case was dropped because
Linda was suing partially on the grounds of character defamation
which allowed Bob to dredge up some of Linda's rather tawdry
past, allegedly. (I don't think I'm spelling that right. It
looks wrong. :-) Thanks, Jonathon... I have a few more for
later... :-)
The indications from over a decade later are that Predaina went
into business for himself with musical instruments and has lived
a quiet life since. Thompson has garnered controversy and dialogue
from all quarters with relatively colorful language and articles.
