Speaking of PR mistakes, it looks like the news just keeps getting worse for JL Kirk and Associates. David St. Lawrence notes that the all too predictable Google Bombing has taken place, and - worse - a negative Better Business Bureau report on the company has now become prominent (follow the first link to see that). Instead of being locked in a cabinet in the basement, it's now out there for everyone to see. And hey - not only is the news bad for JL Kirk, but now the law firm - King & Ballow - have managed to cover themselves in negativity as well.

Law firms used to be able to intimidate people into silence with these kinds of tactics, but the power isn't solely on their end any longer. The only thing left to speculate on is this: how long before JL Kirk and King & Ballow throw in the towel, and decide to stop taking broadsides at close range? Damage like this, from Lamplighter:

Demand letters are often the most effective way of remedying a problem without having to go through the trouble and expense of litigation. However, before sending a demand letter one should (1) determine that there is an actual legal basis for the demand and (2) determine whether it would be counterproductive to send the letter. Here it appears that both J.L. Kirk and Mr. Korpady ignored these two little questions. As a result, instead of the bad publicity (which was earned) being limited to a single blog, J.L. Kirk & Associates, King & Ballow, and Mr. Korpady have become the poster children for anti-free speech, bullying, abuse of the legal system, and poor legal analysis. Not a reputation I would want.

I think we can safely say that this particular move was not good for future business.

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