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Retraction from Tumblr

istumblrdown.com

11–20 of 64 posts

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#11

This seems like a risky move for tumblr, no? Doesn't this mean they're not actively defending their trademark? In which case this could cause them legal problems in the future.

This type of thinking is poisonous to the industry and to all industries.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#12
The cynical reaction would be to say this is all about damage limitation to their brand since it appeared on HN, as they meant to do it rather than it being a 'clerical error'.

Good thing I'm not cynical.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#13
post #5

That means, unless you are on HN's front page you don't have rights to use word tumblr in your domain

It's become an interesting phenomena now. The rise in availability of the internet and pervasiveness of social media is making companies accountable for their wrongdoings. Of course, the more prominent/visible the complaint, the more likely it is that a company will try to act on it.

However, I don't believe that most companies would just handle problems like this in a case by case basis. IsTumblrDown made some noise, and that noise led Tumblr to recognizing a flaw in their process. At the very least, it'll make them more cautious going forward. Incidents like this can lead to long-term improvements.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#14
post #5

That means, unless you are on HN's front page you don't have rights to use word tumblr in your domain

The same has historically applied to google search misclassifications and ignored bug/error reports for any major company. Publicity is to be the only recourse for anyone without a contractual agreement.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#15
post #5

That means, unless you are on HN's front page you don't have rights to use word tumblr in your domain

Let's not flatter ourselves here.

I agree and disagree. HN is not massive, but it is a force.

HN can be one scary angry mob which is nice to be backed by, but horrible to be on the end of. Remember the Aria Richards debacle which was heightened by this community. Just one of many. (That wasn't my intention by the way and everyone's been pretty calm.)

The HN effect is a strange one. :)

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#16

This seems like a risky move for tumblr, no? Doesn't this mean they're not actively defending their trademark? In which case this could cause them legal problems in the future.

IANAL, but to me it seems more like "we are actively defending our trademark (ala the hiring of the legal company), but we do not believe that you are infringing on that trademark and what you are doing is fair use, so carry on"

I can't help but read `I'm anal` when somebody uses this acronym. It always take me a couple seconds to remember `I am not a lawyer`.

Sorry for the off topic.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#17
post #13
post #5

That means, unless you are on HN's front page you don't have rights to use word tumblr in your domain

It's become an interesting phenomena now. The rise in availability of the internet and pervasiveness of social media is making companies accountable for their wrongdoings. Of course, the more prominent/visible the complaint, the more likely it is that a company will try to act on it. However, I don't believe that most companies would just handle problems like this in a case by case basis. IsTumblrDown made some noise…

Good

It means that legal departments have to stop the "shoot first ask questions later" strategy

It's very easy to just go around threatening legal action against people unchecked.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#18
post #11

This seems like a risky move for tumblr, no? Doesn't this mean they're not actively defending their trademark? In which case this could cause them legal problems in the future.

This type of thinking is poisonous to the industry and to all industries.

It's not "thinking." It's a question. It's annoying that I can't ask a startup question in a startup community without being characterized as an evil capitalist.

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#19
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This type of thinking is poisonous to the industry and to all industries.

It's not "thinking." It's a question. It's annoying that I can't ask a startup question in a startup community without being characterized as an evil capitalist.

Who called you an evil capitalist?

Re: Retraction from Tumblr

#20

The cynical reaction would be to say this is all about damage limitation to their brand since it appeared on HN, as they meant to do it rather than it being a 'clerical error'. Good thing I'm not cynical.

HN, and its readership, simply isn't that important to tumblr. If it were reddit, maybe the cynical reaction would be accurate.
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