[knight01]

I would echo many of the comments, that we should look at this opportunity through cautious eyes.

However, I note that the initial posting here did not appear to be one of a solicitation of business. And in fact appeared to be simply someone involved in affiliate marketing wanting to learn more.... just as any newbie to the forum that joins us everyday... except this newbie happened to be an attorney.

It appears we've made a leap that this person is specifically looking for business rather than an association with other like minded entrepreneur's who are active in internet marketing. I can point to MarkWelch who would occasionally pipe in with his legal opinion with proper disclosures on a variety of issues. Though I don't think Mark was still practicing law, we took his advice as it was intended and I hope we can do the same with InternetAttorney.

As has been pointed out, we should not take his postings as a formal answer to any legal question. But merely an initial opinion based on limited information that is available. Since it appears s/he is an active and practicing attorney, I can respect not wanting to expose himself to any specific professional liability on that basis by using a real name.

Also, we need to keep in mind that although Haiko has created a 'legal forum' its purpose is for organization of various questions relating to legal issues that are raised. I believe it is not his nor InternetAttorneys' intention to proffer any formal legal advice.

That all being said, I can see some very interesting discussions based in this forum.

[Boom or Bust]

Originally Posted by knight01

It appears we've made a leap that this person is specifically looking for business rather than an association with other like minded entrepreneur's who are active in internet marketing.

I can only speak for myself, but as an entrepreneur my goals center around inventing and developing business mechanisms that result in income. That seems to reflect the goals of 99.9% of the newbies that show up at the door. As such it's difficult for me to understand the reasoning behind internetattorney's expressed intentions in joining ABW.
Additionally, those intentions don't seem to match the actions. He's a hit and run poster (not intended to be derogatory). In other words, it appears that he is too busy to spend much time here. He logs in for a few minutes and then he's gone for the rest of the day [or night]. This gives me the impression that a desire for "an association with other like minded entrepreneurs" is absent.
So, I'm still suspicious of your intentions internetattorney and just can't seem to reconcile what you say and what I see.
No offense intended. Just trying to understand...

[Greg Rice]

The way I see this is we have a person who came here as a member, not unlike many or most of us. Many here do not use their real name. Is that a bad thing? Once he or she is more comfortable they may decide to use their real name but using an alias here is not, in itself, cause for suspicion.

I am interested to hear the opinions. If the answer was that I could have a case I would talk to my attorney and not print the posts here and run off to the courthouse. Take the opinions/advice here like you do from any other member. I would hate to chase off someone, who has the potential of teaching us, because of speculation of what he or she may be up to.

Attornies are similar to doctors in that everyone has a question for them. With 2 years of pre-med school and an ex-paramedic I can attest to this. Hardly ever could I tell someone I was a paramedic and not get "A paramedic? I have this pain...".

Ask your questions, get someone's opinion and weigh that with whatever facts and opinions you obtain. If it sounds like you need an attorney, call one. Take internetattorney's advice/opinion or leave it.

I agree that if the intent is to drum up some business then using your real name is best. If internetattorney is here to share and learn then I don't have a problem with the alias.

Just my 2 cents. I love the idea and look forward to learning.

[Haiko de Poel, Jr.]

Not directing this post towards anyone in particular!

If you have a bucket full of lemons, you can choose to focus on the tartness, color or size of the lemons or you can make some refreshing lemonade. I select the later. So, an oppt to pass some cursory legal questions past a real attorney specializing in our field is just that, an opportunity, take it or leave it.

[Kevin]

And I'll delete everything I just typed since H summed it up....

Second, I would add that getting advice from any expert in a forum is never a guarantee of anything. It's advice, not counsel.

If Coley or Donuts told me to build a niche site about handguns, I wouldn't necessarily run out and do it.

[Donuts]

Welcome to ABW!

Haiko, nice move, I really like this idea and see obvious benefits for all parties involved here.

[TheFashionista]

I think internetattorney taking time out of his schedule to offer FREE legal information to people on this forum is more than generous on his part.

Since he is not providing formal legal advice (only guidance so that we can find our own answers) I completely understand him not wanting to provide his real name.

For me, it has been difficult to find answers to some of my legal questions related to my website, so it will be nice to have someone who can provide a listing of resources that I can research to find the answers I need.

[rematt]

Originally Posted by TheFashionista

I think internetattorney taking time out of his schedule to offer FREE legal information to people on this forum is more than generous on his part..

Absolutely. There are very few days that we don't have at least one post where many of us question or speculate about the legalities of an action or situation. It will be great to have a resource that can help clarify questions about a network or merchant's TOS, copyright issues etc..

-rematt

[HazelB]

Thank you InternetAttorney for your kind help.
This is one of the nicest things I've seen anyone do on the internet.

Hazel

[Billy Kay]

All we need is a Pawn Shop and a MacDonalds, and out little ABW neighborhood will be complete

Very nice (and definately needed). Thanks

[dcangel13]

Personally, I think the idea of an attorney being anonymous is a great idea. Why would it be any different than someone that is new coming to ABW to promote their product. Obviously, the attorney is not here to promote themselves (whether it be a he or she). I applaude the attorney for that. It isn't easy to get "free" legal feedback for anything nowadays. Thanks for your participation.

[AffiliateHound]

dcangel13, this was a short-lived attempt by "InternetAttorney" to get clients. He rode in on his white horse, made promises intriguing to some, made a few more posts, and then when he saw it would be more work than he thought with little prospect of a payday, he quickly disappeared.

Take a look here.

[dcangel13]

Thanks AffiliateHound. Obviously, he had me fooled. Boy, do I have a lot to learn!!!. I think next time, I'll read the whole forum before I open my mouth. Thanks for setting me straight. It's too bad that there are too many people out there that know how to be con artists.