Many people have been asking if and how they can contribute to Dear Author and Jane Litte's legal defense in the defamation suit filed against her.
Consequently, and at Jane's request, I have established and am administering The Dear Author Jane Litte Legal Defense Fund.
Why a fund?
Because lawsuits are expensive (that's why they're so often used as a threat, if you've ever wondered).
Because of that, and because the duration of the litigation is undetermined, Jane will need financial assistance. Jane's attorney, Marc Randazza, is contributing by discounting his hourly rate. Even with a generous discount, it's still expensive.
Jane Litte has set aside $20,000.00 of her own funds to fight this defamation suit and has paid the large retainer out of that amount, but that money will be depleted quickly as the case progresses.
How do I contribute?
If you'd like to donate to the legal fund, you can follow this link to the GoFundMe site, and make your donation. Please note: these are NOT tax deductible donations, as this is NOT a 501(c)3 not-for-profit
entity.
All funds will be used for Jane's legal defense, minus the fees charged by GoFundMe, and because Jane does not know what the end result will be, she has no way of knowing what the total amount required will be. If the fees do not exceed $20,000, we will attempt to refund the donations per the GoFundMe policies. Countries with the following currencies are supported: $ USD, £ GBP, $ CAD, $ AUD and € EUR. I also want to make it clear that I will receive absolutely zero money for this project, and other than as administrator, I'm not involved in the litigation of this case. I'm the administrator of the fund itself at Jane's request, but all donations go to Jane's legal defense. If there are any funds left over when the suit is finished, they will be donated to the Society of Professional Journalists Legal Defense Fund.
Anonymous donations are accepted, and we will not reveal your identity if you chose to donate anonymously.
It may seem that because $20,000 is an enormous amount of money (and it is), that additional funds are not required. I would not have set up the legal defense fund if that were the case. Any amount that you can contribute is most appreciated. Thank you.
UPDATE: 6 October 2:30pm ET:
WE DID IT! Holy moses: our community raised $50,000.00 for the defense fund in only 4 days. I am in absolute awe. Thank you so much.
Clearly, Jane has the right to blog her analysis of the EC situation. Equally clearly, bully corporations use the expense of withstanding litigation to silence independent voices. It’s nice to see 42,625 dollars raised towards the legal defense fund goal of 50k in only two days. Huzzah for the Bitchery!
Sarah,
Could it be time for competitions? Might I suggest a little haiku followed by a remake this cover competition then perhaps create a book blurb.
With the understanding that we try to follow the old Laugh In style tv guideline. Very pointed but covered by laughter. Or try to take a page from playrights like Beaumarchais.
@Amousie:
Competitions? I’m not sure I understand what you’re suggesting. I’m sorry!
And I am absolutely in awe of the donations over only a few days. It’s incredible. Thank you.
Contests. Once upon a time the Bitchery re-did Twilight Covers, we re-wrote Christmas songs, we created blurbs for a Jewish holiday based on the Harlequin blurb “model,” There was the Doctor Turtle title “machine,” etc.
The Bitchery is clever and funny and basically all-around Smart Bitches. They are spreading the word and raising funds, now let’s have some fun and increase the volume on the message.
Imagine what the talented cover artists could do recovering The Empress’s New Clothes or creating cover a for Schadenfreude R Us, The Back in Black story
Or Playing Comedy Central’s @Midnight game
Fat Advantage Ep #5: How I Stuck My Foot in My Mouth and It Came Out of My Arse
I don’t know, you and Candy (and now Elyse and Carrie S) are the ones who come up with the great ideas for stuff like this.
I have to echo, the money raised so is simply brilliant. Go Jane! Go DA! And the authors, cover artists and editors who have come forward… breathtaking in their bravery.
Brava! Brava! I salute you all and give a rousing standing ovation!
@Amousie: Ah! I see – I wasn’t sure how that connected to the fund! I get what you’re saying.
And also: OH MY GOSH WE DID IT. The fund hit $50,000.00 this afternoon after only 4 days. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Ahh, I see. My mind makes leaps but the words don’t necessarily make it to the page.
I was thinking even more exposure to keep the fund and the message out there in the world! Some people won’t hear a direct message but the humor might break through the barrier. More fundraising!
Thanks again,
Sarah!