As has been mentioned, it is important to remember that he is suing them.
"Given the gravity of the situation I was facing, I had to hire a law firm to protect myself, clear my name and set the record straight"
It sounds like this is what is really happening.
1. Jason rants on some blog about his scratched ipod nano.
2. Law firm sees opportunity for class action suit against Apple. (This will mean big bucks but only if they can become lead council. Filing first will mean increased chance of becoming lead council.)
3. Law firm files using Jason's name without his permission, presumably thinking this will not be a problem due to his vocal criticism of Ipod Nano. (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/blog/nano_lawsuit.pd f)
4. Jason refuses to sign up for class action law suit.
5. Law firm changes lead plaintiff six days later. (http://www.hbsslaw.com/files/1ST_Amd_Complaint%20 ( v2)1130368932535.pdf)
6. Jason contacts his lawyers.
7. Lawyers think they can make Jason money by suing Class Action lawyers. However, they must prove some kind of quanifiable impact on Jason's life. Presumably they were responsible for at least this part of the open letter, if not the entire thing.
"I had to take my website down and remove legitimate references to my name on numerous web services. My fiancee and I were afraid to go outside in our own home town for fear of recognition and reprisal"
I think the Class Action lawyers made a mistake and Jason is trying to profit from this.
Slashdot Mirror
As has been mentioned, it is important to remember that he is suing them.
d f)
0 ( v2)1130368932535.pdf)
"Given the gravity of the situation I was facing, I had to hire a law firm to protect myself, clear my name and set the record straight"
It sounds like this is what is really happening.
1. Jason rants on some blog about his scratched ipod nano.
2. Law firm sees opportunity for class action suit against Apple.
(This will mean big bucks but only if they can become lead council. Filing first will mean increased chance of becoming lead council.)
3. Law firm files using Jason's name without his permission, presumably thinking this will not be a problem due to his vocal criticism of Ipod Nano.
(http://www.ifoapplestore.com/blog/nano_lawsuit.p
4. Jason refuses to sign up for class action law suit.
5. Law firm changes lead plaintiff six days later.
(http://www.hbsslaw.com/files/1ST_Amd_Complaint%2
6. Jason contacts his lawyers.
7. Lawyers think they can make Jason money by suing Class Action lawyers. However, they must prove some kind of quanifiable impact on Jason's life. Presumably they were responsible for at least this part of the open letter, if not the entire thing.
"I had to take my website down and remove legitimate references to my name on numerous web services. My fiancee and I were afraid to go outside in our own home town for fear of recognition and reprisal"
I think the Class Action lawyers made a mistake and Jason is trying to profit from this.