Dear Mr. Reifsnider,
It is with some regret that I reply to your grievances publically. Seeing that you wished your letter to be published in the Hathian Observer, the newspaper feels obliged to respond in kind.
The journalist in question, Aria Biggley has had an impeccable record when following up stories and to date has been forced to retract only one; a retraction that was carried out under some coercion.
In response to your concerns, the newspaper would like to clarify the following points.
1. Photographs used in the article “Make Love not War” dated 1st January 2009 were only doctored using a colored scaling effect. No additional effects were used and no elements of the photograph were removed or added.<!–[endif]–>
2. <!–[if !supportLists]–>Photographs intended for the aforementioned article were of such a quantity, the newspaper felt it necessary to create a montage effect.<!–[endif]–>
3. <!–[if !supportLists]–>Photographs used in the article were carefully selected to be as tasteful as they could be, given their potentially pornographic nature.
4. <!–[if !supportLists]–>The allegation regarding ‘providing garrotes for the local criminal fraternity’ was actually made by the barmaid in the Titty Twister and as such, the newspaper insists you take up libel action against herself, Ms. Bluebell Noel. It was clearly stated in the article that these were her words and not those of reporter, Aria Biggley.
Following these clarifications, the Hathian Observer would like to make it perfectly clear that no retraction of the article nor of anything stated within in will be taking place. Ms. Biggley has the newspaper’s fullest backing.
We look forward to hearing from your legal representative in the near future.
Best wishes,
The Editor
The Hathian Observer
Mr. Reifsnider,
Once again, at your request I have published your letter in the Opinions section of our newspaper in the hope that such negative attention-seeking will result in others pointing out to you the error of your ways.
Sadly, it seems that whenever you are caught engaging in dubious sexual activities, you must rush to defend your reputation and this is an understandable response. The phrase ‘Flogging a dead horse’ however does spring to mind and perhaps this is an activity you might enjoy in a literal sense.
We have clearly stated that there will be NO retraction from Ms. Biggley or the newspaper itself and henceforth, as per advice from our own solicitors we shall no longer engage in this literal sparring match that you seem to enjoy so much.
As you are no doubt aware, pursuing civil litigation for defamation of character and/or damages is a length, costly and ultimately unpredictable process We would urge you to reconsider following this course of action. Another point to mention is that, if our newspaper is so short on readers as you seem to believe, our funding will surely be low therefore damages you would receive should your case be proven are going to be negligible. Your own defamatory comments about our newspaper are also likely to be considered when a case is brought to court.
As a lawyer yourself, I understand that you will not be entitled to any sort of legal assistance so would have to fund the court battle out of your own pocket. The Hathian Observer has financial backing and insurance from a number of sources within the community and I assure you that our funds far exceed your own.
Bearing this in mind, you have the legal right to continue your actions against our newspaper and I can only suggest that you proceed to do so after taking the advice of a respectable and talented lawyer. Out of kindness, I have supplied this toll-free number for you to call. (1-888-CRACKHOLAW)
With regards,
The Editor
The Hathian Observer
