Smartcar Coffee Confidential Legal Defence Fund
Donation protected
There was a knock at the door. "Who could that be?" I wondered. I opened it smiling, and a pleasant young woman asked me if I was James Burchill. I said yes. She handed me a yellow envelope, turned and walked away. I'd been served!
Upon reading the legal documents enclosed, my local vlog, the Smartcar Coffee Confidential and I are named as co-defendants in a civil suit brought by Sean Baird of the Ampersand Group in Burlington, ON.
To be clear, I bear no malice toward Mr. Baird and I respect our legal system.
You may recall that passions ran high during the last municipal election and certain allegations were made naming Mr. Baird. Those charges were subsequently withdrawn in late 2020. Mr. Baird is claiming defamation of character and seeking a million dollars + in damages.
However, for reasons that confound me, I've been included citing a 42s media clip from an episode with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in December of 2019. Here's the link for your review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx9c2uC-uxg
As you can see, there's no mention of Mr. Baird and I barely say anything.
Now I need to file a defence and make the necessary legal arrangements to defend this matter against me. Ideally, I'd like to get my involvement in the case dismissed, but again, that requires a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases.
And that's where I'd like your help.
The Smartcar Coffee Confidential show (aside from most of 2020 due to COVID19) has run steadily for 2+ years and produced upwards of 60 episodes featuring various local Burlington and surrounding business people.
These episodes aired online, on YouTube and in re-runs on Cogeco TV CH700. The final video was also made available to all guests at no charge for self-promotion.
This show, the production and the exposure offered to local business was done at no cost to the guests. I was happy to do it, and will again when it's safe to do ... assuming I can afford to resume production.
Producing a FREE SHOW means it made no money and has no legal defence fund. I never thought it would need one because it was always such a happy, fun and light-hearted format. Who knew?
So now your financial support is requested to pay for the necessary legal defence of the show. I'm not exactly sure what this will cost - I've guessed at a starting goal of $5k. Could be more, could be less, and I will be 100% transparent regarding the use of the funds donated.
This is NOT a James piggy-bank project. This is for the defence of this matter and only this matter. And, if after the dust settles, there's anything left, I'll suggest ways we can make the best use of any surplus and you can help me decide.
So there you have it. Donate what you can now, please share this campaign and I'll keep you posted.
Thank you in advance for your support.
James Burchill
Upon reading the legal documents enclosed, my local vlog, the Smartcar Coffee Confidential and I are named as co-defendants in a civil suit brought by Sean Baird of the Ampersand Group in Burlington, ON.
To be clear, I bear no malice toward Mr. Baird and I respect our legal system.
You may recall that passions ran high during the last municipal election and certain allegations were made naming Mr. Baird. Those charges were subsequently withdrawn in late 2020. Mr. Baird is claiming defamation of character and seeking a million dollars + in damages.
However, for reasons that confound me, I've been included citing a 42s media clip from an episode with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in December of 2019. Here's the link for your review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx9c2uC-uxg
As you can see, there's no mention of Mr. Baird and I barely say anything.
Now I need to file a defence and make the necessary legal arrangements to defend this matter against me. Ideally, I'd like to get my involvement in the case dismissed, but again, that requires a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases.
And that's where I'd like your help.
The Smartcar Coffee Confidential show (aside from most of 2020 due to COVID19) has run steadily for 2+ years and produced upwards of 60 episodes featuring various local Burlington and surrounding business people.
These episodes aired online, on YouTube and in re-runs on Cogeco TV CH700. The final video was also made available to all guests at no charge for self-promotion.
This show, the production and the exposure offered to local business was done at no cost to the guests. I was happy to do it, and will again when it's safe to do ... assuming I can afford to resume production.
Producing a FREE SHOW means it made no money and has no legal defence fund. I never thought it would need one because it was always such a happy, fun and light-hearted format. Who knew?
So now your financial support is requested to pay for the necessary legal defence of the show. I'm not exactly sure what this will cost - I've guessed at a starting goal of $5k. Could be more, could be less, and I will be 100% transparent regarding the use of the funds donated.
This is NOT a James piggy-bank project. This is for the defence of this matter and only this matter. And, if after the dust settles, there's anything left, I'll suggest ways we can make the best use of any surplus and you can help me decide.
So there you have it. Donate what you can now, please share this campaign and I'll keep you posted.
Thank you in advance for your support.
James Burchill
Organizer
James Burchill
Organizer
Burlington, ON
