There was an important press release out of New York
yesterday that needs your attention. Before getting into it, let me state I am
completely on the side of Microsoft in their appeal of the out-of-control Clinton
White House and US DOJ on anti-trust matters. Having said that, Microsoft has made
a mistake, one they have a chance to correct easily. I urge your support of the
Digital Divas with their Diva and
Goliath campaign. DIGITAL DIVAS SEEK TO STOP MICROSOFT'S TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT NEW YORK, NY - May 1, 2000 - After Microsoft
ignored a cease and desist letter sent on April 25, 2000, the Digital Divas
(www.digitaldivas.com) have launched
a massive internet campaign known as "Diva and Goliath" to stop Microsoft's
continued infringement on their trademark. The Digital Divas discovered in April
that Microsoft launched a promotion known as the Microsoft Digital Diva
(www.digitaldiva.com), employing a
woman who appears to offer help to consumers with computer and the internet use.
According to Digital Divas founder Dana Whitmire
(www.danas.net), "these are exactly the types of
services our group has offered to the internet community for almost three years.
We feel Microsoft has tried to capitalize on the good will we have worked hard to build." Complete information about the campaign can be found at
(www.digitaldivas.com/gol).
The Digital Divas are long-time supporters of the Internet Brothers. Many in
their membership I am happy to call personal friends. I urge Microsoft to
back off, and I ask your support of Diva and Goliath until they do.
2nd of May 2000
The Digital Divas were founded by Whitmire in 1997. They provide computer and internet
assistance from their website and promote the services of their members, all
of whom are experienced and successful computer professionals. The group
is composed of 71 members from 17 U.S. states and 7 foreign
countries. The purpose of the Diva and Goliath campaign is
threefold. According to spokesperson
Faith A. Kaminsky, "our small group has limited resources. We are
hoping that the campaign will get the internet community behind us,
help us raise some money to commence a lawsuit, and hopefully attract a
lawyer to assist us." The Digital Divas are the founders of
Grey Day (www.greyday.org),
an annual copyright awareness event that began on October 1, 1998.
Many of the members, including
Timmi Sommer feel that Microsoft's actions "are particularly a slap
in the face" for that reason.