Law And More

Donald Trump Jr., Andrew Bachman, Ambitious Lawyers - Stop Playing (so much) in the Book-Publishing Sandbox

The threat of legal trouble would generate lots of attention for a book.

That would, in turn, boost sales.

Right?

That's not how the book publishing industry seems to be thinking. In that sense, it's a conservative player.

Here's the latest example of that. Book publishers are not racing to provide Donald Trump Jr. an advance for his proposed Daddy-Defense book. The primary reason is that the Mueller team is interested in his 2016 meeting with a lawyer associated with the Kremlin. That was allegedly focused on information about Hillary Clinton.  Here are details from Fortune.

Such a negative mindset by publishers seems surprising. After all, what Jr. would publish would set in motion a kind of battle of the books with anti-Donald Trump books as by Michael Wolff ("Fire and Fury"). Surely, that would sell books. Talk shows would be hungry to interview both. 

But, the risks involved are apparently outweighing the possible rewards. That's an interesting dynamic in the book industry.

Here is a less recent example. Several years ago, Wiley accepted for publication a memoir by Boston entrepreneur Andrew Bachman. I had been in the loop. I had researched and ghostwritten parts of that how-to on entrepreneurship.

At the time, Bachman was the Mark Zuckerberg who had created a wildly successful enterprise in the dorm - Tatto Media. But, unlike the Facebook founder, Bachman hung in there and graduated. He went on to fund a major scholarship for that alma mater - Babson. And even taught a course there. All that helped his brand.

Then darkness fell quickly.

The FTC accused him of mobile cramming. Even before Bachman agreed to a settlement, Wiley put the project on hold. At the time, there was no admission of any guilt. Just a cloud hovering over. 

The situation did worsen. Currently Bachman is awaiting sentencing in his guilty plea for fraud in the Southern District of New York. Given the book publishing industry's mindset, it is unlikely that book will ever be out there.

That's the way it is. However, those under a legal shadow or when actually convicted/taking a plea can turn to other mediums to get their story out. It's odd that there is so much defaulting to book publishing.

Actually, books are a very old-line platform for story-telling. If I were Jr. or Bachman I would hire a top film documentary team. What's shown on outlets such as YouTube could have much more influence than a book per se.

Of course, those convicted of a crime can't profit from their misdeeds. But the initiative doesn't have to be configured for a monetary gain. It can be a public service. Jr. can set the record straight for history. Bachman has lots to teach about entrepreneurship. 

Watergate lawyer who served time in prison - Chuck Colson - went on to tell his story through preaching. That is, formal public speaking. He took on the role of a spiritual leader and positioned and packaged his message as a public service. Incidentally, Colson became perceived as one of the good guys. He died a hero of our corrupt times. 

Those I coach about careers ask me if they should publish a book. I explain that a book used to be the price of entry for influential branding.

That was then, though.

A brilliant four-minute video which catches fire online can achieve that objective with better results, faster and be more fun.

In addition, in this Amazon era books carry risk. If they never take off and sustain low Amazon rankings, along with no or bad customer reviews, the authors can be written off as losers. 

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For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

Public Relations Representatives, Like Michael Sitrick, Working Directly for Lawyers Are Covered by Attorney-Client Privilege

The world of public relations is complex - at least at the high end.

And that's where legendary spinmaster Michael Sitrick operates. His client list ranges from Paris Hilton to Theranos. And, as today's The New York Times profile of him points out, representing Harvey Weinstein is one of his rare fumbles. 

Among what we find out from Abby Aguirre's NYT reporting is that when a lawyer directly hires a public relations pro like Sitrick, that professional is covered by attorney-client privilege. So, it's not smart for the client to go for the representation directly to the public relations firm.

Among the attorneys who have hired Sitrick has been Marc Kasowitz who is associated with Donald Trump.

In addition, working at the high end can command the same high fees lawyers mandate. Sitrick bills at $1,100 an hour. 

But not every assignment produces a resolution that enhances Sitrick's branding in the reputation-restoration industry. No surprise, he is tight-lipped about why he is no longer representing Weinstein.

All he reveals is that Weinstein has not paid his bill. That is in arbitration. 

Aside from that, the world might never know why the two players stopped being on the same team.

Does this parting of the ways throw shade on the Sitrick and Company brand? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, some discontented lawyers whom I coach wonder about the career path as a sophisticated, well-connected public relations representative. One advantage is creative freedom.  They develop strategies and tactics not locked in by all the rules of procedure of the legal sector. 

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For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

"Rampage" - SciFi Gives Us Old-Fashioned Bad Guys, Good Guys, Beasts Out of Control

The pull force of sci-fi is that there are old-fashioned bad guys and good guys.

Also, if the creatives associated with the content are clever there will be larger than life beasts. 

All that had been packed into the film "Rampage." Theatres showing it this holiday weekend were crowded with both adults and youth. 

The plot line for "Rampage" centers on greedy corporation Energyne. It had been developing genetic editing as a weapon of mass destruction.

The process gets out of control. The result is that a gorilla and wolf came in contact with a released pathogen. They balloon in size and aggression. All Chicago is at risk.

The sweet spot in the action is the bond primatologist Davis Okoye had formed with the gorilla George. That began when he rescued George from poachers.

Because of it, Davis is certain he can save George from the contaminant. And, that he does after he teams up with an attractive on the right side of things genetics expert. 

The two zero in on what will reverse some of the pathogen's effects on George. Then they set him loose to battle the other infected beasts and save Chicago. The strategy pans out. The military will not have to drop a bomb on Chicago.

The feel-good is that the forces of good outsmart the bad guys.

We needed that parable in times which have seemed so dark on so many fronts. At the top of the list is the ongoing employment insecurity.

In his new book "Dying For A Paycheck," Stanford Graduate School of Business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer documents the global angst about losing one's means of making a living. 

In this real-life situation of getting, holding onto, and moving toward better work one major fear is that those labeled the "bad guys" will win. In my coaching those over-50, we work together to restore their belief in themselves. Here are the four mental monsters who can overtake an older professional searching for work.

The good news is that they can be conquered. Davis never lost his belief in himself and his ability to help George help himself - and the world. 

Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism.  

 

For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

 

Harvey Weinstein - If He Surrenders, How Will Lawyer Benjamin Brafman Play It?

We were the pre-tech gen. To us artistic genius was sacred. For that we gave F. Scott Fitzgerald a free pass for being a drunk and Andy Warhol for being manipulative. 

But our values aren't carrying over into the 21st century. Now, it is reported but not confirmed, film genius Harvey Weinstein may report tomorrow to the New York State Supreme Court. There, notes Yahoo, he "is expected to surrender to the New York City police on charges of sexual misconduct." Here are more details.

About 70 women have accused the film producer and iconic Hollywood business leader of inappropriate sexual activities. Those allegations include rape.

His lawyer is Benjamin Brafman. The legal community is watching how Brafman will manage a defense. Will Weinstein cop a plea? Will he demand a trial?

Reflection: I have a hunch this will make the ABC evening news with David Muir tonight. It will be reported side-by-side with the collapse of diplomatic relations in terms of North Korea. 

In this #MeToo era, Weinstein is as much interest as a possible war.

Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism.  

 

For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

Shana Fisher Humiliated Dimitrios Pagourtzis in Public - Violence Can Restore Civility

Daily Mail reports that Texas shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis was one of those "public nuisances."

He kept pestering classmate Shana Fisher for romance. Fed up, she humiliated him in public.

Now she is dead. Fisher might still be alive had she practiced old-fashioned civility. Part of that ethos was never showing disrespect to anyone in public.

It could just be that the myriad incidences of violence, ranging from school shootings to road rage, could restore civility. Society might be scared back into a code of respect all other human beings.

Already, that is happening. A mother I coach warns her 20-something offspring not to horn anyone. In her neighborhood, road rage involved a shooting.

More are returning to the wisdom of the adage: Better to be alive than right.

That saying might have started on the mean streets of Jersey City, New Jersey. You were socialized to be tolerant and not outspoken. That was how to stay alive.

All locations should now be considered mean streets. The odds for not being gunned down are on the side of the civil.

Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism.  

 

For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

Lawyers - Even They Can Learn to Feel the Pain, Forgive

Faith-based music biopic "I Can Only Imagine" plays out two profound memes: feeling the pain and forgiving.

If lawyers pay attention during the film they may find refuge from the demons which overtake too may fine legal minds. And lead to depression, addiction, and even suicide.

Here is that recent study by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. 

The plot for the real-life story in "I Can Only Imagine" focuses on Bart Millard, a child abused by his father Arthur and deserted by his mother.

He gets a peek of what it is to have something to hold onto during his week at a Christian youth camp.

There he is introduced to Jesus as a friend and a real life friend Shannon.

Also, memes such as forgiveness are featured. In his journal at camp he is instructed to insert whom he should forgive. At the time he can't do that. 

As a high school student he tries to please his father, a former athlete, through football. After being injured, Shannon guides him to the singing course. The teacher notices his talent. She makes him the lead in the school musical. 

Later he chases music to run from the pain. Lawyers might be doing the same thing by involving themselves in the complexities of the law.

But Bart can't make it big until he is able to feel the pain and then forgive the source of it. He returns to his roots.

Arthur, dying from cancer, has also found Jesus. The two bond in this similar spiritual sanctuary. In his journal Bart fills in the name "dad" for whom he has forgiven.

That experience opens him to his talent. He pens the song "I Can Only Imagine." Essentially it's about walking with Jesus. It becomes the all-time Christian music hit. 

Through forgiveness he also restores his relationship with his mother. He asks forgiveness from Shannon. Hurt people hurt. They marry. 

Yes, the memes do inspire in this era when so many middle class folks are enduring financial uncertainty and upheaval in social values. They are invited to feel the pain. And forgive anyone whom they perceive caused it.

No surprise, the film has been a box office success.

Way back in 2005, starting a blog gave me a platform for sorting out my pain.

Once I felt it, especially that associated with professional challenges, then I could extend part of myself to helping others.

The group needing the most help in this volatile work world are those over-50. My coaching service, billed on a sliding scale, has lifted more people than I have ever dreamed possible out of career despair and back to work. 

Here, free to download, is my book about the mental agony they have suffered. Here is an introduction to what to expect  Download IntroducingYoutoCoachJaneGenova,

When it comes to forgiveness, I still haven't filled in the names. A Buddhist monk, who has been guiding me, positions and packages them as my "teachers." He hammers that it's up to me to take full advantage of those lessons - and be grateful to them. 

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Coaching Introductory Offer - $19 for 15 minutes. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

John McCain - Leverages Dying into Advocacy Platform

As he is dying from brain cancer, John McCain continues to be the man who insists on doing the right thing.

This, not his POW experience or run for U.S. President, could become his legacy - and the opening line of his obituary. 

For him in the last months of his life that right thing is leveraging the attention focused on his coming death as a advocacy platform.

For example, he has positioned and packaged an HBO documentary and his new book "The Restless Wave" to reflect on basic American values. He is critical of Donald Trump for straying from those values.  Here are more details from The Hill. 

McCain's approach to death has raised the bar for all leaders. It will be expected that they transform that last passage into a selfless mission for humanity. 

His memoir "the Restless Wave" will be available on May 22nd. Here it can be ordered from Amazon. Currently, the book ranks #6 on Amazon. McCain has become the loudest voice in the conversation about America. 

Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism. Complimentary consultation.

 

Coaching Introductory Offer - $19 for 15 minutes. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

"Chappaquiddick" - A Person of Integrity Could Win 2020 Presidential Campaign

The film "Chappaquiddick" positions and packages Ted Kennedy as a less intelligent, less self-controlled version of mob boss Michael Corleone from "The Godfather."

In the process so many institutions such as public relations and law and individuals like Ted Sorensen look bad.

The undertow seems to be to protect a member of the powerful Kennedy dynasty. And, probably there should be no surprise, it was effective.

Ted went on to continue to serve for years in the U.S. Senate. However, when he tried to have a run for U.S. President later, that fizzled. The memory of Chappaquiddick might have had something to do with that.

Ted inherent weaknesses and the machinery which kept him going could and might generate a primitive hunger in America for integrity. So much of what took place in 1969 mirrors the current abuses of power. Not only in the White House but throughout all levels of government.

Anyone who promises a clean sweep in the 2020 presidential campaign probably could win the job.

Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism. Complimentary consultation.

 

Coaching Introductory Offer - $19 for 15 minutes. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

 

 

Megawatt Success, Substance Abuse, and All the Verne Troyers

Verne Troyer, who played "Mini-Me" in the "Austin Powers" series, is dead. He was 49 years old.

His bouts with alcohol abuse are well-known. There is some speculation that the cause of death was suicide. Here are more details from Christine Burroni at the New York Post.

With his premature death, Troyer joins other great talents who shouldn't have died so soon. They include Philip Seymour Hoffman, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, and John Belushi. 

The obvious question is if fame kills human beings? However, the less obvious one is if it requires outlier needs for human beings to do what it takes to become stars? 

Those of us who are familiar with those in recovery understand how "different" many of them are. Before they crashed, they were at the top. And they often get back there.

It may be their talent, fierce drive, high intelligence, and/or business sense which differentiates those substance abusers from more normal people. To keep themselves centered might require artificial help such as boozing, uppers, or downers. That's just the way it is. Bluntly put, that's the price to keep megawatt success going. 

It might be arrogant to grieve for them. They charted the life they wanted - or needed. And that was that. However, we are left without their talent. It's tragic that we no longer will be able to look forward to Hoffman's or Ledger's next film.

This blog hopes those in Troyer's circle of loved ones find the strength to accept his passing. 

From Andrew Bachman to Mark Zuckerberg, What Can Go Very Very Wrong in TechVille

Andrew Bachman is the 30-something son of two suburban Boston medical doctors.

The media packaged him as the Massachusetts version of California's tech wizards. His unique brand of tech entrepreneurship, as the Boston Globe crowed, was the physically fit one. 

In the Babson College dorm he and buddies had launched Tatto. That was an internet marketing company.

Eventually, they sold that for $60 million and became rich. That made him more successful than his physician parents. 

The White House had invited him for a visit.

He taught a course at Babson on entrepreneurship and created a scholarship.

Wiley was going to publish his memoir, which I assisted him in researching and writing. We hunkered down together in his Boston penthouse putting it together. In the garage below were parked his expensive cars. Initially, I toyed with the title of the book that the brand of one of the cars served as his business card. 

He had other enterprises going.

That was then.

Four years ago, the media outlet Techli interviewed Bachman about a possible comeback. And, that is really the central issue of this tech saga of what can go very very wrong. Can a Bachman type return to success? 

Now, as the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of New York reports, Bachman is among those who have taken a guilty plea.

Their scam had been orchestrated through Tatto, along with Mobile Messenger. One of those in the loop - Darcy Wedd - received a 10-year sentence on April 3, 2018. Back in 2017, he had been convicted in a two-week jury trial.

Bachman awaits sentencing. Earlier, he had depleted his assets by settling with the FTC for what was at the time still an alleged fraud. Those cars went in the settlement. 

After the Wedd sentencing, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman provided a simplified description of the technically complex fraud. Essentially, he said, Tatto constituted

" .... a large-scale auto-subscribing scheme that forced mobile phone users to pay charges for unsolicited and unwanted text messaging services ... [The defendants'] conduct ultimately netted over $150 million in illegal profits."

So, how do tech hustlers cross that ethical and legal line into criminals? Initially Tatto had been legit. Bachman had and probably still has a good head for business.

In the Techli interview Bachman noted he was talking with a psychotherapist. If he serves time in prison there will be support personnel he can also sort things out with. 

Perhaps already he has gained insight about what led to his catastrophic fall from grace. There's a documentary he can develop on that meme. That could be his Next: To help other techies avoid his ordeal. 

With Facebook in such trouble, seemingly because of its lusting after growth, lessons from the Bachman fall from grace might be currently considered by others in the tech loop.

On April 11th, when Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg testifies before Congress, there could be a paradigm shift in tech. Those who are both ambitious and smart about how the world really works might get it that they have to play by the rules. 

 

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