Law And More

From "Rumble v. Google" to Investments by Peter Thiel, J.D. Vance - Far-right Rumble Creating Rumble in BigTech

Some in the legal sector might only have noticed far-right video platform Rumble in January of this year.

That's when it filed in California Federal court antitrust lawsuit - "Rumble v. Google LLC and DOES 1-10." That took on a giant in tech. Rumble contended that Google manipulated its algorithm to favor its own YouTube in search results - a violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. As a result, there allegedly had been reduced viewership, therefore less advertising revenue. 

Worth paying attention to, right.

That was then.

More recently, Rumble has made a bigger rumble.

With its 1,800% growth in monthly viewership and investments by venture capitalist Peter Thiel and "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance, it is a dominant presence in the social network space. That further empowers the conservative movement. Rumble's ideology is less censorship than what is standard in established social networks such as YouTube. That generates the same pull power as low-censorship social media site OnlyFans.

Rumbles' founder and Chief Executive Officer Chris Pavlovski sees its mission as increasing competition and providing freedom of choice. In The Wall Street Journal, he's quoted as saying that the Thiel and Vance investments will allow the platform to offer business cloud solutions. That, in turn, he noted "will be a major play against Big Tech."

Launched in 2013, Rumble started out beneath the radar with mostly viral videos and material from mainstream media. Then it caught fire when conservatives such as GOP Representative Devin Nunes complained of excess censorship by YouTube. They began to post their videos on Rumble. The brandname conservatives using the site range from Sean Hannity to Dinesh D'Souza. Currently users and channels on Rumble include Newsmax and OANN. 

This emphasis on freedom of speech serves as a magnet to conservatives who are determined to be among the loudest voices in the determination of the future of America. However, Rumble plays it smart. It does ban those communications third rails, ranging from pornography to racist rhetoric. OnlyFans initially featured adult content but is rebranding as more in the art mode.

The potential of Rumble is obviously huge. It could be the beginning of a kind of conservative social-media ecosystem which operates legally outside the existing world of tech brandnames. 

The size of the Thiel/Vance investment hasn't been disclosed but some speculate it's around $500 million. It is being led by Narya Capital. 

In "Rumble v. Google," the plaintiff is represented by Burke, Williams & Sorensen.

Current monthly viewership for Rumble is at about 31 million.

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"Chaos Monkeys" Author Antonio Garcia Martinez Pushes Back on Apple for What He Classifies as a "Firing"

"Author [Antonio Garcia Martinez]of controversial ‘Chaos Monkeys’ says tech giant was aware of his book’s contents before hiring him." - Tim Higgins, The Wall Street Journal, May 14, 2021.

The backstory on this in The Wall Street Journal: It was reported that Martinez and Apple "parted ways." Martinez refuted that. He contended he was fired, on the spot. It was over passages from that book which some employees at Apple perceived as negative about women. Here is my article on that version of the story.

What else he wants to make clear is that Apple had been aware of the tone and content of the book before hiring him. That seems quite credible. After all, Apple is a major corporation with a big brandname to protect. It can't be a slouch in vetting hires.

Lawyers worth their salt might arrive as "First Responders" on this one - advising Martinez of his legal options. However, in Ped30, Martinez indicates that he doubts it will wind up in court.

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"Chaos Monkeys" - Jury Out If Antonio Garcia Martinez Committed Career Suicide By Publishing That Silicon-Valley Memoir in 2016

As you can read on the Amazon page for "Chaos Monkeys," its author - Antonio Garcia Martinez - was aware of the risk involved in publishing a book about his experiences in Silicon Valley.

When interviewed about the book, Martinez noted: "... many would think that I'm committing career suicide ..." 

He published that book in 2016. It received rave reviews and generated brisk sales. Currently, years later it remains at a high rank on Amazon: 5,811.

But, the now issue is: Did Martinez commit career suicide by publishing it? 

Here is today's announcement in The Wall Street Journal:

"Apple Inc. parted ways with a prominent advertising-technology executive weeks after hiring him, following complaints from some employees about passages in a memoir about his time in a prior job at Facebook Inc. that they deemed sexist and misogynistic."

As we hear all the time in court cases, lawyers argue a point by noting that X or Y had occurred years ago. That was a different time. Social norms were different. Not that such an approach always is effective. But, leveraging "it was a different time" is standard.

However, in the current court of public opinion that doesn't fly, of course. In the WOKE culture there is no past. There is only the orthodoxy of present mores within a vocal segment of society. 

Yes, 2016 was a different time. But, that won't get Martinzez off the hook with those who have established themselves as a kind of Greek Chorus chanting that he has sinned - badly.

So? 

Yes, the jury is still out on this one. Or, should be.

If you look at his LinkedIn profile you will see he has been resilient in landing work. His backstory includes being forced out of Facebook. He had been employed there from April 2011 through April 2013. But soon enough he was doing consulting and in November 2013 he was working at Twitter, where he remained until November 2015. Other employment opportunities followed.

Of course, given his skills, he will find future work.

As for a career, losing a job, even at Apple, doesn't represent being knocked out of the box for good. Public relations creates downright miracles in reputation restoration. Just about any personal brand can be reimagined. 

In addition, like so many of those who have fallen from grace, Martinez can position and package that experience as a platform for The Next.

Not that it will pan out, though.

Ellen Pao had been made a pariah in Silicon Valley by her gender lawsuit "Pao v. Kleiner Perkins." After she lost the case, she tried this and she tried that. Nothing really has gelled. For instance, she published "Reset" in September 2017. Unlike the ranking of "Chaos Monkeys," her book is at the dismal 441,771 on Amazon.

Also, Martinez can simply continue selling books he authors. This development at Apple will keep sales brisk for the one he has already put out there. You bet, many of us need to read "Chaos Monkeys." 

Were the tone and content truly mean-spirited or simply configured for maximum rhetorical effect?

Is this the kind of guy you would welcome as your superior or even co-worker?

Would you recommend he enroll himself in a kind of "re-education camp" to become more politically correct?

Martinez has plenty of company in the need to absorb a heavy blow and then struggle with constructing a path to whatever. Who hasn't been through professional hell since the turn of the century? 

UPDATE:

"The prominent advertising-technology engineer [Antonio Garcia Martinez] let go by Apple Inc. this week amid an uproar over sexist passages in his memoir fired back at the tech giant, calling the company’s statements around his dismissal 'defamatory and categorically false.'” - Tim Higgins, The Wall Street Journal, May 14, 2021.

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Innovation - Notion of Billable Hour-Obstructionists Becoming Out-of-Date for Law Firms

The traditional notion is this: Law firms will resist innovation, including technology, which increases efficiency. That's because it reduces billable hours. Therefore, law students shouldn't invest in learning or pitching in job applications to law firms disruptive ways to transform old-line manual tasks into time-saving, quality-improving templates

At Bloomberg Law, Roy Strom explains why such an assumption is becoming out-of-date.

To begin with, legal budgets are not projected to increase. Many corporations are still reeling from the financial impacts of COVID. Unlike much of BigLaw, they did not have a windfall-profit 2020. 

Also, there is growing competition from technology-based vendors providing legal services. That, of course, goes all the way back to LegalZoom which has evolved from simply B2C to include B2B.

States such as California, Arizona and Utah have embraced "regulatory sandboxes." Those allow for experiments in everything from ownership of law firms to how services are configured and delivered. An immediate impact can be to reduce the cost of legal services. 

In addition, law firms ranging from Orrick to Mayer Brown are taking the initiative to seek out information about what kinds of innovations are already available. 

An example of that had been a recent Zoom presentation at Northwestern by its law and computer science students. One module showcased software that converts U.S. Supreme Court briefs into flash cards. Those assist the lawyer with oral arguments. Obviously, that represents a reverse of how software firms used to struggle to even pitch to law firms.

Also, powerhouse Dechert has created an innovation certificate program in partnership with design firm IDEO. Currently open to 40 lawyers and businesspeople, its objective is to train the participants to provide a fresh kind of solution to a real-world client or business problem. During a six-month period there will be four classes. For Dechert lawyers who enroll that will be factored into promotion decisions.

Another example of innovation at an elite law firm that I would add is Paul Weiss' embrace of branding beyond the usual identity of providing outstanding client service. Led by its chairman Brad Karp, it has become a source of breakthrough approaches to social problems. 

Among those has been its unique Coronavirus Relief Center. Launched on March 25, 2020, the center provides an online tool for victims of the epidemic bewildered about what resources are available and how to access them. To get that done in 10 days, Karp mobilized thousands of lawyers - on a pro bono basis. In itself, that created a fresh model for organizing volunteers. 

Later, how Paul Weiss structured it ESG practice (Sustainability & Enviromental Social and Governance) mirrored this ethos of a broad understanding of the purpose and accountability of business. Other kinds of institutions, such as higher education, could be influenced by that trend. 

Given the necessity of innovation, that very term might become irrelevant. Instead, its fundamentals could become embedded in the post-COVID business-as-usual. On job interviews with law students, law firms could be presenting hypotheticals which require an innovative solution. 

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Blog - Mature Medium But Effective Tool for New Business Development

Lawyers are moving on to TikTok. That's added on to all the other social networks that have become must-dos for marketing communications. LinkedIn is increasingly important.

So, lawyers, overwhelmed with the daily routine of "keeping up on social," ask me: Is blogging still worth it?

After all, it's a mature medium.

Frequently the matter covered requires long form.

And, even with repurposing the post, the question is if there is enough bang for the buck.

There is no ambiguity: If the blog provides information and insight not available elsewhere, the fundamentals of search engine optimization are used but not overused and there is provocative repurposing (think catchy headline), blogging can be a power tool in new business development.

For about 17 years, now and then, I have received assignments in the hospitality industry. Those included describing the main attractions for 15 day tours of China sponsored by Chinese firms. I had been a brand consultant to a major hotel chain. 

During COVID, I was feeling burned out in the categories of business I had usually pursued. Burnout is all about losing fire in the belly about what we do.

So, several months ago, as an experiment, I launched a travel blog on Blogger. It's free. It's easy to navigate. Google seems to love it.

I made it my business to visit on my own dime off-beat locations. I figured out catchy angles. In addition, I became a sort of expert in the booming recreational vehicle industry. Then I folded in macro material such as trends in the recovering travel and tourism industry. 

So far, I have become a regular contributor to a publication which welcomes articles on RVing, produced blog posts for a startup which matches up traveling companions and am now creating marketing communications for a travel site supported by advertising. 

Yes, blogging can still be a platform for attracting business or even parachuting into a fresh niche. 

In about six months I will pitch to public relations agencies specializing in hospitality. That's where the big money could be.

The investment of time and thought in blogging can yield an excellent return. 

Jane Genova helps travelers feel like an insider, all the way around the globe. Contact her for assignments janegenova374@gmail.com.

Alaw Haf, Law Grad, Calculates Reward/Risk of Being Underwear Model on OnlyFans

Like so many young people around the world, Alaw Haf, a law graduate, lost her job at the beginning of COVID, reports Knewz.

But, no slouch, she pivoted into a real money-maker.

Currently, this resident of Mold, Wales, nets $83,000 a year.

She does that by operating her own site on international social media platform OnlyFans. There she models underwear in the bedroom of her parent's home. When she explained her entrepreneurial venture to mom and dad, they bought in.

Essentially, OnlyFans is a content subscription service. Haf's users or fans, however they want to think of themselves, pay a monthly fee for access to her exclusive content. That's much like law firms pay for access to the exclusive content of Law.com. 

Unlike Instagram and YouTube, the content is not censored. However, OnlyFans has evolved beyond its image as an adult-content brand. That was back in 2016 when it had just launched. Stars ranging from Cardi to Bella Thorne, reports South China Morning Post, helped give it legitimate cool.

Currently it is known as welcoming all genres. Those include recognized influencers. Its parent company is Fenix International, headquartered in London. Its chief executive officer is Timothy Stokely. During the pandemic it grew 615%. Right now, it remains private and, according to its website, has over a million content-creators.

Of course, Haf is weighing the current rewards of performing for her fans on OnlyFans with the risks to her future career prospects.

However, many others in law are in the same pickle. For example, in the U.S., it often takes time for a new law graduate to land a job requiring the JD and bar membership. Meanwhile, they usually have to take a job not directly involved with law to pay the bills. Those I coach are usually in high angst that such employment will throw shade on their resume. And how will they discuss it on an interview?

That doesn't have to happen, I explain. Their approach even for interim work to make ends meet has to be strategic. The employment should be able to be positioned and packaged as a "bridge job." That is, it's a natural fit with the career path of law. A position in loss prevention would make for a better bridge job than flipping burgers in fast food. Part-time work as an apartment leasing agent is better than dog-walking or delivering pizza.

Given that Haf seems quite resourceful, she could probably leverage this experience into a niche in law. That could be related  to the international legalities of social networks. Or she could parachute into the marketing side of law.

Small changes can trigger big success in your career and your business communications. Swing by for a complimentary consultation (janegenova374@gmail.com)

 

Shocked, So Shocked - Come On, Melinda Gates Gave Us a Peek into the Challenges Way Back in 2019

"Melinda Gates: Being married to Bill Gates is ‘incredibly hard’ sometimes" - MarketWatch, April 23, 2019

We baby boomers came of age professionally with Microsoft.

We followed how it produced better personal-computer systems than had IBM. (Remember how IBM almost went under in the early 1990s because of that upstart competition.)

Of course, we read all about how this genius Bill Gates was, well, atypical.

Then, Bill found himself a wife. It was Melinda. And we didn't know whether to consider her in for a difficult relationship or blessed to make her life with a tech leader.

The move into philanthropy for the two seemed to humanize both. Here, we assumed, was a solid couple out to do good.

But, come on, we had to suspect that Melinda had more than the average share of challenges inside the marriage. And, in 2019, she confirmed that. She summed up that experiences as "incredibly hard."

Now this: divorce.

The media outlets treat it as breaking news.

Charities are reeling.

And, we who have reviewed the divorce petition Melinda filed are stunned that she used the phrase "irretrievably broken" to describe the marriage.

However, that hysteria shouldn't have been unleashed.

No marriage had been made in heaven. Over time, most reach a tipping point of the parties having to change or split up. And the marriage between a genius and a non-genius from the get-go had to embed unique problems.

Of course, though, the media will keep chasing details.

At the top of the list is: Who will be the lawyers representing each of them?

Juicy bits for the tabloids will be if either are dating.

Then, the psychologists will weigh in if the divorce process damages adult children.

The Gates, both Bill and Melinda, will be made to "pay" for their life of celebrity, wealth and influence.

Human beings have a very dark side. 

Small changes can trigger big success in your career and your business communications. Swing by for a complimentary consultation (janegenova374@gmail.com)

Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Delayed Until Fall 2021

Minor Victim 4 has stepped forward. As a result, two new charges have been added. They concern what allegedly occurred when she was 14 years of age.

Therefore, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan has made the decision to delay the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell from July 12, 2020 until Fall 2020. She has plead not-guilty.

Meanwhile Maxwell's family has been advocating for her innocence through the website https://www.realghislaine.com/. The initiative is headed by her brother Ian. He has been in contact with this blog. Here is recent commentary on the conditions of his sister's incarceration in a Brooklyn jail.

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Yes, Legal Marketers, You Should Be Experimenting With TikTok

"TikTok is the place to go for new dances, viral taco recipes—and, now, financial advice. The big benefit of TikTok is that it allows users to dole out and obtain information in short, easily digestible video bites, also called TikToks. And that can make unfamiliar, complex topics more palatable to a younger audience ..." - Cheryl Winokur Munk, The Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2021.

Legal marketers have to pay attention to this trend. And experiment with how to put content that fits the law firm brand and stays in the regulatory boxes on TikTok.

After all, young people are becoming the decision-makers in every kind of entity, ranging from the Fortune 100 to startups to nonprofits. More and more of my clients enjoy TikTok. Their edge is that they are totally at home with digital. Often, some form of digital is the competitive weapon.

In addition, by studying the communications dynamics of TikTok marketers can position and package their messaging to engage those under-40.

Social networks gain and lost engagment and influence power. TikTok is on an upward trajectory. So is LinkedIn. 

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Ghislaine Maxwell Denied Bail for 4th Time

Ghislaine Maxwell will have to remain in the Brooklyn jail until her trial which is scheduled for July 12, 2020. As Daily Mail reports, this is the fourth time she has been denied bail.

A panel of three judges on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling. She was perceived as a flight risk. Her lawyer David Markus presented the grievance that Maxwell has been experiencing sleep deprivation. He claims the source of that is the guards' waking her with a flashlight every 15 minutes to verify that she is breathing. The Court responded that the complaint has to be presented directly to the judge overseeing the criminal trial - U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan. 

As I had reported on this blog, Maxwell's family has established an advocacy website. You can visit it at realghislaine.com. I have been in touch with her brother Ian Maxwell who appears on the website in videos. 

Yes, place your paid sponsored content on this blog. Affordable rates. Please contact Jane Genova at janegenova374@gmail.com.