Buckyballs magnet magnates bully scrappy Zen Magnets: video response

In this youtubed open letter, a representative from Zen Magnets (small-fry makers of little round powerful magnets you can use to make interesting shapes) replies to a legal threat from Buckyballs (leading makers of little round powerful magnets you can use to make interesting shapes). It starts with a recorded voicemail from Buckyballs CEO Jake Bronstein threatening to sue Zen Magnets for selling a kit containing both Buckyballs and Zen Magnets on eBay with the claim that Zen Magnets are manufactured to a higher tolerance, are stronger, and have a brighter finish. From there, the Zen Magnets rep does a wonderful job illustrating the validity of his claims -- and making Buckyballs look like an anti-competitive bully who fights dirty with threats instead of superior products. According to this Slashdot article, the initial YouTube upload was taken down by a bogus DMCA copyright claim from Buckyballs CEO Jake Bronstein, which lends credence to the "bullying jerk" impression the Zen Magnets video delivers.

Basically, this video's got everything: consumer advocacy, magnets, science, copyright abuse. It's about the classiest response I can imagine to a legal threat. Let's hope Zen sells a lot of magnets off the back of it.

Zen Magnets vs Buckyballs Comparison Video

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Cory Doctorow

Jun 1, Sydney Vivid
Jul 14, London EFF Speakeasy
Jun 18, Dublin Internet Freedom
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