J.K. Rowling's Solicitor Fined For Cuckoo's Calling Reveal

[RicoADF]

"Damages"? She gets a free publicity stunt that boosts her mediocre book's sales and she calls that "damages"?

A book that it sounds like she was trying out new writing styles/story style which she was not confident in and which may not have worked out well was tested with a name that was disposable, now that it's linked to her name if it was a bad book then its now linked to her damaging her reputation among readers. It's not just about the amount of money it brings in but what it can cost in the long term to her reputation among her fans.

Not to mention at the end of the day he's her solicitor and she should be able to trust him, he broke that trust (and possibly contract/privacy laws) and thus must now pay the piper regardless of weather it worked out well or not.

 

[moggett88]

The book only sold once they knew JK wrote it.

I like how the guy had to pay damages on top of the fine, despite the fact that the book is likely to have sold way more copies once people realised Rowling wrote it, rather than just some guy.

Because god forbid she just wanted to remain comfortably anonymous and not have anyone compare it to her previous works.
Because that'd be ridiculous right? Money is the only important thing in the world.

OT: Hope this "undiclosed" damages is a semi-decent amount. I mean most(all?) of it goes to charity, so I'd think she'd probably be a bit forgiving.

I agree, he should have kept his yap shut, which is why I agree with the original fine and the fact that his reputation (and therefore career prospects) are now worth shit.

What I don't agree with is the damages. What exactly was damaged? Rowlings' feelings? I think any additional discretionary punishment should be like-for-like, so Rowling should get to disclose one of the guys' secrets, like his length and girth, to the public, or he should have to make it up to her with back rubs and helping them move or something. Not money.

 

[Jamieson 90]

This should be a lesson in keeping your work life separate from your friends unless said friends are work colleagues and already in the know. I really don't have any sympathy for this guy at all; J.K.R is probably one of the most famous people around, certainly in Britain anyway, and any news on her is gold so how stupid would you be to give away her confidential information as though it were mere gossip? It's like leaving a kid in a candy store, telling them not to eat anything and then being surprised when you come back to find they've stuffed their face, just what were you expecting to happen? And he's a solicitor for god's sake! You're supposed to be able to trust them with your private information like you would with a doctor or any other professional where patient/client confidentiality is paramount.

 

[Neta]

I hope this guy disowned the "friend" that tweeted a confidential secret.