The story is spreading across the blogosphere! Bloggers and readers are enraged that Freedom of Speech in cyberspace is being challenged by a company called ePerks, who claims to have lost business and suffered a damaged reputation. The alleged culprit? …the cybervoices of critical comments shouting out their dissent against the company’s claims of lead generation Nirvana.
A little backstory, ePerks is a lead generation company that mainly focuses on gaining the business of Realtors. Their current troubles started when they hired a respected blogger, Vlad Zablotskyy, to promote their services on his well read blog.
The relationship turned sour when Vlad’ s positive posts caught the attention of numerous disgruntled and angry real estate agent customers of the EPerks, who in response posted negative and critical comments re: ePerks business practices.
Along the way ePerks legal team sent a Cease and Desist letter to Vlad which demanded he take his blog down. Fearful of repercussions and feeling alone in this struggle, he complied. Later he regretted this decision, and put up blogs asking for more feedback on the company. Negative comments and horror stories about ePerks flowed in. The story then evolves into is a mini soap blog opera that involves numerous responses to the negative comments with over the top glowing testimonials in defense of ePerks and its business model.
Mr. Zablotskyy’s suspicions were aroused by the pattern and tone of the positive comments. Further investigation revealed that these positive comments were all initiated from the from the same IP address, although different names were used for each comment.
Around this time a slanderous post questioning Vlad’s moral character and making horrific accusations about him surfaced on another web-site. The source of these malicious and libelous statements are currently under investigation.
ePerks meanwhile also strongarmingly encouraged him to control even what other bloggers were posting. They actually wanted him to get other bloggers to take down their related blogs.
Vlad, of Ukrainian descent, a child of the Soviet Union System, has since been standing strong under pressure. The threats by ePerks have persisted and last week a lawsuit was filed in California.
As the heat on ePerks has turned up, ePerks has extended it’s threats to other bloggers as well.
There is outrage and shock in the blogosphere for sure. Bloggers are standing strong behind the First Amendment rights of Vlad Zablotskky. and others who participated in an open and free exchange of opinions.
Since when, in America, does criticizing a company’s business practices online become a case for legal action? Wow, what might this come to!
Will political action blogs be forced to scrub their comments? Will ePinions, a web-site for product reviews have to shut it’s cyber doors? We think not!
Freedom has always comes with a price. Blood Sweat and Tears, Sacrifice, Courage and Standing for what’s right and just.
We are confident Justice will prevail. Meanwhile, Vlad can use our help in mounting his defense. Legal costs are mounting. if you can help, Greg Swann has set up the vehicle for contributions.
Support Vlad Zablotskyy’s Defense Fund
if you can’t give to the fund, please give of your prayers and good wishes, for Vlad and for the perseverance of the precious liberties we hold dear.
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k of spring in 
questions you have.
Emerald Forest were built in the late 90’s. Homes are for the most part Colonial style, with a few Low Country, and Ranch style homes mixed in. The sq ft ranges from 1300 to around 3000 sq ft.
through the community which adds to the charm.
manning the kitchen, and keeping watch on the buffet serving line may be one of their two sons, if it’s not school time. Their teenage daughter is often on board too with a helping hand.