Who here is on Timonen's side?

[Feck]

Not for the first time, Ratz has me reaching for the kleenex.

Did you laugh so hard you let out a little wee ?

[Mr P]

tl;dr

Welcome by the way

[Coito ergo sum]

The proof is in the...well...proof...

In this kind of arrangement, the first question I would ask is: Do you, I mean Josh, have anything in writing that backs up this claimed "arrangement?"

There may be a written contract - normally it would be a website development contract or an independent contractor agreement, where the compensation is stated explicitly. Various terms would be stated, including what Josh was to build and how much he would be paid for it.

Now, it's certainly possible to have an informal arrangement, however, it strains credulity to think that there wouldn't be a multitude of emails or other communications to and from Dawkins that are in line with this kind of agreement. Is there an email early on when the store started making money that says, "Richard - I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to develop the site. We've finally got it going here, and the money coming in will be a big help to me." Or, "Just so you know, Richard - the store made $X this month, and I'm transferring Y% of it to me as my salary/distribution."

That kind of communication would seem to be expected in this kind of deal. To have absolutely no mention of it be in even the most informal writing - even a thank you note to Richard when things got going well.

I agree that after reading the pleadings in the lawsuit, Dawkins has a tough road to hoe. The claims appear to be a bit thin, and I think Josh just might win the case. But, frankly, unless there is some sort of writing to evidence even part of this "keep the profits from the store agreement" defense, I get the distinct whiff of bovine feces....

[Faithfree]

[Mr P]

Hit and run?

[Jason]

I notice there is a lot of Josh-hating on this forum

Josh... Josh... doesn't ring a bell..


oh?! You mean the twat that shut down an 80,000 member strong atheist forum (well responsible anyhow)? Right, well I hope he gets sent to a Turkish prison.. on second thought he'd probably enjoy that.

I hope he ends up living in a van down by a river.

[Josh Timonen]

Me, I'm on my side.

[Geoff]

Me, I'm on my side.

[Ironclad]

FFS hahahaha

[paul]

Is there an email early on when the store started making money that says, "Richard - I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to develop the site.

It's not my place to say, but I gather the bulk of their business dealings were done face to face when Richard was in town. Still, there must have been some e-mail about the business arrangement in the years of their work together, if not explicitly stating the terms of the agreement, at least implying as much. Josh made no secret of his use of funds from the store. Everybody, Richard, the foundation, etc., knew how he was spending the money. I imagine it irked the foundation no end, but Richard was happy, as Josh was constantly re-investing much of the money in equipment for the foundation's use, such as a Red Camera, computers, etc., That's not to say he didn't spend on himself, but Richard never expressed disapproval with Josh's lifestyle as supported by the store proceeds, and Richard was in a position to know, seeing Josh several times per year. It was obvious to everyone that knew Josh that he had no time to work any other jobs, so any money he had came from his work on the Dawkins site and store. He never won the lottery. Why, all of a sudden, was he accused of embezzling out of the blue, after years of developing the site and earning money through the store?

Paul--a pen-name, but not Josh's--all you cynics.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

"Country don't mean stupid." Stu Redman, The Stand

[Gallstones]

Not for the first time, Ratz has me reaching for the kleenex.

Please! Please don't tell us what you need it for.


Oh wait, I forgot where I was.

[Gallstones]

I notice there is a lot of Josh-hating on this forum

Josh... Josh... doesn't ring a bell..


oh?! You mean the twat that shut down an 80,000 member strong atheist forum (well responsible anyhow)? Right, well I hope he gets sent to a Turkish prison.. on second thought he'd probably enjoy that.

I hope he ends up living in a van down by a river.

A cardboard box. A van is too good for him.

[Gallstones]

paul, paul, paul, paul, paul we don't hate Josh for embezzling, we hate him because he is an incompetent dick and a liar.

Ooops send me to the naughty chair. Can I pick who will keep me company?

Are you sure I don't know you?

[Feck]

Paul is asking us to believe Richard told Josh to open an on-line shop in the name of the charity and to keep all the money for himself and his friends . I find that unlikely And if that's the case why would Richard be so keen to bring it to everyone's attention with a court case ?