<p>Okay this is a strange one. I am being suing in small claims court by a former employee. Judge Judy’s producers called me, the guy wants to arbitrate on the show. We each get $500 and if I (the defendant) lose the show pays the plantiff (the ex employee) the $7500. I would pay if I lose in our local court. I do not think the guy has a case at all. It is too long to explain in a post. Has anybody ever done anything like this or does anybody know someone who has? They would not mention the name of my company. The only plus for me is the guarantee of no financial loss. On the other hand, I can afford to lose the money and I really don’t want to look foolish or have them cut and paste my words. Judy can decide however she wants without reference to local or state law. So if she were to decide that the other guy should win because of some arbitrary reason that is what she will do. Anybody with experience? Anybody with an opinion. Last night I decided not to do it. This morning my attorney sent me a “why not, it might be fun and you minimize your financial risk” email…</p>
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If I were you, the above statement would answer my question for me. Please remember that these shows do what they do for pure entertainment value. The individuals, and their integrity, are secondary to that. <em>IF</em> you do not mind possibly being made a fool of and <em>IF</em> you don’t mind whomever watches that show being privy to the personal aspects of this case, that is one thing. <em>IF</em>, on the other hand, you do care about those things, I’d recommend you not expose yourself to this for the monetary savings.</p>
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This would concern me, for obvious reasons. If you don’t think the man has a case anyway, then you shouldn’t lose in an “official” court. That the judge can decide any way she wishes w/o reference to local or state law tells you that this is for entertainment purposes only…and NOT for YOUR entertainment. </p>
<p>IMHO, you are correct in assuming that your words could be cut and pasted or otherwise altered. Recently I did several radio interviews about our local yearbook issue and was STUNNED at what was made of my words. The same did NOT happen in the more news-oriented print press, though it certainly can.</p>
<p>I can’t say that I do not see the benefits of doing the show, but if I were the one involved, I’d choose not to do it.</p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>can you settle?</p>
<p>I find it interesting that your attorney is leaning on the side of your going ahead with this. I assume he would be losing money in this deal…or that he is not 100% sure of winning your case? Just a thought…</p>
<p>Years ago I wrote a letter to the editor. They did not change any of my words but they italicised (sp) some words and gave it a totally different meaning. Well learned lesson on my part. </p>
<p>I would be concerned for your reputation as a business person. </p>
<p>Have fun deciding.</p>
<p>You have just answered a question I’ve always asked about this show. Why in the world would anyone ever go on it?! I didn’t realize that the show paid the plaintiff if Judge Judy ruled on their behalf. That explains a lot.</p>
<p>Personally, I’d never go on. People watch that show for comic relief and the individuals who are participating rarely, if ever, come off in favorable light. I’ve watched it a few times when my D and her friends had it on and, all I could do was shake my head.</p>
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sax~</p>
<p>I am a prolific editorial writer, and a couple of times, I’ve had the same experience. Once, big parts of my piece were edited out, and my meaning was changed significantly. I have done several things since: I self-edit <em>very</em> carefully so that there is little to cut, I make every attempt to stay within the given word limit, and I always send a brief note asking them to contact me if they plan to edit. I’ve not been edited since, but it’s always a concern to me when you trust your written word to someone, and they decide to alter it.</p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>berurah…see, now that’s why I love reading your posts so much. Me…I just quit and say never again. You…figure out how to make it work. I could use more of that:) And wow was I sexist when I assumed ebeee’s attorney was a guy…ugh</p>
<p>Now go over and help the woman with the daughter who wants to leave school midyear!;)</p>
<p>In small claims court, attorneys do not appear. It is a self-represented process. So the attorney is not being “generous” at his or her own expense by giving that advice. I’m an attorney and I love watching her when flying on JetBlue (the only time I tune in) because she is such a character. I do think that you are at her mercy and if you don’t like the idea of looking foolish and possibly having her take an instant dislike to you and barely even let you speak (which is what she does), then don’t do it.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t…not in a million years. I don’t know what you do, but professional reputations etc. take a long time to build, and a short time to shoot down. I would never take that kind of a risk, because my career is more important than soundbites of entertainment value (which is all Judge Judy really is…and I enjoy her for that!) :)</p>
<p>Okay you guys all helped me with what I had already decided. I am not going to do it. By the way, years ago I was on the Phil Donahue show regarding a labor strike at Yale University and I was amazed at how they cut and pasted my words. Watching yourself on tv saying something you know you didn’t say is a weird experience…</p>