Maybe #3, in a strictly dictionary since of the word, but I doubt it. Never #2; SORBS holds no "official" position or power. When you make an accusation of extortion, you better be using the "legal" definition. I'm no lawyer, but I am pretty sure the legal definition involves some force coupled with an illegal act. I don't see what SORBS is doing as either. When I go to court, I'm taking the statute... not the Webster's! ;-)
What one would argue as "taking advantage"; SORBS would argue as a legal, economical service. Regards, Clay >>> On 2/28/2006 at 1:38:42 pm, in message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Mike Jackson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I don't believe what SORBS is doing fits the legal definition of >> extortion... no matter how you spell it. :-) There is no threat of >> either violence or criminal wrong doing and SORBS is operating a legal >> service... > > From dictionary.com: > > 1. The act or an instance of extorting. > 2. Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, > funds, or patronage. > 3. An excessive or exorbitant charge. > 4. Something extorted. > > I think what the poster is claiming as extortion falls under definition 3. > Charging money (even if it does go to a charity) to delist an IP could be > seen as an excessive charge. It could loosely fall under definition 2, > though there's nothing illegal involved and SORBS is not gaining anything. I > > think you could claim that they take advantage of the trust of others > (namely, sys admins who use their lists to block email) to get what they > want - namely, money for their supported charities.
