Negative SEO blog : SEOassassin

Via Threadwatch, I hear another stupid SEO lawsuit has arisen. Details are still a bit sparse, but the crucial item in the original post seems to be this :

The client sueing me is whining about work done 4 years ago

4 years ago?!? Good grief, you neglect a site for 4 years, and are surprised when it slips off its rankings? The client should be thankful for the last 4 years of free traffic…

Now, if there were a genuine conflict of interest, say an SEO taking 2 clients in the same exact industry simultaneously, you may be able to find a legal case in that. With 4 years separation between clients, we hit the point of absurdity - there can surely be no reasonable expectation that any professional (let alone one in a fast-moving environment like SEO) is going to hamstring themselves for all time by only ever working for a single client in a given field?

Apparently, the client is basing the claim on the fact that the SEO is “taking away” his business. Absent any contractual relationship, and especially in the light of this line

Every incoming job is required to sign a non-compete so I can work for their potential competitors, too. I never have exclusivity with any of the clients I take on

it’s really hard to see that there is any merit whatsoever in the case. I fervently hope that the SEO being sued sets up a defense fund, and gets some serious link love over this. I’ll certainly be doing what I can for the cause, should it ever progress to a courtroom. I remain hopeful that the plaintiff will get a clue, and drop the suit once they realise what complete asses they are making of themselves, but I won’t say I’m holding my breath…