I have been reading on various message boards the suggestion that I was bought out by Acacia, working for them, or got some kind of C&D notice from them.
The easiest answer is "Lies, Lies, and more Lies".
Activism requires time. Time is purchased with money. If a cause does not have money, they run out of time.
My active efforts were self-funded. I didn't ask money from people and I didn't take any when it was offered (and it was). After pushing hard for 5 months in a full time intensive effort then sliding back the last 2 months, it was time for me to change my priorities.
I initiated a proposal that if 1,000 - 2,000 webmasters would contribute $100 each as a one-time donation, that Fight the Patent Foundation could be formed as a non-profit organization that could work on fighting patent abuse with a grassroots approach.
Prior art and expert witness testimony are key factors in defending against a patent infringement case. Similar to BountyQuest.com (now defunct), prizes would be awarded to those that contributed prior art. The concept of "Pay it Forward" would motivate people to come forward to give expert testimony in exchange for Fight the Patent Foundation making a charitable contribution to a charity of their choice.
Activists go through three stages in my observations, starting at being Optimstic that they can change the world, to Realistic, that change comes slowly, to Jaded that people don't care about the cause because of inactions.
Sad to admit, but I have gone through the steps to the end as I have found that everyone is concerned about patent abuse, but so few will do anything about it.
I started the pledge drive for Fight the Patent Foundation back in September, and at that time it would have been a reactive response to patent abuse cases like Acacia.
Now that the prior art has been found and the court case has started, it would be a proactive measure to start FTPF. But in my jaded experience, people aren't very good about being proactive.
When the next patent abuse issue comes around, you'll be sure to hear me ringing the bells. I hope that at that time, companies will have seen the lesson of Acacia, that you have to be reactive and proactive with information, research, and unity.
-brandon
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