Not sure if you interpreted that as me bragging but thats not what I was doing. I was stating that the whole "Douchebag" perception is in my opinion a huge misunderstanding based on meeting him (hence the "judge of characther" comment, which come to think about it may have been abit of a stretch). Of course you're entitled to your opinion, I just don't agree.
No, not at all.. genuinely happy for you, that you've met someone you're a fan of.
And likewise regarding opinion... I don't agree with yours, so lets just leave it at that.
According to at least what I've read regarding this sort of issue, its frowned upon to make profit off of someone else's Trademark/design/copyright without their permission so (and this is only my theory) seeing his videos on their site AND the fact that the registered domain name is "Gymkhana.com" is what might also be part of this.
The whole name thing aside for one moment.
I imagine just like any other motorsport site that mentions gymkhana, Of course there's a good chance of the video being there, they surely can't be the only site that features a vid of Block whilst advertising stuff. Unless you're telling me that every site that has ever shown a vid of Block (whilst advertising stuff), has had to seek approval From Block or paid Block for doing so.
[EDIT]
Back with the name thing.. Yes i appreciate that these other sites aren't called "gymkhana.com" and that's what Block has a problem with... but ask yourself, "Where does it all end?".
I'm sure you're aware that Block has already successfully stopped a company (one which he was part involved in), who ran an event under the name "gymkhana GRID" (or something like that) by threatening with a law suit. All i foresee is that, no-one will be able to use the name: "gymkhana *something*".... or: "*something* gyhmkana" in any buisness context what so ever, without Block taking a hefty slice.
I had a little look: There's the "Federal Trade Commission" (FTC Bureau of Competition), it's a government organisation.. but i'm not sure what kind of real power they have against such things. (i still think Mad Media have a case against Block regarding a potential monopoly)
So indeed, it looks like profiting. Also, it appears Ken was actually trying to talk to them and they just flat out blew him off. Abit childish since he likely would've nice enough to just strike a deal with them if they actually listened.
After looking at the site, I kinda can't find anything regarding Gymkhana other then, surprise, Ken Block's Gymkhana video. Also, I can't help but laugh at the fact that they apparently can't spell ALMS
Yes, but we're only taking Block's word for what happened (two sides to the story). For all we know.. (this is pure speculation on my part BTW), Block could have made Mad Media an offer which they felt was far too low, (i mean, let's face it.. they know they'd potentially make more money from the sale of the domain/URL than they ever will through selling adverts through the site that Block does'nt endorse), and Block maybe thought to himself.. "i'm not paying nowhere near what they want, i'll just let the legal team deal with it".
I think ultimately (regardless of either standpoint), Block messed up by not securing the "gymkhana.com" URL in the first place. And yes, he is this renowned business savvy entrepreneur , but just because he is, it doesn't mean that others aren't and won't try similar entrepreneurial tactics.
