I literally laughed out loud when I saw that American University Washington Law School Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property has invited the controversial Canadian academic Michael Geist to give a “balanced” talk on NAFTA, copyright and intellectual property. (Editor note: What IS information justice? How do “things” receive justice?)
Although Geist has largely managed to escape scrutiny in the US there has been plenty written about the professor and his Machiavellian machinations north of the border. “Balanced” is not the word anyone familiar with Geist would use often to describe him. Especially if you want something other than conspiratorial narratives on rights holders and demagoguery. IMHO “unbalanced” (see death threats article below) and “sleazy” (Lawbytes Inc, Poker, undisclosed connections to lobbyists) are probably more appropriate words to use when describing Geist (read articles below and you be the judge).
Let us just take the articles from a single blog that chronicle Geist and his many pseudo academic adventures with copyright policy in Canada. Enjoy the reading!
Geist is Back: The Choirmaster of the Amen Chorus Complains of Orchestration
Geist blows it again: More hot air from the frozen North
“Witchcraft growing faster than other religions”! Geist blows it again
The Spy Who Consulted Them: A Closer Look at Lawbytes, Inc. f/s/o Michael Geist
Untendered is the Prof: More secrets in the Geist closet?
The Consultation of the Mikado Part 2: Geist is running his playbook again
Geist goes after Canadian labels group for “access”
Only the shadow knows: Let the Geist games begin anew
Geist Blows It Again: Stay out of the business, Mr. Chips
News From the Goolag: Geist strikes a blow for piracy…I mean, consumers
Is Geist singing from the EFF songbook?
News from the Goolag: Unions don’t go for Geist et al singing Google songbook redux
Oops…he did it again—Geist misses the point on artist rights
Dr. Ficsor takes Geist back to school
Surrender Dorothy! Are Geist’s Lobbyist Connections Revealed in Open Society “How To” Book?
Eeek a mouse! Geist really slagging the wrong guy
Dissembling on Factiness Six Times Before Breakfast: Is the Geist Scandal Widening?