Eron Gjoni, Gamergate's favorite hateful boyfriend, has raised nearly $6,800 in donations (out a $10,000 goal) in his latest donation drive to combat his restraining order and resultant violations of the same. This latest fundraising campaign increases the total amount of money Gjoni has received from Gamergate to more than $20,000.
I had no idea being a stalker ex could be so profitable. I had no idea Gamergate would be willing to collectively pay 20 grand (and counting) for a sequel to the Zoe Post. But apparently it is, and they are -- the funds are already in Gjoni's PayPal.
In an update to his backers two weeks ago, Gjoni shared some revealing details about his case:
After a surreal 10 minute hearing in which the judge did not let me testify, did not let my attorney cross-examine the plaintiff, did not accept evidence, and cited inapplicable case-law, I became the legal equivalent of that chick from 50 Shades of Gray. AKA gagged. AKA "lol, what's the First Amendment?"
My defense attorney was sufficiently outraged with that hearing that he filed a notice of appeal and offered to take me partway through it pro-bono. He paid to transcribe the record, and filed the paperwork so the appeal could, with all due haste, sit on some public servant's desk for six months until they got around to filing it, apparently.
In the meantime, Cernovich got me in touch with an attorney willing to represent me through the rest of the appeal pro-bono.
The notice of appeal finally made it to the appeals court. I was given two weeks to file a civil docketing statement (including a statement of anticipated issues) and 40 days (overlapping, not in addition) to file an appellate brief.
Around the time I paid the docketing fee, the attorney who was going to represent me on the appeal went MiA. While waiting for him to reappear, I figured I should have a backup plan, and began cramming as much legal junk into my head as medically acceptable. He didn't reappear, so I filed the civil docketing pro-se (the word of the day is pro-se, meaning "self represented." Hooray for learning!). ...
So that's where I am. I think I can get by without counsel, but man it would be really helpful to have some. So I'm asking you guys for a hand. In increasing order of awesomeness, I would love any of the following types of hands:
If you have general advice, leave it in the comments, or PM me. Whichever seems most approriate.
If you know anyone with experience filing appellate briefs (and preferably not always losing) willing to look over my brief or put up with the occasional question from me as I write it. Man, please PM me. Bonus points if they have practiced in Massachussettes.
If you know anyone licensed to practice in Massachussetts willing to represent me at a price of "however much I can get in donations," please PM me.
If you know anyone licensed to practice in Massachussettes willing to pick up the mantle and represent me pro-bono. Jesus christ doubleplus please PM me.
Nothing says "I have a strong case" like the attorney
Mike Cernovich hooked you up with pro bono refusing to take your phone calls, leaving you to file your docketing statement by yourself.
But why was it all pro bono in the first place? According to Boston Magazine and Eron himself, he had already raised $13,000 for legal representation as of May 1. Wasn't that money supposed to be for lawyers? If so, what happened to it?
As victims go, Gjoni's a pro. I expect he'll keep asking for money - and Gamergate will keep giving it to him - even if he finds himself behind bars.