Changes in Attitudes ........................

It seems that the "Coconut Telegraph" has been around a lot longer than Jimmy after all! We will see you in Key West on July 19th.

From the Conch Republic COCONUT TELEGRAPH

Editorial: Attack of the Land Sharks

In our June issue we reported that Jimmy Buffett's Lawyers,
Greenberg Traurig, are threatening to sue the Coconut Telegraph
for trademark infringement, false endorsement and cyber
squatting because Jimmy claimed that he coined the phrase in
1981 when he wrote a song about it. He put a trademark on it and
uses it on a newsletter he produces of the same name, for the
purpose of promoting his concert dates and selling his clothing
and other products.
The response to our story "Goliath threatens David" was
amazing. The Key West Citizen did a front-page story June 11th
and The Free Press did one as well. Mark Mills from Sun 103
Clear Channel reported it and said, "We are behind you Denise.”
We received another letter from Greenberg, Traurig
overnight on June 11 stating that "If you do not cease all use of
Margaritaville's federally- registered COCONUT TELEGRAPH
and notify us of your intent to desist from any future use of the
mark before 5:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2008 a federal lawsuit
will be filed against you and Prestige Publishing.
Well, "Son of a son of a bitch!" "Why don't we get drunk and
screw the Conch Republic Coconut Telegraph?" "A publisher looks
at jail?" NOT. Looks like those land sharks think we're rich.
This publication gets by each month from the businesses that
advertise in it. Our rates are low because we have no big fancy
building and huge staff. We do it all in our homes on our
computers. Saves the advertisers a bunch. By no means are we
getting rich though we are however helping our community by
running free ads for benefits and local charities. Is that what
the land sharks want to take away? Jimmy Buffett is a billionaire
yet what has he done for the Conch Republic? We are in no way
associated with Jimmy Buffett or his Margaritaville Enterprises;
we do however promote the Pirates on the Water, a division of
the "Parrot Heads" that do much for the community. They
organize beach cleanups and recently organized the parade and
security for the Jewfish Bridge opening. The Coconut Telegraph
is the only publication that gave them any credit for their
efforts. Gee, sounds like Jimmy wants to "Get drunk and screw
himself". The public opinion is that Jimmy Buffett probably
doesn't even know what his lawyers are up to. They are just
trying to rake up some billable hours from Jimmy. But that is
about to change. On June 20th Diana Reed from Channel 7
interviewed me and is providing the tape for Fox News. Diana
plans to interview Jimmy as well.
The citizens of the Upper Keys are organizing a friendly
demonstration on Saturday, July 26th in Key West to protest
these land sharks. We even have a Jimmy Buffett look alike to do
a spoof on some of his songs. A bus will be leaving the Pilot House
at 11 a.m.; seating is limited (see ad on 8 page) so get your tickets
early. There is a good possibility that we may gain national
attention and make a little history for the Conch Republic. If you
cannot make the “party” in Margaritaville you can still show your
support by thanking the advertisers in this issue.