'My Corduroyed Life' - Mark A's Journal

13th January, 2005. 12:48 pm. A Letter To Waterstone's

Oh, I am on my high horse about this one…

Below is an email to Waterstone’s that I sent earlier today. I intend to be true to my word, and boycott their stores. Anyone else who fees as strongly about this as I do should consider doing the same.

Have fun,

M x

Dear Sir/ Madam

I am writing to you as a member of the public who until recently was a loyal patron of Waterstone's. I am writing to express my concerns over what I believe to be the unfair dismissal of one of your employees, Mr Joe Gordon.

I have a degree in English Literature and Language and have recently finished a part time film course. I also have a passion for books, and enjoy the hobby of roleplaying via a number of specialist books and board games. I have always loved the atmosphere of my local Waterstone's on Deansgate, Manchester: the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and their selection of books are second to none. Almost exclusively, I have used Waterstone's for my academic, recreational reading, and roleplaying needs. Due to the decision to fire Mr Gordon, I will now be boycotting your stores in protest, and encouraging my friends and family to do so too.

I believe that in sacking Mr Gordon that you have taken away his right to freedom of speech. Had Mr Gordon expressed his opinion to friends verbally, I sincerely doubt that you would have resorted to such an extreme measure. I cannot see how you can justify his dismissal for the simple reason that it was on a weblog. I have a weblog myself, and I have openly made comments of my place of work and do not believe that I have done anything wrong, let alone committed a sackable offence.

I am extremely disappointed with Waterstone's as prior to this, I believed the company to be a liberal and decent company that was not in favour of censorship in any form. The treatment of Mr Gordon is simply abominable hypocrisy from a company who have expressed their distaste for censorship in previous advertising campaigns.

I found this email address on the Waterstone's website and would appreciate it if you could forward my concerns to your head office.

Yours,

Mark Adams
Blogger and ex-customer of Waterstone's
http://www.blurty.com/users/kingghidorah123

Current mood:

determined.
Current music: The Flower of Carnage by Meiko Kaji.

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