[sumo] Mark Buckton is attacking Le Monde du Sumo !!!

[MBtatton at aol.com]

You know, I saw this hoohah (sp?) on the SF / SML as I was sat in a hospital 
waiting room on Saturday morning Japan time.

After giving it all some thought it was evident to myself that the sane 
voices respecting the proper way to do things - especially regarding the property 
of others - shone through or, in the case of several prominent members you 
would expect to post were noticeable by their absence.

Of course there is no short, easy way to resolve this problem of LMDS photo 
usage or, indeed to start looking at the methodology of Nicholas at self 
justification through publicity gained in showing the sumo following world selected 
(not all) private emails exchanged on a subject so I won't really try. To do 
so would only add to the feeding frenzy enjoyed by those inclined to offer 
incomplete opinions on the business of others.

I will say that SFM under my leadership will only ever operate legally and 
above board. We will only ever respect the intellectual rights, property rights 
and related copyright laws of the Japanese and international communities.

We have operated thus with the Nihon Sumo Kyokai, with news sites, private 
homepages and individuals connected to sumo at every level - around the world - 
and this will never change.

If this method of operation makes me naive that would be a badge I wear with 
pride.

If, at this time, any SFers / SMLers believe this modus operandi to be 
strange and believe we should operate differently or condone others who behave 
illegally, I respect their opinions. 

I do, however ask them to respect the fact that as Ed-in-Chief of Sumo Fan 
Magazine and as a contributing (sumo and other Japan related subjects) writer to 
five publications in Japan and elsewhere I will follow and protect the rules 
of the society in which I live and work.

I make no apologies for the strength and vigor with which I protect what is 
deemed legally and morally proper by that society.

Would any of you, were a thief pleading poverty as justification for his 
actions, sat on your doorstep?