Ferry blog threat not exactly a PR triumph

As some of you will be aware, two Thanet bloggers have recently been threatened with legal action by the ferry operator over a rumour about the financial stability of the company. I quite understand why such speculation would upset the directors of Euroferries - I have been the subject of misrepresentations myself on more than one occasion and have also taken redress in the legal system when I've deemed it necessary - but in this particular case, the words "sledgehammer" and "nut" come to mind. Not to mention the phrase "Where's your PR team?"

I am not referring to the fact that Euroferries didn't have the foresight to send me some complimentary tickets after I said in this very space how much I wanted to sail from Ramsgate - no. I am thinking of all the support and free publicity they've had in the local blogs and wondering what that might have cost had it been paid for.

The two bloggers in question have, like me, been pro the ferry service from the start but when that service is announced yet continually fails to materialise, then of course readers will wonder what's going on and theories are bound to be aired. What a fine opportunity, therefore, for someone from Euroferries to post a jolly statement explaining the current situation and thanking the good people of Thanet for their interest and enthusiasm.

Perhaps good-humouredly scotching the rumours - and it was made clear on the blog that I read, that "a rumour" is all it was - and showing some appreciation for prospective passengers' patience. Instead, Adrian C Gillan, "Director and solicitor of Euroferries" offered the following for publication: " it has been brought to my attention that you have published or permitted to publish on your blog site one or more libellous and/or defamatory statements (one being Euroferries have gone bust) which we construe has the effect of causing damage to Euroferries Limited" going on to request various details of the blog-owner "in order that we can communicate with you on all matters relating to legal proceedings as well as the name and address of your ISP provider and your unique ID to enable us to inform them of this abuse and to take appropriate action. "

Blimey! No softly, softly approach here in the name of customer relations. An apology was also demanded and this has now been unreservedly given. But for many, the sour taste remains. I understand Euroferries are still muttering about costs and damages and it is my opinion, honestly held - yes chaps I know my libel laws too - that not only is this a vast over-reaction, but also rather unfair, considering the endless delays there have been, the lack of information we've been offered and the fact that, as if happens, the ferry didn't run last Saturday , proving that much of the "we'll believe it when we see it" type comments on the blogs various, were spot on even if the exact reasons why, were not. Well, we all make mistakes, sometimes, don't we?

I can't regard South Labour MP Steve Ladyman as being particularly helpful either, by remarking in this newspaper last week that local bloggers "made up rumours and then made up another rumour to go on top of that." Dr Ladyman has announced the arrival of the Ferry service several times - was he making that up? Or just working with the information he had?