But … as a lawyer myself, I can assure you that the MOST funny & weird stuff I come across in legal documents is when in pro per (people representing themselves without a lawyer)try to sound like lawyers by using legalease in their court documents. Now that’s a real scream. More than once I’ve seen a judge sitting on the bench trying very hard to suppress a chuckle while reading a petition or response from a non-lawyer. Moral: Sounding like a lawyer is an art form … don’t try this at home kids. LOL

But, when many of the labels on the “new” yogurt containers ballyhooed that they now contain 25% fewer calories, I knew they think we are idiots and really have no respect for the consumers.

Good piece, David. I have added a link in my sidebar to your site.

One of my favorites: when a company is “redomesticated.” http://myquillpen.blogspot.com/2008/05/redomesticated.html

Thanks for all your efforts to carry the banner of clear, concise communication. As Lisa notes, “Why can’t we manage simple human conversation…?”

Completely agree with you. Might add that I avoid Dannon and other products that are infused with the super-sweetener, high fructose corn syrup, which is not a food but an addictive chemical that has been linked to obesity.

David

Appreciate your comments. Actually, it is counter-intuitive for Stonyfield (or any other company) to assign such legalese when providing a forum for comments. They are giving you and me an opportunity to comment. It’s our opinion, whether they like it or not. But assigning a legal statement as a condition for accepting a comment is not a free, open or transparent exchange of opinion.

David

Of course, lawyers have a job to do, too. I would hope, though, that other teams within the organization — PR, marketing, whatever they might be — would be able to help legal do their jobs in a way that’s effective for the whole organization, not just “doing what legal needs to do.”

To what extent is this indecipherable legal-ese absolutely necessary? I’d bet (citing no professional legal experience whatsoever, mind you) it’s not at all necessary, in this form. How about a simple, “Please note, if you’re making product suggestions, we must tell you about some legal issues no company can avoid. Click here to read more”? Wouldn’t that do the job? And it’s a hell of a lot more personable, understandable and helpful.