From the Metro, March 7, 2007
HOAX SUPPORT WEBSITE EVEN TAKES IN BLACK
The editor of the satirical magazine Frank has revealed a website called Supportlordblack.com is a hoax.
When the website popped up weeks ago, some media outlets ramping up coverage of Conrad Black's upcoming fraud trial scrambled to cover it.
Frank magazine editor Michael Bate, who set up the website under the fake name Alistair Smith - who said he was a 32-year old who worked on Bay Street - contacted journalists Monday night to say the site was a farce. Frank has been a long-time critic of Black, referring to him as "Tubby" and "His Lardship".
Black wound up inviting Smith and others to his house for cocktails. "I am again flattered by such a thing," Black wrote to Bate/Smith on Feb. 27. "I will give you all CONRAD WILL WIN shirts when you are here..."
But later that day, Black deduced the website was a farce, writing: "Dear Alistair (if that is your right name) ... I assume this is a prank ... Best wishes to you, but I do not expect to see you on Friday."
OK guys, time to pass the hat and raise some money for Conrad. I hear Barbara will want to redecorate his jail cell.
HOAX SUPPORT WEBSITE EVEN TAKES IN BLACK
The editor of the satirical magazine Frank has revealed a website called Supportlordblack.com is a hoax.
When the website popped up weeks ago, some media outlets ramping up coverage of Conrad Black's upcoming fraud trial scrambled to cover it.
Frank magazine editor Michael Bate, who set up the website under the fake name Alistair Smith - who said he was a 32-year old who worked on Bay Street - contacted journalists Monday night to say the site was a farce. Frank has been a long-time critic of Black, referring to him as "Tubby" and "His Lardship".
Black wound up inviting Smith and others to his house for cocktails. "I am again flattered by such a thing," Black wrote to Bate/Smith on Feb. 27. "I will give you all CONRAD WILL WIN shirts when you are here..."
But later that day, Black deduced the website was a farce, writing: "Dear Alistair (if that is your right name) ... I assume this is a prank ... Best wishes to you, but I do not expect to see you on Friday."
OK guys, time to pass the hat and raise some money for Conrad. I hear Barbara will want to redecorate his jail cell.
