View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Publishers
  2. Digital Journalism
August 29, 2012updated 14 Sep 2012 2:27pm

Why ‘Dorkland’ spoof Twitter account went ‘dormant’

By Andrew Pugh

The Twitter user behind the spoof account mocking Northcliffe chief Steve Auckland has told Press Gazette the ‘Dorkland' account will lie dormant for the foreseeable future.

‘Dorkland' won a high-profile case against the publisher when it dropped its US legal action against the social network forcing it to reveal the user's identity.

The @unstevedorkland account now has 2,735 followers but there have been few tweets since the withdrawal.

 

Dorkland told Press Gazette: 'Something which started off as fun became something entirely different once expensive Californian lawyers started going to toe to toe with each other.

'Clearly too, from Northcliffe's pitiful statement following the collapse of their case like a pack of cards, they will not stop at anything in attempting to divert attention and worry onto their loyal, hard-working staff, rather than allowing the focus to remain where it should do – on the management of the company which sanctioned this bullying, heavy-handed approach.'

They added: 'The last thing I want is to see those toiling out in the provinces drawn further into this saga. They should have been allowed to continue enjoying a little light relief in a tough working environment by following Dorkland. Thanks to Northcliffe's choice of tactics that will now be denied them.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

'Dorkland will lie ‘dormant' and resist the temptation to tweet any further about the Northcliffe management. Frankly, I couldn't have made up what they have got up to in my case. When the subject of a parody is funnier than the parody then it's time to quit….'

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network