The gate that launched the
thousandth angry website

Contrary to corporate sentiment, the creation of an anti-corporate website is generally protected by law. Sometimes it is the corporation itself that faces judicial scrutiny in roundabout efforts to clear its befouled name.

Such is the case with Lowe's and its nemesis of the moment, Lowes-Sucks.com.

Dissatisfied with a shoddy but expensive fence installation, Lowe's customer Allen Harkleload refused to pay until the problem was fixed.

Instead of complying, the Lowe's billing department said it wasn't their problem, and forwarded the bill to a collection agency.

Harkleload turned to the web with the creation of Lowes-Sucks.com, where he vents grievances and posts updates on the issue, according to ars technica.

Lowe's consequently fired back with an intellectual property lawsuit, citing unlawful use of the store's trademark and name.The court not only ruled Harkleload's site protected as parody; it also encouraged consumers to air grievances online.

Lowe's is currently settling with Harkleload out of court.

Attempts to democratically alter corporate behavior with web clout is not a new idea. Starbucked.com has enjoyed a disgruntled userbase for years, while unhappy customers of United Airlines swap stories at Untied.com.

Harkleload also joins the ranks of Jeff Jarvis, whose distaste for Dell customer service led to big changes inside the company.