In a twist to the tale, Slashdot ignored the demands, posted them to its web site sent a reply from its own lawyer, Mark Robins, also posted on the Slashdot site, and thereby turned the dispute into an internet debate on the freedom of speech.
Slashdot’s lawyer argues, among other matters, that Microsoft cannot claim copyright over enhancements to an open standard protocol and that Microsoft cannot claim trade secrecy for a protocol that is distributed over the internet. Robins also asks, "why shouldn’t Slashdot users and the general public be able to view this protocol for purposes of commentary and criticism in light of its apparent relevance to issues in the government’s antitrust litigation?"
Microsoft’s lawyers’ response is awaited.