Slashdot, the popular nerd news site, has always been notorious for its ability to “slashdot” sites by linking to them causing massive amounts of traffic to hit the linked site. Slashdotting has usually been considered a positive occurrence since websites are given large amounts of free traffic, which is generally a big goal for sites. However, some recent receivers of slashdots have started a class action lawsuit against Slashdot for this very thing.

The “victims” are claiming “undue stress and monetary drain in the form of intentional harm caused by the increased cost, unexpected website downtime, and excessive amounts of unwarranted, unnatural visits at inopportune times - all resulting from being linked to in news posts on the Slashdot website.”

The amount being pursued by the lawsuit has not been disclosed, though many speculate the figure to be around the half million mark. There is little chance the suit would stand a chance in court, though Slashdot may want to settle for a smaller amount if possible to keep it from dragging out through the court system.

No representatives from Slashdot were available for comment.

Tags: Slashdot, class action lawsuit