The Australian author of the best-selling book "How to Lose Friends and Infuriate People" is facing legal action from Dale Carnegie, author of "How to Win Friends And Influence People". Alastair Thompson reports.

Attorneys in New York acting for Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc., and Ms Donna Dale Carnegie, have written to Jonar C. Nader, the Australian author of "How to Lose Friends and Infuriate People", demanding that his new book be withdrawn world-wide, claiming that it is "unfair competition".

Carnegie's attorneys said, "...we demand that you immediately cease all advertising, sale and distribution ... and take immediate steps to withdraw any copies shipped to retail and other distribution channels."

The letter also states that unless an assurance is given for a complete withdrawal, the attorneys have been instructed "to take all necessary and appropriate steps" to protect their rights in relation to "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

Nader's book was launched in Australia and New Zealand in late 1999 where it immediately became a bestseller. Over 32,000 copies are in print. It will be launched in the USA and Canada in March 2000. The book is already on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders Web sites.

Nader has vowed to fight Carnegie's demands, saying, "I spent eight years working on this book. One of the motivators behind it was the time-wasting, soul-destroying tactics that some organisations engage in when they feel threatened or are jealous of an innovator's success."

When asked if he plans to back down, Nader exclaimed, "I'm hardly going to go against the advice I give others. I will stand firm and fight for what is right. Carnegie has no claim over my title, nor its contents, and if they think they can just smother eight years of work by bully tactics and aggressive demands, then they have underestimated the energy behind the book, and the things that I hold dear in life.

"My book has nothing to do with Carnegie's title," said Nader. "While Carnegie advocates conflict-avoidance, I am clearly saying that for the sake of integrity and honour, one must do what must be done, even if it means risking lengthy court cases. Even if it results in unpopularity. Even if it necessitates controversy. I urge my readers to say what needs to be said, to fight for what must be won, and to do what must be done, even if, in the process, one has to lose friends and infuriate people."

As a result of Carnegie's threat, Nader's USA publicist has dropped his project, saying that she does not wish to become entangled in law suits, citing advice given by her attorney "not to continue with the project because of possible liability."

"There goes months of preparation down the drain," said Nader. "I have spent so much time, money, and energy briefing my publicist, yet all this has been wasted, thanks to Carnegie. This kind of destructive behaviour fuels my determination to fight this absurd claim."

"How to Lose Friends and Infuriate People" is about Leadership in the Networked World. The 384-page book (now also in hardcover) covers the subjects of personal achievement, management, and leadership.

The blurb on the back of Nader's book reads:

"Jonar C. Nader is the world's only Post-Tentative Virtual Surrealist -- making him a digital-age philosopher. He is a naked thinker whose shocking and tantalising work will send ripples across corporate, government, and academic circles. This easy-to-read book is for people who want to conquer their life, their work, and their environment. It is for those who are fed up with inaccuracy and untruths. It is a tool for those who have the vision to shape new futures and the courage to realise their dreams. Come on a journey that will enrich and liberate you as you learn how to tackle the roots of personal achievement, management, and leadership in the new millennium. Sadly, your success might force you to lose friends and infuriate people."

The full text to Chapter One, plus audio clips, cover graphics, and other information, are available at http://www.Logictivity.com/