If Spike is listening

Dear Spike,

I know you are wounded, hurt and aggrieved - rightfully so. But the value is always your brain: don't let your emotions overwhelm your common sense. Step back and play it smart. Don't show your hand too soon; let them do all the work. They made mistakes, but if you let this sound "personal" they'll take it as weakness and (a) close ranks and (b) bring on some legal guns you haven't seen to crush you. They like crushing those they think are weaker (well, they may not "like" it, who know what they think?, but they do it often enough) - they only seem to respect those they perceive as stronger. And their perceptions are that all emotions are signs of weakness. These are the bland boys and marshmallow men of modern industry.

So use your brain and find the unemotional chinks in their position. Hint at those chinks (don't threaten, hint). Then let them know that you know about those chinks. Cite a paragraph in an old agreement. Mention royalties and - fear, fear on their side - a need for fiscal accounting. Make them work.

These words were never written to you.