As an Eastern Euro, I didn't like that the post mentioned 'better read in a Russian accent' - implying that the subject is better judged if you take the common stereotype into account.

If you read through all of that, this doesn't sound like a squatting case at all. If he approached them first and offered them to buy the name, that would imply his intentions, but he didn't.

It also definitely isn't extortion.

You know, most people I've met don't mind being called by their nationality or hearing a joke involving nationalities. Now, granted, I've met many more Russians than any other nationality, but I think we're more like the rest of the world in this regard than Europe or USA where political correctness gets insane. And what the hell could possibly wrong with "The Lady", let alone the other two, if that's the way she calls herself?

I think the point is more that it is reinforcing a negative stereotype, that all Russians pirate software, squat on names, etc.

I also am a Russian, not offended at all (the guy was Russian, after all), and also believe the first question firmly falls into "political correctness in US is insane" category. I'm sure good old George (Carlin) would agree.

Ok, this will sound bad, but who really acted to reinforce that stereotype?

How do we even know s/he is Russian?

I read something about game theory that seemed to prove the best outcomes occur when you assume others act in good faith unless they've demonstrated otherwise in previous encounters.

by that я in his email. :)

no-one can put я and sign as The Russian except Russians.

(this would be a name squatting)

Ahem... Ukrainians, Belarusians and Tatars?

I think fedd was kidding... don't forget Bulgarians and Tuvans.

I think that is how the guy signed his email, hence "The Russian" moniker.

Not my impression. I think they didn't want to publish his name, so they opted for "The Russian" instead because the guy's "Russian-ness" is what stood out most in their mind after the interaction.