Help Fight for Truth in YouTube Reviews

Hello everyone,

Today, I bring you some news that, while it directly affects me, also has broader implications for anyone who uses YouTube as a research tool before making product purchases and, crucially, for other YouTube content creators who do honest and unbiased reviews.

The Bad News:

I’ve been hit with a defamation lawsuit by Deep Cycle Systems Pty Ltd (DCS for short), facing legal costs that could exceed $200,000.

Background Information:

For those new here, my name is Stephan Fischer and I’ve been on YouTube for over a decade, sharing my 4WD travels and product testing experiences at https://www.youtube.com/alloffroadau Since retiring six years ago, my channel’s modest income has never covered the expenses to run the Channel and has never contributed to my living expenses. It’s my passion to travel, film, and help people by giving honest opinions about the gear I use.

• I have never been paid to review products.

• I believe I have always disclosed when products are provided for free.

• My reviews are my honest opinion and unbiased to the best of my abilities.

• I have always based my opinions on matters that I believe are true, and disclose those things on which I base my opinions.

I share this to assure you that I have no commercial interest in promoting or disparaging products — I gain very little financially from my videos.

Where Things Stand Now:

The honest reviews I’ve posted have landed me in an unfortunate legal battle with DCS, a company marketing its products in Australia and, I believe, globally.

Court Case Details:

DCS provided me with several sets of LiFePo4 under-bonnet batteries for review. I honestly reviewed DCS batteries over a three-year period. After thorough testing, I shared my concerns about their suitability for off-road and camping use in two videos in 2023.

DCS has now taken legal action against me in the District Court of Queensland, Proceeding Number 1169 of 24, alleging that my reviews are defamatory, made maliciously and have cost them significant losses.

My Defence and Call for Help:

I stand by my reviews and intend to defend myself vigorously. I believe I have good defences, including honest opinion and publication in the public interest. However, the legal costs are substantial, and I must pay for solicitors and a barrister to defend me.

This is where I’m reaching out for your support:

• If you’ve found value in my videos over the years, appreciate the thoroughness of my testing, and wish to see this continue, I am hoping to crowd-fund at least a portion of my legal expenses.

• You can support me through GoFundMe

Final Plea:

So, if you can, I would greatly appreciate it if you Donate to my GoFund Me Campaign. Please also help share this message, especially if you’re a fellow

content creator one day, it could be you in this situation.

Donations by companies who value my honest and unbiased YouTube reviewers are also greatly welcomed.

Your support and sharing this could make all the difference.