The Porn Wars: Showdown Fizzles

3:00 was supposed to be high noon in Johns Creek but only members of the local media showed up. Yesterday, District Court Judge Thrash ordered The Love Shack to reduce its adult material to less than a "significant amount" by the deadline or face continuing fines. Possibly the reason for the no-show by Fulton County is owner John Cornetta complied with the court order. Mr. Cornetta stated "out of an abundance of respect for the Federal Court" he had removed all adult material except for a "few adult DVDs".

Despite the apparent tactical retreat, Mr. Cornetta is not giving up the fight. He even vows to "run for mayor [of Johns Creek] if this doesn't stop".

Cornetta pointed out concessions he has offered Johns Creek including allowing a Police substation to occupy a portion of the store rent-free, a fence surrounding the parking lot, more lighting and video security. When asked if the fence would be simple chain-link or a privacy barrier, Mr. Cornetta responded "whatever they want within reason".

Johns Creek resident Kim Tye not only observed the scene from the parking lot but also accepted an invitation from Mr. Cornetta to tour the store with no media present. Ms. Tye stayed in the store for some time and emerged unchanged in her stance on the existence of the store but possibly with new perspectives.

She stated that Mr. Cornetta was a "nice man" and "not the monster portrayed in the media". When asked if there was room for compromise between the store and the community she said, "I would still rather it be gone" but "there is some room for discussion". She was unaware of Mr. Cornetta's offer to house a sub-station and build a fence and said she will follow up on these issues with Johns Creek mayor Mike Bodker.

At midnight tonight, the matter shifts to the newly minted Johns Creek ordinance requiring businesses to contain less than 25% adult material. Mr. Cornetta stated he is not only compliant now but would also be compliant under the new ordinance. In his words, "we've covered every "or"".

For now the battlefront is quiet but the war is far from over. Stay tuned to Drifting Through The Grift later tonight for possible breaking news.