I wrote a little while ago on BeancounterBlog.com how to become a millionaire by starting a Web 2.0 company. Well, after a news article I read today at www.nytimes.com I think I’m going to change my recommendation on how to become a millionaire.

Instead of putting actual work – you know, the blood, sweat, and tears kind – into a web business simply follow the following steps:

1. Walk down the street of the nearest town and find a dry cleaner
2. Make sure the dry cleaner has a large sign saying “Same-day Service” and another one saying “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” If you can’t find both signs, repeat step 1.
3. Once you’ve found the dry cleaners, take in a pair of pants to be altered.
4. Come back a few days later and pick up your pants. When the clerk brings you your pants, start yelling about how those aren’t your pants.
5. Sue the dry cleaners for $67 million dollars (yes, that’s million)
6. Have a change of heart and sue the dry cleaners for $54 million (yup, still millions)

I really don’t know what to say. After reading the story about the poor dry cleaner shop owners I didn’t know whether to cry at the state of the American judicial system or to cry at the stupidity of my fellow man.

My favorite quote from the article:

In cross-examination, Mr. Manning asked Mr. Pearson whether it was reasonable for someone to sue a merchant for millions of dollars for not receiving the satisfaction guaranteed by a sign.

“Without regard to the law, as a human being, as a person, don’t you think it makes sense to interpret merchant signage in a reasonable way?” Mr. Manning said.

Mr. Pearson, who is representing himself, eventually responded, “No.”