Jason Calacanis introduces the new Launch Conference in San Francisco this week. It’s focused on startups, similar to the TechCrunch Disrupt conference.

John Hudson and Uri Freidman reporting on The Atlantic Wire:

It’s War of the Silicon Valley Boosters

Calacanis refused to comment on whether he had heard reports of Arrington and TechCrunch trying to persuade attendees and sponsors to skip Launch, but he did say that no writer from TechCrunch had applied for credentials. “I think it’s unfair to those startups and I don’t understand how any publication could blacklist companies over a business dispute,” Calacanis said. “I feel terrible about it.” Neither Arrington nor AOL returned requests for comment. We’ll update if they do.

If there are no TechCrunch writers registered then clearly Mr Arrington is deliberately boycotting the conference and that means he is also likely to be adding to his Enemies List, the companies and people that have supported Launch. This means people such as Dave McClure, Chris Sacca, Kevin Rose, George Zachery and others, are on that list.

Good for them for refusing to bow to pressure from Mr Arrington. Everyone associated with Launch knows the risk they are taking.

It’s not the first time Mr Arrington has used such tactics against people he doesn’t like. In one case I know, he threatened to boycott all the clients of a large San Francisco PR company because one member of the PR staff had simply retweeted a Tweet he didn’t like.

This is also how he controls criticism of himself.

As Nathan Hangen commented:

“The worst part about this is that if you run or have hopes of running a startup, then there’s nothing you can say without risking retribution.”

My advice: Stand up against bullies. If you ever have anything to say but you think it might annoy Mr. Arrington — go for it — stand true. Call his bluff.

[Cross-posted at Silicon Valley Watcher]