Cyberspace—When anyone publishes material in any form where
it’s expected to be viewed by others there is a responsibility that accompanies
the offering.
We must simply remember the so-called Golden Rule and there
will never be a controversy. However disagreement,
revenge and hate have been in abundance on the free for all we call the
Internet.
The laws of libel are for the most part simple. Don’t publish lies about any living person or
organization. Only the living have
standing to sue so only simple decency regulates what you publish about the
departed souls in our world.
Imagine if you suggested in a story that a major soft drink
company sold a cola drink that contained poison. Okay, one could argue that too much sugar was
toxic and life threatening. Before it was over some major beverage manufacturer
would own you even if sugar could be considered harmful.
You can ask the question about whether someone is a crook in
safety but calling someone a crook without evidence is dangerous and
actionable.
Blogger postings invite comments from readers that for the
most part are anonymous. So far bloggers
have escaped responsibility for libelous comments posted by readers. Again simple decency should prevail on the
blog publisher’s part and offensive libel should be stopped cold. This is far from settled law and will be
litigated for years to come.
I don’t think many bloggers want to be the test case
shelling out many tens of thousands to find out how the law shakes out.
As for me my venom is hot and biting but I have no desire
for publishing lies or cruel remarks about the undeserving.
I am careful to delete comments that are profane or that
make allegations that I’m unable to verify.
I judge comments and try error on the side of reasonableness. When in doubt the comment goes away.
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