Bloggers Getting Sued
 

I thought I'd post this for some comments. Personally, in most of the instances, I think the person/s were wrong and deserved to be sued but would like to hear other thoughts.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/20...s-courts_x.htm

I saw that article. Libel is libel, whether it be via blog, bulletin board, web site, newspaper editorial, whatever.

If bloggers want to be treated as journalists, they need to employ responsible journalist practices.

Exactly. There is no real difference - only you are responsible for your actions, whatever you do.

While I agree that anyone making obviously false claims is wrong there's another trend that will obviously come into play.

Think about a blogger making a claim about major retailer when the story is totally true. Who among us has enough money to fight a law suit in Delaware?

Then there are other channels and means Other than blogs.

Ordered to pay 50k because he wrote dirt about his ex lawyer.. damn why didnt he get more? That guy should have kept his mouth shut over 3k... bet he's kicking himself now... and I might just be a little bit more careful what I write about.

It's funny how online text compares to print. Laws seem to happen case by case. What if the blog had 3 hits a day? 30? 100? When does it cross the line? And how is the compensation calculated? What about slander coming from a 17-year-old? Language is vague enough. Differences between media complicate things even more. Oh well, the guy played with fire. I laugh at him. |pokefun| |dizzy|

The net is full of enough loonies already. A step towards credibility is good for publishers (bloggers) and readers... but it does make me feel uncomfortable seeing an issue forced like this.

But I see no reason why blogging shouldn't be treated like the more traditional forms of publishing, morals and ethics especially. I agree completely with the journalist code of ethics when it comes to blogging.

If you don't want that kind of liability floating over your head, then just keep a personal sex blog. If sharing one's fantasies and dreams becomes a risk for a lawsuit... |shocking|