As long as opinions are labeled as opinion and not fact, people are free to have an opinion. Same reason a food critic cannot get sued for disliking a restaurant and reporting so in his/her column.
As the article said, there can be no wrong opinions.
Even talking about public figures or matters of public interest is largely protected.
But once you jump into neighborhood personalities that are not considered even mildly public figures, then you are stepping into a mindfield.
Remember, what you blog about someone remains long after what you said about them will ring in other’s ears. If it is malicious and baseless – you could have problems.
Mom was right regarding blogs, if you can’t say anything nice….
try Media/Professional Ins out of KC, MO (www.mediaprof.com). of course, they won’t cover everyone, but a blog in a business context can certainly be insured through them.
KLS,I had the same thought. Oops, I better not have any thoughts. I might get sued. A country of the attorneys, by the attorneys and for the attorneys, so help you God.
KLS,
As long as opinions are labeled as opinion and not fact, people are free to have an opinion. Same reason a food critic cannot get sued for disliking a restaurant and reporting so in his/her column.
As the article said, there can be no wrong opinions.
Even talking about public figures or matters of public interest is largely protected.
But once you jump into neighborhood personalities that are not considered even mildly public figures, then you are stepping into a mindfield.
Remember, what you blog about someone remains long after what you said about them will ring in other’s ears. If it is malicious and baseless – you could have problems.
Mom was right regarding blogs, if you can’t say anything nice….
The statistics on blog lawsuits come from our list of lawsuits against bloggers, available at http://www.medialaw.org/bloggerlawsuits
Eric Robinson
Staff Attorney
Media Law Resource Center
“NO COMMENT”
Who is a market to provide insurance coverage for Bloggers?
Loved it! “NO COMMENT” Now you have to watch your backs on the comments/suggestions/opinion left in these!
try Media/Professional Ins out of KC, MO (www.mediaprof.com). of course, they won’t cover everyone, but a blog in a business context can certainly be insured through them.
Euclid Managers writes liability coverage for corporate blogs. To learn more, visit the Euclid blog at http://www.euclidmanagerskc.com/blog.
Would that count as “citizen journalism” if someone is just waxing philosophical on their blog about the state of the world in general?
I’m just wondering if this is slippery slope type junk with these lawsuits.
What if I really really really hate the musical CATS, does this mean Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber can sue me for saying so on my blog?
How free is free when it comes to freedom of speech/expression/the press…?
Marietta,
Try http://www.mynewmarkets.com
KLS,I had the same thought. Oops, I better not have any thoughts. I might get sued. A country of the attorneys, by the attorneys and for the attorneys, so help you God.
Check out BoomerTwilight.blogspot
If they mess with me, I’ll Blog them.
What if you use your fake online identity to damage the reputation of my fake online identity??
Then we’ll find a fake court and we can go at a fake verdict.
But I’ll win so don’t waste your fake time.
My online identity is not fake. Don’t fake with me. I’ll fake you up.