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Original poster

Do we need to be more careful what we say on here?

131 replies

FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:29

\link{http://technology.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,1737444,00.html\Chat room libel case}

Food for thought...

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:36

I think there are a lot of people who don't realise that as individuals they are responsible for their comments and if anything posting on a site like Mumsnet is more likely to get you into trouble (if you are libellous or defamatory) because unlike a yahoo chat room it does have a wide circulation.

I think it's perfectly possible to have a vigorous debate without being either of the above.

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:36

Yes but soooo tempting zippi!

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:37

ridiculous. i refuse to be bullied into not being able to say what i think! that's why i no longer live in america. as long as a person is not inciting violence, i see NO reason why the net cannot be a place where one is free to express one's opinion.

if someone wanted to sue me over it, well, good luck! i'm poor as a church mouse.

this fella would make a great American: sue someone when they don't agree with you and say things about you you don't like instead of taking it on the chin like an adult.

LOSER!

zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:38

Well, yes..but let other people do it Grinjust provide the groundwork!

Sparklemagic · 23/03/2006 08:39

wow, how technology creates new issues!!

I don't know if I've missed some juicy threads, but I think all the things I've taken part in, while often very passionately debated, haven't descended to name calling - would hate to see that.

I've probably missed some corkers though!

expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:39

but why in a free-society should ANYONE 'get in trouble' for what they say as long as they are not inciting or threatening violence?

that's bulls*&t! it's not a crime to name-call.

this sue-happy society makes me want to be sick!

expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:40

how about doing an aloha, and just walking away? to me, that is the more respectable thing than going into court and saying, 'oh, teacher! johnny's been a bad boy and called me cruel names and made me cry!'

what a wuss!

gigglinggoblin · 23/03/2006 08:41

did they know who he was then? it doesnt say if he had a posting name. just wondered if that made a difference as rl people wouldnt know it was him being accused of being a nazi

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:41

Actually if someone went round saying I was on the sex offenders register I would use the law to stop them if I could as well. I don't think it is unreasonable to stop people spreading harmful (in fact in this climate potentially lethal) lies about oneself.

OP posts:
foundintranslation · 23/03/2006 08:42

Agree with franny.

expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:42

it wouldn't bother me a bit. b/c i know it's not true and my real friends would know it, too. also, that'd be easy enough to find out if one is. i'd challenge anyone who said that to prove it. silence speaks volumes.

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:44

I agree with you about name calling expat, but alleging someone is a sex offender is a different matter.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:44

still wouldn't bother me b/c i'd know it was crap bunch of lies.

zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:44

He presumably joined the debate as I am x

You can say things which are true, the difficulty comes in saying things which an individual or organisation can refute which is the same as any other publication/broadcast isn't it?

What I meant was that the assumption is that posting libel on mn would only potentially be a problem for mn legally but in fact it is the poster who can be taken to court

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:47

Whether you and your friends knew it was lies or not is not the issue expat, it would have a serious effect on your life, if word was getting about that you were a sex offender. People seldom do go and check their facts.

OP posts:
foundintranslation · 23/03/2006 08:48

Absolutely. I would want it publicly and officially refuted if somebody said that (or something comparable) about me.

zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:50

There was a thread on here yesterday which I thought came pretty close to the potential for legal action.

jessicaandrebeccasmummy · 23/03/2006 08:51

zippi - would that be the one under arts and crafts???

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:51

Dammit I missed that one.

Oh lord it wasn't me and the Boden Lady was it???? Shock Wink

OP posts:
Sparklemagic · 23/03/2006 08:52

huh? Why do I miss all the juicy ones then??? Why??

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 23/03/2006 08:52

You're kidding, there was a ruck on Arts and Crafts??

Blimey, Sizzixes at dawn.

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:53

Yes.

jessicaandrebeccasmummy · 23/03/2006 08:53

there was a bit - its been deleted now, but a company that poster had a problem with came on and basically tried to defend themselves.

zippitippitoes · 23/03/2006 08:56

People do often say well this is a public forum and I can say whatever I like, but there is a difference between freedom of speech and bandying hearsay and insults around..if I was accused of a crime or defamation on mn I would be defending myself with the law if necessary.

expatinscotland · 23/03/2006 08:57

yeah but what if that poster had a negative experience w/that company? they're not allowed to tell people about it?

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