Update on the Gina Ford legal situation

[JustineMumsnet]

Hello all,
Some of you may have seen a Gina Ford interview in the Mail on Sunday today, in which she refers to the Mumsnet legal situation, so we thought it was only right to update you as to where we are.

We are due to go to mediation on March 7th. Our position with regard to this hasn't changed - since very early on in the dispute we have suggested mediation as a sensible way forward and so we are pleased to be meeting with Ms Ford and her lawyers on March 7th.

In the meantime GF has issued a claim form, which means that the court clock is now running and we have to put in our defence within 28 days.

Obviously, as Ms Ford has made clear by this action and by her statements in the Mail on Sunday if mediation fails, she intends to sue.

We're sorry that we are still having to ask you not to discuss Gina Ford or her methods but given the potential for something that may be used against Mumsnet to slip through, this probably remains the safest course of action.

We will, of course, keep you fully updated.

Thanks for all your support.
Mumsnet HQ

oooh, yes, lets!

You forgot the third rule.

B**cks! Forgot, this site will be watched by everyone.
No, lets not do that after all!
(ah-ha, the old double-bluff).
I'll get my coat ....

Great article, thanks. And the MoS published my comment, even though it included the phrase "rise above it"

If this thing ends up in court (which I sincerely don't believe it will) I think libel trials have to be heard by juries don't they?

Guess they'll have to ask all the potential jurors whether they're members of mumsnet won't they

Best of luck for the 13th Justine et al

Message withdrawn

Like "Are you, or have you ever been, a member of mumsnet" Emmylou

Message withdrawn

"And what was your silly name?"

If only we were in the US we could plead the fifth about our silly names....

They're usually just with a judge now, I think. They have also curbed large damages awards. These things are all about costs really more than damages which is why mediation and early settlement is always better.

What on earth is the problem with silly names? I use some craft forums, DP uses motorbike, surfing and running ones, all use "silly names". I thought it was pretty standard.

Isnt it part of the fun - also stops you getting stalked if someone recognises you!

Suspected there was a reason behind the article.

er, aplogies...RL getting in the way of my mning... anyone care to summarise the current situation pls? or link to an article you all seem to be knowing about? or something...

NG, I think they're having a confidential meeting with both sides and presumably their lawyers to discuss if they can finish the dispute. If that doesn't work they might get sued or might not.

thanks xenia

As see page 25 of today's Times.

There's no problem at all Fusby, who said there was? We're just joking about using them in a court context.

I see morningpaper's quote gets another airing in The Times!

Isn't that repeating the (alleged) defamation?

OOK!

I don't think so even if it were defamatory. It's like someone saying "ABC said Tony Blair is a liar" which is different from saying "Tony Blair is a liar".