A mini-drama of particular interest to bloggers unfolded in the midst of the hoopla surrounding Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s resignation earlier this month. When a false rumor surfaced that she was stepping down because a federal investigation had been launched into possible illegal use of state funds, Palin threatened to sue a blogger who had repeated the scuttlebutt. The blogger was not cowed — and rightly so. She had the law on her side. Still, the incident raises questions about what it is permissible to say and do online in a Web 2.0 world.
Victims of Internet libel are anguished over the issue, it does not matter whether the victim is a high-profile politician or a stay-at-home mom or dad who is unknown beyond their immediate friends and families. Notwithstanding, the higher the profile of lifestyle pursued, the higher the risk of libelous attack.
Mrs. Palin would probably do well to laugh off these types of attacks and leave the response to members of her fan clubs such as conservativesforpalin.com. In doing so, less attention will be drawn to the issue because if an enemy doesn't see you hurting, they'll stop twisting the knife.
Notwithstanding, these rules don't apply to everyday people like most of the readers here. The torment of Internet libels pervasive 24/7 persistence for searches on an individual's name anywhere in the world can be debilitating. Frankly, until you have experienced these attacks firsthand, or witnessed the carnage that results in the life of someone you love who is subject to the torment, you simply can't relate to the pain.
Regards, Michael Roberts. Internet libel victim's advocate
www.Rexxfield.com
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Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf (Huntress)?
Posted by: Erika Morphy July 20, 2009 04:00 AMA mini-drama of particular interest to bloggers unfolded in the midst of the hoopla surrounding Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s resignation earlier this month. When a false rumor surfaced that she was stepping down because a federal investigation had been launched into possible illegal use of state funds, Palin threatened to sue a blogger who had repeated the scuttlebutt. The blogger was not cowed — and rightly so. She had the law on her side. Still, the incident raises questions about what it is permissible to say and do online in a Web 2.0 world.
Mrs. Palin would probably do well to laugh off these types of attacks and leave the response to members of her fan clubs such as conservativesforpalin.com. In doing so, less attention will be drawn to the issue because if an enemy doesn't see you hurting, they'll stop twisting the knife.
Notwithstanding, these rules don't apply to everyday people like most of the readers here. The torment of Internet libels pervasive 24/7 persistence for searches on an individual's name anywhere in the world can be debilitating. Frankly, until you have experienced these attacks firsthand, or witnessed the carnage that results in the life of someone you love who is subject to the torment, you simply can't relate to the pain.
Regards, Michael Roberts. Internet libel victim's advocate
www.Rexxfield.com