Jordan recently had a reader start spouting at him and generally hefting the law in his face, so he posted a link to a Legal Guide for Bloggers.  I thought I’d post it here but skip the drama, at least for today.

What I find interesting is how often, when faced with someone willing to go public with an individual’s or company’s misdeeds, said company or individual will threaten to sue the reporting party for libel.  It’s the favorite word of those who practice shady business, or rip-off their customers.

“You can’t report it.  If you do, we’ll sue you for LIBEL!”

Umm, hate to break it to you folks, but you’re missing one important point.  It’s only libel if it is a lie.  Reporting the truth, or repeating a true fact, is not libel no matter how damaging it may be!*

 

*I am not a legal expert, nor do I claim to be.  This is my understanding of the law, and I have stated that understanding to the best of my limited ability in layman’s terms. 😉