Postings more likely slander than libel

[birdman]

I have often wondered about threads or conversations on forums, bulletin boards or “live chat” because often things can be said in the heat of the moment that may upset others. On occasion I have heard the words “slander” and “libel” quoted back as a response.

I had this sent to me recently for a read and it seems pretty clear and I thought I would post it for everyone’s delight and delectation:

http://www.out-law.com/page-9330

[Max Roberts]

How dare you!! That's slanderous...No sorry. It's Libelous..Actually, it's an interesting article. Thanks

[Keith Hewitt]

I once asked an Australian whats the difference between slander and libel.

He explained that slander is when you say something bad about another person
Libel is something you stick on an envelope

[prospero]

In NZ, 'sex' is what they keep potatoes in.

I would think any derogatory comments on the web would come under Libel. Although, both slander and libel are civil matters in law. You have to prosecute them yourself and pay for the privilege. Lots of people have done this over the flimsiest of slights and ended up coughing up huge amounts of money. I seem to remember the actor William Roache (Ken in Corrie) bringing a case against someone who refered to him as 'boring'. He lost a packet. What he was thinking of gawd knows..... Anyhow, to have any chance of actually winning a case you would have to not only prove that the person concerned actually typed the words, (a good lawyer would cast doubt on that) but also that the deformation had affected you in a manner that deserved compensation. If it was just a matter of lost income it would be easy to quantify. But what price hurt feelings? That's when the going gets tricky. (And Expensive).


I Rest My Case.

[John]

Thanks for that Birdman.

It is reassuring to note that in the matter of defamation, the High Court judge, Mr Justice Eady, and I share the same view. Defamation has not necessarily occurred just because someone feels aggrieved by a post on our forum.

…comments were likely to be protected as fair comment, which means that they cannot count as defamation as long as they are posted without malice and represent the poster's honest views.

[birdman]

And it's the same old story
Everywhere I go
I get slandered, libeled
I hear words I never heard in the Bible
And I'm so tired
I'm oh so tired
But I'm trying to keep my customers satisfied
Satisfied

Thank you Simon and Garfunkel.

Sticks and stones may break some bones but they need some glass and backing to make a proper frame.

[Vix]

or as my five year old niece would say,

"build a bridge and get over it!"

[barefaced framer]

"build a bridge and get over it!" :

Barefaced framer likes this