Forums and Libel - it has bitten hard

HotRodMatt · 2005-02-23T03:04:24+00:00

Some of you might remember a post I made (pre crash) about another forum I am on getting served with writs regarding alleged libel (defamation). Well... After quarter million dollar suits against 2 administrators and 10 members a long standing forum is closing down. Most of them members of the organisation whose funds are being used to sue them! One of the administrators is pretty much having to wind up his business as a result. The loss to the Hot Rodding movement of Australia should serve as warning to people here. HOLD YOUR TONGUES IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE WHAT YOU WRITE IS LIBELLIOUS.

ancientbugger Custom Title Time!

1,986 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 24 Feb 2005, 8:33 am

#305048

I guess if anyone comes up with a post such as.." Has anyone used Petes Garage in such and such, is he any good?" No-one should really answer even though they're just trying to get information prior to spending good money. Or could you get around this by expressing the answer is your opinion only? You could possibly go further here with this sort of problem affecting Forums what if someone got injured doing something to their car that they had been advised/guided to do by a forum member..gets scarier and scarier!

dodge Fahrvergnugen

958 posts · joined Mar 2003 · 24 Feb 2005, 8:55 am

#305055

vanderaj wrote:I'm getting legal advice - I've written an e-mail to two legal friends, one who operates in the intellectual property / cybercrime space in Australia and works with some of the best defamation lawyers in the business.

If the advice comes back that I can't protect myself, then I'm afraid you'll have to find another forum.

Andrew

OH NO! Does that mean AVD will be closed down? :cry:cry

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 24 Feb 2005, 8:59 am

#305058

Cant we all just hold our fingers up and say "I am not a crook" ?

Imagine no more cyber forums. I would have go out and see people face to face.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Herbie 53 Bugs are not nearly enough

764 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 24 Feb 2005, 9:52 am

#305076

you see, it all fair when you understand that wonderful thing called...

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62 Ragtop Herbie with a little extra oomph.

sax Insano Dub Head

846 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 24 Feb 2005, 6:42 pm

#305329

Love it

" You're not a team player "

BenettonVW Administrator AVD Forum Founder

3,125 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Feb 2005, 7:13 pm

#305351

It does sound like AVD is in danger of closing if we can't get protection lawfully. I can't imagine this happening, however, I would rather not be on the other end of THAT surprise..

Maybe a kneejerk reaction, maybe just safe, but Andrew sounds like he has some good friends, so no doubt we will hear back soon.

THE LOWEST WITH THE MOSTEST BLING BLING WINS!!

bugeyedbabe Wheres her VW heart on her sleeve

3,945 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 25 Feb 2005, 11:00 am

#305729

This is terrible..life without AVD. I hope it doesn't come to that.

I wish there were a better way for the forums to protect it self from law suits, regardless of who commetns were at the bottom of it.

As I see it, it is a VR meeting place.

But I'm not the sort of person who would just sue for sueing sake. Which is funny if u consider the place I'm in now (tell the story one day...much later)

I am in the middle of two court cases right now. One to protect my child, and one to protect my partner. Neither are benefical to me....well maybe indirectly....but my reason for sueing was to protect them.

But the suits are based on what was said, but what was actually done. i don't care if someone says I am a big pooh bum head, or even rights it down. I care if someone hurts my partner & children. If their ACTIONS caused the pain, that is different.

But that is me, and I don't think like alot of other ppl.

So go ahead, can me what u want, I don't care. I find walking away & ignorance is most effective.

Cheers
D4

dubless. 🥲
🥷 And who the helled parked the Mitsubishi "Prancer" under my house??? 🥷

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 25 Feb 2005, 6:07 pm

#306259

Lawsuits are a part of normal life these days... D4,

I certainly don't blame You for using the Law.....

but in the case of the Forum...
Most of US can see that Andrew is NOT at fault here.....

for whatever is posted on this "Notice Board"....

Same as if I posted something on a Woolworths or Bi-Lo
"Notice Board" ....
they wouldn't be sued for what was posted...
or I believe that they wouldn't..... Maybe I am wrong.....
Talk about BLIND Justice.... what about BLIND injustice????

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

sax Insano Dub Head

846 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 25 Feb 2005, 6:37 pm

#306279

I once moderated on a sax forum where a lot of nasty stuff was flying around. It was emails at 20 paces and threats of lawsuits etc. Americans involved on a forum run by a Finn and hosted god knows where.

Not sure how it works if the forum is hosted elsewhere but it didnt stop the litigous little twerps from carrying on like chooks.

Problem was, as always the claims being made against certain induviduals were indeed accurate but that is irrelevant.

The truth police are among us, you have been warned.

" You're not a team player "

koolkarmakombi enkarmarising

2,078 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 25 Feb 2005, 8:26 pm

#306344

its un-australian!