Bloggers, List Ops, etc Not Liable



I don't say what they want
I don't do what they say
So I'm on their list
So I'm gone, I guess
(Fleetwood Mac, "What's the World Coming To?")


Wired News reports:

"The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last Tuesday that Web loggers, website operators and e-mail list editors can't be held responsible for libel for information they republish, extending crucial First Amendment protections to do-it-yourself online publishers.

Online free speech advocates praised the decision as a victory. The ruling effectively differentiates conventional news media, which can be sued relatively easily for libel, from certain forms of online communication such as moderated e-mail lists. One implication is that DIY publishers like bloggers cannot be sued as easily. "


Nice.... As a List Op for the Stevie Nicks Enchanted List for 5 years or so I dealt with all sorts of flaming attacks that were sent out to the 400+ members of the list worldwide. Now, as a blogger, I try to always cite sources and be fair! (What was my first question to the Apple PR lady? "Am I in trouble?")

In tech training, when addressing issues of behavior on lists and online, I always point to the Golden Rule....

Posted: Mon - June 30, 2003 at 10:16 AM      

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