Legal Boundaries?

[conbott]

As some of you know recently I did my first official article on Jane Doherty. I did a lot of research and checking because I knew it had to be correct and factual. I've just been reading a thread by theminx named "Who else got a message from Craig Shell". He went on about legal action, etc, and it got me thinking.

Whenever we do an article is there certain boundaries that we must keep inside? The last thing I would want to do is write an article that will allow these scam artists to take action. Can anyone help me with this query please?

[Deleted]

As long as what you have written is a fact then there is no need to worry.

[tomroberts]

Have you heard that Dr Simon Singh is being sued by the British Chiropractic Association over an article he wrote for the Guardian?

gimpyblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/chiropractors-sue-simon-singh-prefer-legal-action-to-evidence/

[farsideofthemoon]

Refrain from attacks based on your opinion and just state what you see. If something is fradulent say so, but you might want to google libel and slander and understand what the differences are and what the law thinks.

Here's a starter

www.carter-ruck.com/FAQs/Libel%20and%20Slander%20Cases.html

[conbott]

Thanks everyone and for the links. I enjoyed doing the Jane Doherty article and tried to add a light hearted look to it in places. BUT after it became an official article I realised that you have to be careful even more so. I also realised that it's easy to get carried away with my sarcasm for eg, especially when you're caught up in the moment.

The other day I found a psychic called Kitty Parker and some of her outlandish statements makes her a prime candidate for an article. I started a thread and added a little humour, etc. Now though it doesn't seem appropriate to write an official article that way. Like I said in the beginning of this thread I would hate to allow these people to bring a law suit against me, or BadPsychics, etc, especially when my intentions are just to get the message out there and warn others. I think I'll keep the humour on this forum but whenever it comes to an official article I'll stay factual with necessary comments when needed just to make sure. Cheers everyone.

[Mike]

I've always said that when you are writing or speaking about somone else in public in a way that disagrees with their actions or what they have said you need to stay factual and unhumourous. I always think that humour or sarcasem etc can really bog down someones argument.

So yeah stick to the facts, keep it level and be humourous and sarcy here with us

[conbott]

Aug 19, 2008 14:33:09 GMT Mike said:

I've always said that when you are writing or speaking about somone else in public in a way that disagrees with their actions or what they have said you need to stay factual and unhumourous. I always think that humour or sarcasem etc can really bog down someones argument.

So yeah stick to the facts, keep it level and be humourous and sarcy here with us

Thanks Crashcat I totally agree. I've found quite a few things that could make a good article. Of course you have to input your feelings to a certain degree but in a constructive way. This is something I should have asked about before but better late than never. Some people enjoy the humour but as you know it only takes one and that's it.