Long arm of the law reaches bloggers
By Glenn Roberts Jr., Monday, June 16, 2008.Bookmarking Sites
Flickr photo by ThisParticularGreg.Over 100 judgments valued at $17 million have gone against bloggers in the past three years, and 60 percent of the judgments relate to defamation while 25 percent were for copyright infringement and 10 percent related to piracy, The Associated Press reports.
The article references a $25 million defamation lawsuit against a Miami real estate agent and blogger (see related Inman News article). On Friday, Inman News reported that online real estate referral and rebate company ePerks has filed a lawsuit against a former real estate agent who has posted information about the company at his blog site (read article here), charging damage to the company's reputation and loss of earnings capacity. The online discussion continues to heat up on the topic (see here and here).
The AP article quotes Robert Cox, president of the Media Bloggers Association: "Bloggers are being asked to write checks. The threats against bloggers are very real. The costs are very real." The Society of Professional Journalists is offering a series of seminars across the country that offer journalism training, according to the article.
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Submitted by Daniel Rothamel, Inman Community Manager on June 16, 2008 - 11:02am.
The thing that bugs me is that most bloggers aren't rich. They might not have the money to defend lawsuits, founded or not.
That said, anyone that publishes any type of content needs to be aware of the laws that govern copyrights, libel, etc. Since I'm sure most bloggers aren't carrying E & O insurance, self-policing is even more important.
http://www.RealEstateZebra.com
Submitted by Jim Lee, Knoxville TN Realtor on June 16, 2008 - 11:54am.
Fortunately truth remains an absolute defense. Just make sure what you blog about is correct, factual, and verifiable.
Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tennessee
www.KnoxvilleHomeCenter.com mailto:Jim@JimLee.com
(865) 693-3232, My Personal Toll Free # 1-800-662-2488 ext. 163
**********************************
Submitted by Teresa Boardman on June 17, 2008 - 4:03am.
Having a Real estate license alone opens the door to law suites. Throw in blogging and we really live on the edge.
Submitted by Michael Lange, e-Pro, GRI & Cheron Lange on June 18, 2008 - 7:01am.
Wow, I'm going to have to agree with Teresa as agents our door is wide open for lawsuits. Today's society depends so much on the internet and our blogs need to be factual and correct...with everything you do and say, we almost have to have a paper trail now.
Cheron Lange
www.LetOurFamilyHelpYours.com
Submitted by Ki Gray on June 18, 2008 - 4:11pm.
I think that as a society blogging is how we communicate about services and companies. It would be a little like a company attending little league practices 20 years ago and sueing any soccer mom that said she didnt like a particular store or product.
Site Austin Tx real estate.
Search Austin MLS
Submitted by Jason Anderson on June 24, 2008 - 12:54pm.
Not that it will stop 800-pound gorillas from taking a swipe at you, but hard facts are your best defense (and offense, for that matter).
A great safety net is to always link to whatever stats/articles you're quoting. Just like any good journalist, offer up your sources freely and regularly.
Submitted by Joe Cline on July 5, 2008 - 7:17pm.
I guess when you want to write that someone SUCKS, you need proof. :) I'd imagine a lot of times that's not too hard to come by, but in the case that a person has money and is a total they can and will use that money to give you a hard time. Ah isn't the American justice system wonderful?
Joe Cline
Villas on Lake Travis Real Estate | Great Hills Texas MLS Listings