Re: Libel/slander (Was: Re: South Creek Nursery Palmyra NY14522)

My understanding of the First Amendment is that you are allowed to say
something you believe is true as long as you don't intend to harm anyone. I
have been a journalist for 20 years and have written for major publications
(like The New York Times and People magazine) where this rule was followed.
The fear of censorship is as dangerous as censorship itself.
Nancy S.

>It is really a sad commentary upon today's culture and civilization
>when the sharing of information and opinion among like-minded
>individuals on an email list needs to be monitored so closely in fear
>of lawsuits, isn't it?
>
>IMnot soHO, one of the marvels of the internet and one of the primary
>purposes of email lists is the sharing of information.  I have been
>on more lists than I can handle for quite a number of years, during
>which I have seen numerous requests for comment about various
>businesses and the replies received - both positive and negative.  I
>can't think of one instance where a negative comment was made that
>was not a result of personal experience that tried the soul of the
>poster in one way or another.  I can also not recall an instance
>where such negative comments were not challenged by others who might
>have had a different opinion or experience...with the exception of
>the infamous Michigan Bulb...well, I actually think I remember
>someone posting on some list or other that they'd had a positive
>experience with them...a lone voice in the wilderness.
>
>Although I am certain that Jeanne posted out of concern for us all -
>having knowledge of lawsuits, etc. - and I appreciate her concern, I
>would really hate to think that free exchange of opinion needed to be
>curtailed because of legal fears.
>
>I think we are all adult enough to exchange opinions and evaluate
>them, based upon our knowledge of those who post them.  If any
>business discussed on this list feels it has been maligned, the
>owners or representatives, should they be subscribed to the list,
>have a perfect right to post their own views for consideration and
>discussion.  I think we are all fair minded enough to realize that
>one negative opinion  is not the last word...at least I hope so.
>But, unless we can freely share what we think about topics pertinent
>to gardening the list is rather pointless, isn't it?
>
>Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
>mtalt@clark.net
>Editor:  Gardening in Shade
>current article: Garden Time
>http://suite101.com/welcome.cfm/222
>All garden topics welcome page:
>http://suite101.com/category.cfm/gardening
>
>
>
>
>
>----------
>> From: Gerry/Bob O'Neill <eoneill@IBM.NET>
>> Date: Monday, January 10, 2000 8:18 AM
>>
>> Jeanne, with respect for your knowledge and opinion as a lawyer, to
>refrain
>> from commenting on the merits/demerits of a particular nursery
>denies one
>> of the major benefits of the mail list. Admittedly, the information
>can be
>> exchanged privately, but then only one person benefits from that
>information.
>
>
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