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question about libel (tera come in)

curious - and I dont know jack about the law -

what if I wrote a scathing nasty review about xyz business, would that be libel?

Re: question about libel (tera come in)

  • I think this is an iffy question. I work with reviews all day long and for our company someone can say their opinion on a business and we don't remove it unless there is valid proof that the claim is false. I say trash a business if they deserve it.
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • It depends. Would we know the company? (in this case, we knew who she was talking about through her previous posts) Is everything you are saying true (do you have proof - if needed)? Did it do damage to the company and show defamation?

    Quick overview. This is obviously not a legal site, but you can get an overview. It really varies though. http://www.ehow.com/how_2086301_prove-libel.html

    Bottom line - NEVER knock a company or business online. Ever. You're asking for trouble and it's something I wouldn't do. Heck, even if you have proof, I personally wouldn't do it. If you do, be very careful and make sure you have documentation.

  • From what I can remember, it's only libel If the statements are false and misrepresent the business. If they deserve it, I'd write the review.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • gotcha!

    murky waters it seems like....

    how do people who do restaurant reviews get away with it if its a bad review? I say the food sucked, they say the food was cooked fine - and my review has hurt business now....how do you prove either side??

  • imageAshnkris:
    From what I can remember, it's only libel If the statements are false and misrepresent the business. If they deserve it, I'd write the review.

    We learned about this in my legal classes, and I didn't think it had to be false statements. They can go after you if you write something that hurts their reputation or causes damages.

  • imagetiff-n-nick:

    gotcha!

    murky waters it seems like....

    how do people who do restaurant reviews get away with it if its a bad review? I say the food sucked, they say the food was cooked fine - and my review has hurt business now....how do you prove either side??

    Restating this. I'm not sure if there is a line between stated facts and opinions. However, yes, you only need to prove they are untrue in certain situations.

    Murky waters is right.

  • I'm sure any online review isn't good but most businesses are going to go through the legal trouble of fighting it. I always wonder how these gossip celeb magazines get away with so much. Especially when celebs say most of it isn't true, then why aren't they suing them left and right?
  • I do it all the time (if you haven't noticed) but what I am stating is a.  the truth and b. my opinion.    If I am ticked off enough to post about it, I'm probably one step away from suing them anyway.   If they sue me, I would sue them back and/or make things very expensive for them.

     Angel

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