How not to get sued for bloggers
CUNY Prof. Geanne Rosenberg has put up an online course for bloggers and media practitioners with the 10 things you need to know to stay out of court. As Jeff Jarvis, my source on this post, says it’s quick, clear, easy, and fun with videos and quizzes.
The 10 rules to blog by:
- Check your facts.
- Avoid virtual vendettas.
- Obey the law.
- Weigh promises.
- Reveal secrets selectively.
- Consider what you copy.
- Learn recording limits.
- Don’t abuse anonymity.
- Shun conflicts of interest.
- Seek legal advice.
Jeff also mentions Berkman Center at Harvard, who helped produced this course, is putting online a legal guide with information on such topics as setting up a publishing business.
That sounds like sound advise. thanks
As folks will see a lot of the legal counsel revolves around being smart Terry. Bloggers ought not leave their common sense offline.
I have never thought that somebody can be sued for bloggers… I think, people express their own views while blogging and there is nothing illegal in it.
Nothing illegal in driving a car either Jess, but there are ways you could drive which give rise to someone having a claim against you.
Same with blogging. Among other things, you could be liable for defamation or violation of copyright laws. Don't get me wrong these are not regular issues but bloggers can get into trouble.
Also note that we are talking about a blogger being liable for a civil claim by a third party not committing an illegal act for which they would be criminally liable.
Great tips! I also came across a resource for bloggers by the Citizen Media Law Project.
http://mediarelations.blogs.com/index/2008/02/citizen-journal.html