defamation vs flaming

Hi all

I am not a Lawyer and will stand corrected where necessary.

"Defamation" involves damages to an identifiable real person or real entity when inappropriate comments are made public by any of many meadia sources (papers, magazines, tv, blogs, newsletters, social media etc).

Imo, as an unidentifiable nic on HotCopper you yourself cannot be defamed, even if it feels like you have.

Why?

Because in being unidentifiable you cannot suffer damages. In this case you have been flamed and there is remedy via the TOU function for flaming/baiting but not defamation.

But be very clear of this difference. If you defame identiable real people or real entities via your HC nic, then neither HC or yourself are protected. This is why even potentially defamatory posts will be removed promptly as Mods and/or Admin become aware or are made aware.

There are a number of well publicised cases where supposedly anonymous posters on blogs and sites like HC have been successfully sued ... imo, the risk is just not worth your 15 minutes of anonymous fame.

Post wisely and enjoy HC and stay safe in all ways throughout 2012.

PD