`On Sat, Feb 26, 2011 at 4:35 AM, jerry.symonds
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> With regards to “liable; seriously?” : yes, actually!

Libel - not even, really! To be either libel or slander, the first two
criteria that must be met are: untrue statements and defamatory
language. In other words, not only must you say something that isn't
true, you have to be pretty harsh with your statements. Then you also
have to prove that the statements did harm. Calling attention to a
suspicious blog post is neither defamatory nor untrue. Questioning the
legality and the propriety of said blog is also neither defamatory nor
harmful. Museum professionals had a legitimate concern about an
unethical and potentially suspicious activity that was publicly
displayed on a blog. The discussion was civil and professional and out
of concern for the potential artifacts.

The lesson here is that if it's on the Internet, it can be searched
and found. I can find posts of mine from the Usenet over 15 years ago.
Posting something unwise can be used against you. It is not libel but
your own misjudgment coming back to at you. Even if you mean no harm,
other people might not see it that way. It pays to take a little extra
time to think about what you post. I think the blogger learned a harsh
lesson about both museum collections and blogging. I do hope she
continues with her creative writing work and artistic expression in a
lesson contentious manner or at least learns to write large
disclaimers on her posts.

Deb Fuller

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