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Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V4 #1442
IN ADVANCE: I am sorry for my focus on American rights and laws, but I
believe these rights and laws are what are in question here.
>From: joelle at witty_org
>Subject: Re: Internet libel
>
> That's why you think the plant-list exists, as a safe forum for your
> vindictive ravings because you think the cost/risk/responsability of such
> behavior on the Internet is so small.
I think the plant list exists to inform aquatic plant enthusiasts of things
that may be of interest to aquatic plant enthusiasts. Which companies will
or will not screw me is of interest to me, as an aquatic plant enthusiast.
By way of example, I now am replacing many of my heaters with Ebo Jager
heaters, simply because they have a good reputation. I am not rushing out
to buy a Ford Pinto. Should Ford be able to sue me because I say "I think
the Ford Pinto sucks and I am never buying one"? The answer here is no. It
is ridiculous to bow to the fear tactics and threats by censoring our
freedom of speech.
> The simplest solution as Steve suggested is not to have any negative
> comments tolerated on the list, period. My preference would be for an
> approved vendor's list but I am not optimistic.
There is no difference between a blacklist and a whitelist except for the
fact that a whitelist presumes guilt until proven innocent.
Your solution is without merit, for it devalues this list to me entirely. I
*want* to see "My such-and-such needle valve blew up!" "Mine did too!". I
do NOT want to see people not posting advice because they are afraid it
will land them in court.
To me, this whole lawsuit smacks of a failing dot-com seeing a chance to
get some last-round funding through litigation, and that is simply sleazy,
unethical, and deplorable. If I wanted to walk on eggshells whenever I
talked about anything but the weather, I would move to China.
~Empty
---
"Confession only helps if you actually feel bad for your actions.
For you, it would just be a really long boast."
-Tara
http://www.emptiedout.com