Libel and Defamation Against SOTT, Cass, LKJ, QFG, etc

[Leo40]

I don't know if an apology is sufficient.
What I posted were not my own words but a copy from Bud's post #26 in this
same thread. Since this is a public thread I assumed it represents common
attitude and understanding.
I merely wanted to point out to the poster that his rantings might have consequences.
I do not presume to speak for anybody but myself.
I will definitely refrain from posting on any other forums.
I am truly sorry I caused unnecessary grief.
Leo40

 

[SeekinTruth]

What the heck!!?? That was TOTALLY inappropriate.

I don't know, I can't make up my mind if he should retract what he wrote and make clear that he does NOT speak for Laura or QFG. Probably stating clearly that he doesn't represent Laura, QFG, or the Cass forum is not a bad idea in itself. But I'm not sure at this point if it will do more harm than good. Hoping to hear some other feedback from others.

 

[anart]

What the heck!!?? That was TOTALLY inappropriate.

I don't know, I can't make up my mind if he should retract what he wrote and make clear that he does NOT speak for Laura or QFG. Probably stating clearly that he doesn't represent Laura, QFG, or the Cass forum is not a bad idea in itself. But I'm not sure at this point if it will do more harm than good. Hoping to hear some other feedback from others.

I think more input on this would be helpful, because, in this context, 'ufochick' IS right - bullying people and threatening people only proves that there is something to be defensive about. So, would it do more harm for Leo to post a response to 'ufochick' that she's right and he apologizes completely and that he has no real connection to anyone on this forum or in these organizations and he just posted a really stupid post there because he was upset with people lying about someone from whose material he has learned a lot?

Would it make matters worse? It might - I really don't know - this is why we don't go muddling in other people's business or trying to force things on anyone. Any ideas?

 

[StrangeCaptain]

By-standers who are regular, everyday people might view such a retraction in an honorable light, but it would have to be very, very ,very carefully worded. No matter what, unless we are lucky, the crazies are going to have a field day with it. Just some thoughts... I really don't know.

 

[ScioAgapeOmnis]

What I posted were not my own words but a copy from Bud's post #26 in this
same thread. Since this is a public thread I assumed it represents common
attitude and understanding.

Well you took his post out of context. As I undedstood it, it was directed at a particular individual, not at just anyone who expresses an opinion on the internet. Also, I don't think Bud ever claimed to speak on behalf of anyone, nor did he go ahead and send that letter to anyone, as it seems it was just a draft to offer ideas for the group to consider and network about.

I merely wanted to point out to the poster that his rantings might have consequences.

And what will you do when your empty threat provokes people to attack Laura even more? There's nothing you can do because you have no ability to stop anyone from expressing their opinions on the internet no matter how much you argue or threaten them (that will only provoke an avalanche of attacks directed back at you and Laura and the group, that you cannot stop). And when you realize that there's nothing you can do to prevent anyone from speaking their mind on the internet, you'll just leave Laura to deal with the consequences of your actions - a lot of angry and provoked people who now have even more reason to attack Laura and this group, all because you decided it was a good idea to go around forums and threaten people.

If you're not the one taking the heat for your actions, if you're not Laura's defense lawyer nor have any knowledge of what is legal and what is not, why are you making legal threats to anyone? If you can do absolutely NOTHING to stop a bunch of provoked people from attacking Laura, why are you threatening and provoking people to do just that?

How would you feel if someone you know suddenly spoke on your behalf and claimed to represent you without your permission, and then threatened a bunch of people against expressing any negative opinions about you, which many will simply take as a challenge to do just that? How would you feel dealing with constant harassment and attacks because someone else decided to threaten them on your behalf and forced you to deal with the consequences?

 

[Beau]

I don't know if an apology is sufficient.
What I posted were not my own words but a copy from Bud's post #26 in this
same thread.

That does not absolve you of responsibility.

Since this is a public thread I assumed it represents common
attitude and understanding.

You are wrong on both counts. This is not a public thread as it is in the Newbies forum, which is not accessible to guests. And what you wrote most certainly does not represent common understanding. If you had bothered to network with anyone here about what you were going to do, you would have been made aware of that fairly quickly.

I merely wanted to point out to the poster that his rantings might have consequences.

From all appearances, your post there was a broad swipe aimed at all participants in the discussion, not focused on any single person. You want consequences for people expressing their opinions?!?! Dude, we just went to court with HBI to be able to do just that here, on our forum.

 

[mamadrama]

Fwiw, I think a retraction and apology is the way to go because it is the right thing to do. Even if it is ridiculed and distorted, it would be the truth. Leo had no business going over to that forum and starting a fight in their sandbox. Imo, it would be best if he goes there and admits his error, acknowledge that he was misguided and apologize.

 

[Vulcan59]

Fwiw, I think a retraction and apology is the way to go because it is the right thing to do. Even if it is ridiculed and distorted, it would be the truth. Leo had no business going over to that forum and starting a fight in their sandbox. Imo, it would be best if he goes there and admits his error, acknowledge that he was misguided and apologize.

Yes I agree with you on this one, Black Swan. Perhaps Leo40 can post it here and let the network have a look first before he post it there.

 

[Mountain Crown]

Fwiw, I think a retraction and apology is the way to go because it is the right thing to do. Even if it is ridiculed and distorted, it would be the truth. Leo had no business going over to that forum and starting a fight in their sandbox. Imo, it would be best if he goes there and admits his error, acknowledge that he was misguided and apologize.

Yes I agree with you on this one, Black Swan. Perhaps Leo40 can post it here and let the network have a look first before he post it there.

Seems like the right thing to me as well.

I'm also thinking advice from counsel is in order before anything is done.

 

[Jacques]

Fwiw, I think a retraction and apology is the way to go because it is the right thing to do. Even if it is ridiculed and distorted, it would be the truth. Leo had no business going over to that forum and starting a fight in their sandbox. Imo, it would be best if he goes there and admits his error, acknowledge that he was misguided and apologize.

Yes I agree with you on this one, Black Swan. Perhaps Leo40 can post it here and let the network have a look first before he post it there.

I agree with that and definitively Leo40 should post the draft here before posting on the other forum.

 

[Richs]

Fwiw, I think a retraction and apology is the way to go because it is the right thing to do. Even if it is ridiculed and distorted, it would be the truth. Leo had no business going over to that forum and starting a fight in their sandbox. Imo, it would be best if he goes there and admits his error, acknowledge that he was misguided and apologize.

Yes I agree with you on this one, Black Swan. Perhaps Leo40 can post it here and let the network have a look first before he post it there.

I also agree that a public apology is necessary and that it should be checked over here before posting.
It seems to me that whenever harm has been done (even if by mistake) it must be corrected

Other input?

 

[herondancer]

Leo40 absolutely should apologize. He has done exactly the same thing that posters are called out on here, visiting another groups "home" and criticising the decor, music, and conversation, in the most destructive way possible.

It's imperative he posts the draft here for input first, to make sure all the bases are covered and leaves no doors open to further trouble. I hope it's posted here soon. This situation need defusing as soon as possible.

 

[Alana]

I think more input on this would be helpful, because, in this context, 'ufochick' IS right - bullying people and threatening people only proves that there is something to be defensive about. So, would it do more harm for Leo to post a response to 'ufochick' that she's right and he apologizes completely and that he has no real connection to anyone on this forum or in these organizations and he just posted a really stupid post there because he was upset with people lying about someone from whose material he has learned a lot?

Would it make matters worse? It might - I really don't know - this is why we don't go muddling in other people's business or trying to force things on anyone. Any ideas?

I was trying to think of a "saving" way to phrase the apology, but i think that anart's idea above is not bad at all.

Geez, Leo! When are you going to learn to NETWORK before you go into other people's forums with Laura's name and the groups in your posts?

 

[Z...]

I think more input on this would be helpful, because, in this context, 'ufochick' IS right - bullying people and threatening people only proves that there is something to be defensive about. So, would it do more harm for Leo to post a response to 'ufochick' that she's right and he apologizes completely and that he has no real connection to anyone on this forum or in these organizations and he just posted a really stupid post there because he was upset with people lying about someone from whose material he has learned a lot?

Would it make matters worse? It might - I really don't know - this is why we don't go muddling in other people's business or trying to force things on anyone. Any ideas?

I think it probably cant make things worse then they already are and it may be important that Leo states for the record that he doesn't speak on behalf of Laura or anyone on this forum.
He should state the truth, something on lines that he is a long term member/observer of this forum and when he saw obvious lies he reacted emotionally and he apologizes for that.
Whether this would be throwing pearls in front of swine it doesn't matter, what matters the most is that he states he doesn't speak for anyone on this board especially Laura and that this was his PERSONAL reaction.
My few cents.

 

[1984]

I think more input on this would be helpful, because, in this context, 'ufochick' IS right - bullying people and threatening people only proves that there is something to be defensive about. So, would it do more harm for Leo to post a response to 'ufochick' that she's right and he apologizes completely and that he has no real connection to anyone on this forum or in these organizations and he just posted a really stupid post there because he was upset with people lying about someone from whose material he has learned a lot?

I was trying to think of a "saving" way to phrase the apology, but i think that anart's idea above is not bad at all.

I agree with anart's suggestion as well. Focus the apology back to 'ufochick' from Leo40. As has been said though, it should be brought here first prior to posting there.

I am more than surprised that a forum member that has been around here as long as Leo40 has been wouldn't know any more about true networking.