SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
SI - Site Forums : Silicon Investor - Welcome New SI Members!
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: c.horn who wrote (19619)9/13/2003 2:18:42 AM
From: Jeffrey S. Mitchell  Read Replies (2) of 32883
 
c.horn, back when SI first started, the prevailing attitude was that the Internet represented a publishing media for the masses. While it was obvious the quality of the writing varied from site to site, it was nevertheless another form of the written word and thus viewed in that context. Hence, people sued for defamation were charged with libel, not slander. These many years later the courts have now warmed to the argument that the Internet is really one large free-wheeling discussion and thus more akin to the spoken word-- which is quite legally significant since courts hold people that truly publish material to a much higher standard than those that utter the same thing at a party.

The point here is that while message boards might have been idealistic when they first started, i.e. aiming to attract a collection of deep-thinking individuals engaging in a polite round-table conversation, they've certainly seen the light by now. In retrospect, it should have been common sense that people posting in a nameless, faceless environment would be much more likely to say things they'd never say directly to someone's face. I'm not saying message boards can't strive to be civil, just that perhaps it might be instructive to severely lower people's expectations.

- Jeff
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News