meta rec - the moving pixel writers by jonquil

[seperis]

Just because I was thinking on the differences (though more facetiously), linking this.

The Moving Pixel Writes by jonquil on how argument works on the web.

I'm in bed with "flu-like symptoms" and am waiting for the doctor's office to be open so I can call. Meantime, here's some stuff that's been percolating in the back of my mind. This is based on my isolated corner of the Web, namely LiveJournals and political bloggers, as well as experience with a lot of other bulletin boards, mailing lists, USENET groups, and so on dating back to 1983. Your Web may vary -- which is part of the point.

And now, back to work. I am not fond of having all this work when there is meaningful discussion out there, let me tell you.

(I wonder if we could get an lj-fandom specific version? I think just for one section entitled "You Want to Sue For What Again? Really? Because seriously.)

Comments

[bkwyrm.livejournal.com]

NOt that this has anything to do with anything, but there's a new Anne Bishop hardback that came out. Like, today. I'm halfway through it.

[transtempts.livejournal.com]

I don't have class today, which seems odd, but I am taking the time to cook for myself and um, study. *eyes books shiftily* And certainly not write or do Arthurian research. Right, you believe me?

[chopchica.livejournal.com]

I WANT TO SUE PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THEY ARE EXPERTS IN DRAGON RAPE

[ratcreature]

How did come lawsuits into this? As usual I'm totally out of any loop.

[lydiabell.livejournal.com]

This is all I've been able to find so far, from Liz Henry (http://blogs.feministsf.net/?p=1091):

She threatened several people with legal action, including Tempest, oyceter, at least two more people I’m not sure I should name, and also Aqueduct Press.

"She" being, you will probably not be surprised to discover, Kathryn Cramer.

[trobadora]

What now?!

Every time I thing this can't get any more bizarre, there's further WTFness.

[cofax7]

And an absolute failure to understand the legal meaning of "defamation", which is the publication of a false statement of fact that clearly refers to the defamee and which would reasonably serve to harm their reputation.

The key term there being "false": in the U.S. legal system, when working with private individuals, truth is an absolute defense to claims of defamation.

So: "I think Will Shetterly is an asshole" is a statement of opinion. "Will Shetterly fucks goats" is a probably-false statement of fact asserted as truth, and defamatory. (NB: I do not in fact assert that Will Shetterly fucks goats.)

[brownbetty]

Although there has been plenty of metaphorical goat-fuckery going on in and around his lj.

[trobadora]

And an absolute failure to understand the legal meaning of "defamation"

Yes, and considering how much KC has already failed to understand (or "failed to understand") that really shouldn't come as a surprise. And yet ... *boggles*

[ratcreature]

What?

*wordless flail*

I'm feeling so sorry for all the crap some people have to deal with.