i do find the libel on the internet surprising. i supose many people think they can't be identified or sued, both usually wrong. i fact i sued someone for internet libel and won easily, i only got ten thousand dollars but it definately put a stop to it. the organization in question had apparantly often libeled me but i wasn't rreading their stuff untill one was stupid enopugh to cross post it to another site i do read. it was from the society for creative anachronism, the libeler was an officer so it got to sue the society. they are a bit escapist to start with but they used to like early music so i went to events and had fun, i don't much any more

i supose i is possible to hide your idenity but that takes a lot mopre ability than most people have and es[ecially people dumb enough to post totally untrue stuff. i have posted potentially libelous stuff on occasion but i did my research and would back every thing i say in a court of law.

the basic rules for the average joe, or joesephine are,

don't post things that allege serious immorality, or criminality with real eveidence, don't post things that sugest mental illness that isn't true(very popular for some reason these days) don't post things that cause humilation . and above all don't make stuff up, not even a little bit. i have seen some very odd extrapolations from very few facts. if you think someone is mentally ill or criminal from something you saw them do. then post what you saw them do and let others draw their own conclusions, and maybe ask the person why they are doing the apparantly odd thing.you may be misunderstanding what's happening. and don't just believe the gossip of others. ask the person who is being gossiped about. its just good manners and comon sense.

when i was libelled they had a bunch of stories they were telling for ten years without ever asking me or the other people present. i had several witnesses to the origional events who all directly contradicted what was gossiped. you can solve a lot by talking to people, and if you are not prepared to talk to the person perhaps you should see a cousellor about your personality problems. libel or slander will only make matter worse in the long run.

good moderating can help on line but it can also be used to stop the truth getting out aboput popular and well entrenched people. i have made serious accusations against a certain german now deceased, that have been occasionally muzzled by our joe. i remain prepared to go to trial any time over my allegations. he occasionally threatened to sue me back when he was alive but he always backed down. the thing about suing is the other side gets to look at you documants and subpoena all yopu friends who have witnessed things. if you have something to hide sueing will backfire terribly. i have little or nothing to hide. so i don;t mind being sued. that alone usually stops any actions

so remember, if you have little or no proof then talk to the person, it's really not that hard. i realize we live in a era when many are seriously afraid of confrontations, but its better to clear the air.

if you are posting about very negative activity you should have a really good reason. i am personally very offended by nazis allowed to come to canada, child abuse ,the treatment of northamerican natives and racism in general. i will make strong statements on those issues. but i am willing to go to court to back them up