Dr. Wes: Bloggers Beware
Dear Blog-o-sphere:I was going to tell you about a little problem I had in June that concluded last Friday, but I have reconsidered.
I have read this three times. It’s just vague enough to be worrisome, and the ending doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the body of the post.
Can someone ‘splain it to me?
I guess Wes posted a watered-down, suitably vague version of what he originally wanted to post.
I’m not surprised after reading what happened to Karen (check the link, if you haven’t already).
I agree with his conclusion. This is best handled by people who know what they’re dealing with. Not poor shmuck doctors who blog.
I have to say, I don’t find it so interesting or intriguing. Not enough to chase down further links.
There is the GruntDoc approach of having a disclaimer about ownership of comments on the blog, but depending on how you look at it, disclaimers are probably either unnecessary or worthless.
I’m not sure why you wouldn’t just remove a purportedly offensive/defamatory comment from a blog. Blogs are not the legal cutting edge of free speech, after all.
Grantdoc: I think I can ‘splain it. Dr Wes was compelled to give testimony about an action that had nothing to do with his blog. It was probably a malpractice suit, I don’t know. Anyway, the plaintiff was convinced that Dr Wes knew the identity of an anonymous blogger who responded to one of his blog posts. Plaintiff wanted Dr. Wes to take down the post, comments and image, and Dr. Wes refused. Ultimately the action was dismissed, and Dr Wes successfully terminated the proceedings against him on this basis. This all began in June and lasted until last Friday. Dr Wes spent lots of money on this matter. He’s turning it all over to the internet cops. He’s mad.