Where does someone cross the line into libel?

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Where does someone cross the line into libel?

esllou

8:50 am on Oct 27, 2006 (gmt 0)

I am about to open a site where there will be a lot of user-supplied content. I am particularly concerned about libelous content being posted. Where would you place the line between fair criticism and libel. Take these examples:

1. It is a great show but I think Daniel Brooks is the most wooden actor I've ever seen.

2. My Physics class is enjoyable despite the limited teaching of Mr. Greystoke.

3. I find ChockBar not only disgusting but I was pretty much poisoned the first time I ever ate one.

4. It was a great concert, but I can guarantee Mick Willis was as high as a kite that night. Whatever, he played great anyway!

Would any of you be worried about that range of critical comment on your sites?

axgrindr

12:59 pm on Oct 27, 2006 (gmt 0)

(everything below is my personal opinion and you should of course get real legal advice regarding your concerns)

You're probably ok with the comments about musicians and tv personalities. These kind of comments come with the territory of being a celebrity.

The only one I would be worried about is,

2. My Physics class is enjoyable despite the limited teaching of Mr. Greystoke.

Not so much for the statement itself but the discussion that could arise from it. If there were other students of Mr. Greystoke's on the site and they decided to chime in about what a bad teacher Mr. Greystoke is then you might get into dangerous territory there since these posts can directly effect the man's livelihood.

My friend has a few sites that are essentially open anonymous forums where people can and do post all kinds of personal comments about the people they work with including their names. He has been hit with many threats for libel lawsuits and has a hard time managing all the posts that he is required to delete.