Comments on: That’s Not Very Nice: Can You Remove Yourself From Twitter Lists?

By: Stilgherrian

Stilgherrian — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:59:07 +0000

I find this to be a fascinating aspect of the online world. Communication which was once ephemeral and relatively private -- around the water cooler, around a pint at the pub -- is now potentially online and searchable and findable forever. A comment like "I reckon she's a moron" isn't forgotten any more.

Some people say, "This is defamation and there are legal remedies." Well, I only know Australian law on this but, yes, "publication" can be to an audience as small as one person. However I reckon people generally don't see this sort of thing as publication and maybe the law may need to be changed.

On the other hand, people are entitled to hold an opinion, even if wrong. And in a sense, so what if someone thinks you're a moron? You only knew about it because you went looking and the technology now allows it.

Maybe we should stop obsession so much about what other people say?

By: tigertwo

tigertwo — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:50:02 +0000

Good thought, Mark. It will be interesting to see what eventuates. So far Lists have been good for the ego but I wouldn't put it past someone to take legal action if they feel slighted.

I shall be watching with interest.

By: markreynolds73

markreynolds73 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:02:39 +0000

Surely there is a legal view to this as well? Being called a moron in the public domain must surely be subject to litigation on the grounds of damage to reputation in the UK and other countries? I personally know people that have received solictors letters for tweets (not me!) on these grounds. UK law in this area is very much on the side of the complainant (a lesson I have learned to my expense).