Hey, folks. I’ve decided to kick it old school and do a Public Service Announcement. (Remember those?) “What,” you might ask, “is the topic?” Well, today’s PSA is about blogging. Specifically: What Every Blogger Should Know About Their Rights. Why this topic?
It’s not every day that someone emails me to suggest that I get a lawyer; however, such was the case last week. I wondered: am I being threatened with legal action? Needless to say, I was surprised and distressed. And, although I’m not going to blog about the specifics of that email, I do want to channel the time and energy that I spent obtaining legal consultation into something positive for any reader who might one day find themselves in a similar situation. I figure: if I can be threatened with legal action, any blogger can. Even, for example, you. (In fact, threatening bloggers with lawsuits seems to be somewhat of a disturbing trend.) Luckily, free speech is of one of the bedrocks of a free democracy. So, here are three things that every blogger should know about their rights, free speech and the law:
1. Know Your Rights
If you blog and you’re not familiar with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, you should be. This organization protects bloggers from frivolous or abusive lawsuits and threats. Check out their extensive legal guide for bloggers. Also, in addition to keeping up with and supporting EFF, be aware of current federal law that protects you. For example, Section 230 states that “[n]o provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” Basically, if you write “Britany Spears is goofy” in the comment section on my blog, Britany Spears can’t sue me for your comment. And, for the record, she certainly can’t sue you either. It’s a free country.
2. Know People Who Will Defend Your Rights for You
Contrary to popular belief, not all lawyers are money-grubbing whores. Many of them practice law because they have a deep appreciation for individual rights and an appetite for going to battle to defend them — even if it requires that they represent you pro bono. EFF, the ACLU or your state’s Bar Association may be able to refer you to a lawyer who specializes in digital rights and computer law.
3. Know The Funky Brown Chick
Um, yeah. Okay, so, I must admit that this last point isn’t really going to help you that much. As I’ve said before, I’m just a just a goofball with a computer, a blog, and two fingers that know how to type. I’m not a lawyer. So, don’t take the things that I’ve written here as a substitute for legal advice. If someone brings legal action against you, contact a professional.
