I don't understand the fear of SJ concerning defamation of character? The ONLY person even minimally responsible for her words are Kate herself regarding Parked. The admin of the forum isn't responsible for the words of it's members!
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So, it really would be impossible for Kate to "take down" the forum as SJ seems to imply, regardless of what anyone says about anyone here on the forum. All SJ would be responsible for is turning over all relevant information (login, profile details, IP address and forum database file) about a forum member to the authorities that requested it legally.
I think the banning of Kate under the assumption that SJ and this forum would be held liable if Parked sued this forum for defamation of character goes right out the effing window. If you don't believe me, call a lawyer versed in internet law and ask.
So aside from any legal liabilities since a forum owner is held harmless from charges between members (as Parked agreed that the forum isn't responsible about what's said)... what was Kate banned for?
When the forum has to fear action from the suppliers, than that just changes the whole damned dynamic of this place, imho.
I think that if a supplier tried to sue the forum admin and owner (which would be a fücking joke in an of itself, lol) they'd be crucifying themselves. Also, the admin could just remove
them from the list and send them on their merry way.
The forum owner here shouldn't be banning members in fear of suppliers actions... that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, to be frank. Yeah, I'm new here but I've started, ran, moderated (and even closed!) many forums in my time and so I know my way around the ole 'net, so to speak.
Frankly, I can feel Kate's frustration but this is SJ's ship and if he wants to run it in fear of (or cater to) suppliers or whatever, that's his call.
I won't speak on the issue of Parked's reviews vs. his commercial interests and plans or whatever. I will say that if someone has something to say about it, they should be able to speak on it (regardless of what words they use). On the same token I think that most likely Kate wouldn't have gotten banned of she used a bit less pointed language.
Why can't we all agree to disagree? Kate got heated, we all do at times and so did some other folks on this forum. However, the level of fear regarding legal issues here were greatly misplaced and if they were factored into the reasoning behind Kate's ban, then they need to be seriously reconsidered and perhaps removing the ban from Kate with the understanding that she avoid the use of certain words because of their inflammatory nature.
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On a side note... I think it'd be suicide for a supplier to try and sue this forum. Let's say that a supplier managed to sue and the legal battle caused the forum to get shut down? He'd kiss his customer base good-bye. Seriously, word travels fast and someone even being connected to the fall of forum such as this one would be black-balled forever, imho. This forum is a prized marketing ground for lots of suppliers and a cherished meeting place for many e-smokers but the users of this forum should
always take precedence over the suppliers or else this place will lose it's charm and the trust that it has.
with the newbs... and I certainly hope that she'll be back... we need her here!
