Appraisers' Free Forum

I got a call from a member today complaining that other posters were making untrue statements about him. I explained that no oxen were protected here, and told him to log on and let'em have it in whatever language he deemed appropriate to the offense. He did, too. But that prompts me to issue a reminder about libel. Libel is something untrue which you commit to writing. Slander is similar, but pertains to verbal actions. And truth is an absolute defense against either.

Whatever you post here is just as subject to libel claims as anything you publish in a newspaper. Be sure of your facts, or else qualify your opinion/conclusion with an "if true." In short, don't author misleading posts, or post in a negligent manner. (Hmmmm. This is starting to sound familiar.)

Although you may post here under a screen name, I will comply with any lawful court order to disclose any information about a poster that is within my possession or control. I will not disclose this information gratuitously to whoever wants it, nor will a simple letter from an attorney suffice. And I will call the judge or his/her clerk to make sure any purported order is real. Even if the court lacks personal or geographic jurisdiction, the judge's order will be accepted. In short, you have no expectation of privacy on this forum.

Now, please don't misunderstand. This is not censorship, and I don't intend to strangle the vigor of any fight. But if the threat of a libel suit has that effect, maybe it needs to. None of us has the right to sully the reputation of another professional, neither deliberately nor negligently. Please be as responsible with the facts you post as you are with the facts in an appraisal report, especially if those facts denigrate someone else.

... all I know is that .... THIS TIME ... I am not guilty .... and Palin is a MILF .... past that ... I maintain the usual degree of ignorance that has kept me so happy for so long ... :

Is Mobama Bin Biden a member here?