A certain business owner threatened me with legal action today, over some comments made on this blog. As a result, I have removed the comments.
I fought very hard not to censor my site, and I encouraged the business owner multiple times to dispute the negative comments on this site. I even offered to post their rebuttals within the offending comments themselves. They refused each time, however, insisting that I remove the comments, and finally, today, threatening me with legal action.
I do not have the time or money, regrettably, to go to court on this issue. I also cannot determine if the comments are true or libelous. Therefore, the comments must come down, and further comments using that business’s name will be censored, if not deleted outright. Again, I’m very sorry to do this, but for practical reasons, it must be done.
Finally, I will ask that in the future, if you wish to say something negative about a business, you must leave at least a valid email address, and you must have evidence to back up your claims. I also cannot promise that negative comments will not be deleted for the reasons mentioned above.
I think that this individual’s threats to you speak volumes about their integrity, ethics, AND insecurities. Let’s hope that karma will eventually catch up with them.
that is competely ridiculous. what store is this?
That is unfortunate that you did not just tell them to go jump in a lake (which is actually much nicer wording then what I would actually use) since you would not be responsible for comments made about someone who is a crappy seller. I have a feeling that in the end there would have been no “legal action” except for some scary letter from some bogus internet lawyer Daggett.
I’d say they KNEW the comments were true and as such could not respond to them, only threaten you.
Stephanie: Agreed!
Ella: I agree, totally ridiculous. I’m not going to use their name on this blog, but I’ll be glad to email you more info.
Julie: Actually, I may be liable, since comments are moderated.
Still, I think you’re right. It’s likely they did not intend to go through with the threat, because if they did, their name would be mud with fashion bloggers–bloggers hate censorship. Not to mention the expense & time…
To all readers: I haven’t deleted the comments, only unpublished them. I will explore this issue further, and see if there’s anything better I can do. Thanks for all of your support!
This issue was discussed in great length on the ebay’s vintage fashion board a few weeks ago. I don’t know if those posts were deleted or if they are still in the archives (complete with photos) for inquiring minds to decide for themselves. Litigation? Bah.