[OT] Liability of Moderator

[Chris]

On Tuesday, 8 October 2013 at 22:27:27 UTC, Walter Bright wrote:
> On 10/8/2013 1:38 PM, Chris wrote:
>> Was just wondering if anyone on this forum has any experience 
>> with these things.
>> After a little bit of research I've come to the conclusion 
>> that it's a
>> minefield. The old Windows slogan applies: Click and pray!
>>
>> PS Ask a lawyer? You're kidding. Seriously.
>
> The bottom line is anyone can sue you for anything, at least in 
> the US, regardless of any merits of the case. There is nothing 
> you can do to guarantee this will not happen.
>
> But I do suggest you get business liability insurance. That's 
> what it's for, and ask your agent the hard questions as to what 
> it does / does not cover, and be sure and get that in writing.

This makes perfect sense. Thanks for the advice.

> I also suggest that you, as a forum operator, make a reasonable 
> effort to remove libelous/abusive/illegal posts. It's the right 
> thing to do, regardless of whether you'd get sued or not. And 
> while everyone in the US has free speech rights, as a 
> non-government forum operator, you are under no obligation to 
> provide anyone with a forum to say things you don't agree with 
> on your nickel.

The question always remains what is libelous or abusive?

> As for legal advice, such advice on the internet is worth what 
> you paid for it - nothing. Brad's right in that if you want 
> real legal advice, hire a lawyer.

You're right. But where I live it is sometimes better to read the 
whole legislation and court rulings yourself than to ask a 
lawyer. I've heard of cases where lawyers knew less about the 
current legislation than their clients.