opinions on a website

[biscuitboy]

i have a web page - surely i am allowed to put my opinions on there - now people are getting upset regarding certain things I am saying - where do i stand legally? i would argue everything on there is fact - (i never use foul or abusive language)

[fo3nix]

an example of something you have said?

and are you sure it's fact, or are you just expressing your opinion? You are very much entitled to do the latter, it's free speech. but it may be wise to have a little disclaimer at the bottom of the page saying something along the lines of "This is my opinion, and may or may not be fact."

[Whickerman]

post a link and let's see

[Mouse0_0]

Legally I believe there is no precedent as yet to state that publishing on the web is any different to publishing in print. That being the case, then in general you may say anything you wish as long as it can be proven to be the truth in a court of law. People are allowed to get upset with what you say (just as you're allowed to say it in the first place), but if they can prove that something you say is both untrue and defamatory, then it is libel and you can be sued.

Having said that, I believe there's a case currently ongoing regarding something someone said in a blog which they are currently being sued for libel over. I don't know if there's been an outcome to that case as yet.

[Mouse0_0]

Further to the above, "the truth" may be, as fo3nix says, that you are expressing an opinion that may or may not be fact, but you should state that clearly on your site.

[lia*]

let's see what you are talking about.

[Whickerman]

C'mon - do you think we just sit here week after week with nothing better to do than wait for your link?

Oh, ok.