4 ms·
It should be noted that libel laws are still in effect. That means that companies can and will pressure authors to remove reviews through extortion - i.e. thre
by ap22213 10y ago
It should be noted that libel laws are still in effect. That means that companies can and will pressure authors to remove reviews through extortion - i.e. threat of a libel suit. Even if the threat is baseless, most people will remove reviews just to avoid a legal headache.
Believe me, I was threatened more than once, but I was way too busy to deal with a lawsuit. But, it still pisses me off.
As an aside, it's kind of f'd up that a company can even sue for libel. These were original common laws - i.e. person vs. person. Now, companies are 'people'. I am not a lawyer, so I don't understand the nuance. (which, btw, is also messed up: it's barely possible for non-specialists to understand the laws to which they're held accountable.) Rant Over.
- icantdrive55 10y agoI wish the state legislature would put a limit on the number of unsuccessful libel lawsuits a lawyer could file. They file because they have the money to file, and some very bruised egos. I can't remember one they won. In my state of California, a Plastic Surgeon managed to rack up over 70 bad Yelp reviews. She then tried to sue 12 of her former patients. The judge threw the lawsuits/lawsuit out. Poof!
- colejohnson66 10y agoA limit on the number of lawsuits you can file is a limitation of your Constitutional right
- exclusiv 10y agoWhile I agree, there should be repercussions. It's borderline harassment though to fire up frivolous cases.
- ap22213 10y agoicantdrive55, you appear [dead]. (Does that mean that I'm dead, or you're dead? I don't know.) Anyway, your story is very similar to one of my experiences. I had a medical issue. So, I found a specialist from one of those "top specialist in your metro area" lists. I scheduled an appointment, waited a few months, went to the appointment, and I had one of the worst service experiences ever. I posted a review that explained my expectations and experience just to warn others. I was quickly contacted by the doctor's lawyers (even though I had posted the review 'anonymously') and extorted into altering the review.