As the saying goes, everyone's a journalist now, but not everyone has the same financial and institutional backing as a daily newspaper reporter.
That could hurt bloggers who get sued, but it could also hurt everyone else who wants to be a journalist (including Dome). A single poorly fought lawsuit can result in a judgement that is wielded against everyone else and eventually becomes precedent.
Beckwith has some ideas for dealing with the problem.
It would be nice to get some legal types involved in this.
These folks could be helpful, too (and have been already).
I'm up for that, Ed. Maybe we can get with some of your contacts and put something together to lay the foundation for such an association.
Posted by: Spag | Jun 06, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I'm happy to help, too.
Posted by: drfranklives | Jun 06, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I shall refer you to the final scene of Rocky V, where Stallone goes up to the Don King imitation:
DK: "Touch me and I'll Sue"
Rocky: (Hits guy) "Sue me for what?"
Posted by: beth | Jun 06, 2008 at 03:38 PM
I would refer you to nearly ever fight scene in the Rocky films, wherein Rocky can't seem to figure out how to block a punch.
Posted by: Joe Killian | Jun 06, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I'm in. Where do I send my dues?
Posted by: Kirk Ross | Jun 06, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Some good resources compiles by one of our bloggers. Four good links.
Posted by: James | Jun 07, 2008 at 08:55 AM