Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
Just found an interesting story in the paper today about a model who sued an anonymous blogger to reveal her identity because the blogger called her a skank.
In the end - the model dropped the lawsuit and now the blogger is suing Google for not protecting her privacy.
Really? Is that how far we're going to go with this whole you-called-me-a-name-now-I'm-gonna-sue-you bullshit?
Someone better get on suing Perez Hilton, if only because he's offensive as a human being, never mind all the slander he puts on his website on a daily basis (and makes money for, BTW).
Really - I have an entire category in this blog just devoted to idiots, because idiots rile me up. I figure, if you're public domain (model, actress, singer) or you go and get a story written about you in the paper - and I, for whatever reason, think you're an idiot because of it, I have the right to say it. It's a damn opinion. It doesn't make me right anywhere else but my own mind.
I think people are getting a little too sensitive these days and instead of just dusting off their shoulders and carrying on with life like a big kid, we're hiring lawyers to fight school yard battles and it's pathetic.
This model was upset the blogger called her a skank? Did she really think this blog shifted public opinion of her? I've never heard of the model or the blog in question, so subsequently I don't think she's a skank... but I'm pretty sure she's an idiot!
People - get lives. And bloggers - watch your back. Always remember this is the internet, you never know who is reading what you write, be prepared to back up your claims.
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
Comments
08.26.09
Anonymity is a bit of an illusion. If you blog enough (or comment enough) you may drop enough digital crumbs for people (who know you) to find out who your anonymous persona is online.
I personally think that Google was in the wrong here. I've called out idiots in the past, it's a fact of life - you will vent when you are frustrated. If you want to do it anonymously it's your right. I guess if you really want to be anonymous you should create a throw-away email, then create a blogger account using that, and give no info about yourself and of course, be careful of what you say. The more you speak, the more clues you give other people of who you really are.
It's too bad that we live in a society where we feel that we need to hide behind an anonymous persona - just in case things go south, or your boss finds out, or whatever :-)
08.26.09
The model only brought more attention to the skank comment by suing the anonymous blogger. I certainly wouldn't have heard about it if you hadn't posted it here and you only did because she sued and so on.
Love the headline btw!
08.26.09
I think Google and the blogger were wrong. Calling someone a 'skank' could be considered slander. As far as I know, that's still illegal. Regardless, Google should not have released the blogger's info unless they were issued a subpoena.
08.26.09
The situation is a comic tragedy. I am not sure that Google has any obligation to protect a subscriber’s privacy in the face of a legal subpoena. It is a bit presumptuous of anyone to think that Google should go to the wall and fight to protect a subscriber’s identity. I am sure this is addressed in Google’s Terms of Service. I do not think Google did anything wrong here. I guess you could argue that Google should have contacted the user and given them a chance to fight the subpoena.
Is the model a “ditz” for starting the whole mess? Absolutely, and I think Google should sue her for any legal costs that arise from the blogger lawsuit. I say make them all pay and use them as examples for what frivolous lawsuits will get you.
08.27.09
When you are pubic domain, you win in the eyes of publicity. Good or bad. Say no to those who want to waste the time of the courts.
08.27.09
Sadly I think you're probably right, but on the other hand we're all entitled to an opinion and to express it - albeit in a measured way.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
