A Word on Moderation

Just as a quick thought, I’ve been wondering whether the anonymous comment I had, on the recent post about the cinema counts as potentially libellous.

Frankly, I don’t know.

Now, I’m all for freedom of speech, expression, religion, what-have-you.

They’re basic rights we take for granted, here in the UK.

And rights seen as fundamental, in the spread of the internet.

However, I’m also aware that the UK has libel laws.

And, to be frank, I’d rather — if someone were to make potentially actionable comments on my blog — see them the subject of legal action, for making them.

Rather than be the subject of legal action, for having them here.

With that in mind, I’ve switched on the basic levels of moderation; one that still allows you to comment anonymously, but only after I’ve viewed the comment, and worked out if it could get me in trouble.

There’s also an option to remove both the ‘Anonymous’, and ‘Name/URL’ buttons.   I’d rather you make use of the latter.   (If you’ve a Googlemail account, Blogspot can log you in, with that.)

But I’ve left myself plenty of room to tighten up moderation, should I feel the need.

I’m fully behind your right to say what you feel is the right thing.

I rather not get sued as a result, though …