Sometimes, people sue writers because they have something to hide. That was the case here. Ron Shrinkman was a writer sued for libel. Well, almost. Jeannette Martello, a physician in California, threatened to sue him for reporting on how she had been enjoined from the California Department of Managed Health Care for balancing billing patients…. [Read More]
Blog
Tag: first amendment
The Latest First Amendment Fun
In my new life as a First Amendment warrior, I direct you to the following articles for your edification: Gawker in the fight of its life over Hulk Hogan sex tape: which addresses the issue of who is a private person and where people give up the right to privacy. The unfortunate truth is that the… [Read More]
Haters Gotta Hate: Handling Negative Comments on Social Media
One of the presentations at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week was entitled Haters Gotta Hate. It was about how small businesses should handle negative reviews in social media. In a way, the presentation was disappointing; the businesses represented have great reputations! But they had a few points. First, you may not want to allow reviews on Facebook because… [Read More]
I’m Charlie, and I am a warrior for free speech. So should you be.
I’m not Daniel Pearl, James Foley, or Edward Snowden. I’m not Steven Sotloff, and I’m really not Charlie, either. I’m a freelance writer with a specialty in business and finance. One of the most controversial stories I’ve written was about gray markets for quilt fabric. A typical reporting gig takes me to a plush conference… [Read More]
Another blogger fights a SLAAP suit and wins
In 2013, I dealt with both a lawsuit and an IRS audit. Neither was as bad as you might think, because the facts were on my side with both. And yet, there are plenty of people out there who think that they can bully bloggers just by threatening to sue. Just as convicted felon Keith… [Read More]