VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[glittlefield]

Most hit counter services (and web server logs if you REALLY want to have some fun...) will show the search term that was used to find your site if someone uses an engine like Google, Live or Yahoo. I've had folks search my name as well. Most of those are either people from where I grew up, family members who didn't bother saving my email address, way-distant cousins who know I have a genealogy page, or folks looking for other Greg Littlefields.

Now, if I were to change my name to Male Voiceover (cuz I get hits from those searches, too...), then I'd know it's a potential client looking for me specifically.
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Greg Littlefield
VO-BB Member #59

[ccpetersen]

An excellent point using Joe's Cafe... I remember such cases when I took a couple of classes in communications law. Libel and slander were the subjects of several weeks' reading and discussion.

Now, the other side of the coin here about who's being slandered and how it's being done (if it's being done at all) is that "Joe" has to have a thick skin... because his cafe is always going to get a few bad reviews, no matter how good the food is or how good a man he is or his waitstaff is. That's the nature of the business.

Libel and defamation of character are tricky to prove and prosecute unless the examples are SO blatant that there's no chance of ambiguity. There is lots of ambiguity in someone's statement of "I ate at Joe's and I didn't care for the poisson au figs." That's an opinion and we're all entitled to take it as such. Joe, however, isn't going to have much traction with a judge if he tries to use that statement to prove defamation of character or malicious intent or whatever he wants to sue for.

Saying "I used X agency or Y graphics arts studio and they did really well for me for a while, but then things tapered off" is a statement of fact based on experience that I would imagine one could back up with paperwork proving the tapering off, etc. The agency or studio would have a hard time disproving that fact.

From there it gets hairier. In the main though, when you're in business, you (general "YOU") generally have to develop a thicker skin because people are going to talk about you, and no matter how good you are, there is somebody who will have a legitimate complaint, make an assumption, etc. and unless it's malicious, there's usually not much one can do (other than try to learn why they're doing so and take steps to fix the situation by improving service, healing the lines of communication, etc.)

I'm not a lawyer, and I don't know the original company under discussion here, but I can sort of see both sides of this discussion and understand why he would feel slighted and why those who were discussing the services might also feel the way they do.

The watchword here is professionalism. If we can professionally dispute whether or not Joe's Bar serves great Harvey Wallbangers on Fridays, so much the better -- we all learn from the reasons why people agree or disagree with that statement.
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Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Gregory Best]

It is not about whether someone has a strong case or not, it is all about the unnecessary costs and stress of litigation. I think some of us should look a little closer at Frank's point. I have worked in and around the legal profession for about 20 years. One thing I have learned is that anyone can sue anyone else. It doesn’t’ mean they will prevail on the merits of the case or even ever make it to a courtroom. However, the costs involved in defending even a case without merit can be quite significant.

Yes, the truth is a defense to a defamation (libel and slander are forms of defamation) action. However, a “defense” means as case has begun and the lawyer’s meters are ticking away.

The point is if at all possible – never ever -- place yourself (or others you care about) in a position where you can be sued. It is a daunting and nearly impossible task. In our litigious society it is often only the lawyers that are victorious in the end.


Maybe some of Frank's sassy-ness is wearing off on me.

And the usual dsiclaimer (to be read quickly in a nonotone voice) the above is NOT legal advice and I am not a practicing attorney. Results may vary, use only as directed by a doctor.
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Gregory Best

greg@gregorybest.com

[ccpetersen]

Yes, that thought about the costs of litigation flashed through my mind, too. Agree that not putting yourself in the situation in the first place is touchy; we don't want to stop free flow of information, but where does that end and touchy business begin?
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Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Frank F]

O.K., here is the gratuitous plug... In my book LoveNotes I have written much about "living" your brand.

This means that whatever you say, however you say it, wherever you go, what you wear, what you eat, what you drive, and what you write in blogs, posts, letters and notes are all part of your image. The foregoing will also reflect upon your brand image should you not take care, at every moment, to maintain your brand.

What is it worth, to lose just one moment of maintainance of your brand? I can tell you from experience - it can be costly. What is it worth to have to defend your transgressions? More than you know. Your reputation can be soiled for years with just one instance of failure to maintain your brands integrity.

Have fun with posts and comments here on the VO-BB or elsewhere, but be constantly aware of the consequences your prose may bring in the future from people you do not even know at present.

How much is it worth to you?

Toodles

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Jeffrey Kafer]

Bob Souer is a great example of that, Frank. Have you ever noticed that he never ever has anything negative to say, especially about people? He's a smart man.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

[bobsouer]

Jeff,

You are so very kind. Thank you.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Jeffrey Kafer]

See what I mean?


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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

[Frank F]

Bob is Bob. Great man, great friend. Bob is great example for me.

Toodles

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[bobsouer]

Frank is Frank (and wonderfully frank, when you need him to be. Sassy, too. However, I'm older and fatter, so he can't use either of those on me! )

Frank you are an inspiration to me in so many ways. As are many others here on this board. I am and will always be grateful to have made so many wonderful friendships here.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Deirdre]

Given all this, I don't want these fora to be a place for pablum only.

Lively discussion is the purpose for this joint, and I don't want anyone to feel as though only sweet things should be said.

However, freedom is not license. There are limits, and I've spelled 'em out pretty clearly in the VO-BB Rules and FAQs section at the top of the page.

I mean pretty g-d-damned CLEARLY.

If anyone has questions or suggestions, I'm game to entertain them.
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

[Frank F]

Thank you for that D.B.!

My point is simple; "Don't go any faster than your Guardian Angel can fly".

Say what you think and feel, have fun, and be aware that your comments might; at sometime in the future, when you least expect it, come back to bite you in the - bottom end!

Toodles

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[bobfromboulder]

[Bailey]

[Deirdre]