Hello All,
 
I know this is a little behind, but I thought that this is good information
to all on this list, including the moderator.
 
I spoke with my lawyer today about the who issue of slander and flaming yet
again.  I have been dealing with a case of slander with him and trying to
decide what steps I should take next in order to stop it.
 
One of the common misconceptions, which was mine also, that if the person
who is targeted is not named, then it cannot be actionable legally.  I was
informed tonight that this is not true at all.  In fact, if comments made
are identifiable as to whom they are directed to, they can in fact be
legally actionable.
 
So be careful what you say about folks.  Trying to get a reaction, or be
nasty to someone without saying their names can still get you into trouble.
Why do I ask?  Well, I ask when I get questions about if certain comments
aimed at me upset me.  I figure if folks I don't regularly talk to are
worried about me being hurt by them, then I am certainly identifiable as
the target.
 
And please remember, what one posts is not necessarily how one is all the
time.  I can get quite upset over certain issues (such as folks questioning
my sanity) but that is anger and nothing more.  In fact, I am currently
studying a case of psychosis and this particular case is about one of the
most esteemed legal minds of Germany, in his time.  The most well-adjusted
appearances could be from the most unbalanced.  the case, in anyone wants
to read it is Dr. Screber.  Freud wrote about him and also he wrote a
memoir.
 
We can all get quite up in arms about our ferrets, and also about the
others on this list, over certain issues.  Please make sure that your
motives aren't personal, even when denying it.  Most folks can see through
that and it will get you into trouble.
 
As I have advocated in the past, and am taking a much more proactive role,
complain to the moderator or the sponsor of the list.  If that doesn't
help, then seek legal recourse.  You do not have to endure years of attack
because someone else had some of sort of problem I know several folks who
have endured this type of behavior from others on this list and others.
 
Don't try and defend yourself.  It doesn't do any good.  Let the idiot who
is badmouthing you do themselves in.  This is a hard lesson for me to learn
and I am still doing it.  But that also doesn't mean that you cannot take
steps and ask for some sort of official help from someone.  Service
provider, list moderator, etc.
 
Realize that whatever someone is trying to say about you probably has some
small attachment to something you have done (real or imagined) and that
then you become a good scape goat for their troubles.  It probably has very
little to do with you, as a person, especially when they don't know you to
start with.  Or hardly know you.  It saddens me when someone wastes so much
time on this type of thinking and it makes me mad at myself for wasting my
own time trying to defend myself rather than taking formal steps.
 
Along with this goes the caveat that not everyone on this list is what they
appear to be, and most of us have no way of checking on the other members
of the list to find out (except perhaps if you are in the same club or such
with them.  I don't count casual meetings of limited time simply because
you can't know someone that way.  I have met many folks for short periods
and they really don't know me).
 
So don't assume someone is an expert because they say they are.  In fact, I
strongly recommend that before you take any advice on anything, nutrition,
care, medical advice, etc. that you strongly question the source.  And
then it may not work for you anyway.  Catherine is still amazed that Miss
Pookers will go nuts for meat.  Any meat.  Including my finger if it gets
in the way of a raisin.
 
Sorry to sound so serious.  I really have not been, it is just a case of
thinking before you write and also trying to give others some worthwhile
information.  I just want friendly list.  About my fert kids.  And yes,
they are my kids.  I am a frustrated mom wanna be.  I admit it.  But they
are not porcelain like some folks I know.  ;-)
 
hugs,
 
Mo Maggie and her Marvelous Menagerie of Mustelids
 
Visit my webhome: http://www.margaretmerchant.com
[Posted in FML issue 3019]