That is not strictly true Tarantula. If you bring a civil suit against somebody else you are not automatically liable for the other parties costs. The judge can make the plaintiff pay the costs of the defendant but does not always do so. It is entirely in the whim of the judge.
Before anybody shouts Cite! to me the above is based purely on personal experience. Some years ago I was sued by a former employer. The suit was rejected by the judge but left both parties to pay their own costs. Around £10,000 (approx $16000)at the time.
FTR, the ‘Hit Man’ case Bricker was referring to was settled for a reported $5M by the publisher. This was after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the First Amendment did not shield the publisher, Paladin Press.
Paladin’s insurance carrier decided that the cost of the settlement would be less than the cost of defending the suit and pursuing further appeals. That gives you something of an idea of how much litigation can cost. Another reason why the Reader’s management would like to avoid the possibility if at all possible.
More information about publisher’s liability can be found in this article. Note that that article pre-dates the appellate ruling and subsequent settlement.
I didn’t say you would be. I said “In most cases” - which is borne out by ** my ** personal experience.
Firstly, it is quite endearing to see a putz sign themselves “putz” - thanks for that.
Secondly, you didn’t even read the question, let alone answer the fucking think. I asked “Could the SDMB be sucessfully sued?” You answered “It doesn’t really matter” - so instead of answering my question, you ignored it and ploughed ahead on your inaccurate tangent.
But no, really, thanks. You moron. Next time, if I have the good grace to ignore your unsolicited statements, keep your mouth shut.
Bill H. and Tarantula, consider yourselves warned. Personal insults are not permitted outside the BBQ Pit.
Phlosphr, accusations of trolling, even indirect ones, do not belong in GQ. This is not an official warning, just a strongly worded suggestion for your future reference.
The factual question has been answered, so I’ll close this thread.