MOULIN BLUES!!!!!!

You're right, "cj", or "rdbadger" - two pseudonyms I'm incapable of deciphering - there are no internet police. And people should post with passion. However they should also post with accuracy. Just because someone feels there is something awry does not necessarily mean they have the right to publish it, especially if the claims are unsubstantiated and damaging.

Internet posts are considered written published material under federal law - so the same rules regarding libel apply as would to a paper newsletter, journal article or news item.

And the reason we have laws prohibiting libel in this country, that at least allow the complainant to pursue action, is because it can be a legitimate cause of business and personal losses to an individual or organisation.

So when the parents of one of the new cast members of an International Arts Company production gets on the web, goes to Google or Looksmart or this ITA website, types in "Trevor Patient", and hits search, the material they find should not include unfounded and libellous statements...whether or not they are made in the name of passion. The link between this material being available for public viewing, regardless of its accuracy, and damage to the personal and professional reputation of both Trevor and his company (and possible business losses as a result) is a fairly obvious one to make in this scenario.

Sound unlikely? Think again. It's why I'm writing this today.

Therefore I would urge the webmasters of this site to consider removing posts that contain frankly libellous material - I'm not talking about being Big Brother (Orwellian, not Channel Tennian), and I'm not talking about jokes or sarcasm or posts that might be a bit risque or push the boundaries a little - I'm talking about responsible management of a site and filtering out the sneaky and cheeky from the downright unlawful and damaging. I'm simply pointing out the exposure the webmasters risk by allowing these types of posts to be freely uncovered using common web search tools.

I'd be very keen to hear from the webmasters either on this board or via email: whether or not they have obtained legal advice about these types of scenarios; what their position is on libellous material appearing on their site; what their response is to hearing that this material appears as part of a garden-variety web search performed on one individual's name.

And just for the record, "cj", I too am a professional performer. Aside from the International Arts Company productions, which I join in (gratis) because of the amazing energy, cameraderie and fun they engender, I also get paid for my work. I'm based in Perth, and I do have plenty to do with the people involved - which means that for them, Miss Sherman isn't a nom de plume, it's how they know me best. And if you want to know my full name, it's easy to find: right there in plain view when you roll your mouse over Miss Sherman.

Anna