Legal Advice: Posting Hate Mail (sent to me) on a Public Website

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I disagree with this -- by taking down the letter, he's giving in to some asshole's threatening behavior. Sometimes, it's worth it to fight the good fight and not let the assholes control you.

V -- you're definitely right. To him, it might be worth ponying up the money to fight this asshole. If it were me, I probably would just let bygones be bygones. There are always going to be assholes out there. Facing the choice of either hiring a lawyer to put this asshole in his place or buying a new plasma TV, I'm going for choice B.

That's just me.. and that's not legal advice, that's practical advice. If I can do something to avoid a lawsuit and not cost myself a dime, I'm doing it.

[lovelyivy84]

Unless this man has unlimited financial resources, what are the chances of him pursuing legal action against you really? I like the suggestion a few posts up of taking the @email part out of the message, but leaving the rest. If he didn't want his opinion out there then he shouldn't have sent you the message.

Rashid, I went to your blog and read the email.

I agree with the others -- unless he has lots of money, I doubt he'll take legal action just to hide the fact that he's an asshole. The email itself wasn't even THAT bad, and it could have been worse. Shit, I've read worse things on GC.

I say keep the name but maybe lose/edit the email address. That way, if anyone Googles his name, they'll still know that he's an asshole.

[ΑΓΔSquirrelGirl]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I disagree with this -- by taking down the letter, he's giving in to some asshole's threatening behavior. Sometimes, it's worth it to fight the good fight and not let the assholes control you.

You gotta pick your battles. I'm one of those people inclined to never "give in". Sometimes this is called stubborn. Sometimes it's called pride. Sometimes it's called obnoxious. In this case, though, I think it's a worthy cause. People would automatically say he's got it coming to him for writing a threatening letter if the discussion were about race or religion. Personally I think sexual orientation is just as personal and just as "untouchable". Just ask yourself what this will do in your organization, because I bet it'll end up involving the other guys, and maybe even "sides". I know in a "girl fight" it's best to be the bigger man and not talk about it, so that the entire sorority doesn't get involved. But guys are different. You know your brothers...take that into consideration.

I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know what to do from that standpoint. I bet, though, even if he were really willing to waste his money, drag his own name through the mud by drawing even more attention to the letter, and possibly cause problems within the fraternity, he'd lose the battle. Of course, you don't want to spend the money to defend yourself. Maybe countersue for the cost of court fees and add a little for mental anguish?
I would edit or Photoshop out his email address and last name, but leave the letter up.

I think this letter worth posting, not to give in. If he was truly threatening in the letter, then his threats need to discontinue. And if you have exhausted all other ways of dealing with him, and this is what's left, then so be it. If he continues to make noise and draw attention to the situation I assume (and hope) that most people will not only not agree with him, but will express disdain for his behavior.

My momma always said NEVER write down something you might regret having said later...and if I was stupid enough to do so, then I would get what I deserved when someone who shouldn't see it stumbled upon it. And it's true...he shouldn't have written that.

[kddani]

If my name was Percy, I don't think I'd want it posted on the internet, either.

Originally Posted by kddani

If my name was Percy, I don't think I'd want it posted on the internet, either.

Maybe his parents were Percy Sledge fans?

Seriously 'Shid, it's one thing if you were the one making him look like the fool. He chose to use his full name in the email. He should have thought about that before he hit 'SEND'.

[Senusret I]

Hey everyone....

I really REALLY appreciate everyone's advice. It's a unique situation and everyone's opinions have helped me decide.....

That I need more opinions. LOL.

I will be consulting lawyers over the next few days.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Hey everyone....

I really REALLY appreciate everyone's advice. It's a unique situation and everyone's opinions have helped me decide.....

That I need more opinions. LOL.

I will be consulting lawyers over the next few days.

Careful, we bite!

*puts on baby shark teeth*

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Hey everyone....

I really REALLY appreciate everyone's advice. It's a unique situation and everyone's opinions have helped me decide.....

That I need more opinions. LOL.

I will be consulting lawyers over the next few days.

Just go for it!

You have to get this staightened out or go looney tunes!

Many times putting fear into the heart will do the job.

Have you requested a restraining order? Your lawyer can and should be of help!

Do you know any local police officers to let ehm know what is going on. That too can be of help! I know I did if there was a problem with a dirt bag of someoine I knew!

Good LUCK!