[11907] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
You make the Call
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Chetly A. Zarko)
Sun Apr 24 01:52:39 1994
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 94 23:02 EDT
From: czar@cyberspace.org (Chetly A. Zarko)
To: com-priv@psi.com, czar@cyberspace.org
I am an Ann Arbor freelance writer with a strong interest
in the Internet and the local ties that the University of
Michigan has to it. Having read Mr. Meeks article
about Suarez, and following the professionalism with which
its claims were supported with research, it is my
opinion that this case will have little effect in the
long run because on the face of things, it would seem that
everything Meeks wrote was true. With truth being an
absolute defense against "libel" cases (is this a libel
case, or did they add on claims like interference with
economic livelihood and contract interference?), the main
effect that litigation by Suarez could have would be through
their "hypothetical" power to "outresource" a smaller
opponent. In this case, it does not appear that that
will happen or be allowed to happen.
If the case does result in a negative precedent relating to
free speech/writing on the net, the result would be stifling.
Until then though, I will not shrink at the unique democratic
opportunity this communication technology offers. Saurez
can interpret this posting however they want. Not only would
they be squeezing a turnip, but they would be squeezing one that
has been threatened with being squeezed before and hasn't
backed down.
Chetly Zarko
Freelance writer
Ann Arbor, Michigan
423942308
