Internet Law Advice

[davew]

I operate 2 successful carp fisheries in France and use a lot of the forums for attracting business. Recently the owner of 1 of the larger carp forums (9000 members) has decided not to allow any postings relating to my lakes to be made by any of the forum members whether they are existing or potential customers wanting to report on our venues or to seek information about our venues. This action can naturally be harmful to my business in so far that it is restrictive and selective, do I have any legal recourse to prevent this continuing. Replies would be very much appreciated as I live in France and very difficult to advice over here.

 

[epiphany]

A forum owner can allow or ban whatever content they like. Do you know why they have done this? Is there any way of speaking to them and reversing the decision?

 

[davew]

Basically I wrote reviews on 2 other venues that I knew well, which were not complimentary and it was judged that I had written these reports purely to secure business for myself which was not the purpose. I have spoken to the forum owner but have had no success. Presumably if I come across any derrogatory/liable communications from the forum owner or moderators sent to any of my customers or potential customers, I would then be in a position to act further, especially as none of these people running the forum have been to my venues. Thanks for your help.

 

[Rob Holmes]

Hi

Banning you from a forum is one thing, posting or sending libellus communications to your customers or potential customers is another.

Obviously you'd need to prove they did it, probably prove a loss of income or damages to you business and consult with a French lawyer about how they do it over in France.

As for being banned from the forum, probably theres nothing you can do unless you manage to call the owners of the forum and agree a standard to adhere to.

Forums are difficult sometimes, you see other businesses get recommended by other members that are in direct competition to you and you just have to swallow it!

I haven't read your reports so I couldn't comment on them if I they were over-negative or not.

Moving ahead, why not start your own carp forum - if you're well known and the moderators of the other forum are known for their harshness then your new forum might be a welcome home. - And you'll have a glimpse at what it's like to be a forum moderator - it's not easy!

Hope all this helps a bit,

Rob

 

[davew]

Thanks Rob for the info, as for me running a forum or becoming a moderator, not likely but will bear it in mind.