Plastic Surgeon sues over Internet criticism - a timely warning for all of us!

[Cindy]

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/plastic-surgeon-sues-over-internet-criticism-20130524-2k6x5.html?google_editors_picks=true

[Devlyn]

Think twice before posting, doctors have lawyers and they use them.

[Devlyn]

What an insecure little wuss.

His attorney is on the phone for you now. 

[Beth Andrea]

That wasn't just criticism, it was a serious effort at defamation. 7 online aliases, all from the same IP? yeah, someone was getting paid to libel the Dr. He was right to look into it.

But yes, I would still suggest when writing critical things about a particular procedure and doctor, that one use restraint and not resort to name-calling and excessive descriptions of a failed outcome.

eta: I've also found when reading reviews of normal things, like laptops, vacuum cleaners, etc that one *must* filter out the "pissy" reviews that were written by someone who doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "dispassionate review". One can always tell the more intelligent and reasoned authors by their tone and general reluctance to condemn and crucify.

[Jamie D]

The truth is always a defense against any lawsuit for defamation.  In this instance, you had a clear case of fraud, which falls squarely under tort law.

Mr. Rodda is in serious trouble.  And if he was hired by a competitor of Dr. Moss, as is suggested, there will be serious ramifications.

[Cindy]

I and I'm sure many of us know instances when people have posted emails etc and thought they are anonymous.

You aren't.

I employ people and I now routinely check social media accounts prior to and post interview. Remember that being accountable for your actions is important. I take comments on social media at a higher priority than referee's reports.

Just be careful, a silly mistake that you think doesn't mean anything can have terrible unseen consequences.

[Beth Andrea]

I and I'm sure many of us know instances when people have posted emails etc and thought they are anonymous.

You aren't.

I employ people and I now routinely check social media accounts prior to and post interview. Remember that being accountable for your actions is important. I take comments on social media at a higher priority than referee's reports.

Just be careful, a silly mistake that you think doesn't mean anything can have terrible unseen consequences.

I've a question, Cindy: Can you see only what is "public" (like the FB setting), or is there a way to see an account which is set to "friends only"?

[Cindy]

I've a question, Cindy: Can you see only what is "public" (like the FB setting), or is there a way to see an account which is set to "friends only"?

I only look at what is public. However I'm lead to believe the privacy settings in many social media are 'poor'.  In my experience people also release their 'private' stuff quite publicly, without thinking through it. That is something that concerns me.