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Something to note, for those who may be tempted to steer off course in their comments - including myself.

Social media trolls have been given a stern warning in the Supreme Court about online abuse after one of WA’s top racing stewards was awarded $140,000 in a defamation payout.

Chief harness racing steward Barbara Scott was targeted in February in a false Facebook post deemed “vile” by Supreme Court Master Craig Sanderson.

thewest.com.au/news/court-justice/facebo...chief-ng-b881040165z

Just because OzF is relatively small, does not mean it (and defamatory members if they can be identified) can escape the wrath of the law.

jackspratt wrote: Something to note, for those who may be tempted to steer off course in their comments - including myself.

Social media trolls have been given a stern warning in the Supreme Court about online abuse after one of WA’s top racing stewards was awarded $140,000 in a defamation payout.

Chief harness racing steward Barbara Scott was targeted in February in a false Facebook post deemed “vile” by Supreme Court Master Craig Sanderson.

thewest.com.au/news/court-justice/facebo...chief-ng-b881040165z

Just because OzF is relatively small, does not mean it (and defamatory members if they can be identified) can escape the wrath of the law.

It is a very timely reminder. As an example I refrained from using the words Paul Murray (Sky News) used to describe Julia Banks as I didn't want to compromise the owner of this site.

Errr there is no secrecy here, we can all be identified via email/ipaddress,it ain't rocket science.

U can't mitigate facts

jackspratt wrote: Something to note, for those who may be tempted to steer off course in their comments - including myself.

Social media trolls have been given a stern warning in the Supreme Court about online abuse after one of WA’s top racing stewards was awarded $140,000 in a defamation payout.

Chief harness racing steward Barbara Scott was targeted in February in a false Facebook post deemed “vile” by Supreme Court Master Craig Sanderson.

thewest.com.au/news/court-justice/facebo...chief-ng-b881040165z

Just because OzF is relatively small, does not mean it (and defamatory members if they can be identified) can escape the wrath of the law.

I think you will find it's the person making the defamatory remarks who is in trouble not the owner of the platform used. If Facebook was held responsible in cases like this they would have been shut down and gone broke long ago.

Ozfooty terms and conditions clearly states that the views and comments posted on here are those of the author of anything posted. You post it, you own it. Having said that, while I can't keep tabs on everything posted, there is a report function on every post and it is quite easy for anyone to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Many posts have been reported and I have been emailed directly on many occasions by those concerned about defamatory comments.

On most occasions I have acted to remove such comments and issue a warning or taken direct action against the author. I have also communicated these warnings publicly on this forum. Some reports or complaints I consider frivolous and take no action. Having had to deal with some who have gone down that path I think Ozfooty has improved a great deal as a result and such complaints have gradually declined.

Most take warnings on board and modify their behaviour and continue to be solid contributors while some don't and decisions had to be made to ban them permanently. Thank you.

Thanks OFA for continuing to support what is an excellent forum.

mikeh wrote: Thanks OFA for continuing to support what is an excellent forum.

Much appreciated Mike as is your contribution on this forum.

OFA, please don't take my OP as having a shot at you, or the forum.

It was purely a heads-up for some of the less-discrete posters who can (despite your best efforts) pop up from time to time.

jackspratt wrote: OFA, please don't take my OP as having a shot at you, or the forum.

It was purely a heads-up for some of the less-discrete posters who can (despite your best efforts) pop up from time to time.

Understood Jack I just wanted to clarify in case anyone had any misunderstanding. Actually the terms and conditions are those created by the previous owners and I saw no reason to change it. It would be a sad day if forums such as this had to shut down because of a few loose cannons.

Ok.. now let's get back too defaming the Dockers and their embarrassing AFL journey....

Unholytugboat wrote: Ok.. now let's get back too defaming the Dockers and their embarrassing AFL journey....

You should be OK there ........... truth is a defence against defamation.