Asheville News

Note to anonymous commenters: newspapers WILL sell you out

Jason Sandford April 23, 2009

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

There’s an interesting discussion thread over at Gannett Blog. A writer says that he posted a number of critical comments about a local official, comments that were never flagged or taken down. The local official got upset and went to the newspaper, which divulged the commenter’s name, and now that official is threatening legal action.

So what’s Gannett’s policy? Here’s the answer:

Boilerplate terms of service across Gannett says user is responsible for all his/her posts and that the paper can disclose your identity to anyone for any reason, like when a local politico gets his undies in bunches and emails the editor and/or publisher who doesn’t know the difference between a source, a tweet, a blog or a forum post. She only knows the bottom line and that advertising sucks right now. They’ll give up your user information in a hurry. Read the terms of service section “responsibility for user-provided content” on any Gannett site.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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6 Comments

LOKEL April 24, 2009

Last time I checked the First Amendment was still in effect.

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Chuck April 24, 2009

Money talks and Boy Scouts walk!

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Steven April 23, 2009

That’s interesting. On the Greenville News site posters are allowed to say pretty much anything they want about anyone – libelous, vile, or otherwise. But what they aren’t allowed to do is mention another poster’s first name, even if that poster has previously revealed their own name on-line. Nothing upsets the powers that be more on that site than calling someone Jon.

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Jeff April 23, 2009

Given the abundance of toxic B.S. generated in the AC-T forums, the concept of finding any value there whatsoever is baffling.

Hey! MAYBE they could make up a rate card where for $10 you can purchase the IP address of any anony-poster you want? (3 for $20? $100 gets you the whole list?) Cash only please.

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greenashevilleblogspot.com April 23, 2009

if you run for public office you are fair game to criticism. If you cant handle it, don’t put yourself in that position in the first place. Tough titty said the kitty when the milk ran dry!

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Bryan Freebron April 23, 2009

would like to know the post and the official. People say all sorts of nasty stuff about me on the AC-T forums. Big Deal. If it is not true who cares? Those forums are full of anonymous nut jobs that sit around bitching all day complaining about folks that actually get out a make a difference.

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