Possible libel?

[MJSMan]

Oregon

I really have little intention or desire to sue anyone, but does anyone know if this constitutes libel? I know everyone can have opinions, but if what this person is saying is causing hardship to my business, does that count as libel? See below. (I think it puts asterisks where the letters are...the guy's opinion wasn't too high! Replace _****ty with *s*h*i*t*t*y...without the asterisks, thanks!)

http://digg.com/design/How_****ty_can_web_design_companies_get_zaowebdesign

 

[quincy]

Libel exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, or contempt, lowers them in the esteem of others, causes them to be shunned, or injures them in their business or calling. If defamatory words (words that injure a reputation or cause emotional distress) are circulated (published) about an identifiable person, and these words were published knowing they were false, and the person defamed can demonstrate he was "injured" by these words, that person can file a defamation suit with a good chance of winning it.

I went to the site you linked and looked at it. What I saw written seems to be opinion - not all of it bad, either - and it also appears that you are able to "set the record straight" by responding with comments of your own, which, if that was you responding to the original post, very nice response!

Opinions, false or not, defamatory or not, are constitutionally protected and could be the website's defense in any libel suit. Also, truth might be a defense the site could use, as well, since you seemed to agree with them about the "ugly" web design. However, if you feel there are comments made on that site that are damaging your business or your reputation, and the opinions made imply fact, you may be able to bring a successful libel suit against the web owner.

You may want to review the entire website with an attorney to see what the chances of winning such a suit might be.

And wait for others here to post.