Private Email Made Public

[texasjo]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I wrote a private email to the board of directors of my home owners association regarding a heated topic in the neighborhood. They responded to me and I was satisfied to read their response. The problem occurred today, a few days after their email response, they have posted my private email to them and their response on a public Internet forum for everyone to see, read and make judgments on my position. I was not asked to give permission to have this information made public. Is this legal? What actions should I take now. I have asked them to remove, at the very least, my name, but thus far no response. Already over 50 people have viewed my letter and I am afraid people may draw conclusions which may have negative effects in my dealings in the community.
Thanks for your help,
JO

 

[fairisfair]

okay, I am confused. You wrote a letter, they responded, you were satisfied with their response. What is the problem with it being posted?? Is your position on this issue somehow embarrassing to you? If you were satisfied with their response, then apparently they took your concerns seriously and responded in a way that did not belittle you in any way.

 

[texasjo]

I was statisfied they responded to me at all. I was not in agreement with their respeonse, however. I am not comfortable with my opinions I expressed in an email that I fully expected to be beween me and the board being posted on a public website for public consumption. Did I not have an expectation of privacy in my private email with the board of directors? I had concerns and addressed them, but did not want my whole neighborhood making judgements toward me based on these opinions. I am afraid this being made public could effect me professionally.
JO

 

[The Occultist]

The way I understand it, the recipient of an email or letter becomes the owner of said email/letter. I could be mistaken and it might only apply when they post fine print claiming such. Do they give such a disclaimer?

 

[fairisfair]

I was statisfied they responded to me at all. I was not in agreement with their respeonse, however. I am not comfortable with my opinions I expressed in an email that I fully expected to be beween me and the board being posted on a public website for public consumption. Did I not have an expectation of privacy in my private email with the board of directors? I had concerns and addressed them, but did not want my whole neighborhood making judgements toward me based on these opinions. I am afraid this being made public could effect me professionally.
JO

If you get no response from them from your verbal request, you might try putting it in writing and sending it RRR, or contact a local attorney and ask him to prepare a cease and desist letter, however, I doubt that it is illegal for them to post the information, even if it is in very poor taste.

 

[texasjo]

TheDo they give such a disclaimer?

The webiste that has the link to the email address I sent the private email to only says, "to speak with the board of dirctors, send an email to [email protected]. No disclaimer. Perahaps you are correct that my email becomes their property. I just thought that communication with a semi-government entity would remain private. Any other thoughts on this?
Thanks,
JO

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Unless you have a legal agreement between yourself and the recipient, the email becomes the property of the recipient and they can do with it as they wish.

 

[demartian]

Encryption

Unless the e-mail is encrypted, there is no privacy. It is sent clear text through the network and can be accessed by more people than you can imagine, so I would say it would not be a private thing.