[quote=ucodegen]
Libel only applies if it is not true. Also, opinions on blogs are generally protected under first amendment. Exceptions are if the poster of the information is presenting themselves as an expert. (there are a few other items that would be exceptions, but they don’t apply here).
[/quote]
Truth is a defense to a claim for libel, but in order to prevail, the person who is accused of libel must prove the truth of the statement, which can be hard to do. The statement about First Amendment protections with respect to blogs is not true. The same standards apply to blogs that attach to other publications – which basically means that unless the person you’re talking about is a “public figure” under the legal definition of a “public figure,” you should be careful what you say. See more here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13555_3-9821584-34.html
