At 11:26 -0400 9/24/97, nospam-seesignature@ceddec.com wrote:
Truth was not mentioned specifically. Gossip is rarely true after the first few iterations. You are correct that if the gossip can be proven true that the position is defensible (but I would have to check some legal references if it is absolute).
Not all lies are libelous, nor should they be. "I love you," no?
Technically, I am arguing for property rights in reputation. Patent and copyright are already recognized property rights in information.
And these are divisive issues in the circles I travel in. But no, technically you are arguing for property rights in //personal information//. This is not a new concept. Brandeis and Warren first laid the groundwork for this in their landmark (and misguided) 1890 law review article. That article was written before the advent of modern First Amendment jurisprudence and does not take free speech rights into consideration. Your scheme -- which is hardly novel -- is worthy of the same contempt. -Declan ------------------------- Declan McCullagh Time Inc. The Netly News Network Washington Correspondent http://netlynews.com/