Opinion

The Underground's In Court Today. Oh Boy.

By Tom Chandler 8/22/2013

Here's the post I never thought I'd write. No blogger does.

Today I'm in court, defending myself over something published on the Trout Underground.

In my opinion -- and the opinion of a couple legal experts -- I'm facing a lawsuit aimed at getting me to remove a post that isn't even remotely defamatory.

The good news is I shouldn't lose this, but to say more would be to make my legal folks cranky.

Rest assured you'll hear the whole story when I'm allowed to tell it. It will be interesting reading.

I'm hardly the first blogger facing a lawsuit, but the way things are going in the online world, a lot will likely follow me. A newspaper will typically vigorously fight  spurious defamation claims, but bloggers -- who often Google higher than local newspapers -- are a lot less likely to fight to keep a story online, and therefore represent juicy targets to those wanting to clean up their online image.

It would have been easier (and cheaper) for me to just pull down the story. But maybe a little harder for the next guy.

Time to fight.

See you in court, Tom Chandler.

AuthorPicture

Tom Chandler

As the author of the decade leading fly fishing blog Trout Underground, Tom believes that fishing is not about measuring the experience but instead of about having fun. As a staunch environmentalist, he brings to the Yobi Community thought leadership on environmental and access issues facing us today.

25 comments
Like many others, I'm anxious to hear the story. I suspect I may even know a part of it. Anyway, good luck. Hope the plaintiff gets to pay all your legal expenses.
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Good Luck! I am looking forward to reading about it.
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Between this and the recent suit in Dunsmuir, I'm sure the judges in Siskiyou Superior Court are wondering why they didn't take their mothers' advice to become doctors. I'd wish you luck, but #1) the trial is already over (so the plaintiff is already home enjoying his munchies) and #2) hard to imagine a more bone-headed plaintiff and suit.
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Hahaha! Well played Don!
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Non illegitimis carborundum.
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Good Luck Mr Chandler.
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Wow. Best of luck and looking forward to hearing the details. Ben
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Ditto everything above
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Fight the good fight! I think we all have a pretty good idea what's going on here, but we nevertheless look forward to you validating our suspicions. God luck.
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Looking forward to the details.
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Crazy. Can't wait to hear how it goes.
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Enter into evidence Exhibit A: Tom Chandler. A man with intregrity, paving the way for others. Kick ass and take names.
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Holy c--- ! we are all rooting for you,hope you don't have spend all the major bucks you don't earn from this site
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Marty, make that Chandler.
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That's just wrong.....Sounds like someone's tin foil hat is too tight......
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Best of luck Tom!!!!!!!
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I can sue you? Hot damn! I suggest you e-mail directions to that "special" small stream to me ASAP before I call up the process server. Why am I suing you again? Dang, it escapes me now. Maybe you hurt my feelings? I am a delicate flower you know.
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As a fellow blogger, I am most interested and will look forward to hearing what happened. Good luck! Regards, Maven
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Thanks for standing up and fighting instead of letting it drop. It takes courage to do that and others take notice and the fight spreads to them too.
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Post the story when you're ready. We will all repost it!
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Wow, I'm looking forward to the whole story. Sounds like a frivolous lawsuit being pressed by someone who got their panties in a wad. Git r done and let justice prevail.
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Very proud. *It would have been easier (and cheaper) for me to just pull down the story. But maybe a little harder for the next guy.* That's one of the reasons why I, as a suspicious Brit, still look to the Good Things in America as a balance to all the predator drone shit etc. Not that we are any better (our politicos just wish they had your toys), but let's unite the Decent People!! Thanks, Tom.
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i'm no big-city lawyer, but it seems like a good idea to "put the whole system on trial". good luck and keep up the good work. and watch rocky 4 to get pumped up.
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Sorry to hear it, I hope it goes OK for you.
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That's crazy man-- I'm anxious to hear the full story, hope it's a quick, decisive resolution. cheers
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