Whirlpool Founder Sued for Posting ‘Damaging Lies’ against Software Firm

Australia's major broadband discussion forum, Whirlpool's originator Simon Wright, is being indicted by 2Clix Australia, an accounting software firm, subsequent to a string of antagonistic comments related to the firm were posted by the users of the forums of Whirlpool, reported Australian-Media.com.au on 12 September 2007.

The suit claims AU$150,000 as restitution for supposed 'Detrimental Lies' and prohibitions impelling the exclusion of two discussion group threads, 'Anyone used 2Clix?' and '2Clix or Not 2Clix', apart from interests and expenses.

As per a declaration placed on the indicted site, about 30 postings in Whirlpool's forums are bogus, spiteful and inducing financial loss to firm's business and trade.

Veronica Scott, a senior associate with Minter Ellison, has asserted that 2Clix has to deal with tough legal obstacles to establish its case, as published by the 18 September 2007 edition of theage.com.au.

Ms Scott further added that the declaration (of harmful lies) is usually tougher to establish (than defamation) and the company is responsible for evidencing that the suspect's malevolent allegations were fake, and that the complainant suffered real harm.

A posting by Whirlpool on its site declared that though it believes the lawsuit is worthless, but nevertheless, it would fight it strongly in spite of being a social Website with limited means.

Australian-Media.com.au on 12 September 2007 informed that according to Mr. Wright, much is at stake here. Mr. Wright also said that generally, this went beyond Whirlpool and other forums. It impacts the feasibility of all Web chats, spanning Web logs to product analysis in the Amazon.

Majority of the 190,000 loyal members of Whirlpool have come out openly defending the Website. Announcement about the lawsuit was posted on Whirlpool, and ever since then, nearly 3,000 postings from supportive members have flooded the site. Several other users have also donated cash to Mr. Wright to handle the legal expenses.

The result of this suit will impact every Australian site that permits people to comment on matters regarding a merchandise, service and/or firm. If Mr. Wright loses this suit, online unrestricted communication in Australia will surely stop, as Web hosts run to defend themselves for taking personal responsibility for statements they didn't generate.

» SPAMfighter News - 10/1/2007