User talk:John G Eggert

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No legal threats policy[edit]

Hi John! Wikipedia is very much trying to find consensus through open discussion (with, admittedly, not always perfect results). Part of this is a strict policy against legal threats - and that has in the past been interpreted very broadly, including all remarks that might have a chilling influence on the debate. This edit is at least a borderline case. Please consider rephrasing your concern, and in the future try to be more careful. Thanks! --Stephan Schulz (talk) 17:39, 25 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Stephen: Your are referring to this statement: "Otherwise, it is libel and those who use it should be aware that they are committing a tort that can be shown to be with malice." There is no threat there. It is a statement of fact. Wikepedia is not the author of the posts. Those who are may not be aware of tort law and the liabilities they incur by defaming someone publicly. As such, the statement above is a favour, not a threat.John G Eggert (talk) 18:07, 25 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not assuming you intend it as a legal threat, but I can tell you that it may well be read in this way. Compare "You really should buy our insurance. It would be a shame if anything happened to that shop window or kneecap of yours and you had no insurance". I also seriously doubt your legal analysis in this case, but that is a different question. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 18:27, 25 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]