What legal wrangles and legal minefields do i need to avoid?

[Fredjohnson24]

Hi there, i'm going to be writing a public diary or "Blog" on the internet about some sites i visit and it's inhabitants, it will be a "Warts and all" publishment and will be funny to some and could be slightly upsetting to others as is the nature of the truth.

If i change the name of the peoples usernames and change the sites names will this be enough for me to avoid any legal problems?

Is there anything else i should look out for as not to be held accountable as at the end of the day it's intention will not be to bring upset to others although this will be a probability and possibility.
Thanks.

[factor-fiction]

Hello Fred- welcome to AB. Is it going to be about members of this site by any chance?

[Kayless]

Well if it's all about anonymous people then in order to do anything legally they'd have to sacrifice their anonimity so I'd imagine you'd be fairly safe.

[cathfromsaron]

if people recognise themselves, maybe that will educate them on their faults? x

[EDDIE51]

if you are going to change both the names of the members and of the web site how will anyone know it is not a work of total fiction ? Sorry if I am being thick but I do not see the point, you may just as well make the entire thing up.

[joko]

Is this blog an analysis of human nature... a comedy romp through online behaviour, addressing cliches, personas, psyche, neurosis, cyber bullying etc etc

or

just an excuse to rant and rave about members who have upset you in the past and put them right in their opinions, to get back at them?

and by calling it a 'comedy blog' you think you can say whatever you like with no comeback...?

If so, i wouldnt worry about laws etc - i doubt anyone will actually ever see it...

you would have to be utterly hilarious to gather a decent and appreciative crowd, because bitching and moaning in a sarcastic way about strangers becomes tiresome very fast...

[boxtops]

why don't you contact the Ab Editor (contact us link at the bottom of the page) and ask his opinion - that would be sensible, then you will have an official approval (or not) from the people who run this site.