Internet Defamation and Forum Guidelines

Every once in a while the question about moderated and unmoderated discussion forums on news sites pops up. What if people misbehave? And how can guidelines be established so they are followed? The London Free Press of Canada describes two recent libel cases that have the courts sending clear messages that defamation on the Internet is no different than defamation in print — and hence can be very costly. Maybe a good dose of reminding readers that e-mails and discussion forum posts will never go away  — and can always be traced back to the originator — mixed with a couple of successful libel cases will be enough to help readers keep discussions civilized.