Defamation
I literally laughed out loud when I saw this t-shirt featured on That IT Girl's blog. You can purchase it at the Ladybug Landings Cafepress Gift Shop.

But it brings up a good point of discussion. What exactly do you say on your blog? How negative are you willing to go? Some blogs may be a way for the blog owner and even their visitors leaving comments to vent. Others, like this one, concentrate on sharing fun ideas, information and positive energy. If you aren't bashing anyone you probably don't have to worry too much about things like defamation. I recently read an MSNBC article titled "Training helps bloggers hone professionalism" which focused on the fact that blogging inaccurate, negative content can be grounds for someone bringing a defamation lawsuit against you. When discussing sensitive subjects like crime and the accused remember to always include the word "alleged" if a verdict has been reached in a court of law.

All in all I think if your blog focuses on the positive and you use common sense you can most likely avoid the slippery slope of litigation. How? By always researching for accuracy and crediting sources. Typically I will make sure everyone included in my blog not only knows they are, but I give them the option to have any content that refers to them or their company be modified to more accurately describe them. I would want the same courtesy so I approach blogging with a "do unto others" philosophy.

Blog Policies
Because your readers own their comments, to alter them in anyway means you need to disclose that you, as owner of your blog, reserve the right to make modifications you deem necessary and reserve the right to refuse to publish comments that you find offensive or unfair. You can view my Blog Policies at the following link: http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2006/02/blog-policies.html

Please Note this Disclaimer:
The information and suggestions on this page are just that and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
Please consult a practicing attorney for any formal legal advice regarding these issues.