defamation or libel

[blairsp]

merely musing but can any of the "invalid clicks e-mails"(see my url if you haven't had one) be construed as either libellous or defamatory?

My understanding of defamatory is that anyone can bring an defamatory action if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.
It is the third letter whcih I find most surprising.

Now, say a respected webmaster of long standing received the e-mail. Would his/her reputation be tarnished (especially if they try to sell their previously succesful and profitable site)?

[Swash]

oh never mind

[deejay]

*blink* I've read the letters and I wouldn't read anything like that into them.

I would have thought that for defamation or libel the comments about you would have had to be made to a third party?

Disclaimer: totally not a lawyer, not in the US.

[IanCP]

merely musing but can any of the "invalid clicks e-mails"(see my url if you haven't had one) be construed as either libellous or defamatory?

From just one Google Search on the topic.

Libel and slander are two forms of defamation (or defamation of character), which is the tort of making a false statement of fact that injures someone's reputation. When the communication is in writing, it is termed "libel". If made via the spoken word, the correct term is "slander". Both acts share a common legal history, although they may be treated differently under modern legal systems. The statement need not be derogatory in itself to be actionable, as where it constitutes invasion of privacy or portrays the person in a false light, as by calling a prominent Democrat a Republican.

FWIW

[Leosghost]

Only if they were published ...
They didn't ..publish ..
You just did ..

Which actually means that google have pretty good case against yourself due to your own comments in bold ...

Painfull tho it may be ..move on ...

[blairsp]

Painfull tho it may be ..move on ...

I did- four months ago and doing pretty well. Was merely musing.

[richmondsteve]

I've seen the canned "invalid clicks" email. It doesn't actually state that the publisher initiated the invalid clicks or impressions. Though frustrating, all publishers agreed to the terms that allow them to remove publishers for invalid clicks and impressions. The email is only sent to the publisher. No defamation here.

[loanuniverse]

Leosghost has a point about the publishing.

Also, The fact that there can be at least two reviews is of some comfort.

[hyperkik]

deejay is correct. For defamatory comments to be actionable, the defendant must have made the comments to a third party.

[Swash]

the post i made at the start of this thread was something along the lines of me finding it amusing that google ran the ads on the freehosted page he has in his profile. heh. tho they don't seem to be adsense.