Can I Complain Publicly About a Small Company?
I have an ongoing dispute with a small company that I'm pretty sure is illegally holding property that belongs to me. The value of the property is relatively small so it's not worth going to court over, but I want to tell the world my story. I want to post a factual account of what happened and hold discussions on various online forums and newsgroups. Obviously this has the potential to tarnish the image of the company, but if I stick to the facts and avoid statements about individuals or their character, am I in danger of being sued for defamation, slander, or something else?
I've offered to "meet them half way" so to speak to resolve this, but they're steadfast in their decision. If I continue to complain until an acceptable resolution is reached, could this be seen as coercion or extortion?
I'm in Iowa, the would-be plaintiff is in New York
Re: Can I complain publicly about a small company?
You can complain. They can sue you. So be prepared to prove everything you say, and to defend yourself if you think they may sue.
Re: Can I Complain Publicly About a Small Company?
It's not coercion or extortion, but might be interference with business activity, or harassment given the extent of your actions. You could report your side of the story, without inflammatory language - just the facts - within established forums for that purpose, like the NY Attorney General-Consumer Division, the Better Business Bureau, a company website complaint page, a letter to the company President, an online forum which addresses the issue generally (a feedback forum of some kind), or small claims court, or if you want to get your friends to gather in front of their store and picket - a sidewalk is a public forum, or get an attorney to write them a letter.
Re: Can I complain publicly about a small company?
Quote:
Quoting
Mr. Knowitall
You can complain. They can sue you. So be prepared to prove everything you say, and to defend yourself if you think they may sue.
I'll have to check with my ISP and see if they keep records of emails and how far they go back. Are emails admissible in court? If not, I'd have trouble proving much of what I'd like to say.