Auditions

Ok I'm not quite a lawyer, but with only a handful of units to go I'm not completely ignorant of defamation (and neither, I presume, are most people - the definition, as you quoted in your posting, is rather similar to the common-sense view). You did, however, simplify the definition of defamation in a couple of relevant details: (first, to cover my own ass: this is NOT legal advice, NOT an opinion on any legal matter, certainly NOT an opinion on any specific comments posted anywhere on this board...):
- firstly, truth is still a defence to both defamation and slander - if it is true, and you can prove it (on the balance of probabilities, you don't need to prove it beyond reasonable doubt) then you have nothing to fear. Reasonable comment on certain issues, when expressed as comment, is also a defence (hence poor reviews of plays aren't defamation).
- secondly, you are right to state that anyone involved in the publication of such views are liable to defamation. Now, it is far from certain that the operator of a message board is involved in the 'publication' of the comments posted - some message boards have been sued, not sure of any in Australia which have succeeded (maybe one of the practicing lawyers who visit this site - I know at least 3 - could advise Grant on this), but it is common practice on the net to give a disclaimer - 'The views expressed are the individuals...etc...etc'

The point I'm making is that defamation threats can (and often are) all too easily used to scare people away from making well-deserved criticisms, when no liability actually exists (anyone else here see the McLibel documentary?). It is however, not a bad idea for the website to get itself a suitable disclaimer if it is going to contain controversial arguments such as the one preceding this.

Cheers,
Craig Edwards
(PS does anyone know how to 'reclaim' a registered name on this website, once you have forgotten the password. The reason why I am posting my name as Craig 'K' Edwards is because I registered 'Craig Edwards' and then promptly lost my password. Now the website won't let me post as 'Craig Edwards' without asking me to log in first. Yes I am incompetent, but does anyone have any (preferably constructive, but mildly sarcastic will be tolerated) suggestions?)