Posted by suz on 4/30/07 2:12pm
Msg #188048

Posting facts about Non-paying companies

We posted a note of warning regarding a company that refused to pay us for print or trip fees. They had an attorney send us a letter stating we were ruining their name and to stop any further posts or we would be pursued legally. This same letter was sent to another notary who had also posted on this site.We only did the one post, and now numerous notaries are not being paid by this same company. We took the compnay to small claims and won the judgment for full fees and court costs.
We feel bad that other notaries are not being paid, but we aren't sure if we can be sued for posting the facts. anyone familiar with the law on this matter?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 4/30/07 2:15pm
Msg #188049

No one can sue you if you are telling the truth...

only if you are not (libel).
Seems that the small claims case proves your truthfulness in the matter.

Reply by dickb/wi on 4/30/07 2:38pm
Msg #188054

you can sue anybody for any thing.......

you want....the trick is you have to prove your suit and it costs both sides a lot of money to defend their position.......if you lose you may or may not be assesed costs.....depends on the court system you are suing in.......while i agree in this case where they have a small claims judgement that they may have a strong defense, another court may not let that be entered...it all depends on what that guy/gal in the black robe says..........jmho...........

Reply by Lee/AR on 4/30/07 2:34pm
Msg #188052

Being ornery... I think I'd do 'em a big favor

and post that 'this co' has paid you...unless, of course, a gag order was part of the settlement (highly doubtful). Lawyers writing letters doesn't make it the law.

Reply by TRG_wy on 4/30/07 4:32pm
Msg #188078

If they don't pay then I am more than willing to let the world know they are dead beats.

I cannot be blamed for their poor business practices; stating facts that are evident is not ruining their "good name". If they paid who/when they were supposed to pay then they wouldn't be named as a non-payer in the first place.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 4/30/07 10:21pm
Msg #188176

Doesn't it just beat all - hire a lawyer to intimidate the

hard-working folks who made him the money to hire the lawyer...to stop telling other hard-workers that he's a dead beat.

I'd light my smoke with that lawyer's letter, then drop it in the fire and warm my little toes.

Cheers!
Susie