I can't recall the name of the case, and I can't find it in any of the books I have at home, but I recall a case in the 50's where an author was successfully sued for libel on the basis of an unpublished manuscript.
Certainly a PPRuNe posting can be shown to be libel. After all, so is a radio programme. Interesting point about the Chatroom, though. I can see arguments both ways (typical lawyer comment, that!
) and, ultimately, it would have to be decided by a court - thus making lawyers more money!
[This message has been edited by HugMonster (edited 10 October 2000).]