Blog Disclaimer Writing and The Reason For Having One

Published 9/15/07 (Modified 3/9/11)
By MoneyBlueBook

I think it's time I posted a general liability and privacy disclaimer for this website. I personally find it very unnecessary since most people won't even bother to read it, but the legal realities of the world dictate that I issue one.

I recently read about this case that happened only a few years ago regarding a lawsuit filed by a company against a well known search engine optimization (SEO) blogger named Aaron Wall alleging unspecified defamation and unlawful publication of trade secrets. The trade secrets claim stemmed from comments made by anonymous third parties on the blogger's website. The case was ultimately dismissed due to a lack of personal jurisdiction, but the case stands as a stark reminder that bloggers have to be careful.

The reality is that writing and posting work online subjects one to the scrutiny of others. This also applies to comments and postings from third party readers as well. Freedom of speech is a constitutionally protected right that shields many forms of speech from government intrusion, but in the private sector it is often a different matter. Frivolous and threatening lawsuits designed to intimidate are all too often filed by parties in bad faith. Therefore, under this context, it is better to be safe than sorry.

I do not want readers to execute trades or take actions based solely on my advice. Please always carefully read the fine print before signing contracts and always conduct your own due diligence. You should not regard any information that I've provided as professional legal or financial advice. Remember that the terms and conditions for financial instruments such as credit cards and bank accounts frequently and do change, so please be aware of that. I try my best to provide accurate information, but occasionally I may miss something.

The official disclaimers will be up shortly.