On another forum where I posted my report of the Pro 38 the issue of legal responsibilities was introduced.

What is everyone's feelings regarding posting these type of "report" threads which detail some of the technical aspects of chosen pieces of archery equipment and legal liability?

For example, if I find a particular piece of equipment to be "less than good" and I post that then is it in some way illegal because it is a negative opinion of the product?

I'm no lawyer, but believe our constitution allows us freedom of speech. As long as you are offering your opinions, and are not a competitor intending to damage the reputation and sales of your competitor, I am very sure you have no problems... Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Anyone can be sued for practically anything these days, but I don't think anyone should stand in the way of an honest evaluation of a product. As long as the evaluation is presented as your own personal impressions and opinions, I don't see how it could really be actionable. But then, I'm not a lawyer either.

That other site is part of a catalog sales business. Could be they are trying to get, or have, a dealership and didn't want the manufacturer getting upset? If so, that kind of censorship really tears down any credibility for their forum.

Frank- you just said it. "OPINION"

There's NOTHING illegal about voicing your opinion. Today's lawsuit-crazy and political-correctness mentality has got people to be afraid of saying what they think.

Be an umpire- "call 'em like you see 'em", and let people take from it what they want.

Public forums and honest people rule! Also, I love freedom<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>!
Keep up the good work guys.

I'm no lawyer myself but I would think as long as you aren't being paid where is the liability, besides you guy's that do these reports do an awesome job, as as far as I can tell YOU pay for the bows you review, like someone else said, you are entitled to your opinion that's what America's all about no?<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

gromage1

Frank 80% of the posts are peoples opinion on products, so if that is wrong than the lawers can jump in line and sue all of us. I think you are doing a good job and the person who brought up the legal issue is obviusly a bowtech fan. If I could only get you to do a mathews legacy report,I would have a much smoother drive &quot;down the road&quot; to happines.I hear they will be available in two weeks.

Edited by - newshooter on 02/27/2002 09:43:12

Well, I see my comment about the site itself is out of line. I couldn't find the thread this morning and thought it had been pulled.

But, I have to admit to being a bit off today. My wife handed me my brand new AARP membership card this morning and I've been dealing with the shock of now being an OFFICIAL old fart.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

So Frank... if I call you a piece of S... I'm protected.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> (I couldn't resist) Anyway, I agree(free advice is cheap), you're OK. You gave an honest opinion and your technical evaluation of a product. What do you think Consumer Reports does. Same as you only you're better at it.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> As long as they can't show melicious intent to harm or something like that... you're OK. Now if you said, I'm going to do whatever I can to ruin this companies image and sales.... you're in trouble. Especially if they show your information is incorrect and purposely so. Keep writing.... &quot;FRANK'S CONSUMER REPORTS&quot;

P.S. You don't really expect a COF(Crotchetty Old Fart) like me to sit and read that whole book you wrote do you. I read every 40th word or so.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> As I read your report it states I cannot clean my chimney with this bow. Is that right?

Edited by - davidmil on 02/27/2002 10:13:48

Frank-

Sorry if I caused your heart to flutter over on the other thread, but I've been on the receiving end of a suit in the past and know how easy it is to get embroiled in a legal battle. I've never gotten involved in these &quot;reports&quot;, even tho I have done lots over the years, I shoot in the same clubs and speak with Emery Loiselle often and know all too well what steps need to be taken to make sure the reports are well &quot;balanced&quot;. I do however in this case feel a good point was brought up about &quot;being paid&quot; or &quot;working for a company&quot;, and if you are not doing either then it only boils down to a personal preference/opinion statement.

However, I'm no lawyer, so do not know for sure. As stated on the other thread, I didn't mean to ruin anyones' day, and thought the report was very good! I'd say keep up the good work, but not knowing if I'd be sending you to the lions or not, I'll hold off on that until we get some concrete findings of fact. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12