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Snowgoose · Jun 21, 2008, 06:14 PM

I posted a review of a business and was entirely factual. But the expereince was the absolute worst ever. I got wind that this business didn't like what I'd said and possibly their lawyer contacted the website. And now suddenly I can't get onto the website at all. I get an 'oops! That page isn't available' message anytime every time no matter how I try to access that website. A friend used his computer to verify the website was indeed to up and running but now my review is nowhere to be found! How great is THAT? Reviews that are negative evidently get a consumer who's trying to warn other consumers kicked off the site and the business can look good. I followed all the FAQs so what gives? Anybody have this expereince or know how to contact this 'insdier' website management?

vingogly · Jun 21, 2008, 06:24 PM

Bottom line is, whoever they are, if they own the website, the content is theirs. That includes the review you wrote, and the firewall that is presumably banning your IP address. If the website has been threatened it's their prerogative to control their content to reduce liability.

Snowgoose · Jun 21, 2008, 06:36 PM

Yeah, I certainly understand that, they are protecting themselves from legal trouble. Kind of like 'we reserve the right to refuse service someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever'...
But do you know how/if I can contact them to find out what was said perhaps about ME? If I was defamed, I'd like to know about it (besides it makes me mad that now I can't even use the review site to read reviews of businesses I'd like to shop in. I'd posted both good and bad stuff in various places.. . or should I pursue it with the lawyer to find out what was said?

vingogly · Jun 22, 2008, 05:31 AM

If something was publicly posted and you no longer have access to it, you might try the Wayback Machine to find an archived copy of such information. Without legal action, you're not likely to get very far contacting management of the company. What would be their incentive for telling you something that would give you the information? Their lawyer isn't going to tell you anything either... that's why he/she is their lawyer and not yours. If this is really important to you, the only recourse is lawyering up and pursuing a defamation of character suit through the legal system (assuming such is possible in your country).

wildandblue · Nov 29, 2008, 10:33 AM

Most likely the lawsuit was filed against the review site by the person that you posted trash about. And since they have identified you, or your internet address as the source of the trouble they are now in they are banning you from causing them further legal trouble. Anyone with any sense would do the same. Bear in mind that our legal system provides that we can't be tried twice for the same offense, called double jeapordy I think. You can't try them in the court of public opinion by posting tell all about them and then try to file legal action against the same person later on, because your first actions preclude the latter. My advice is to grow up and keep your mouth shut like a sensible person.