Finally it is almost here, my story of surviving Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy.
On September 1st, Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet will be on book shelves and online - giving you the inside - and backside of my landmark case.
The reviews and endorsements have been explosive! Click here to read them.
As the defendant is now being forced into involuntary bankruptcy, my story will help those that are feeling helpless and powerless to cyber slander - and hopefully give you the power to fight back and rise above Internet Defamation. Google Bomb will offer practical guidance to help you maintain your online image.
Even if you feel since you don't use social networking such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc.... remember, you are at risk too - someone may take it upon themselves to create their own vision of "you".
Free speech is something I believe in wholeheartedly, however it does not condone Internet Defamation.
Showing posts with label cyber Slander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cyber Slander. Show all posts
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sue Scheff: ReputationDefender, CEO - Michael Fertik Specialist in Online Defamation
Read entire article here: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/Story?id=6960397&page=1
The Law as an Accomplice
Legal experts, however, emphasized that the law protects Web sites like Topix. Even if the comments are considered defamatory by a court of law, Topix has no legal obligation to take the content down.
Defenders of the legal landscape argue that a change could stifle open discussion and free speech. But others maintain that in stories like this, regardless of who emerges, once the veil of anonymity is lifted, it is the law itself that is a co-conspirator."The law as it currently stands is an accomplice because it creates no incentive whatsoever for Web sites to review or police themselves from content that is potentially devastating to real people and real lives," Michael Fertik, a lawyer who specializes in online defamation, told ABCNews.com.
Part of the problem, Fertik continued, is that laws that made sense at the birth of the Internet age have not matured. It takes years to redress online defamation problems under the present regime. But, in the meantime, libelous comments easily found through search engines can sideline both personal and professional lives.
Although privacy and free speech advocates worry that changes to the law could "chill" online speech, Fertik argued that "the law can easily catch up without destroying speech."But until then?
"The law provides the red dye for the scarlet letter," Fertik said. "It provides the ink for the tattoo that people create on Web sites like this."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
By Michael Fertik
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”
Warren Buffett said that, before the invention of the Internet.
Now, in the information age, the statement has never been more truthful. That is why I started a business, ReputationDefender, that is all about protecting reputations.Your good name, and the reputations of your family, business, and everything you love, is valuable.
So, when your neighbor, a customer, or a love interest plugs your name into a search engine, what will they find?Anyone can come along and slam you online and if that happens, search results for your name might be dominated by negative, incomplete, or even false information.
A hostile online comment might represent the uncommon experience of a dissatisfied customer or disgruntled neighbor, but due to the structure of search engines, that single opinion can be greatly amplified and made to look like a universal point of view.
You might fall victim to the sniping of an anonymous blogger or even a competitor posing as an angry customer.It’s not only easy to publish half-truths, innuendo, and falsehoods on the Internet, it’s also easy to make them stick. Many people who publish negative web content know how to make it maximally destructive.
Lies, rumors, or memes take flight easily, getting repeated, added to, and generally magnified. Even though some of these narratives are discovered to be false, very few of them get debunked as loudly as they are broadcasted in the first place. As a result, false content often becomes more visible on the web than, say, well-researched articles from reputable news sources.
It might seem illogical that bogus speculation can end up dominating searches for you, but that’s how a rumor mill works.A great strength of the Internet is that it gives everyone a voice. That’s also one of its dangers: it can endow fraudsters and idle speculators with the appearance of authority. The danger is real. This does not mean you should stop using the Internet. It means that you must proactively establish your accurate and positive presence on the web before there is a problem.
You need to maximize your control over what people find about you, before someone else does it for you.There are options. Companies have developed software solutions for online reputation protection.
ReputationDefender, which is now a partner with TheStreet.com network, is my company, and we do just that.
Michael Fertik is the Founder and CEO of ReputationDefender, the online reputation management and privacy company.
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”
Warren Buffett said that, before the invention of the Internet.
Now, in the information age, the statement has never been more truthful. That is why I started a business, ReputationDefender, that is all about protecting reputations.Your good name, and the reputations of your family, business, and everything you love, is valuable.
So, when your neighbor, a customer, or a love interest plugs your name into a search engine, what will they find?Anyone can come along and slam you online and if that happens, search results for your name might be dominated by negative, incomplete, or even false information.
A hostile online comment might represent the uncommon experience of a dissatisfied customer or disgruntled neighbor, but due to the structure of search engines, that single opinion can be greatly amplified and made to look like a universal point of view.
You might fall victim to the sniping of an anonymous blogger or even a competitor posing as an angry customer.It’s not only easy to publish half-truths, innuendo, and falsehoods on the Internet, it’s also easy to make them stick. Many people who publish negative web content know how to make it maximally destructive.
Lies, rumors, or memes take flight easily, getting repeated, added to, and generally magnified. Even though some of these narratives are discovered to be false, very few of them get debunked as loudly as they are broadcasted in the first place. As a result, false content often becomes more visible on the web than, say, well-researched articles from reputable news sources.
It might seem illogical that bogus speculation can end up dominating searches for you, but that’s how a rumor mill works.A great strength of the Internet is that it gives everyone a voice. That’s also one of its dangers: it can endow fraudsters and idle speculators with the appearance of authority. The danger is real. This does not mean you should stop using the Internet. It means that you must proactively establish your accurate and positive presence on the web before there is a problem.
You need to maximize your control over what people find about you, before someone else does it for you.There are options. Companies have developed software solutions for online reputation protection.
ReputationDefender, which is now a partner with TheStreet.com network, is my company, and we do just that.
Michael Fertik is the Founder and CEO of ReputationDefender, the online reputation management and privacy company.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sue Scheff Victorious Again - $11.3M Judgment Stands Firm
Back in September 2006, I was awarded over $11.3M jury verdict for damages. They were defamatory and false statements about my organization, myself and my family.
I fought back, and won! The defendant attempted to have the judgment set aside - although she was firmly denied in July 2007, she filed an appeal.
Today, it is official - she loses again in the appellate court, and the $11.3M judgment stands firm!
Free speech is still in tact, but it will not condone defamation.
Remember, think before your post - sometimes keystrokes can be costly!
Friday, August 15, 2008
(Sue Scheff) The INTERNET - Has it become a WEAPON?
Since winning my unprecedented lawsuit in September 2006 - with a jury verdict for damages done to my family, my organization and myself - over $11M - I am contacted on a daily basis from other victims of Internet Harassment, Abuse, Slander and Defamation.
This is a growing problem with today's expanding Cyberspace and more and more businesses being rated online. It has been stated that many time that many clients, when they seen negative posts on someone or a business, will usually not take the time to find out if it is Internet Gossip or fact.
I have heard from small business owners who have filed bankruptcy, struggling professionals that had one client or former employee take revenge with the keypad, as well as potential job applicants not getting a job after a firm did an Online Search. This is becoming a serious problem and needs to be addressed.
For those that believe that free speech will condone defamation, think twice - and read about my case. This is not about free speech - this is about people intentionally and maliciously destroying others with a few keystrokes in what is being called E-Venge.
I continue to answer as many emails as I can hoping to give others the support in the fact they are not alone.
This is a growing problem with today's expanding Cyberspace and more and more businesses being rated online. It has been stated that many time that many clients, when they seen negative posts on someone or a business, will usually not take the time to find out if it is Internet Gossip or fact.
I have heard from small business owners who have filed bankruptcy, struggling professionals that had one client or former employee take revenge with the keypad, as well as potential job applicants not getting a job after a firm did an Online Search. This is becoming a serious problem and needs to be addressed.
For those that believe that free speech will condone defamation, think twice - and read about my case. This is not about free speech - this is about people intentionally and maliciously destroying others with a few keystrokes in what is being called E-Venge.
I continue to answer as many emails as I can hoping to give others the support in the fact they are not alone.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sue Scheff: A Growing Voice Against E-Venge
It seems Internet Harassment, Online Slander, Cyberbullying and other abuses in the World Wide Web is growing! I am contacted on a daily basis from victims of today's newest lethal & legal weapon to harm others - keystrokes!
You have to wonder what possesses people to feel the need to hurt others so malicously. With all of today's critical issues such as hunger, the war, homeless people etc.... We have a new group of people that simply have too much time on their hands - and take pleasure in hurting others.
E-Venge seems like a good name for it.
If you think about it - it is a cowardly act. They hide out behind their computers and just strike their keypads - usually anonymously.
Read through this Blog and you will see that free speech is still in place but it will not condone defamation.
Blogging is fun, the Internet can be educational - but remember, what you post today can come back to haunt you tomorrow. And could be costly to you!
Visit my new updated Podcast website on E-Venge at http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/ also review ReputationDefender/MyChild to help protect your children online.
Visit www.reputationdefender.com for more services that could help you and your online profile.
You have to wonder what possesses people to feel the need to hurt others so malicously. With all of today's critical issues such as hunger, the war, homeless people etc.... We have a new group of people that simply have too much time on their hands - and take pleasure in hurting others.
E-Venge seems like a good name for it.
If you think about it - it is a cowardly act. They hide out behind their computers and just strike their keypads - usually anonymously.
Read through this Blog and you will see that free speech is still in place but it will not condone defamation.
Blogging is fun, the Internet can be educational - but remember, what you post today can come back to haunt you tomorrow. And could be costly to you!
Visit my new updated Podcast website on E-Venge at http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/ also review ReputationDefender/MyChild to help protect your children online.
Visit www.reputationdefender.com for more services that could help you and your online profile.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Internet Defamation - Cyber Harassment - Online Slander: E-Venge!
Cyberbullying has become a past-time for some people, that in my opinion, have too much time on their hands. Wouldn't it be nice if they could find some constructive work that may actually help people?
Since I have been put in the media attention with my court victories including winning an unprecedented $11.3M jury verdict for damages, I am now working with one of my Florida State Senator's and we have had our first meeting with our Congresswoman.
It is time to make Cyberspace a safe place not only for children, but for people that are being ruined by people with too much time on their hands - and people that believe that free speech is a free for all on the Internet.
Remember, free speech does not condone defamation and libelous statements.As I begin the garnishment of the defendant that has $11.3M judgment on her - it should be a reminder to all those that want to hurt others with a stroke of a key.
The "obsession" with me may not stop, but I will use it to help others and use it to promote Internet Safety. Taking all the negative and turning it into a positive result.....
Fighting back against Internet Abuse and helping protect others from the type of harassment.
Since I have been put in the media attention with my court victories including winning an unprecedented $11.3M jury verdict for damages, I am now working with one of my Florida State Senator's and we have had our first meeting with our Congresswoman.
It is time to make Cyberspace a safe place not only for children, but for people that are being ruined by people with too much time on their hands - and people that believe that free speech is a free for all on the Internet.
Remember, free speech does not condone defamation and libelous statements.As I begin the garnishment of the defendant that has $11.3M judgment on her - it should be a reminder to all those that want to hurt others with a stroke of a key.
The "obsession" with me may not stop, but I will use it to help others and use it to promote Internet Safety. Taking all the negative and turning it into a positive result.....
Fighting back against Internet Abuse and helping protect others from the type of harassment.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sue Scheff: Helping Victims of Internet E-Venge
Sue Scheff is a parent advocate who founded Parents’ Universal Resources Experts, Inc. (P.U.R.E.) in 2001. She has been featured on 20/20, The Rachel Ray Show, ABC News, Canadian CBC Sunday News Magazine, CNN Headline News, Fox News, BBC Talk Radio, and NPR, discussing topics of Internet defamation as well as her work helping troubled teens and their families through her organization. To learn more about P.U.R.E. visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/ and to contact the author, visit http://www.suescheff.com/.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Internet Defamation Can Be Costly!
Reputation Defender has expanded again - Now many people can take advantage of their MyEdge services!
I have used MyEdge for almost 2 years now have been extremely happy with their team of professionals. I was very excited to hear they have recently offered to a wider audience with reasonable costs.
Maintaining your Online Image has become a priority for so many people. As someone that was nearly destroyed in Cyberspace - I know how critical it is to be aware of what is looming on the World Wide Web.
After winning a jury verdict for over $11M for Internet Damages to my organization, my family and myself online - I will continue to use be a voice for others that are being maligned online - and continue to encourage people to look to the future - and know it will be safer online with services like ReputationDefender on your side.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sue Scheff - E-Venge - A Growing Concern
It seems Internet Harassment, Online Slander, Cyberbullying and other abuses in the World Wide Web is growing! I am contacted on a daily basis from victims of today's newest lethal & legal weapon to harm others - keystrokes!
You have to wonder what possesses people to feel the need to hurt others so malicously. With all of today's critical issues such as hunger, the war, homeless people etc.... We have a new group of people that simply have too much time on their hands - and take pleasure in hurting others. E-Venge seems like a good name for it. If you think about it - it is a cowardly act. They hide out behind their computers and just strike their keypads - usually anonymously.
Read through this Blog and you will see that free speech is still in place but it will not condone defamation.
Blogging is fun, the Internet can be educational - but remember, what you post today can come back to haunt you tomorrow. And could be costly to you!
Visit my new updated Podcast website on E-Venge at http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/ also review ReputationDefender/MyChild to help protect your children online. Visit www.reputationdefender.com for more services that could help you and your online profile.
You have to wonder what possesses people to feel the need to hurt others so malicously. With all of today's critical issues such as hunger, the war, homeless people etc.... We have a new group of people that simply have too much time on their hands - and take pleasure in hurting others. E-Venge seems like a good name for it. If you think about it - it is a cowardly act. They hide out behind their computers and just strike their keypads - usually anonymously.
Read through this Blog and you will see that free speech is still in place but it will not condone defamation.
Blogging is fun, the Internet can be educational - but remember, what you post today can come back to haunt you tomorrow. And could be costly to you!
Visit my new updated Podcast website on E-Venge at http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/ also review ReputationDefender/MyChild to help protect your children online. Visit www.reputationdefender.com for more services that could help you and your online profile.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sue Scheff: Being Harassed Online
"A Successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him" - David Brinkley
For those that know me, know that I have been the target of the most vicious and malicious attacks in Cyberspace. Fortunately I was able to fight back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of over $11.M. $5M of it was set for punitive - meant to punish the defendant.
I am contacted on a daily basis from other victims of Internet Harassment and most people are unable to retain an attorney. It can be very difficult when it seems like the entire world is staring at you through their computer screens.
The quote above was sent to me today and I just felt I had to share with everyone. So when those bricks are being thrown at you through cyberspace - think about the great foundation you can build from it!
For those that know me, know that I have been the target of the most vicious and malicious attacks in Cyberspace. Fortunately I was able to fight back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of over $11.M. $5M of it was set for punitive - meant to punish the defendant.
I am contacted on a daily basis from other victims of Internet Harassment and most people are unable to retain an attorney. It can be very difficult when it seems like the entire world is staring at you through their computer screens.
The quote above was sent to me today and I just felt I had to share with everyone. So when those bricks are being thrown at you through cyberspace - think about the great foundation you can build from it!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sue Scheff - E-Venge, Internet Slander, Harassment, Defamation
Since winning my unprecedented case against Internet Defamation and receiving much media attention, many people contact me looking for lawyers that specialize in Internet Law.
David Pollack, Miami, FL - was my attorney that won the $11.3M jury verdict for damages. Visit his website at www.davidpollacklaw.com
John Dozier, Washington D.C. and offices in NY and CA- specializes in Internet Law and more. Visit his comprehensive website at www.cybertriallawyer.com
Internet Law is a growing area - and more and more lawyers are learning more about this. Thanks to the new Cyberbullying laws, this can help more plaintiffs take a strong stand against being harassed online without infringing on their first amendment.
If you don't need a lawyer, I continue to recommend ReputationDefender as an alternative or in combination with a lawyer.
David Pollack, Miami, FL - was my attorney that won the $11.3M jury verdict for damages. Visit his website at www.davidpollacklaw.com
John Dozier, Washington D.C. and offices in NY and CA- specializes in Internet Law and more. Visit his comprehensive website at www.cybertriallawyer.com
Internet Law is a growing area - and more and more lawyers are learning more about this. Thanks to the new Cyberbullying laws, this can help more plaintiffs take a strong stand against being harassed online without infringing on their first amendment.
If you don't need a lawyer, I continue to recommend ReputationDefender as an alternative or in combination with a lawyer.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sue Scheff - E-Venge Podcasts
I will be adding more podcasts soon - visit www.suescheffpodcasts.com on the topic of E-Venge and also promoting my first book - "Wit's End!"
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sue Scheff on the Rachel Ray Show - Hot Topic of Cyber Slander
Sue Scheff continues to be a voice against CyberSlander. As both a victim and survivor of Internet Defamation, she has become a leader in promoting Cyber Safety.
On April 17th Sue Scheff appeared on the Rachael Ray Show talking about Cyber Slander and promoting her upcoming new book - Wit’s End!
Free Speech will never condone defamation. In an unprecedented jury verdict for damages, Scheff was awarded over $11M for the malicious and defamatory online comments from a woman that wanted E-Venge.
For more articles on E-Venge - check out http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/. Sue Scheff retained the priceless services of Reputation Defender. If you are a victim of Internet Abuse, take a moment to review the services Reputation Defender has to offer.
If you are a parent, it is important to consider Reputation Defender MyChild to help protect your child online.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sue Scheff on The Rachael Ray Show - Hot Topic of CyberSlander
Sue Scheff continues to be a voice against CyberSlander. As both a victim and survivor of Internet Defamation, she has become a leader in promoting Cyber Safety.
On April 17th Sue Scheff appeared on the Rachael Ray Show talking about Cyber Slander and promoting her upcoming new book - Wit’s End!
Free Speech will never condone defamation. In an unprecedented jury verdict for damages, Scheff was awarded over $11Mfor the malicious and defamatory online comments from a woman that wanted E-Venge.
For more articles on E-Venge - check out http://www.suescheffpodcasts.com/. Sue Scheff retained the priceless services of Reputation Defender. If you are a victim of Internet Abuse, take a moment to review the services Reputation Defender has to offer.
If you are a parent, it is important to consider Reputation Defender MyChild to help protect your child online.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Internet Slander, Internet Defamation - E-Venge
Check out my new website on Podcasts about E-Venge.
Today's Cyber World has created new concerns for many people, especially parents and their kids using the Social Networking sites such as MySpace.
It is important to read how to protect your kids online and also be aware of where they are surfing.
I often recommend to parents to consider Reputation Defender/MyChild to help them monitor their children's name and where and how it is being used online.
Today's Cyber World has created new concerns for many people, especially parents and their kids using the Social Networking sites such as MySpace.
It is important to read how to protect your kids online and also be aware of where they are surfing.
I often recommend to parents to consider Reputation Defender/MyChild to help them monitor their children's name and where and how it is being used online.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sue Scheff - Defending Yourself Online
True or false, the information people find about you on the Web can have a big impact on your life. Here are five techniques to make sure that what people read about you is good (or at least true).
Click Here for the full article.
Defending yourself online has became a serious concern for many people. The lack of regulations in Cyberspace means you have to learn to maintain your own Google Image.
As both a victim and survivor of Internet Defamation, I know first hand the toll this can take on a person and their family. I fought back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of $11.3M.
Free Speech does not condone defamation!
Click Here for the full article.
Defending yourself online has became a serious concern for many people. The lack of regulations in Cyberspace means you have to learn to maintain your own Google Image.
As both a victim and survivor of Internet Defamation, I know first hand the toll this can take on a person and their family. I fought back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of $11.3M.
Free Speech does not condone defamation!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Sue Scheff: Fighting Internet Slander and Internet Defamation
After I won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages done to me online of $11.3M - this has brought me into a new chapter of my advocacy. As a parent advocate, I educate parents on a loosely regulated industry some call - teen help residential programs and schools. After a horrific experience with my own teenager, I become a voice to create awareness to others so they didn't make the same mistakes I did.
Now with this new chapter of Internet Abuse and Cybersafety - I have meet with my Florida Senator several times and we just meet with our Congresswoman. I am very confident positive changes will be made to create a safer cyberspace - help to make people accountable - and reduce cyberbullying through new legislation.
My new position has put me in a public light, and I plan on using it to help others. I am contacted on a regular basis from victims of the Internet harassment as well as many media outlets. This is now a topic that is not going away anytime soon.
Visit my Podcasts on E-Venge. My official website is http://www.suescheff.com/
Now with this new chapter of Internet Abuse and Cybersafety - I have meet with my Florida Senator several times and we just meet with our Congresswoman. I am very confident positive changes will be made to create a safer cyberspace - help to make people accountable - and reduce cyberbullying through new legislation.
My new position has put me in a public light, and I plan on using it to help others. I am contacted on a regular basis from victims of the Internet harassment as well as many media outlets. This is now a topic that is not going away anytime soon.
Visit my Podcasts on E-Venge. My official website is http://www.suescheff.com/
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