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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Tarrant County court subpoenas Topix user records in libel case


178 users are targeted for comments they posted about a Clarksville family.

— News aggregator Topix.net faces a subpoena from a Tarrant County court related to comments posted by anonymous users discussing the trial of a Clarksville couple accused of sexual assault. Mark and Rhonda Lesher were acquitted, and have now filed a libel suit against Topix users who posted negative comments about them.

A Tarrant County judge ordered the company to hand over identifying information on the users who posted the comments. The case apparently landed there because at least one of the alleged commenters lives there.

Topix CEO Chris Tolles told Mediaweek that the company is studying the court order and trying to decide how to respond, even as their users continue to discuss the case.

Even if they comply, they won't be able to provide much beyond IP addresses in most cases, as Topix does not require registration. Their comment boards are largely unmoderated and have more of a "wild west" vibe than a curated community like Pegasus News. They also have lots of activity, as threads go on for thousands of comments.

We take our community and user privacy very seriously. However, it's important to remember as you traverse the Interwebs that you are ultimately responsible for what you say online, wherever that might be.



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jtmbls, anonymous:

So now everyone must be sure to add the word ALLEGEDLY to their...uh...observations? Like, for instance...

Travis is ALLEGEDLY planning to propose to his bong on Valentines Day.

Doyle, who has been conspicuously absent of late, has ALLEGEDLY been busy trying to get a same sex marriage license.

AT is ALLEGEDLY in possession of some rare substance we would all very much like to try.

Lisa is ALLEGEDLY marrying Jesus due to her ALLEGED immaculate conception.

Am I covered?

4 years, 4 months ago
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Travis Bush, verified:

jtmbls..you forgot Michael Phelps allgedly smoking from a double chambered Roor...

4 years, 4 months ago
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jtmbls, anonymous:

Wow - Specific much?

4 years, 4 months ago
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Travis Bush, verified:

Shut it..btw..your posts are looking a bit jaundiced..

4 years, 4 months ago
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jtmbls, anonymous:

Is it my posts or your eyeballs Trav?

4 years, 4 months ago
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alexander troup, verified:

You both would make a great couple, Monkey Bean and the West Dallas Wolf...A/T...Animal therpist.

4 years, 4 months ago
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Travis Bush, verified:

I'm betting it's hepatitis..

4 years, 4 months ago
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