It is supposed to be summer, but here I am wearing warm socks and my winter pullover, drinking hot tea, desperately waiting for global warming to arrive and somehow wondering whom to complain to. But then I remember that one should always look on the bright side of life. So I guess this is the perfect moment to answer some questions about my blog.
1. Why is your blog`s comment section closed?
Well, according to German law, the blog-owner is responsible for all the comments posted on his or her blog. Even if you do not agree to a comment, you will be held legally responsible.
German Courts have ruled that comments that are likely to offend a third party have to be deleted within 24 hours. That means if you fall sick or go on holiday for more than a day you might face serious legal consequences when coming back. And although I like blogging, there are some other things I like doing in my free time …
In that context you have to know also, that freedom of speech in Germany is not as far reaching as in the US. For example in Germany, you would never be allowed to call former German Chancellor Schroeder “a political prostitute” as Tom Lantos did. So if Tom Lantos posted on my blog (in which case I would feel honoured), and if he made the above mentioned comment, I would be legally bound to delete it.
Now you are going to object: But there are German blogs that do have an open comment section. Three points to that question:
1. No plaintiff, no judge.
2. Hats off!
3. Good luck!
And before answering further questions I will now do some of the other things I like doing in my free time …