Be responsible for comments

Since the announcement of the investigation of the local school superintendent on July 28, gossip and rumors have been abundant in the community.

Such is to be expected, but it still should not be promoted.

While gossip is as old as time, new technology has taken it to a whole new level. A comment by one person can now be passed around a town or the world by a text message in seconds - literally.

As for "blogging", it seems we are living in perilous times where many bloggers feel no responsibility for their comments.

This newspaper does not support a blog on its website. If we required those to submit letters to the editor to sign and list their name, how in good faith can we provide a platform of communication that allows for anonymous and often reckless comments.

What many blog users do not realize is they are not anonymous. If the subject of a blog - a person, organization or company - believes statements written are damaging, defames them or are untrue, a libel suit can be filed. The plaintiff can back track a blogger's ISP address to their computer through a court order.

When a bomb scare on a blog forced Bellevue to close a school some time ago, the blogger was found - even in another state.

Clearly, local people are frustrated and want answers in the current school investigation. Those answers will come. Local residents should be permitted to state their opinions, but remember you are still responsible for verbal and written statements - even on a blog.