tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post5715289117172797940..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Night Jack Blogger to be UnmaskedIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-36398056357493992942009-06-18T16:19:22.747+01:002009-06-18T16:19:22.747+01:00Apart from Daniel Finkelstein's Comment Centra...Apart from Daniel Finkelstein's Comment Central online, where the comments are uniformly hostile, all mention of Night Jack seems to have been expunged from the Times website.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-28792368346469436722009-06-17T14:08:24.016+01:002009-06-17T14:08:24.016+01:00Comments are actually appearing on the Times on Fi...Comments are actually appearing on the Times on Finkelstein's blog sitehttp://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2009/06/i-have-had-quite-a-few-emails-and-comments-about-nightjack-and-the-times-story-revealing-his-identity-so-i-thought-i-would-g.html#commentsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-17826249705241172352009-06-17T12:04:35.150+01:002009-06-17T12:04:35.150+01:00@ JuliaM
Sorry but don't believe you.
And in...@ JuliaM<br /><br />Sorry but don't believe you.<br /><br />And in the event that you would have felt the same had Nightjack been a BNP member or whatever, the point is not whether or not one approves of bloggers being unmasked (I prefer not) but whether the law should actually prevent it.<br /><br />As others have already said - the real story is is not whether the Times should have been allowed to publish Nightjack's identity but why they thought it a good idea to do so.Weygandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359751090279735138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-86804444409426572032009-06-17T11:20:37.984+01:002009-06-17T11:20:37.984+01:00"Were the blogger promoting some cause that w...<i>"Were the blogger promoting some cause that was unpopular to the readers of this blog, there would be cries of triumph that he had been unmasked."</i> <br /><br />You're wrong, actually. I've never favoured outing bloggers.<br /><br />Even onee I don't like, or read.JuliaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844126589712842477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56594436841429835642009-06-17T04:46:05.647+01:002009-06-17T04:46:05.647+01:00"If the Conservatives want one policy that wo..."If the Conservatives want one policy that would get popular support, abolishing our libel laws would be a good start - they're an embarrassment used by the rich and powerful to pervert justice."<br /><br />No need to abolish them: just amend them to adopt the principles in place in the rest of the common-law world, and they will stop getting wielded as a sword by the wealthy and/or censorious. Placing the burden to prove falsehood on a defendant as a supposed affirmative defense to defamation, instead of requiring a plaintiff to prove truth as an element of the tort, invites mischief, and the libel tourism that presently makes the English courts the world's forum of choice by far for such suits.Dave Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09993139165283663775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-72746500338151414192009-06-17T03:05:25.816+01:002009-06-17T03:05:25.816+01:00Thats The Times removed from my bookmarks. Its obv...Thats The Times removed from my bookmarks. Its obvious the newspapers owners are worried their power to control the politicians and public is being lost to bloggers.<br />Justice Eady is the most powerful man in Britain by the sound of it. Why do we need Parliament with him around.IJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-36525349242471824122009-06-16T23:19:29.578+01:002009-06-16T23:19:29.578+01:00I don't understand all the legal angst nor why...I don't understand all the legal angst nor why some show off wants to monopolise the space. <br /><br />Were the blogger promoting some cause that was unpopular to the readers of this blog, there would be cries of triumph that he had been unmasked.<br /><br />But in an open, democratic society, you cannot have one rule for your friends and another for everyone else.<br /><br />As a lawyer - although with no expertise in this field - the application seems a non-starter and I have yet to hear somebody with such expertise say why it might have been.Weygandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359751090279735138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-86081666505639371392009-06-16T22:36:47.752+01:002009-06-16T22:36:47.752+01:00I was saddened by the ruling, although I can see i...I was saddened by the ruling, although I can see it's logic - in terms of "Know your accuser" - which is a fundament of justice.<br /><br />However, realistically and practically, the only way ordinary people can know the truth about the public services for which they pay, is to read the word of bloggers from within - I'm an avid reader of Frank Chalk, Dr Crippen, Dr Grumble, PC Copperfield (already outed) - and value the authentic dimension they add to the debate. I'm guessing that's going to be more circumspect in terms of how blogging is a more instant and effective (and less dangerous) alterntive to whistleblowing.<br /><br />Plus, as Iain says, the government lob unattributed shite at whoever they feel (McBride stylee) all unaccountable yet getting the validity of airing by a cowardly yet ratings-hungry media - and they thrive on it -despite being funded by us, none of them are ever accountable - of course it stinks.<br /><br />Chin up NightJack - end of the day you did a valuable service of which you should feel proud even if they have stitched you up. I guess you're going to have to take it on the chin, but polish that Orwell award and know your colleagues (necessarily privately) backed you.<br />(Delilah - posting as anonymous)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-18510034770438055762009-06-16T21:28:09.002+01:002009-06-16T21:28:09.002+01:00Can't you appeal to the Orwell Prize judges?Can't you appeal to the Orwell Prize judges?jailhouselawyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03795278184797990706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58219051482940174622009-06-16T20:45:20.254+01:002009-06-16T20:45:20.254+01:00This from Eady is manifestly absurd -
>>Re...This from Eady is manifestly absurd - <br /><br />>>Rejecting the argument that all the blogger's readers needed to know was that he was a serving police officer, the judge said it was often useful, in assessing the value of an opinion or argument, to know its source...<<<br /><br />- when it is entirely clear from the facts of the case that revealing the identity of the 'source' means silencing it.<br /><br />However, the point is only tangential to the decision, and I don't necessarily disagree with Eady's ruling in this case - though Eady is (IMO) an arse, who seems quite happy to rule in favour of privacy for the rich or powerful.<br /><br />The behaviour of the Times was utterly shoddy.Nigelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-63748670723986135982009-06-16T20:29:43.745+01:002009-06-16T20:29:43.745+01:00just adding to the complete hoplesness of britian....just adding to the complete hoplesness of britian.<br /><br />one reason for this,the papers are petrified of bloggs,as it means their lies and nonsense is coming to an end<br /><br />what will kill the courts and the old papers,this copper will become famous and have a successful blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-58740813698232820772009-06-16T20:28:04.237+01:002009-06-16T20:28:04.237+01:00It's not very difficult to find out who I am. ...It's not very difficult to find out who I am. It's much more difficult to find out which of my comments are mine and which are parodies written by some of my naughty students. The buggers even repeat some of my favourite anecdotes, presumably as punishment for my having told them too often.deariemenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-32642648730068061832009-06-16T20:01:13.609+01:002009-06-16T20:01:13.609+01:00This is about old world media trying to cripple th...This is about old world media trying to cripple the blogger competition. <br />If it had been a paper journalist protecting a source all sorts of outrage would be made.<br />All it means is that when Bloggers get a story the Times is on to the gloves will be off and scoops will be spiked.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21596254501116409692009-06-16T19:59:17.767+01:002009-06-16T19:59:17.767+01:00Just how much traffic does The Times get from the ...Just how much traffic does The Times get from the blogosphere and how much would it suffer if this traffic was withheld?Chris Gilmourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14527672702704849717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-75283016435955897342009-06-16T19:07:35.421+01:002009-06-16T19:07:35.421+01:00Judges at one time, and in my experience, were con...Judges at one time, and in my experience, were concerned about how their decisions would be perceived in the higher courts on appeal and consequentally made broadly common sense decisions. For those old enough, remember the great Master of the Rolls, Lord Denning.<br /><br /> Eady and his ilk, are mavericks who like to court controversy largely for the publicity it brings. It makes these f***wits feel important & to them that is everything.<br /><br /> If this blogger appeals ( too late many may say) on a point of law I would think he might win. Eady`s decisions can be overturned every day and nothing will happen to him. He is unsackable and can go on as long as he wants....<br /><br /> As for the times, is anyone suprised?....its owned by Murdoch and he`s biggest guttersnipe of the lot......<br /><br /> Nevertheless wont buy it againMirtha Tidvillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07940977481295375071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-83682509782123261852009-06-16T18:48:52.730+01:002009-06-16T18:48:52.730+01:00I think I would like to know if the police is not ...I think I would like to know if the police is not quite doing its best to serve us, so why should Night Jack be sanctioned simply for letting the community know how things are. We could do with someone telling us just how it is in the NHS and the government as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-12654478258851760132009-06-16T18:36:47.031+01:002009-06-16T18:36:47.031+01:00Anonymous at 3.57pm
GROW UP JUVENILE!Anonymous at 3.57pm<br /><br />GROW UP JUVENILE!strapworldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18228784526399929300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-73641932796507539882009-06-16T17:44:15.356+01:002009-06-16T17:44:15.356+01:00"I am sorry for Nighthawk..."
Not sorr...<i>"I am sorry for Nighthawk..."</i> <br /><br />Not sorry enough to quote his nom de blog accurately, though...?JuliaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844126589712842477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-85499761969751942542009-06-16T17:30:08.617+01:002009-06-16T17:30:08.617+01:00Iain,
Eady is a danger to free speech; he is also...Iain,<br /><br />Eady is a danger to free speech; he is also the judge who ruled that the science journalist and writer Simon Singh had libelled the British Chiropractic Association when he wrote:<br /><br /><i>"The British Chiropractic Association claims that their members can help treat children with colic, sleeping and feeding problems, frequent ear infections, asthma and prolonged crying, even though there is not a jot of evidence. This organisation is the respectable face of the chiropractic profession and yet it happily promotes bogus treatments."</i><br /><br />Rather than contest Singh's assertion by producing evidence that their treatments did cure what can be life-threatening conditions; the BCA ran to the libel courts where they knew the onus would be on Singh.Singh has appealed the judgment, but stands to be ruined if another judge is minded like Eady.<br /><br />And if this stands, you can now expect every sort of charlatan to use the same tactics in future. It doesn't take much to imagine the consequences. Suppose the researchers who came up with the disproven MMR link to autism had been able to hide their evidence behind libel laws.<br /><br />If the Conservatives want one policy that would get popular support, abolishing our libel laws would be a good start - they're an embarrassment used by the rich and powerful to pervert justice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-248866966442237402009-06-16T17:28:59.205+01:002009-06-16T17:28:59.205+01:00If you're going to be a fully anonymous blogge...If you're going to be a fully anonymous blogger you have to make sure you aren't caught, particularly if you're going to breach the confidences of your (public sector) job. <br /><br />It would have been unthinkable for Eady to rule that he had a right to remain anonymous. Get angry with the Times for publishing but it's very clear where the law stands on this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-71607490869688658182009-06-16T17:14:57.943+01:002009-06-16T17:14:57.943+01:00A person made public statements hiding behind a ps...A person made public statements hiding behind a pseudonym and somebody was clever enough to work out who they really were.<br /><br />Don't see that Nighthawk had much of a case legally - and Eady was right.<br /><br />This is not an Orwellian BB moment that should worry people posting. <br /><br />As I understand things, it was not an application by the police to the ISP to disclose information about a blogger. It was an application by a blogger to suppress information already obtained by a reporter using legitimate means at his disposal.<br /><br />I am sorry for Nighthawk but don't see the fuss legally or that this sets any precedent.Weygandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359751090279735138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-20119635589696131322009-06-16T17:09:32.328+01:002009-06-16T17:09:32.328+01:00I find particularly revolting the 'Times' ...I find particularly revolting the 'Times' allegation that: <i>"In April Mr Horton was awarded the Orwell Prize for political writing, but the judges were not aware that he was revealing confidential details about cases, some involving sex offences against children, that could be traced back to genuine prosecutions. "</i> <br /><br />First, it's absolute rubbish, and secondly, what's to stop them 'outing' similarly-critical workbloggers like 'NHS Blog Doctor' or 'Bystander' next time, under the pretence that they may be revealing details of patients or court cases?JuliaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844126589712842477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-71460499541540237382009-06-16T17:05:37.117+01:002009-06-16T17:05:37.117+01:00As it happens, yes I think it would be a very good...As it happens, yes I think it would be a very good thing if Government (and opposition) speakers were routinely named.David Boothroydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01161970886471901426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-71611561357635031542009-06-16T17:04:05.606+01:002009-06-16T17:04:05.606+01:00@ David Boothroyd
So presumably you'll be sup...@ David Boothroyd<br /><br />So presumably you'll be supportive of the notion that unnamed government 'sources' of all types and at all levels should be revealed?<br /><br />This could be a lot of fun.Unsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08307116169498533047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65830581035378253622009-06-16T17:02:15.703+01:002009-06-16T17:02:15.703+01:00Why/how is it in the public interest that his iden...Why/how is it in the public interest that his identity is revealed? If what he writes is accurate his employers have nothing to fear....<br /><br />Or do they?Unsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08307116169498533047noreply@blogger.com