It is defamation by writing. Slander is defamation by saying. Our focus in the next few messages will be on libel, since most of the defamation that would exist on the net is defamation by writing.
Defamation is a statement that harms the reputation of someone else.
That sounds pretty straightforward, but there are many qualifications. Describing these qualifications is the purpose of the balance of our messages on the subject of libel. We first consider some basic features of the law, and then consider special problems raised by the net. Let's begin, though, with a little bit more about the definition. Since it is not made to someone else, it doesn't harm the reputation of my boss.