Real Estate Blogging Bringing in More than you Bargained for?

I was amazed to read on Rain City Guide this morning about the Realtor in Florida who is being sued for $25 MILLION dollars based on his blog!  Tim Kane wrote the informative post about whether or not we really have free speech when it comes to blogging.  A developer didn't appreciate the Realtor's blog and is filing suit as a result! 

I read the article in the Miami Herald and also the agent in question's blog posts.  I did find the style harsh in my own opinion, but I can't see how a lawsuit could possibly be founded by the developer.  Of course, I should disclose that I am not an attorney if I am going to be offering up my own opinion on the subject. 

What surprised me the most was that the Realtor's broker fired him and also plans on telling their roughly 800 agents what they can and can not blog about.  Wow!  Won't that just be great for the customer?  Instead of getting the truth about the local market, they will be getting a management approved sugar coated version of the truth. Ouch! 

So, two issues:

1. Should we offer a disclaimer when we blog that it is only our opinion even though most people know that a blog is an online diary of opinions?**
2. Is sugar coating your blog really in the best interest for a consumer? How do we protect ourselves while getting the information out there?

You decide!  I want to get the info out there to the Seattle real estate customer to try and help them make an informed decision for the Puget Sound market.  That is the basis of why I blog.  I don't expect everyone to agree with me - nor should they.  That is the beauty of the medium of blogging to me. 

**Disclaimer:  This is my personal opinion and I am not an attorney:)

Courtney Cooper ....For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor specializing in  Seattle Real Estate (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park) and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced and with a background in accounting - I love my clients and work hard for them!