Chapter 7...Ken Zeran

When I read about Ken's predicament I was shocked. The story was so interesting I decided to google it for more information. Ken decided to issue two lawsuits: one against AOL, and one against Diamond Broadcasting (the radio station that announced the T-shirt slogans and giving of Zeran's phone number so people could give him a piece of their mind). Unfortunately, he lost both cases. It's not that AOL or Diamond Broadcasting did not feel sorry for Zeran, but they had no way of knowing that the ad was a hoax.

I would have done the exact same thing as Zeran. Damage to your reputation is almost always irrevocable. I can't imagine what this man endured during this time...he suffered significant unjustice. Although the law did not permit him to win either cases, I feel that considering his plight, AOL, Diamond Broadcasting, and Zeran's local community should have issued public announcements exposing the hoax and offering some sort of consolation and support to Zeran during this trying time.

The one good thing about Zeran suing these companies, is it brings attention to the massive damage you can do to another by fooling around on the internet. Hopefully people will be more cautious before gossiping publically about someone over something that they see on the internet. Reading about Zeran's situation made me feel very sorry for him, but also a little bit scared. No one broke into Zeran's home, injured him or his family members or said cruel things to him personally. The offender is untraceable, and he caused Mr. Zeran a tremedous amount of stress, money, heartache and probably the fight of his life....all through a few clicks on a keyboard and movements of a mouse...This really gives you something to think about. On a lighter note...it also makes you wonder....while all of this was unfolding...I would be willing to bet that Zeran took a closer look at the people he came into contact with during his past and present affairs...and asked himself...wow....i really ticked someone off!