What laws exist that pertain to the reprinting of personal communications?

Question

If you receive a letter, or an email, is it legal to reprint it or publish it in a public forum. I see a lot of websites that receive hatemail and reprint it, usually with a snappy comeback. Do these websites have well written Terms of Service that are used to reserve the right to reprint personal communications? I'd like to know if I should include this in the TOS of my website to avoid any liability. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think you have to reference it. Otherwise laws pertaining to intellectual property apply. I think the internet makes it harder to enforce as different countries have different copy-write laws.