Legal question about personal letters.?

Question

HI I was just curious about the legal options concerning personal letters. I run a website where I write to serial kilers and post their letters on the web for everyone to see and read ( http://www.Write-A-Murderer.com ). I have 2 questions.

First off I have recieved several emails from people over what the inmates wrote about them. This is nothing I wrote and the letters are all scanned directly into the computer just as they wrote them. Is there any legal action the people can take against me since I wasn't the one who wrote the letters I just scanned them in for everyone to read. Also is there anything stopping me from posting the emails they sent me on the web as well for everyone to read?

Secondly, I have recieved letters from inmates that were not sent to me but to someone else who copied them and then forwarded the copies to me. They are now mad that I posted these on the website as well is there any laws against posting these?

Also is there any laws concerning posting copies of the envelopes with the people return address on them or letters where the person inclose a home telephone number for me to call?

Answer 1

I'd respond but I don't want you to post my response on your web site.

Oops! I guess I responded.

Oh well.

You may post anything that you get. However, you have a responsibility for the accuracy of what you post.

For example, suppose you get something that says "SPLATT is a fink" and you post it. Since I'm not a fink [in my opinion] I could hold you responsible for posting defamatory material on your site. I just might sue you for libel.

Also, if the stuff that is forwarded to you is copyrighted, you cannot post it without the author's permission.