Here's a question a simple question with perhaps a rather complex answer, what are the legalities surrounding commenting openly/publicly on someone else’s design.

 

For example I found a blog the other day that listed the 'worst designs of 2011', it showed you the websites and offered generally constructive criticism.

 

However I can’t see the ‘designers’ agreeing with the sentiments.

Freedom of speech no?

I think the problem is the fine line between freedom of speech and defamatory comments.

 

For the record I don't necessirily disagree with the website in question, the designs were shocking!

Would only be defamatory if they were actually lying or deliberately causing harm to ones personal or business reputation.

 

If the websites really are crap, and the reviews offer helpful criticism then nothing wrong.

 

No different to an article, tv show or company reviewing a movie or cd?

Oh good, I have an idea for an article!

 

...let me just get rid of this moutain of work.