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Step 1
Before posting a response, make sure you give a thorough cognitive assessment of all the possible scenarios that could ensue. For example, you could potentially cause a wild fire.. Don't be aggressive, be humble. CAUTION: Read the next step before acting on this one.
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Step 2
Post a statement on the same site if possible; BUT only if the posting is very new. If it is an old posting DO NOT TOUCH IT or post a rebuttal because this is singularly the best way to inflame the poster and potentially bring about a more viscous campaign.
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Step 3
Make sure to advise the offender that allegations are untrue and they should remove material. This is necessary because in most jurisdictions you have an obligation to mitigate your damages where possible if litigation is eventually required.
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Step 4
ANTI SOCIAL LIBELLERS: Be careful, libellers are often anti-social. If your antagonist is unstable or anti-social you may be well advised to take action "below the radar" and seek professional help. Otherwise you may be targeted for a much more intense and malicious campaign.
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Step 5
If the libeler made an (a) HONEST MISTAKE or (b) posted offending material in the HEAT OF EMOTIONS, he or she may be very reasonable with your request when (a) you prove your innocence or (b) his/her emotions cool down.
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Step 6
FOR ANONYMOUS LIBELLERS: With professional assistance it is possible to positively identify anonymous and cowardly libellers. In doing so and then letting them know that they are "busted" they may retract and retreat. Libel cases in court are often expensive and difficult to win. If you "rattle your sabre" and disclose what you already have proof; the antagonist will either be much sneakier in the future (if anti-social) or apologize and retract the offending materials. To succeed in identifying these people you will probably ned an attorney and a digital forensics team.
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Step 7
You can also send a request to the hosting blog or Internet Service Provider (ISP) asking them to pull down the offending page. However.....be aware that in the USA ISPs do not have to remove libel, furthermore a controversial federal law under "SECTION 230(C) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT" gives the ISP immunity to damages. Even if you knock on their door and show them unimpeachable evidence that the material is false; they can tell you to jump in the lake and there is not a thing you can do about it. If you look at my tips below you will see an excellent essay on this silly law.
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Step 8
If all else fails you may have to litigate. If so be careful to choose a law firm that has an excellent track record for prevailing in libel, slander and defamation cases (for the victim). You may also need to hire a private investigator with specialty in digital forensics to augment the legal team to gather evidence. There are a very small number of specialty firms that coordinate these types of actions with or without legal intervention.
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Step 9
Before doing anything! If you are in the USA or if the libel has been published on a USA based ISP, you should take 5 minutes to read the essay linked below which explains in details the anguish and frustration you will face. It applies to corporate victims of libel as much as it does for individuals. The author was financially ruined by online libel and he now helps people in the same situation. His insight will give you a better idea of the frustrating battle and anguish you may face.
