Details of her web postings were revealed in yesterday's National Post. At least some of the content had been removed last year, but still exists in Google's cache of web pages.

Herein lies the first lesson for those of us post content to the internet - it may never go away. Quotes from your posts may exist on other websites, in Google's cache, in the internet archive at Alexa or have been saved to someone's hard drive. Once you post it, you are stuck with it. If it matters enough, an enterprising individual will find it and use it if it suits their purpose.

The most damaging of the witness's postings were made to bulletin board/forum-type site under a handle and where she provided little identifying information. That is what people like about bulletin boards - they can have their say anonymously. Despite this, I have seen postings that could be considered libelous or threatening where the author has included their email address or a link to their personal web site. Even where authors who haven't been that foolish, often include enough information for a resourceful person to figure out who they are.

The witness in the Johnathan trial may face perjury charges over the revelation - this is the second lesson. Too many of those writing on the internet seem to think they are not accountable for what they write. How else can you explain bloggers posting entries suggesting that a person embroiled in a scandal is "gay prostitute" supported only by a classified ad and a rumour. Each of us is accountable for what we say and should not post anything unless we can justify it.

Bloggers and those who post to message boards should remember the golden rule: "If you don't want to see it and your name on the front page of the newspaper, don't post it."

Further Reading:
Johnathan mistrial: Judge says Post story casts doubt on witness (National Post)
Mistrial declared in brutal slaying of Toronto boy (CBC News)
Mistrial declared in Toronto murder trial (Canadian Press)
Johnathan trial aborted (Globe and Mail)
Mistrial in Johnathan case (Toronto Star)
Johnathan mistrial (Toronto Sun)