I have a daily real estate talk show in Bakersfield, Ca. You can listen online at www.JonVaughn.com, Mon-Fri 8am PST.

I’ve created a parody of some local shenanigans going on, and thought you’d enjoy this.

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/bakonative/13368

There is a flash player on the first post. I didn’t know how to add that player in this.

Jon Vaughn

Ardell: I will check out MBA and E&O insurance choices.

Danilo, I think that is a good idea but check with an attorney in the state on the best wording and placement of the disclaimer. Some states require a conspicuous one(typeface, bold, prominent location) .

Kevin, try a Selltoon. Parody is protected speech.

IMPORTANT: No disclaimer will protect you if you make a false statement of fact. So if you say: “IMO Mr. X is a convicted sex offender” and this is untrue, you have just libeled Mr. X. Mixing opinion and fact can still be defamation. Be careful.

You are on much safer ground if you criticize a public official or figure, & relate it to a topic of public concern (like pissing away our tax money on a stupid monorail to the mall). And don’t name names if you’re talking about a private person. You are always free to bash the government. It is impossible to defame the government.

Also, try using humor — satire and parody are First Amendment darlings. But watch out for trademark infringement.
http://tinyurl.com/36hvg4

As with everything written here or elsewhere, do not rely on any of it to protect what you plan to do, especially when it comes to a private person. If in doubt, consult an attorney in your state who has experience with media representation. Or call the ACLU.

Finally, remember that “dumb ass” can cover a lot of ground in a critique.