If you haven’t read my review on the, “Google Bomb” book, be sure to read it.  It is the untold story of the landmark internet case that won Sue Scheff $11.3 million for defamation of character.  I was so amazed with what I read, that I just had to follow through with some questions.

You will find Sue’s answers below:

1.  I have to admit that before reading, Google Bomb.  I was naive as to the damage internet defamation could create in someone’s life.  What would you say was the biggest damage that this ordeal caused you?

“The most damaging factor with Internet Defamation is the loss of your personal reputation as well as your emotional well-being.  There is a feeling of helplessness and powerless over not being able to “correct” what lies are posted about you. You can’t imagine that such evilness exists online and yet you are dependent on the Internet for so many different reasons.  Losing your self-worth and your confidence in your work can be devastating.  I am grateful I have regained it; however I know there are many out there that are going through what I went through.  I hope they can learn from my experiences and gain from the knowledge I have learned since this happened to me.”

2.  What is the biggest lesson you learned through all this?

“I always tell people they need to be proactive with their virtual image.  My biggest lesson was thinking it would all just go away eventually.  It doesn’t.  You need to constantly be a positive presence online, be sure you own your own name and your business name.  Remember, if you don’t own your name, someone else might decide to use it.  If you have a common name, be sure to create your personal image by Blogging your interests and areas of expertise. Most important, be proactive.”

3.  What key steps do you take now to protect yourself from this happening again?

“One of the first tips you have to do is sign up for Google Alerts so you are made aware immediately when your name is being used online.  Twitter offers Twilert.com which gives you alerts when your name is being mentioned on Twitter.  The earlier you know there are problems, the easier they will be to rectify.   After that, take the time to sign up for personal branding sites such as Naymz.com, Ziggs.com, LookUpPage.com etc.  These are great tools to help you manage your online resume and profile.”

4.   What advice would you give Moms about protecting their children from being Google Bombed?

“Children should be taught about the dangers that lurk online, such as in chat rooms.  They are one of the riskiest places online where Internet predators are simply waiting for their next victim.  Unfortunately many kids believe they are immune to these unpleasant creatures; however it is a parent’s responsibility to explain how to stay safe online and why you can’t trust those you don’t know personally. Explaining to them the consequences of chatting with strangers (potential predators), or helping them to understand what they post today may haunt them tomorrow, will help keep your child safer in cyberspace.  I believe that communication with your child is critical – as well as giving your children examples they can understand will help them from being attacked online.  Remember, an educated parent is a prepared parent which leads to a safer child.”

5. Tell us a little about your company P.U.R.E and what its main goal is?

“Parents’ Universal Resource Experts, Inc (P.U.R.E.) is an organization I created almost 10 years ago.  We help educate parents that are struggling with at risk teens.  Many parents are at their wit’s end with teens today, and we offer resources and guidance that can help them help their teenager.” www.helpyourteens.com