The key rule that Gawker broke here was "Don't make powerful enemies"
Gawker's reputation and missteps aside, this is not a rule any respectable journalism organization would agree with.
Gawker's reputation and missteps aside, this is not a rule any respectable journalism organization would agree with.
If you're going to cross that line, you'd better do so carefully. At the very least don't antagonize someone who can rightfully sue you into oblivion.