I would like to start a complaint blog about problems small business owners have when accepting credit cards (this is an area rife with problems and occasional abuse). I'm wondering what would be the liability issues with actually naming names of processing companies? I don't mean actual legal liability, since in the US (where I'm located) defamation is almost impossible to prove especially against sites like this. I mean more like possible harassment?
Well, you'd definitely risk "harassment" if you choose this kind of blog. Everyone won't agree with you. It will be controversial. That can be a good thing, and that can be a headache. Just be prepared for it going in. If you're really worried about it, keep the whois info on the domain private, and blog anonymously.