One lesson of the Figes affair

In today's issue of the TLS we print our account of a story which we began last week, a sorry tale that has become known in Britain as the Orlando Figes affair.
 
There is no reason to repeat the details here. Read JC's account instead.
 
It has certainly been an unusual saga, set out well also in yesterday's Independent newspaper. Many other writers have played their part, drawn by reports of literary skullduggery and arguments about the ethics of reviewing in the internet age.
 
Only one point ...