“DIY disclaimers”- fact or paranoia?

So I occasionally see a diy write up for doing something on a forum that will have the “do this at your own risk! I’m not responsible” disclaimer. 

Is there any legality on this? I’ve done a few forum write ups before, and never bothered. I assume if you read something on the internet, and take action, then it is the same as if I went to a library and did the same. Or if some hobo on the street gave me advice, and I applied it. 

Any law speaking people? 

This is America! You're free to sue and be sued for anything.  That said, I never really thought about suing someone else for my actions.

It doesn't seem that a disclaimer would shield you from frivolous lawsuits.  

In today's world, who knows. However, I think most judges wouldn't let that go to trial.

Fun fact: You know when you hear a media outlet report something and say, "Allegedly," that doesn't automatically mean they can't later be held responsible for libel if the charge is false.

I don't know the answer to this but I love the fact that any credible response is probably going to come with a disclaimer similar to the one you're asking about.

In reply to z31maniac :

Oh really... thanks for that tidbit. (Off to ruin someone’s day)

In reply to APEowner :

Lmao. True!

i wonder if a forum could include its members in its TOS? Thus protecting the website and the members from morons. 

I mean, all of us give out advice here all the time. But difference is, 99% of the listening audience aren’t petty thieves.