Bloggers’ Code of Ethics
Nov 5th, 2006 by Don Ledingham
I came across this interesting Bloggers Code of Ethics from The Online News Association
I’ve tweaked it a bit but it seems to capture almost everything for me, particularly as it sets out integrity as the cornerstone of credibility. It suggests that “Bloggers who adopt this code of principles and these standards of practice not only practice ethical publishing, but convey to their readers that they can be trusted.” Perhaps with a little modification for those of us involved in education it could help us shape our practice?
A BLOGGERS’ CODE OF ETHICS
Be Honest and Fair
Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Bloggers should:
• Never plagiarize.
• Identify and link to sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability.
• Make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
• Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations.
• Never publish information they know is inaccurate — and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it’s in doubt.
• Distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.
• Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
Minimize Harm
Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect.
Bloggers should:
• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by Weblog content. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.
• Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention.
Be Accountable
Bloggers should:
• Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
• Explain each Weblog’s mission and invite dialogue with the public over its content and the bloggers’ conduct.
• Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
• Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content. When exceptions are made, disclose them fully to readers.
• Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.
• Expose unethical practices of other bloggers.
• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.
I’ve been working quite hard on producing guidelines for LTS employees which will stand up to the legal dept’s scrutiny. What’s been cool has been producing a basic set based on many many company’s own versions, but then letting the whole staff play about with them on a wiki for two weeks. We’re just waiting for the CMT to give the nod and then I hope to make them available to everyone to use, adjust and apply in their settings.
Above all, they encourage sharing and honesty without acting as a constraint from on high for the self-publisher.
This post was really interesting. Indeed, I will probably write a post my self as I think the information here is very informative. Though I have had guidance from colleagues, I have had no rule or code of conduct with regards to blogging. Maybe with the launch of the new East Lothian blogs it would be a good idea to have an available ‘EL Bloggers Guide’. It would help me and I am sure it would help the rising numbers of new bloggers.
PS. Just trying an HTML code here as I haven’t used it on wordpress yet. Fingers crossed it works, apologies if not
East Lothian Blogs
I heard tonight that LTS strategy should be finalised tmorrow which will hopefully mean we can adopt a strategy in East Lothian as soon after as possible. There are lots of good pieces of guidance like this on the web, but it’s important for an organisation to have something which balances ‘good style’ and legal responsibilities.
Thanks Ewan. I just liked the idea of us being drven by an ethical code - as opposed to a set of rules (which do thave their place)
I think/hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the code we’ve come up with. It was shaped by bloggers within the organisation and tries to saddle both elements of ethics, which suggest how one might act, and common sense, which one should follow (but sometimes we ‘forget’ to
I like the relative conciseness of the ethical code, though, and it would be good to compare it with the more formal codes that organisations have come up with.