Do We Really Need a Blogger’s Code of Conduct?
Tim O’Reilly has created and posted a Blogger’s Code of Conduct. I am assuming this has been driven from the whole Kathy Sierra-Chris Locke Incident. I have added a link to go to Tim’s page, but here is the whole code of conduct.
We celebrate the blogosphere because it embraces frank and open conversation. But frankness does not have to mean lack of civility. We present this Blogger Code of Conduct in hopes that it helps create a culture that encourages both personal expression and constructive conversation.
1. We take responsibility for our own words and for the comments we allow on our blog.
We are committed to the “Civility Enforced” standard: we will not post unacceptable content, and we’ll delete comments that contain it.
We define unacceptable content as anything included or linked to that:
- is being used to abuse, harass, stalk, or threaten others
- is libelous, knowingly false, ad-hominem, or misrepresents another person,
- infringes upon a copyright or trademark
- violates an obligation of confidentiality
- violates the privacy of othersWe define and determine what is “unacceptable content” on a case-by-case basis, and our definitions are not limited to this list. If we delete a comment or link, we will say so and explain why. [We reserve the right to change these standards at any time with no notice.]
2. We won’t say anything online that we wouldn’t say in person.
3. We connect privately before we respond publicly.
When we encounter conflicts and misrepresentation in the blogosphere, we make every effort to talk privately and directly to the person(s) involved–or find an intermediary who can do so–before we publish any posts or comments about the issue.
4. When we believe someone is unfairly attacking another, we take action.
When someone who is publishing comments or blog postings that are offensive, we’ll tell them so (privately, if possible–see above) and ask them to publicly make amends.
If those published comments could be construed as a threat, and the perpetrator doesn’t withdraw them and apologize, we will cooperate with law enforcement to protect the target of the threat.5. We do not allow anonymous comments.
We require commenters to supply a valid email address before they can post, though we allow commenters to identify themselves with an alias, rather than their real name.
6. We ignore the trolls.
We prefer not to respond to nasty comments about us or our blog, as long as they don’t veer into abuse or libel. We believe that feeding the trolls only encourages them–”Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it.” Ignoring public attacks is often the best way to contain them.
He has created a badge that a blogger will be able to post on their site to show that this code of conduct will be enforced. It looks like this.
Wooh doggie, there’s a new sheriff in town.
He also added a second badge for an “anything goes” site. He writes:
This is an open, uncensored forum. We are not responsible for the comments of any poster, and when discussions get heated, crude language, insults and other “off color” comments may be encountered. Participate in this site at your own risk.
And this “anything goes” site has it’s own badge:
Like JJ use to say, “DYNOMITE!”
I am sorry, but I think this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life. We don’t need to put rules down somewhere on how people should act. If they do not know how to act by now, they sure are not going to learn it from a code of conduct. More importantly, the last thing we need in the real or web world’s is more rules telling us how we should act, say or do. Just like in the real world, people need and should be held accountable for their actions with or without a code of conduct.
This works both ways… As a blog owner, I am responsible for what I write and I am also responsible for what comments I allow on my blog. It has not happened yet, but if a commentor would write something that I consider slanderous, hurtful, racist, etc. I have every right to either delete the comment or most likely, I would contact the commentor and speak to them on how this might be put in a better way.
Just like I have my responsibilities, readers and commentators have their own responsibilities and when it comes to this blog, each person is held accountable for what they write.
I am sorry Tim, but the last thing we need are more rules, guidelines or anything else. Your idea has good thoughts behind it, but this is something that I absolutely disagree with and will not participate in. Also, I think the badges are hokey to say the least and the sheriff’s badge could be offensive to people inside and outside of the US.
Technorati Tags: Tim O’Reilly, Blogger’s Code of Conduct, Civility Enforced, harass, stalk, threaten
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This discussion of a blogging ethical standard or code has been going on since 2004 if not before. I brought it up with a group of bloggers when we were looking into creating something called the Professional Bloggers Association. It was debated, but since the PBA never evolved, we didn’t actually create anything.
In those days, the blogosphere was pretty much the wild, wild west. Since blogging has moved much more into the mainstream so far as business use is concerned, I’m sure there will be other attempts at creating a code of conduct. However, my gut tells me that, for the most part, true died-in-the-wool bloggers will pooh-pooh the idea. I tend to vote with that crowd myself.
Paul – I agree that there has been many talks around some sort of standard or code and nothing has ever happened. The reason I believe is that people do not want anything that could stifle or stop this community of growing and expanding into multiple areas. It just will not work. Thanks for the comment.
I’ve got to agree with you on this Cord. While I understand the purpose of the Code, I don’t think it’s going to do any good.
Most people do act like adults when blogging and don’t need these guidelines to conduct themselves and their blogs and the others who are interested in spreading filth will ignore it anyways.
I want the anything goes badge for my blog.
Mike – I could not agree more. Morons will be morons whether in real life or cyberspace and a code of conduct is not going to change that.
Jud – LOL, well that fits buddy, cause you are Dynomite!!
Thanks guys for the comments.
I have a disclaimer. It sets the standard I want on my blog and it’s pretty clear. So anyone acting outside it will know exactly what to expect, and should they be in doubt, I have the delete key.
Rules have a curious way of morphing into censorship. Which is what blogging should not be about.
I could not agree more Britgirl…
The whole code of conduct and the badges are little out of sense. I a have disclaimer in my blog and it explains clearly about code of conduct.
common sense comes to mind – I’d think most who blog with any serious intent possess that human quality. Congrats on the bloggers choice award nomination, Cord -