A couple of days ago I blogged about the Debbie Frisch incident.
Here is some more information on that:
Common Sense Political Thought � Blog Archives � Blogging Code of Ethics: “Debbie Frisch, a PhD in psychology and an instructor at the University of Arizona (a temporary position, not a tenure track job), set off an internet firestorm with some comments aimed at Jeff Goldstein, the host of Protein Wisdom. The lovely Dr. Frisch wrote, as Mr Goldstein put together in one post for us:
I’d like to hear more about your tyke by the way. Girl? Boy? Toddler? Teen? Are you still married to the woman you ephed to give birth to the tyke?
Tell all, bro!”
The blogger at Common Sense Political Thought wrote about the importance of a Blogging Code of Ethics and even added some to them. Emphasis is mine:
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. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
• Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes and criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
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’d add a few more things:
Bloggers should never make reference to anyone else’s family unless such reference is a reasonable, non-harmful and non-insulting requirement for the story or comment.
Bloggers should never publish the addresses or telephone numbers of anyone in an attempt to have that person receive unsolicited mail or calls.
Bloggers should never return a violation of the code of ethics with a response that also violates the code of ethics.
Other suggestions could certainly be made.
I’d like to add my own point to this list.
If you have comment boxes, it is imperative that you manage them, particularly if you are going to be absent for long periods of time. Amy Welborn does a wonderful job of this. She tells her readers that she is going to be away, and then she shuts her boxes down. For Halo scan users, I understand this can be more of a problem, but if it means taking the code out temporarily, then in my opinion that is the best thing to do. Failure to do so leaves you with a mess like this. Being absent isn’t an excuse for letting your forum turn into chaos.