SM's Withdrawal Note

After serious discussion with friends and management, I have to back off from The Council of Six with regards to the content revamp in the office. I must be neutral to the blogging and online news scene and not only on entertainment scene as I have to spearhead the blogging segment. I hope you guys undestand my situation. Thanks you.

Blogosphere Code of Conduct (sample 8)

Do be thick skinned. The anonymity of the Blogosphere leads some people to say things they wouldn’t dare say to your face. Ignore them. Their parents probably never taught them good manners.

Don’t call people names or generalize about them – even if you want to. Sometimes one is tempted to say, “Well you just say that because you’re an a**.” This does nothing to further the debate.

Do grant your opponent credit when he/she makes a valid point. In any debate, you’re going to win some points and lose some. Acknowledge the ones you lose and move on. It’ll really disarm your opponent.

Don’t just cut and paste from some other source into the comments section. If you’re not smart enough to summarize the point you want to make in 100 words or less, you’re out of your league. No one is going to read the whole thing and your point will be lost.

Do have a sense of humor. In a thick and heavy discussion, a little self-deprecating humor can lighten the whole atmosphere. Making a joke about yourself shows your ego is not threatened by what others think or say about you. If you can’t make a joke at your own expense, get counseling. Life is just too short not to have some fun occasionally.

Don’t speak in generalities, be as specific as possible. To say, “This economy stinks,” says nothing. If you say, “The U.S. economy grew at only 0.5% in the last quarter and that is the lowest quarterly growth rate since 1863,” then you’ve made a specific point that your opponent will have to counter.

Do be truthful. You can lie and get away with it for only a short period. It is just too easy to fact check what you say in the Blogosphere and you’ll be found out. Lose your credibility and you’re blogospherically dead.


Source: tedkarol.com

Blogger Code Of Ethics (sample 7)

1. I will tell the truth.

2. I will write deliberately and with accuracy.

3. I will acknowledge and correct mistakes promptly.

4. I will preserve the original post, using notations to show where I have made changes so as to maintain the integrity of my publishing.

5. I will never delete a post.

6. I will not delete comments unless they are spam or off-topic.

7. I will reply to emails and comments when appropriate, and do so promptly.

8. I will strive for high quality with every post – including basic spellchecking.

9. I will stay on topic.

10. I will disagree with other opinions respectfully.

11. I will link to online references and original source materials directly.

12. I will disclose conflicts of interest.

13. I will keep private issues and topics private, since discussing private issues would jeopardize my personal and work relationships.


Source: socialtext.net

Blogger Code of Conduct, Ethics (sample 6)

(1) Misinformation and/or false information shall not be published or permitted in the blogosphere.

(2) Posts or comments should remain civil, however, if someone does flame you in any way, shape or form, they should expect to be flamed in return in the form of a post or comment and they should not complain that they are treated in the same way that they have treated you. Libeling anyone should be refrained from entirely.

(3) Information in a post shall not be stolen from a source or plagiarized. If information from a source other than your own is used, that source shall be cited.

(4) You have the complete and total freedom to express your views and opinions in any way, shape or form you choose, as long as no one is flamed directly or libled in the process. You should not expect everyone to agree with your views and you should expect discussion and debate of your views openly when they are posted.

(5) Posts that purposefully state something that cannot be proven about another blogger in order to increase traffic to your blog shall not be permitted.

(6) Bloggers shall do their best to adhere to good use of the English language, as to ensure a readable post by their readers.

(7) Violation of any of these guideliness shall constitute the violating blogger's permittance of his/her fellow bloggers posting juicy posts detailing his/her violation(s) in full.


Source: ladlass.com

I Abide by Blogger Code of Ethics (sample 5)

I hereby declare from this day, the 12th of April, 2008, the following:

I will post as accurate only information that I know to be accurate.

If accuracy is in doubt, I will convey this in a note to the reader.

I will not plagiarize material, nor quote without attribution.

I will delete comments only when they are needlessly inflammatory, racist, or spam.

I will try to ensure that what I post is not only accurate but presents a complete picture, I will not try to post only part of a story or an argument.

I will not edit photographs to misrepresent news.

I will not reveal details that have been given to me in confidence.

I will not publish private emails unless explicitly permitted to do so. I will not publish names or details when asked not to do so.

I will respect another's copyrights and not post without the copyright holder’s permission, except when abiding by the terms of “fair use” (generally small excerpts for journalistic purposes).

Unless my posting inadvertently violates one of the other codes mentioned, I will generally not change the URLs or delete my postings, although I may correct for grammar, clarity, or spelling.

If corrections need to be made, I will try to use strikeout rather than deleting the material and mark all updates as such.

I will not attack, embarrass, humiliate, or make others fear for their safety.

I will do no personal harm. Beyond this, I will endeavor to create what is good and beneficial for society, rather than hurt it or waste its time.

I will try to ensure that my posts are edited for spelling, grammar, and clarity, and that all links are correct.

I will always provide all facts relevant to an opinion when criticizing. I will always assume possible confusion or misunderstanding before labeling something or someone as fraudulent.

I will try to provide original material of interest to my readership. I will not simply quote or link to other blogs.

I will not pass on gossip about private individuals nor report on embarrassing facts about others. I will not link to or report information that is accidentally leaked.

I will respect my readers, critics, and subjects of my posts. I will discuss and answer all people with respect, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, nationality, ability, attractiveness, and social or economic status.

I will not respond with rudeness to rudeness. I will apologize when appropriate and stand on principle only when absolutely necessary.

I will affirm what are my own words and posts, and not claim credit for others, or deny responsibility for my own. I will clearly separate what are my own words from others.

I will not post anything that could endanger others’ safety, including identifying information about minors or vulnerable individuals.

Signed

Vernon Kedit-Jolly
(Mr. Manager)


Source: beacononline.wordpress.com

A blogger's code of ethics (sample 4)

1) A blogger must be honest.
A) Every piece should be a sincere expression of how the blogger perceives the facts to be, and all opinions should be heartfelt. Omitting key facts that don't buttress the blogger's point or posting outrageous comments simply to stir up reaction or draw attention is dishonest, and such conduct should be shunned.

B) A blogger should not put forth themselves as an expert on any given field unless prepared to back up such claims with proof.

C) A blogger should not attempt to "hide" mistakes. Deleting embarassing, dishonest, or just plain wrong postings is an attempt to re-write history. An honest blogger will update, correct, or apologize for such work, but never attempt to bury their mistakes. "The moving hand writes, and having writ moves on. Neither all your tears, nor all your wit, Shall lure it back to erase half a line, Nor change a word of it." That's from the Rubiyat of Omar Khayyum, and it's sound advice.

D) A blogger should give credit where credit is due. Sources should be cited, other blogs that broke stories linked to, and original ideas credited to their sources. Plagiarism is way too easy to commit these days, and even easier to uncover.

The sole exceptions to this general principle should be 1) fictional or satirical pieces, which should be labeled as such; and 2) obscuring of personal or identifying details, if the blogger prefers to post under a pseudonym or the piece involves people who haven't given their consent.

2) A blogger must be accurate.
Bloggers who put forth statements and accounts as factual must do their homework and GET IT RIGHT. Sloppiness, laziness, and inattention to detail will get found out, and will cost the blogger credibility. And in the online world, where the only currency is reputation, they will eventually bankrupt themselves.

3) A blogger must be interesting.
Topics blogged about should have some interest to at least a good percentage of the audience. (A personal note here: I have a perfectly wonderful piece written about a local talk-show host here in Manchester, Cow Hampshire, but who really cares about a former TV sports guy named Charlie Sherman? And I still can't believe I wrote and posted that piece about the intricacies of battleship design and construction...)

4) A blogger must always put forth their best efforts.
I have a half-dozen pieces I've started but had to abandon because I just couldn't get the piece to work. I admit I have pretty low standards, but I do have some, and if I don't think a piece is worth reading, I won't post it. The one that particularly galls me that I can't get to work is one about Jeremy Hinzman, a cowardly piece of shit deserter from the United States Army currently seeking political asylum in Canada. I think I might have to revisit that one again soon...

5) A blogger must be responsible.
If a blogger chooses to allow comments (and I think it's a good thing, generally), they have the obligation to police such comments. When someone posts a comment that violates the blogger's ethical standards -- say, such as libel, excessive profanity, coding to "rig" another site's poll (gee, where did I get that from?), grotesquely off-topic postings, other bloggers shamelessly plugging their own sites, and outright commercial spam, just to name a few examples -- it is the blogger's obligation to remove it.


Source: wizbangblog.com

Blogger Code of Ethics (sample 3)

Accuracy

I will post as accurate only information that I know to be accurate. Whenever possible, I will provide sources and links.

If accuracy may be in doubt, I will convey this to the reader.

Attribution

I will not plagiarize material, nor quote without attribution.

Comments

I will delete comments only when they violate the rules of my blog, such as needlessly inflammatory, racist, or spam comments.

Completeness

I will try to ensure that what I post is not only accurate but presents a complete picture, I won't post only part of a story or an argument.

I won't crop photos to misrepresent news.

Confidentiality

I will not reveal details that have been given to me in confidence.

I won't publish private emails unless explicitly permitted to do so. I won't publish names or details when asked not to do so.

Copyright

I will respect other people's copyrights and not post without the copyright holder's permission, except when abiding by the terms of "fair use" (generally small excerpts for journalistic purposes).

Correction

Unless my posting inadvertently violates one of the other codes mentioned, I will generally not change the URLs or delete my postings, although I may correct for grammar, clarity, or spelling.

If corrections need to be made, I will try to use strikeout rather than deleting the material and mark all updates as such.

Disclosure

I will let readers know if or when I use affiliate links or paid posts. I will disclose whenever I am affiliated with a company or received items as gifts.

Do No Harm

I will not attack, embarrass, humiliate, or make others fear for their safety. I will certainly not do so and then accuse my victims of being overly sensitive or needing to have thicker skin.

I will firstly do no harm. Beyond this, I will endeavor to create what is good and beneficial for society, rather than hurt it or waste its time.

Editing

I will try to ensure that my posts are edited for spelling, grammar, and clarity, and that all links are correct.

Fairness

I will always provide all facts relevant to an opinion when criticizing. I will always assume possible confusion or misunderstanding before labeling something or someone as fraudulent. In this case, I will first try to work things out privately, and, if not satisfied, let the facts speak for themselves in as unbiased a manner as possible.

Originality

I will try to provide original material of interest to my readership. I will not simply quote or link to other blogs.

Privacy

I will not pass on gossip about private individuals nor report on embarrassing facts about others. I will not link to or report information that is accidentally leaked.

Respect

I will respect my readers, critics, and subjects of my posts. I will discuss and answer all people with respect, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, nationality, ability, attractiveness, and social or economic status.

I will not respond with rudeness to rudeness. I will apologize when appropriate and stand on principle only when absolutely necessary.

Responsibility

I will affirm what are my own words and posts, and not claim credit for others, or deny responsibility for my own. I will clearly separate what are my own words from others.

Safety

I will not post anything that could endanger others' safety, including identifying information about minors or vulnerable individuals.

End Note About Humorous Posts

I may occasionally post something that appears to violate one of these codes if it is clear that my post is meant to be humorous or satirical. For instance, I may pretend that someone said something that he or she didn't for comic effect. Any post of this sort will be obviously intended as humor and I will ensure that it cannot be misconstrued otherwise.


Source: jergames.blogspot.com

Blogger's Code of Conduct [The Famous O'Reilly's Code] (sample 2)

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 others

We 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.

Source: radar.oreilly.com

A BLOGGER'S CODE OF ETHICS (sample 1)

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.

Source: cyberjournalist.net

The Council Of Six

Malaysia's top entertainment and lifestyle bloggers met up today to discuss the formation of a formal association that will be opened to all entertainment and lifestyle bloggers.

The association, which has no name yet, will then seek to serve as a united front for all entertainment and lifestyle bloggers and to bring them under one umbrella organisation where they may enjoy fellowship, support and solidarity, and also be officially recognised as valid contributors to the new/alternative media. The association will also champion responsible and ethical blogging.

It was unanimously agreed that the six founding members of this association will draft The Constitution, present A Blogger's Code Of Ethics for the association, and apply for official registration with The Registrar of Societies.