WordPress Arena.com has posted a great resource, Blogging Code of Ethics.

With blogs becoming more legitimate, it’s becoming important that bloggers start abiding to a code of ethics. No one is saying that bloggers have to be journalists, but with more of them taking over coverage of local politics and news in “Small Town USA” and covering important topics, some standards need to be set and met.

It’s Not Just Bloggers… Journalist Aren’t Innocent Either

Yes, there have been some so-called “journalists” who have broken their ethical pacts, but on the whole the ethical standards of journalists are one of the main reasons that has kept the news industry in business. 

Both Stephen Glass, from the New Republic, and Jayson Blair, from the New York Times, were  fired after it was found that they both had (separately)  fabricated and plagiarized in numerous stories. They are just two examples of why ethics are needed in blogging. Both had standards to meet and a strict code of ethics and when they broke them they were held accountable. This isn’t yet true in blogging.

Oh Boy, Here Comes Uncle Sam

Since there isn’t any set ethical standard for what bloggers write, or say, or do, the blogosphere is rampant with fake (i.e. paid) product reviews, distortions of facts, outright lies and other similar things. Because of this trend, the US Federal Trade Commission has set  a course to regulate and curb the abuses. The hope is to make this illegitimate step-child of journalism a legitimate and upstanding part of the Internet.

But Regulaton Isn’t Enough

Regardless of whether federal regulation is enough to prevent the above mentioned abuses, the responsibility ultimately belongs to the bloggers themselves. Therefore, as with traditional journalists, bloggers need to adopt a basic Code of Ethics.

The WordPress Arena article does a great job of starting us off:

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 or be sensationalistic to the point of misleading the reader.

• Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations. Also, cite the image source, if applicable.

• 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.

Minimizing Harm

Ethical bloggers must 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 and respect people’s privacy.

• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

• Do not identify juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes.

• Be careful about identifying those accused of criminal activity and misdeeds. Remember, innocent until proven guilty.

• 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 favoured 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 favours. When accepting such information, disclose the favours.

• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

It’s not Perfect, Though a Good Start

Now, does a code of ethics stop bloggers from being malicious and devious? No, not at all. But it gives a frame work for which to start.

What are you thoughts on having a blogging code of ethics? Post your thoughts below in the comments.

Seth Goldstein is the publisher and co-editor of A2SM. He is also the co-host of the A2SM podcast. As a day job, Seth is the president of the Web Design and Internet Marketing firm Goldstein Media in Philadelphia, PA. Seth has more than 4 years experience as a professional journalist covering small town  politics and other issues. You can also see his musings at his personal blog SethGoldstein.net.