Debate over ethics in the corridors of human history has covered every topic from the value of human life to the means of doing business. By its very nature, ethical statements can be both corporate and individual expressions. In order to encourage ethical practice, discussion and expression for bloggers, I have posted the "My Blog Code of Ethics" badge for open distribution in the blogosphere.
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The code of ethics may vary from one blog to another. The purpose of this badge, rather than an agreed-upon set of ethics, is to promote open disclosure and statement of the ethics of your respective blog, thus the title "My Blog Code of Ethics".
Use of this badge in your sidebar should link to a post on your site with an explanation of your stated code of ethics. Your ethical statements may be reflective of those below or adapted to more closely meet the set standards for your blog. In accordance with the Creative Commons licensing, please link back to this site. This will also give the reader a morecomplete explanation of the "My Blog Code of Ethics" and provide optional color choices for folks to use on their blogs.
Ethical statements should be clear and consistent with your publishing practices. Generally, they are broad statements that encompass major guidelines. Most importantly, they should be statements that you, the author, fully intend to follow.
My Blog Code of Ethics
- Any content not originated by the publisher of this blog will be properly referenced and follow appropriate fair use licensing.
- Information referenced from other sources online will be linked.
- Any advertising on this site will be clearly marked as such.
- Unless explicitly stated, no posts are written for financial compensation from the product or site being reviewed.
- All information published on this site is believed to be true and accurate to the best of the authors knowledge.
- The content on this site, will not use foul language, display offensive images, or promote content that is commonly considered demeaning or highly offensive to people related to sex, violence or drugs.
The statements above are the stated code of ethics for this blog. You may use these ethics verbatim or alter them according to your blogs publishing practices.
If you prefer a different color for your blog contact me as I will most likely create a new color and post back to this blog for open usage.
To use the badge on your blog:
- Right-click on the badge and choose "Save Image As" to your desktop
- Upload to your browser
- Insert in your blog post
- Post a version to your sidebar or footer that links to your blog post
The "My Blog Code of Ethics" is released under the Creative Commons License:
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11 Comments
Hey Phil, This is another very good thing (just call me Martha…) that I’ve been meaning to get around to so should put it on my virtual blogkeeping list. Thank goodness summer is over so I can get back to business. Sheesh!
Kelly, Yes I think it’s an important one. Two angles, one to give readers feel for/expectation of how your blog is run. And two, to promote positive ethical practices on blogs.
This is a good idea – by the way thanks for the ‘Jing’ tip. I have been using it a lot, even posted about it [indirectly]
Random, Thanks for the comment. I’ve read about disclosures, etc. which pertain specifically to advertising, but I thought something that authors define for themselves is necessary as it needs to be real, not just lame statements everyone gives lip service to. Great stuff with Jing. I’m using it almost everyday.
Excellent Phil – this is an outstanding idea. I’ll have to give some thought as to how to word / present mine – but it is definitely on the list of things to add soon.
SB
Scott, Thanks. Yeah I felt like it was a good way of approaching the concept. I think everyone should know where they stand and what are important assertions about there ethics with regard to their blog. I know it forces me to codify my guidelines and keeps me accountable to them.
You know what that has sparked an idea in my little brain box. Something I’ve been meaning to do for ages. Sad thing is the most impressive thing is the way it’s coded and no one gets to see that. Still, one customizable statement generator (in the website field) and somewhat thanks to your post.
Matt, that sounds pretty cool and yeah many of the really slick concepts developed just don’t look complicated or eloquent when in fact they often are just that. Perhaps, that’s what makes them so darn astute. In any case, I’m glad that the post spark some thoughts for you. How excellent.
Nice set of guidelines! I put mine together in late 2004, and they have been a useful touchstone ever since. I wish more bloggers would offer this sort of “my contract with you, dear reader.”
Allan, Thanks for your comment. Yes, I agree with you. It seems both prudent for the author and considerate to the reader. The idea behind this post and the graphics is to encourage folks to articulate what they believe. For the thoughtful writers, I believe they will gain much in the process.
Excellent site thoughtsparks.net and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here: this .. as it’s taken me literally 2 hours and 44 minutes of searching the web to find you (just kidding!) so I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor
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[...] me to sort out in my mind how I was going to deal with certain things. There was Phil at Thought Sparks prompting us to think about our Code of [...]