A code of conduct is almost always established in any civilized, social community. The blogging world is similar to these social structures.
It is in this context that an international blogging code of conduct should be promulgated to set the ground rules for proper blogging decorum and conduct.
Although bloggers observe an unspoken rule in the blogosphere, several blogging communities established their own rules, because of a few, bad eggs who threaten to spoil the booming and dynamic blogging industry.
Several groups like the HP bloggers, the Blogging Wikia and many more have already established their own ethical standards.
Websites have their own guidelines that you have to accept and comply with before you could join their sites.
The rules of conduct that they have adopted have basically the same thrust - the respect for self and respect for others. i.e. be cautious and responsible of your words, respect the intellectual property rights of other people, etc.
Many are against this idea as they feel that it is a violation of human rights and that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of this to advance their own selfish ends; but this can be minimized by promulgating basic ethical norms that every blogger should follow no matter what diverse culture he comes from.
The Ten Commandments from the Holy Bible would be a perfect example. The commandments are clear, precise and concise. There are various, existing religions but their beliefs adhere to the same basic tenets of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.)
This Code of Conduct that every Blogger should follow must set clear boundaries between what is considered as decent and indecent language, of what is bad behavior and good behavior. It should set clear laws and sanctions on the violation of intellectual property rights. It should also be a venue for the prevention of bloggers from exploitation, harassment, spamming and identity theft.
These are genuine crimes that only a Universal code of conduct could address and monitor. Integrity and honesty then would prevail.
These aspects could be included in the Code of Conduct for bloggers, which would make it more significant:
1. No discrimination as to sex, race, or creed we are all sentient, human beings.
2. Honesty and sincerity should be lauded, these have their just rewards.
3. The desire to help and support each other. A Magi once said: "Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well."
4. No criminal activities. Criminals should not be allowed entry into the blogging world. If someone is caught, they should be given necessary sanctions. Crime does not pay.
5. Love others as you love yourself
These all boil down to the Golden Rule; "Do unto others, what you want others do unto you."
What about you? What do you observe as a blogging code of conduct?
It is in this context that an international blogging code of conduct should be promulgated to set the ground rules for proper blogging decorum and conduct.
Although bloggers observe an unspoken rule in the blogosphere, several blogging communities established their own rules, because of a few, bad eggs who threaten to spoil the booming and dynamic blogging industry.
Several groups like the HP bloggers, the Blogging Wikia and many more have already established their own ethical standards.
Websites have their own guidelines that you have to accept and comply with before you could join their sites.
The rules of conduct that they have adopted have basically the same thrust - the respect for self and respect for others. i.e. be cautious and responsible of your words, respect the intellectual property rights of other people, etc.
Many are against this idea as they feel that it is a violation of human rights and that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of this to advance their own selfish ends; but this can be minimized by promulgating basic ethical norms that every blogger should follow no matter what diverse culture he comes from.
The Ten Commandments from the Holy Bible would be a perfect example. The commandments are clear, precise and concise. There are various, existing religions but their beliefs adhere to the same basic tenets of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.)
This Code of Conduct that every Blogger should follow must set clear boundaries between what is considered as decent and indecent language, of what is bad behavior and good behavior. It should set clear laws and sanctions on the violation of intellectual property rights. It should also be a venue for the prevention of bloggers from exploitation, harassment, spamming and identity theft.
These are genuine crimes that only a Universal code of conduct could address and monitor. Integrity and honesty then would prevail.
These aspects could be included in the Code of Conduct for bloggers, which would make it more significant:
1. No discrimination as to sex, race, or creed we are all sentient, human beings.
2. Honesty and sincerity should be lauded, these have their just rewards.
3. The desire to help and support each other. A Magi once said: "Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well."
4. No criminal activities. Criminals should not be allowed entry into the blogging world. If someone is caught, they should be given necessary sanctions. Crime does not pay.
5. Love others as you love yourself
These all boil down to the Golden Rule; "Do unto others, what you want others do unto you."
What about you? What do you observe as a blogging code of conduct?
28 comments:
It is good to follow the code so that we all can become decent bloggers.
Every blogger do the part, this will be the best blog scene.
Happy blogging, wish you have the good weekend.
Should be simple, isn't it?
basic courtesy, respect, live and let live...
but why do others prefer otherwise?
Mine would include:
1) Never claim what is not yours - link back to borrowed photos and passages! (Hehe - this one i think should be a by-law under the intellectual property rights one. ):D
2)Freedom of speech should be upheld in its full capacity by those in authority! (This one to protect us from prosecution based on sharing our opinions!)
ps i think it was with robangeles and jan_geronimo that we established a tweet golden rule as well! Hehe! "Tweet unto others what you want others to Tweet unto you!"
Hi coolingstar 9,
We should, indeed, follow the code. If we all make an effort, then what a happy world it could be.
Thanks, have a happy weekend too.
Hi Roy,
Correct! I also wonder why some would prefer to sow intrigue. Ano kaya ang mapapala nila doon?
It must have something to do with how they were brought up. Perhaps they were unloved as a child? Now, they extract their vengeance from the world?
Hi Rey Jr.
I like that rule: "Tweet unto others what you want others to tweet unto you." Let's spread this code at twitter. RT it as much as we can.
The two points you mentioned are vital to a blogging code of conduct. Having the freedom of expression should also be granted to bloggers. Way to go Rey.
i agree with reyjr...don't take credit for what is not yours..
Hi Jena...so glad too that your one of the sponsors..Hope many will visit my site through your site..he..he..nice blog you have hear..so much to learn from here...
Hi Genejosh,
Welcome to my circle of good friends. These friends are very generous and kind.
Rey Jr. is the youngest of the brood of Jedi Bloggers and the most good-looking? he he he...Do I hear a protest from Doc Z?
Roy? Jan? Do you agree? lol
I hope you could also visit their great blogs.
I agree with all your points, Jena. Most especially about intellectual property rights - content scrapers, you know? Learn the art of proper attribution. Which reminds me - must have creative commons license for my blog. Ahahaha
I'm counting on Doc Z's good sense not to take the matter of who's the most good looking blogger - no doubt it's Reyjr - to the Supreme Court. It's a waste of Jedi energy. And most likely to be thrown out for lack of substance. lol.
I'm glad you started this valuable conversation going, Jena. It's very helpful for bloggers to take stock of this very basic code of conduct.
My idea of a good blogger is one that promotes a culture of helpfulness in his/her own blog community. It's not every blogger for himself. That's suicidal in the long run.
If we take a closer look at the big guns in the blogosphere, you'd find a common trait: helpfulness. Darren Rowse. Robert Scoble. Louis Gray. Chris Brogan.
Closer to home? One name: Jena Isle.
You're that and more, Jena. Perhaps you call it by another name, but it's essentially the same thing. Concern for other bloggers. Respect for other bloggers. You've got these in spades.
Clearly, you did not stop at respect and concern. You have it ingrained and made a part of your core values as a blogger.
Now, do we enforce such code of conduct on others? I guess not. The blogosphere is roomy enough for all of us. Even the most foul, vilest, stupidest, clueless lowlifes are free to have their say.
And although we let them be it doesn't mean we don't hold them accountable when they commit illegal acts. There's a time to be genial and there's a time to show our rights are not to be messed with.
Lovely, lovely thoughts, Jena. I so love this.
hehehe... no protest coming from me Jena
I had my time ;)
As bloggers, if we differentiate ourselves, we create gaps. We create a division with an invisible line and I think this creates tension.
When I was new to blogging, writing technical stuff, I was so idealistic. I too thought of having a set of norms about blogging. Am I now the devil? Yes? No?
The web is the most democratic space that man is currently enjoying. Freedom of speech is being enjoyed by many yet there are people who don't want this happening. Well, according to their rules.
You see, when Web 2.0 started, again, many jumped in the band wagon and that includes corporate gorillas. Yes, they are now in the web and joining conversations. But, following a set of rules.
As individual bloggers, do we need rules? Personally, if rules will make me think better or transform me to be more creative in what I want to share, then maybe I will consider it. I blog because I want to fill that gap that separates people who understands and those who don't "get it". For those who don't care, that's another story.
Wouldn't it be better if we ourselves can set our own rules or monitor our behavior online? Wouldn't this gesture make us more mature?
Wow Jan, a very comprehensive comment. You practice what you preach. If bloggers could have a blogging model, it could be you. You're an exemplary blogger.
And you're very generous with your praise. I hope I could fulfill all those traits you have attributed me with. I have to struggle at times - especially with unfriendly bloggers. But these are all challeneges that we should try to overcome.
I respect what you said about: even the vilest criminals have the freedom to blog, but freedom should be restricted when other people's rights are trampled upon.
As usual, you gave a whole new clarity to the post. I admire how logical and broad your perspectives are. Thanks Jan.
Hi Roy, "you had your time"...lol...I would assume so...lol...
Bakit itong keypads na ito, dinadagdagan ang letters ng words ko. Hay naku. Baka pagod na siya. Sorry for the typos, everyone.
Hi Rob,
I have to agree with you on this passage:
"Wouldn't it be better if we ourselves can set our own rules or monitor our behavior online? Wouldn't this gesture make us more mature?"
But you see, not all bloggers are mature as we would like everyone to be; that, precisely would be the reason why we need a blogging code of conduct...to serve as a blueprint for these misguided elements.
Examples are traffic rules, rules of engagement, etc. Every community or organization I know, has a rule or policy enforced.
It wouldn't hurt us if we establish an international blogging code.
BTW rob, I remember someone reacting violently to a similar discussion, he said I was a fool to believe that such thing could happen.
just to create something in your own,maiiba ka, sabi nga nila maghanap ng porte pwede kopyahin wag gagayahin,kung mapapaimprove ang isang bagay at sayo nanggaling ang idea sayo yun,even arts do the same, halimbawa, linya,pareho ng gamit pero pwede magkakaiba ng itsura,deretso,curve,baluktot,puwang puwang at marami pang iba...ganun din sa pagsusulat, meron tayong mga inpluwensya,at dun mapagbabasehan natin kung saan porte tayo magsisimula...at ang importante malaya ka sa iyong ginagawa at may meaning ang bawat letra.
Hi Ever,
Gusto ko ang sinabi mo about having your own porte. Lalo na sa blogging....iisang bagay pero iba't ibang korte. Kaya ka siguro marunong sumulat Ever, dahil marunong kang gumawa ng bagong hugis sa mga paulit-ulit na tema sa mga lumang bagay.
Ang ganda ng concepto na naparating mo dito sa blog ko. Mabuhay ka kabayan.
Such a rich post! And there are so many lessons here that we might want to spread. I think we are "all" getting inspired about this "code."
Makapaghapunan na nga muna at pagkatapos e magsusulat na...
Tan tan tan taaaan... tan tan tan taaaan.
Z
Hello Doc Z,
Sige enjoy your meal. Music pang kasal iyan ah...lol..
@jena
it is actually the 5th symphony. LOL
I'm a new blogger, but all I can say is Amen to that.
Hi Doc Z,
5th symphony. I see, I should have to listen to you hum it.
Hi Josie,
You're welcome to browse anytime. Feel at home in my house.
No personal attacks /criticisms that hit below the belt; otherwise comments that deviate from the topic but instead shift to blame and vehemently ridicule the person. I have encountered a lot of this no matter what I do. I guess everything you say here does not apply to blogging because there are some "idiots" who make the blogosphere as an arena of their sick minds getting too personal about people's views and opinions.
Yes, remembering the Golden Rule when one blogs helps curtail unfair and hurtful practices. We should all bear that in mind. :)
Hi Bing,
I absolutely agree. It should not be below the belt. This is a consideration that we should never forget.
Thanks for that valuable suggestion. All the best.
hi Dee,
The Golden Rule is the mother of all rules. If this is observed, what a better place the world would be.
Nice post Jena, I just hope the Pinoy blogosphere will have a code of conduct. No offense pero, maraming demigods kasi. :(
Hi Snow,
That's precisly the suggestion of this post. Baka isip nila , they're above the rest, that's why they perceive themselves as Demi-gods.
Post a Comment