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Bloggers Code Of Conduct: Thanks, But No Thanks

April 9th, 2007

I can’t resist posting about this Blogger’s Code of Conduct that has just been drafted. I think the sudden attention is because of a New York Times article that has again brought this subject to the forefront (about a week too late, again showing how the mainstream media is behind the blogosphere) after it’s been hashed to death by others and even myself on this blog. I wrote all I have to offer in that post about why I won’t sign on to a Blogger’s Code of Conduct, but here’s the short points:

  • So many blogs out there and bloggers blogging for different reasons. An additional thought: the code of conduct seeks to limit comments. The vast majority of blogs are in the opposite boat (mine) trying to encourage comments.
  • I blog as a hobby. This is not a professional organization attempting to be the next newspaper.
  • Who the heck would enforce said code of conduct?
  • Why make it harder for people to start blogging?

In addition, pretty much every blogger I respect is saying this code of conduct is something they won’t get on board with, for various reasons:

This list pretty much sums it up for me.

Let me add, I support bloggers in doing anything they want with their own blog – turn off comments, require registration, make people sign a contract before they post comments, whatever. It’s just when you think your solution fits all blogs and if they don’t sign onto it, they should have a firecracker badge saying their blogs are somehow dangerous – that irks me.

And as for Webomatica? All I’m going to do in this regard is spell out my comments policy a bit more clearly, and here’s a thought – write content that encourages positive comments.

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  • It seems as though there's a growing consensus that says: golden rule, be conscious of others, yes let's talk about how all bloggers can do better, but a "code" is not the correct direction to take here.
  • Totally. At least on that, it seems bloggers can agree. And that's good...
  • Where is my Easter Bonnet?

    While some may see the blogosphere and the behavior of its participants as a new phenomenon, it isn't difficult to find an appropriate predecessor model. That model is found on the streets of any metropolitan area and it is called traffic and the prevalence of road rudeness...or in its extreme...road rage.

    Granted, personal attacks and snark on the internet are not likely to lead to fatalities, but if computers had wheels, it certainly would.

    The problem on the highway or the internet isn't going to be resolved through a badge system. Did anyone attend Easter mass yesterday and witness the value of symbols...no not the crucifix behind the altar or the statue at the entrance; I'm talking about the pretty new Easter outfits...complete with bonnets and bow ties. These are the outfits worn by the same people who also attend Christmas mass every year without fail...and then get into their shiny clean vehicle and race out of the parking lot without ever yielding to the old woman walking to her car that is parked in the back row because she forgot that it was Easter Sunday and foolishly arrived at the same time she does each and every Sunday.

    Read more on the relationship between blog civility and Easter Bonnets...here:

    www.thoughttheater.com
  • Nice article Daniel, (correct me if I'm wrong) I think what you're saying is that a badge is a symbol but actions speak louder than words. And in a worst case scenario, having a badge may actually make people think they're immune to bad behavior and act badly, thinking their badge immunes them from criticism. Interesting point.
  • Well... I was going to post a death threat here in your comments, but since it's against the "Code of Conduct", I guess I'll need to behave.
  • I'd like to think I've been behaving without a code of conduct, and it's been working pretty well (so far). :|
  • Definitely agree. Rules of any kind can open the door for more rule proposals, censorship, taxation, etc The Internet is what it is because it's so open, otherwise it would just be a larger AOL.
  • It's all common sense.

    People are always going to abuse a situation, but those who don't shouldn't have to adhere to some strict set of regulations just because of the tiny minority.

    Nice post.
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