Bloggers Need to Hold Themselves to Ethical Standards
Monday, February 12th, 2007People ask me what I think about "full disclosure" and "blogger
ethics." My answer always is, there is no obligation for any blogger to
follow the ethical standards of journalists or public officials.
Bloggers are bloggers because of the true freedom of speech. Freedom of
speech doesn’t demand truth.
That said, the trust relationship bloggers have built and enjoy with
their readers is quite a powerful feedback. That relationship is the
market force that keeps bloggers honest, not ethical standards or
requirements. Ultimately, I demand rigorous reader discernment –
caveat lector, let the reader beware — and do not suffer morons gladly.
Here are some previous articles that I have written about the topic:
Blogger Ethics Coverage:
The New York Times Code of Ethics is Mandatory for Journalists Not Bloggers
Caveat Emptor et Lector Repost
Bloggers Can Ignore Basic Journalism Ethics
Bloggers do not Aspire to be Journalists
Pay Per Post Coverage:
Vanity Advertising on PayPerPost is Addicting
Edelman Ethics Coverage:
In Defense of Edelman over Bribery Charges
Not a Bribe with Disclosure and Transparency
BL Ochman Gets the Vista Edelman AMD Bribery Scandal
I Think I May Have Jinxed Edelman PR
Andy Sernovitz of WOMMA Blames the Victims in Edelman Controversy
What I Would Have Done if I Were Edelman Me2Revolution
Paul Mooney on and the New York Times’ Silence about the Edelman Bribe
