This turns out to be a daunting task, because there are dozens of codes of ethics floating around out there. I searched for "Blogger's Code of Ethics" (exact match) on Google and got 5130 hits.
So, let's start by agreeing on one. Because
- I think this is one of the most comprehensive and readable of those I've seen,
- It's a site that understands SEO well enough to come up first in that search string,
- It's the work of an organization and not an individual,
- And because we need to have a basis for the conversation.
For me, one of the key points to consider in a discussion of ethics and blogging is pretty far down their list:
- Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas
I bet we can get some good discussion going here. But first, who am I to be telling you this?
- Blogger since 2004 on ethics politics, media, and marketing
- Award-wining author of a relevant book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First (it shows how ethics can led to business success)--and six other books
- Founder of the international Business Ethics Pledge campaign
- Owner for 26 years of a marketing/publishing consulting and copywriting firm that focuses on ethical, affordable, and effective marketing methods
And now -- it's your turn.
