Holier Than Thou
Should bloggers have a code of ethics?
Here’s the latest attempt at creating such a document. And you’ll find more attempts here, here, and here.
Individual bloggers may have specifically stated ethical codes or policies. For example, here’s mine (needs a bit of updating, I think).
But to answer the question: No, I don’t think “bloggers” should have a policy or code because “bloggers” is too big a category encompassing too many people doing too many things. I do, however, think adhering to some set of standards among groups of bloggers engaged in roughly the same task (e.g. media blogging) is a good thing. I think any desire on the part of an individual blogger to assert an ethical standard is an instinct that needs to be nurtured more than ridiculed.
Ethics codes, personal or otherwise, it seems to me, help promote civility. And civility helps promote understanding (if not persuasion). For this to work, however, “understanding” has to be valued more than “winning.”
On a related note, re: civility: MSNBC is dropping its simulcast of Imus in the Morning. Good. I say that not because I think there’s anything particularly more odious about Imus than any number of other blatherers on the right (e.g. Rush Limbaugh) or left (e.g. Randi Rhodes). A part of me hopes this episode will encourage us all to take a harder look at the nonsense that passes for entertainmentary.
Imus got whacked, and deserved to get whacked, for picking on accomplished college women who deserved praise for their feats. Only an utter lack of civility allows one to think his crack was funny.
Thanks, acline. Good words on Imus. I’ll link you up in my comments section on the same. Interesting back and forth there.