Blog ethics

Should bloggers be held to journalistic ethics?

First of all, it might be wise to lay out the ethics.
In the wake of Baby Boomers looks at a journalism essay by Dr. Bryan Chapell, and adapts main points to bloggers.

1) Blog posts and comments must be true.

2) Blogs and comments must be edifying.

3) Bloggers must write in ways that are, then, responsible, respectful, and fair, to both Christians and non-Christians alike.

4) Blogging must be redemptive.

5) Bloggers should expect disagreements.

When I see the word “must” I balk.
It’s a red flag to the proverbial bull.:^)
I think my balking goes back to the early days of god-blogs and The Christian Manifesto. Get out the tassled hats!

I see the sense in these principles.
But the word ‘must’ sounds like I’m in an english class and I’m going to flunk out. I don’t measure up. I know I don’t and my heart sinks. I want hang my head and walk away. Do you?

The points are flushed out in the post.
I must say, of all the posts I’ve read on blogging civility and ethics, the best remains The Masters Pen.

1) Say what you mean.

2) Allow for mistakes.

3) Don’t flame.

4) Debate or dialogue?

5) WWJD?

It is also well worth the read for it lays out similar principles in less of a preaching style and more walking along side style. And in blogging, I find it easier to learn, to write and to be, when I’m not told I must.