With so many new people involved in blogging, most of them having no training in journalism practices, ethics, and media law, personal legal liability is a big deal. Bloggers publishing without the protection of an employer to pay for their libel defense are on their own should they make a mistake. In the years ahead, I expect to see some solo bloggers get in trouble — and some get driven to personal ruin when they lose libel lawsuits. It’s a wonder it hasn’t happened yet.

Ah, but some bloggers say, audience members are our editors. Mistakes are pointed out quickly and bloggers readily acknowledge and correct their errors in plain sight. Good point, but a blog item that libels someone will remain on the record, likely archived for a good long time, and a libelous statement left online for even a day puts a blogger at tremendous risk. So bloggers, take a tip from traditional journalists and find yourself some form of editing safety net.

With WeblogsInc being sold and PJ Media going online in November, there is value in diversity of ideas and models.
However, the idea that bloggers can produce consistant original content as opposed to commentary hasn’t worked itself out. Nor have ethics.

A very few bloggers are market driven or media driven - and they are going to be setting a standard whether they wish to or not.
Or learn through lawsuits.
I like this article because it is practical and generous advice. With cyber space moving so rapidly I suspect lessons will be re-learned with every new generation of blogger. In blogging time that is probably less than every three months.

A new Pew Internet and American Life Project Study is online.
The digital divide hasn’t changed much - what is interesting is that high speed access to the internet mirrors the divide in the US. Those with less education, over 65, and with a lower income are less likely to access the net let alone use high speed or broadband.