Blogger code of conduct

Tim O’Reilly has come in some flack for espousing the notion of a code of conduct to govern blog banter. In short here’s the list of commandments;

1. We take responsibility for our own words and for the comments we allow on our blog.
2. We won’t say anything online that we wouldn’t say in person.
3. We connect privately before we respond publicly.
4. When we believe someone is unfairly attacking another, we take action.
5. We do not allow anonymous comments.
6. We ignore the trolls.

Contrary to blogger (what a surprise!) opinions on the initiative, I am not sure this is such an awful idea. One of the reasons I actually prefer online communities as an information source is that they are moderated by the membership. A newbee or ego monster throwing out spurious rubbish is almost always called to task. This can’t as often be said of a blog. Yes, readership and exposure will dictate overall impact but it’s still very easy to find and read new blogs (this is generally a good thing but you see my point). Would an expert / respected voice be impelled to comment on a PR 1 blogger chucking out misinformation? Probably not.

Brand reputations can certainly be affected by the rantings of an ill informed blogger with an ego. However, I can’t see a code of conduct changing this. This is the new reality and brands (and consumers) need to approach information collection more holistically, especially in the blogosphere. Anyone can blog; anyone can throw an opinion out there. This does not equal fact. Intelligent search, context and balance must be the cornerstones of the consumer journey online. It’s the bigger picture that counts.

Brought into the world on Monday, April 16th, 2007 and filed under Uncategorized.