Blogging Code of Conduct
Tim O'Reilly, one of the most successful and respected bloggers around, has called for a Blogging Code of Conduct. I won't post the entire draft code here, but I will list the main points:
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. (Trolls are people who post nasty comments just to get a reaction.)
I am intrigued that most of them are more about how bloggers should handle input than what they should concentrate on posting.
Should there be a Library Blogging Code of Conduct? How about these:
1. Stay away from corporate influences when reviewing products and materials.
2. Open Comments on library blogs to encourage conversation.
3. Post content that will appeal to all of your community, focusing on under-represented clientèle.
4. Discuss topics with passion and interest so that the library profession benefits from your input.
5. Attempt to blend technology with books, keeping reading and information at the forefront of your blog.
6. We ignore those librarians who do not yet understand the technology and are dismissive of its impact.