What Should the Expectation for Blogger Ethics?
People ask me what I think about "full disclosure" and "blogger ethics." My answer always is, there is no obligation for any blogger to follow the ethical standards of journalists or public officials. Bloggers are bloggers because of the true freedom of speech. Freedom of speech doesn't demand truth.
That said, the trust relationship bloggers have built and enjoy with their readers is quite a powerful feedback. That relationship is the market force that keeps bloggers honest, not ethical standards or requirements. Ultimately, I demand rigorous reader discernment -- caveat lector, let the reader beware -- and do not suffer morons gladly.
Here are some previous articles that I have written about the topic:
Blogger Ethics Coverage:
The New York Times Code of Ethics is Mandatory for Journalists Not Bloggers
Caveat Emptor et Lector Repost
Bloggers Can Ignore Basic Journalism Ethics
Bloggers do not Aspire to be Journalists
Pay Per Post Coverage:
Vanity Advertising on PayPerPost is Addicting
Edelman Ethics Coverage:
In Defense of Edelman over Bribery Charges
Not a Bribe with Disclosure and Transparency
BL Ochman Gets the Vista Edelman AMD Bribery Scandal
I Think I May Have Jinxed Edelman PR
Andy Sernovitz of WOMMA Blames the Victims in Edelman Controversy
What I Would Have Done if I Were Edelman Me2Revolution
Paul Mooney on and the New York Times' Silence about the Edelman Bribe
Microsoft Did Not Bribe Bloggers Reports Microsoft
Journalism Gods Agree with Me on The Bribe
Labels: blogger ethics, blogging, blogging ethics, journalistic expectation, journalistic standards, journalists