A code of conduct is almost always established in any civilized, social community. The blogging world is similar to these social structures.
It is in this context that an international blogging code of conduct should be promulgated to set the ground rules for proper blogging decorum and conduct.
Although bloggers observe an unspoken rule in the blogosphere, several blogging communities established their own rules, because of a few, bad eggs who threaten to spoil the booming and dynamic blogging industry.
Several groups like the HP bloggers, the Blogging Wikia and many more have already established their own ethical standards.
Websites have their own guidelines that you have to accept and comply with before you could join their sites.
The rules of conduct that they have adopted have basically the same thrust – the respect for self and respect for others. i.e. be cautious and responsible of your words, respect the intellectual property rights of other people, etc.
Many are against this idea as they feel that it is a violation of human rights and that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of this to advance their own selfish ends; but this can be minimized by promulgating basic ethical norms that every blogger should follow no matter what diverse culture he comes from.
The Ten Commandments from the Holy Bible would be a perfect example. The commandments are clear, precise and concise. There are various, existing religions but their beliefs adhere to the same basic tenets of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.)
This Code of Conduct that every Blogger should follow must set clear boundaries between what is considered as decent and indecent language, of what is bad behavior and good behavior. It should set clear laws and sanctions on the violation of intellectual property rights. It should also be a venue for the prevention of bloggers from exploitation, harassment, spamming and identity theft.
These are genuine crimes that only a Universal code of conduct could address and monitor. Integrity and honesty then would prevail.
These aspects could be included in the Code of Conduct for bloggers, which would make it more significant:
1. No discrimination as to sex, race, or creed we all sentient, human beings.
2. Honesty and sincerity should be lauded, these have their just rewards.
3. The desire to help and support each other. A Magi once said: “Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well.”
4. No criminal activities. Criminals should not be allowed entry into the blogging world. If someone is caught, they should be given necessary sanctions. Crime does not pay.
5. Love others as you love yourself
These all boil down to the Golden Rule; “Do unto others, what you want others do unto you.”
What about you? What do you observe as a blogging code of conduct?
