Blogs And Ethics

By Ross Mayfield
Expert Author
Article Date: 2005-02-20

JD Lasica has an in-depth article on shilling, influence and blog ethics at Online Journalism Review.

He suggests these norms have emerged:

1. Disclose, disclose, disclose. Transparency - of actions, motives and financial considerations - is the golden rule of the blogosphere.



2. Follow your passions. Blog about topics you care deeply about.



3. Be honest. Write what you believe.



4. Trust your readers to form their own judgments and conclusions.



5. Reputation is the principal currency of cyberspace. Maintain your independence and integrity - lost trust is difficult to regain.

A pretty fair account, and probably not the lowed common denominator. In the interest of the first principle, I decided to accept George Bush's Headphones. When they arrive, I'll let you know if they are rose or white-colored.

About the Author:
Ross Mayfield is CEO and co-founder of Socialtext, an emerging provider of Enterprise Social Software that dramatically increases group productivity and develops a group memory.

He also writes Ross Mayfield's Weblog which focuses on markets, technology and musings.