Though this development doesn’t relate directly to newspapers, it could be of interest now that many newspaper journalists are blogging, and since online ethics is a much-debated topic. Internet pioneer Tim O’Reilly (founder of O’Reilly Media) has drafted a code of conduct for bloggers, suggesting among other things that bloggers who use crude language warn readers.

The code comes as a result of published threats and harassment to popular US blogger Kathy Sierra. True to the blogging community spirit, bloggers from around the world will now read and revise the drafted code.

The draft says that anonymous comments should not be allowed, and that uncensored blogs should post a logo to warn readers as follows:

"We are not responsible for the comments of any poster, and when discussions get heated, crude language, insults and other ‘off color’ comments may be encountered. Participate in this site at your own risk."

The draft also calls on bloggers to not only refrain from posting “unacceptable” (abusive or threatening) content, but to delete comments that contain it.

Jeff Jarvis of BuzzMachine sees the code as unnecessary and even antithetical to the blogosphere. "This effort misses the point of the internet, blogs, and even of civilized behavior,” he wrote. “They treat the blogosphere as if it were a school library where someone... can maintain order and control. I don't need anyone lecturing me and telling me not to be disagreeable.”

Source: BBC News