Chiara Bolognini wrote:
I consider very important to post here the Manifesto of our group, which could be considered a sort of Best Practices and Terms and Conditions to be part of the group.
One of the scope of this group is to pass on the social media culture, to share the culture itself and whatever information relevant to the scope. Events, workshops, conferences or whatever people fancy to organise will be supported by the group.
You are invited to do that as any other person and to respect the code of ethics written by J. Dube which can be considered a manifesto for this group.
The following is the Blogger's Code of Ethics by Jonathan Dube you can find in the book: „Online Journalism Ethics, Traditions and Transitions“, Cecilia Friend and Jane B.Singer.
The Bloggers‘ Code of Ethics was written by Jonathan Dube, an award-winning print and online journalist and now editorial director for the Canadian Broadcast Co.'s Web site, CBS.cs.
Dube posted the code, modeled on the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, on his own website Cyberjournalist.net in April 2003.
His website is a news and resource site that focuses on how the internet convergence and new technologies are changing the media.
BLOGGERS‘ CODE OF ETHICS
1) BE HONEST AND FAIR
Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. Bloggers should:
a) Never plagiarize
b) Identify and link to sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources‘ reliability.
c) Make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent.
They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
d) Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancements is only acceptable for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations.
e) Never publish Information they know is inaccurate – and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt.
f) Distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.
g) Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
2) MINIMISE HARM
Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect. Bloggers should:
a) Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by Weblog content. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
b) Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
c) Recognise that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.
d) Recognise that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
e) Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
f) Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes and criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
3) BE ACCOUNTABLE
Bloggers should:
a) Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
b) Explain each Weblog's mission and invite dialogue with the public over its content and the bloggers‘ conduct.
c) Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
d) Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content. When exceptions are made disclose them fully to readers.
e) Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.
f) Expose unethical practices of other bloggers.
g) Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.
