Blogger Responsibility, Blogging Code of Ethics

Source: kaushik.net

First and foremost, I thought the article "We Stand Corrected: When Good Journalists Make Stupid Mistakes" was the most boring thing I've ever read. Secondly, I think that anyone who has time to sit down and read a book on errors has way too much time on their hands.

However, I do agree with Craig Silverman's mission to make corrections a collaboration between the media and citizens. And, although biases in reporting may never be resolved, it is pleasant to believe that the names, titles, and typos in the articles can be altered.

One thing I pondered after reading the article is - blogger responsibility. If an evolved journalism model is going to allow bloggers, YouTubers and Twits to shape its content than shouldn't sloppy and messy blogging be eliminated? And, what are the consequences of faulty blogging?

In his article, "You Are What You Post - Blogging Responsibility," Jay Ovitter, a political blogger believes,

"As a blogger you are a publisher. You release your work to the world via the world wide web. You publish your work like Pendant and Simon and Schuster publishes books. If I write a story about how subject X does this when subject X really did that, it is a lie. If that lie defames the reputation of subject X, then I can be held responsible for libel in a court of law."

Ovitter's article encourages bloggers to go through the same copy editing process publishers face. But, regardless of the argument he and many others like him make, there are still tons of online posts that never get fixed, never get summoned to Silverman's site, and nothing gets done about it. Does that mean bloggers should be subject to libel laws? And, should bloggers be responsible for comments on their sites too? The answer is...No. There is no way of monitoring it all and pursuing every case - it is impossible.

In conclusion, although bloggers aren't monitored like prestige media, it is important to remember that your credibility and reputation is at stake! So, blog-on responsibly, and be your own Craig Silverman!