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Blogging has become a culture among Malaysians. Surprisingly, when i started blogging back in 2004, it was still considered as something new. Now, practically every netizen (internet citizen) has one blog for them to pour all their thoughts and daily happenings to the rest of the world. Even if they don’t blog, at least most internet users can name ONE blog that they know of. You have celebrities, politicians, teenagers, 7-year-old kids, 70-year-old senior citizens, university drop-outs, millionaire wannabe, technoprenuer, etc who jump into the blogosphere, all in the notion of "Hey, I Blog Too!". Sadly, recent trends have shown how many Malaysians are trying to treat weblogs or blogs as the medium that allow total freedom for them to express their views and opinions. Rarely, they are aware that they are bound to Cyber Laws and Intellectual Property Laws. Even in basic terms, bloggers should be at least socially responsible for all their published materials.
Everyone is talking about blogging rights especially freedom of expressions. But we forget that with rights, comes responsibilities. You have the rights to express yourself, but you also have to be responsible in what you express.
Like Tim O’ Reilly said:
"We celebrate the blogosphere because it embraces frank and open conversation. But frankness does not have to mean lack of civility".
In most cases, most bloggers want the freedom to write whatever they want, but they don’t have the courage to face the consequences and hence trying to neglect their responsibilities. So, for bloggers out there, here are some ethics that perhaps would enlighten you:
1. Make Reference to Materials Exist Online
If you want to blog about on a certain issues but don’t have the time to actually write it out, and you know some one else is writing about the same issue, well, don’t just copy and paste your blog posts. The least you could do you is by stating things like:
"God, petrol price went up again. I’m in no mood to further elaborate of its consequences on me but you can refer to this blog post by ABC! He has expressed quite clearly on the issue."
In other cases,when you’re arguing on issues with solid facts, do make the links to the facts or resources available for your readers. This allow your readers to make judgement on what you have published and at the same time allow you as the write to remain transparent and not bias.
2. Publish FACTS and not mere Rumours
This is what lacking among bloggers. Most of the time, things that are not facts are being changed into facts just because there are more than one blog published posts on the same issue. If it’s speculation, do say so. In facts, for things that you do not believe it to be true, either you don’t post it or state your reservations clearly. Though it may not harm you, it’s part and parcel of being responsible to the society. Imagine if someone else is spreading rumours about you on his or her blog, would you like it?
3. Notify any changes made to the blog posts
It is very irresponsible for a blogger to simple edit or change his or her blog posts when comments and critics appear. Should there be changes to be made as in typo or misinformation, do state at the bottom of the blog post or simply put a strike on the old information and write in the new one. Again, this goes back to being responsible and transparent towards your readers.
4. Avoid publishing with Misleading Title
There is a habit among bloggers to actually use misleading title, just to lure people to his or her blog. Things like "Have SEX last night" caught your attention and when you read the post, it’s about how the blogger went to watch the movie "Sex and The City". While you can be witty about the title, try not to over-use it. It’ll make your readers feel cheated.
5. Avoid Unscrupulous Blog Content
Bloggers should always avoid posting unacceptable contents and delete comments related to it. Clearly, unacceptable content (Oreilly, 2007) is defined as anything included or linked to that:
- is being used to abuse, harass, stalk or threaten others
- is knowingly false or misrepresents another person
- infringes upon copyright, intellectual property or trademark law
- violates the privacy of others.
The last one is often commited by bloggers. Sometimes when they are sharing stories on occasions involving their friends, they often forget to ask permission from them. Some friends might not want you to expose his or her identity so openly. Sometimes it will cause conflict. So, it’s better to inform them before posting or publishing.
Well, hope this simple explanation helps in making ourselves a better and ethical blogger. You can get more information from http://ethicalbloggerproject.blogspot.com
Don’t just be a Blogger, be an Ethical Blogger!
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