A Blog-Poster’s Code of Ethics
(Read the previous post: a great quote on the beauty of digital expression.)
When my first book, Dear Church, was released, the blogging community was mostly kind–coming out of their respective e-niches to toss a few comments my way.
There were a few stragglers—there are always a few–whose commentary fell somewhere in the pink zone, mildly irrelevant and flirting with out of line.
A couple of my favorite examples: the blogger who used my book and my picture to build a case for the superficialism of the Christian publishing industry. They suggested faith based CEOs were scouring the planet, recruiting books from young, thin, they may have said pretty (let’s say they did) female authors. Meanwhile, Zondervan had yet to meet me, yet to see a photo, yet to put me on a scale (they don’t ask for your weight until much later in the process in those days).
Another classic: the blogger who criticized one of the people I dedicated the book to. Talk about civilty at its finest, huh? They didn’t think the person’s life actions warranted my book, especially a Christian book, offering the person public thanks in the dedication. Their logic: the weight of their screw-ups should’ve cancelled out me mentioning any of the good they contributed to my life.
When browsing some of the commentary on the web these last couple weeks, I was reminded at how easy it is to slack on grace or to unnecessarily turn up the heat when we know we’ve got the thick e-cushion of near-anonymity to protect us. As I reflect on the ways I’m failing to show grace in my life today (and there is some stirring in my spirit–I stand self-accused), I’m reminded that words posted into outerspace still land somwhere…and still do damage to real people. Remember that with me…please.
Adopting a standard for responsible online communication might not be a bad thing to think about. As it turns out, the Institute of Global Ethics has already started the conversation:
As a resident of a global community of engaged thinkers, I agree to abide by the five shared values that create and sustain communities everywhere:
RESPECT. Communities depend on mutual respect. In my posts, I will respect the dignity, motivation, and intelligence of others at all times. I will neither engage in personal attacks or derogatory comments, nor tolerate those who do. While I welcome vigorous and strong debate, I will nevertheless strive to maintain civility in the face of disagreement and reasonableness in the presence of polarization.
RESPONSIBILITY. Communities comprise identifiable, recognizable individuals. I will take responsibility for what I write, using my own name rather than hiding behind the anonymity of an avatar or pseudonym. If I absolutely must remain anonymous, I will consult the editors to ensure that they know my identity and that readers know why I am not using my name.
HONESTY. Communities thrive on transparency. I will strive for candor, openness, and truth telling in my posts. I will avoid gossip, innuendo, unsourced data, and deceptive spin, but will seek to reflect accuracy, completeness, and relevance — the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth — in my comments.
FAIRNESS. Communities require the even-handed application of justice. I will seek always to represent issues as fairly as possible, honoring arguments on both sides even as I seek to persuade others to choose my side. But I will strive to avoid bias, discrimination, and misrepresentation, and will courageously expose bigotry and prejudice where I find it.
COMPASSION. Communities prosper through mutual caring. I will strive to use my posts to elevate and ennoble, rather than to lambaste, tear down, or harshly criticize others. Seeking to promote kindliness and good will, I will treat other people and their ideas with the same sense of caring attention I would want from them. ~Taken from the Institute of Global Ethics 2009