Bloggers Resolve Dispute On CNN

Before their appearance on CNN this morning, bloggers Kathy Sierra and Chris Locke issued a joint statement responding to issues raised throughout the blogosphere following Sierra’s revelation of death threats against her, as well as the depiction of her image in misogynistic sexual photos.

threats and images appeared, has consistently denied any direct involvement in the affair, and had criticized Sierra for implicating him, albeit indirectly, without tangible evidence.

The two, however, seem to have settled at least some of their differences and have put out a joint statement which expresses concerns over the backlash that overreaction to hateful commentary could have on the underlying principles of free speech.

Many have weighed in on the Kathy Sierra story. Some of have come down on the side of desiring more control over the blogosphere, expressing the opinion that bloggers should adhere to a predetermined code of ethics. Others feel that immature hate-speech simply comes with the territory of being a public figure, and any attempts at regulation are counterintuitive to the spirit of free speech on the Internet.

What’s the greater issue here? On one hand, you have a very real mentality of hatred towards women that is unfortunately not all that uncommon or difficult to encounter when surfing the Internet’s vast archive of commentary.

On the other hand, you have this delicate concept of free speech that so many bloggers cling to for dear life, and rightly so. So where does the balance lie in preserving the right to expression while at the same time discouraging hateful behavior?

These are the questions that Kathy Sierra and Chris Locke look to tackle in their blogging again for a while, but will return when the time is right. Locke is trying to salvage his reputation in the midst of the media carnage.