Bloggers Say 'No' To Proposed Code Of Conduct

It can be debated that bloggers already have their own unwritten laws, a code of conduct to which the prominent bloggers are to adhere. In Britain, the same governmental bodies that regulate the press, want to extend that code of practice to bloggers due to lack of professional standards. Some well-known bloggers have answered that proposal with a resounding "poppycock!"

BBC relays the words of Tim Toulmin (unrelated to Tim the Toolman Taylor), of the Press Complaints Commission, an organization that enforces standards of accuracy, discrimination, and intrusion within the journalism industry. Toulmin said, "there are no professional standards, no means of redress. If you want to see how the newspaper industry would look like if it was unchecked, then look at the internet." Toulmin thinks the code should be voluntary, rather than legislated, and enforced by readers. Worldwide, there are 55 million blogs, according to Technorati. Murdok got in touch with some well-versed and well-known bloggers in America and abroad to get their feelings on the suggested code of practice. "Bear in mind," said Web entrepreneur and blogger Del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit | Furl Bookmark Murdok: