« Dupont Requires Vendors to Follow WOMMA Code of Ethics | Main | I'm Headed to Ad:Tech San Francisco »

Two of America's leading newspapers have suspended staff-written blogs because of ethics violations. First, Ben Domenech left Washingtonpost.com after outside bloggers uncovered numerous examples of plagiarism in his past work. And last week, the Los Angeles Times suspended Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Hiltzik after it discovered he'd posted comments under false identities on his and other blogs on the paper's website.

The Times' site says:

"That is a violation of The Times ethics guidelines, which requires editors and reporters to identify themselves in dealing with the public."

Says Columbia Journalism Review today:

Blogging might be a new medium and the rules, such as they are, are still being made up as we go along, but the rules of journalism are long-standing -- and no reporter can claim ignorance.

It's high time for a blogging code of ethics. Of course the issue isn't black and white. There are situations where a blogger, like the Iranian bloggers who've been jailed for blogging, need to remain anonymous to protect their lives. But posting under assumed names, or plagarizing is never right or ethical.

Related What's Next Blog Posts:
- Blog Ethics: What Business Relationships Should Bloggers Disclose?
- Sample Corporate Blogging Policies

I agree - except in very unusual situations (such as your example of the Iranian bloggers), bloggers should use their own names. If you are not willing to link yourself with what you are saying, then you shouldn't be saying it. That goes for people who gripe about their company - if it is that corrupt call your State Attorney's office or whoever has jurisdiction and ask for an investigation, otherwise find a new job.

There. Rant over. I feel much better.

Actually, wouldn't it be better served as a code of ethics for journalists who blog?

Blogging is -- or can be -- so loose and informal. One can't wrap all bloggers under one code. Maybe all blogs should be stamped as personal or professional (industry-related) -- with a code for the pros?
Mike