Blogger's code of conduct

BBC News: Weblogs 'need content warnings'.

Readers should be warned when they are reading blogs that may contain "crude language", a draft blogging code of conduct has suggested.  The code was drawn up by web pioneer Tim O'Reilly following published threats and perceived harassment to US developer Kathy Sierra on blogs.  The code begins: "We celebrate the blogosphere because it embraces frank and open conversation."

The draft says people should not be allowed to leave anonymous comments.  Blogs which are open and uncensored should post an "anything goes" logo to the site to warn readers, the code suggests.  Readers of these blogs would be warned: "We are not responsible for the comments of any poster, and when discussions get heated, crude language, insults and other "off colour" comments may be encountered. Participate in this site at your own risk."  The draft will now be assessed and amended by bloggers around the world.

I agree about the anonymous comments, I've seen that abused on message boards.  WordPress allows comment moderation and a list of disallowed words, which is great.  However, the places you'd most need an "anything goes" logo are probably the least likely to post it.  "Civility enforced" is a nice idea, and you should be able to have a heated discussion without personal attacks, but where each site draws the line of what is civil or uncivil, and what is deletable is personal taste.

The code of conduct, and the accompanying comments, are an interesting read.

Update 16th April

Tim O'Reilly posted a follow up post, also worth reading.