Comment sections on blogs are perhaps the most potential medium for misunderstanding. With free expression and the option of anonymity it is unrealistic to expect a weblogger to present an even-handed picture of the world, but it is very reasonable to expect them to cooperate with their sources, biases, and behavior. This section of the unit will assess certain rules or guideline necessary to check web ethics of a blog.
The first principle deals with how to make an assertion. Make an assertion in good faith; state facts only if you are sure about it with the following note – ‘to the best of my knowledge’. Never post an article if there are reasons to believe that something is far from factual basis, but there will be times when you will find yourself speculating. Whenever you do that, admit it in your article and always note your reservations.
Before you shoot a quick reply to an uncomplimentary remark or comment, make sure that you understand what it actually meant. Improper placement of words and tone variations sometimes make all the difference in the delivery of a sentence. It is advisable to be respectful, and give others the benefit of the doubt.
When you link to referenced material, you actually allow the readers to judge the accuracy and insightfulness of your statements. This will enable you to preserve transparency and integrity.
Everyone argues differently. Some people do it forcefully and others are more interested in dialoguing. People are rarely persuaded by heavy replies than the humble ones. Humble replies are easily challenged.
If you find that you have linked to a story that was untrue, make a note of it and link to a more accurate report. Ideally, these corrections appear in the most current version of your weblog and as an added note to the original entry.
There is absolutely no need and no good excuse for speaking condescendingly to those with whom you disagree. This rule also applies to those who see fit to broadcast their discord with another individual in public. The comments section of a heavily trafficked weblog is not the correct place to defame the person you hate.
Write each entry as if it could not be changed; add to, but do not rewrite or delete, any entry. If you invest each entry with intent, you will ensure your personal and professional integrity. Example: a weblogger complains about inaccuracies in an online article; the writer corrects those inaccuracies and notes them; the weblogger's entry is now meaningless? Is it? Deleting the entry will remove evidence to the whole incident - but it did. Ideally, bloggers should note beneath the original entry that the writer has made the corrections and the article is now, to the weblogger's knowledge, accurate.
A serious article may be linked to a highly biased source. It is the blogger’s responsibility to clearly note the nature of the site on which it was found. Well-written articles can be found on sites that are maintained by highly biased organizations. Readers need to know whether an article on a particular sensible topic comes from a site that strongly favors/opposes that topic.
Last but not the least, when commenting on someone else's site, always remember that you are a guest there. Be polite, and double-check your words so that nothing you say could be misconstrued.
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