Advocatus Diaboli

This blog is about things, issues, ideas, and concepts on subjects focusing on Canada, Canadian Issues and Affairs and those that affect Canada and Canadians from afar.

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Advocatus Diaboli Statement of Ethics Code

As a person who studied, studies, works in and around the media, I thought it only fair to warn you what will be done on this blog, and the upcoming wiki. The following will be applied to what I produce and post, and that in all comments.

Be Honest and Fair

Blogs should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. Opinions will be based on fact, but will rely on deduction and the view of the blogger and owner of the site.

Blogs should:

• Never plagiarize.
• Identify and link to sources whenever feasible.

The reader is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.

• We will make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. We will try not to oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
• Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations.
• We will never publish information known to be inaccurate -- and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt.
• We will distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information, or pure spin. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.
• Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

To minimize harm Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect.

Bloggers should:

• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by Weblog content. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.
• Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes and criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

AccountableBloggers should:

• Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
• Explain each Weblog's mission and invite dialogue with the public over its content and the bloggers' conduct.
• Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
• Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content.

When exceptions are made, disclose them fully to readers.

• Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.
• Expose unethical practices of other bloggers.
• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

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