Should bloggers be held to the same code of ethics as professional journalists?

by Gabriel Yuva

Created on: July 28, 2009

^ "Welcome to Technorati". Unknown. http://technorati.com/about/

. Retrieved on 2008-06-05

Webster's defines a blog or blogger as a website that contains a online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.

Bloggers are not journalists, therefore, are not aware of journalism standards. A normal citizen has not invested the time educating themselves in order to act as a journalist would. Likewise, a normal citizen is allowed to voice political opinions, help sick friends or children, put out a fire in his or her home, and is not held to the same standards as a professional fireman, nurse, doctor, or politician A citizen is not trained, aware of procedures; standards, not to mention is not paid, but still permitted to have a portion of the above privileges.

Those who spend the time, money, and years in education, with the goal of employment in journalism, it is logical to assume can be required to adhere to the same standards when blogging, as when publishing in any other media.

Can an average citizen be expected to adhere to journalistic standards when we are not a journalist? That is not possible, though if it were, bloggers would become obsolete. The internet would become a medium for independent journalists or networks such as CNN, CNBC, NBC etc. to stream coverage of the latest breaking news.

When most think of the question, should bloggers adhere to the same standards as journalists, they then think news that regards socio-economic issues. Currently there are 112 million (sited by blog search engine Technorati) bloggs broadcast by normal citizens on subjects such as: fashion, personal issues, corporate, entertainment, personal diaries, politics, fashion, projects, hobbies, music, arts, crafts, quizzes, legal issues, gardening tips, home and family and many more. Some believe bloggers should provide a bibliography or as much detail as possible in regard to all categories or least provide some proof of their statements. How can you prove the accuracy of a diary, hobby, or self-made quiz? Will the accuracy, or inaccuracy of a blog such as a diary, or home and family site make or break our peace of mind?

To place rules in order to provide protection from a violent crime toward someone for example: stalking or harming a person, are logical respectable, standards. It is vital for every person to be able to understand and easily adhere to the few standards placed. Self expression, identity, and free speech need to remain priority number one. The internet is not the same as the news, anyone can participate, and that is a large portion of the beauty. Anyone can share an opinion, or express themselves, without a prerequisite, such as a degree, not all of us are so privileged to be owners of such things.

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