One of the things that a blogger should be concerned about is that blogging entails responsibilities. Just like a writer, a blogger should write with accuracy and proper ethics.
I have recently read a blog article about the Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media, and Content Curators. It shows a list of 12 points that will help you become a responsible blogger. On another event during the Cebu Blogging Community’s first official meetup, we discussed some rules that every blogger member should abide.
Just recently, I tried to search some ways how to become a responsible blogger. I asked some peers and my personal research has made me realized that I can create some points that every blogger can read and apply on their own blogs.
Without further ado, here are the things that you can do to be a responsible blogger:
1. Check your facts.
It’s your freedom to speak your opinion but make sure that the facts included are actually verified. You don’t want that your readers will not trust you because you have incorrect information included in your blog posts.
2. Respect the Copyright Law.
The original work has all the rights to their content and how it is distributed in the digital media. According to Wikipedia, “Copyright is a legal right created by the law of a country that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution. This is usually only for a limited time. The exclusive rights are not absolute but limited by limitations and exceptions to copyright law, including fair use.”
3. Give proper credits to your sources.
To respect the copyright law is to give proper credits to your sources. May it be photos, articles, and other elements you included in your blog post, make sure not to claim ownership to things you don’t own. (For copyright-free images, you can freely opt not to give credits but it is also well-appreciated.)
4. Disclose personal relationships.
In blogging, make sure to be transparent with your readers. You can consider disclosing the affiliations you have and letting them know your connections.
5. Disclose sponsored posts.
In posting sponsored posts, make sure to have a full disclosure page detailing the various ways of monetization in your blog. If possible, it’s best advised to have personalized content on sponsored posts rather than just posting the verbatim press release kit of sponsors.
6. Avoid derogatory statements.
Your blog becomes your character. A responsible blogger knows how to speak in a manner that isn’t emotionally driven by negative events. If there are unfavorable circumstances, make sure to reach with the concerned parties privately before publicly announcing these scenarios.
7. Use constructive criticisms.
If posting honest reviews of products/events you aren’t completely happy about, make sure to phrase your statements in a manner that they can still improve and make sure to suggest things they can do.
8. Check your comment policy.
You can also consider checking the comment policy of your blog. You can either pre-approve your comments or publish them directly depending on your preference. If there are criticisms, make sure to respond to them accordingly, and only delete those who are spammy and irresponsible derogatory statements.
9. Don’t use ‘blackhat’ method.
As a responsible blogger, make sure to only allow legal means in promoting your blog content. Doing the blackhat method won’t benefit your blog in the long term.
10. Listen and respond to your readers.
The most important tip that you should do to be a responsible blogger is to actively listen and respond to your readers. A blog should be a means of communication and giving responses to the feedback shared by your readers is well appreciated. It may be through the comment section or social media or email.
Disclaimer: These 10 ways to become a responsible blogger are just merely suggestions and you can opt not to follow one of these if deemed necessary. If you have scenarios that these won’t be beneficial or some feedback about these tips, just let me know in the comment section below.
The copyright law and giving credits. These are something that most people tend to forget especially with photos. If only everyone knew the power of creative commons!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all your tips especially on not using blackhat SEO technique. I used to work for a writing agency before that taught us writers how to do these shady methods. Back then I didn't know that it was unethical since I was fairly new to SEO (I was employed as a writer initially) but later on I found that when Google changed their algorithm, our client's ranking went from first page to page 10. So I learned not to do any shortcuts and take time to promote your content in an ethical way. It takes time to build your reputation, don't ruin that by using blackhat.
ReplyDeleteThis is a concise version on how to be a responsible blogger.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good read. A quick question about the sponsored post though since I receive a lot of request like such. How can you manage to "personalize" the content if they would suggest to post the article as is? Have you experienced a similar situation? I had tried to suggest before but some of them won't allow. Any ideas?
ReplyDelete