When checking out Francis Pisani’s blog this morning I’ve discovered that the ‘Blogger’s code of conduct’ post from Tim O’reilly has been the starting point for a new debate.
(Check out the links below to see what people think of this ‘Blogger’s code of conduct’ post.)
Here, here, and here
It isn’t really a new debate; the real debate here is more about freedom of speech on the internet. Not that Tim O’reilly wants to moderate anything, but by creating a new code of conduct he is trying to legislate the blogosphere. Indeed, the patronizing-ish tone of voice he is using (symbolized by the sheriff star) has been the starting point for this debate.
This code of conduct is a great thing on the paper; lots of people are having some wrong behaviour online. However there are some already existing laws on the Internet, the only problem is that the web is such a complex and messy thing that no one is actually able to control it.
Anyway, the interesting thing about Tim O’reilly’s proposition is he is trying to solve a problem by raising the auto regulation: indeed like Agoravox the best way to make changes happen online isn’t necessarily to trust any institution but to act by ourselves.
One last point is that there is no ‘macro blogosphere’ but a myriad of ‘micro blogospheres’. Therefore should each of these communities have their own (tacit) rules, should we create a universal code of ethics on the blogosphere or maybe we shouldn’t be bothered?
What do you think?
