The Importance of Being Really, Really Earnest

Having been recently elevated to Minister of the Black Arts and Pseudo-Sciences here at the Institute, I believe it is only fitting that my first official act should be to pledge my allegiance to The Blogger’s Code of Ethics. High standards are important to the business of Journalism, as we have repeated learned from Dan Rather and Jason Blair, and every well-meaning blogger should adhere to this Code as well, lest they wind up making a complete laughingstock of themselves before a world-wide audience. Therefore, before I begin my Ministerial duties, let me outline a few of the Code’s more important aspects that will be rigidly adhered to during my brief tenure.

Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Bloggers should:
• Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

I just had to have a Coke™ and a smile© when I read this particular advisory. Hard-hitting journalism, such as that found here at the Institute, often requires that the writer balance the public’s right to know with our alumni donor’s right to get their money’s worth. Institute visitors can Rest Assured®, however, that whenever they kick back with a bowl of everyone’s favorite snack food© and a frosty beverage to read the analysis and commentary here, that what you will get isn’t commercial filler, but is all the news, True™ and unvarnished.

Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect.
Bloggers should:
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.

Here at the Institute, we make sure that, not only are all creatures are treated like human beings, but that they are all comfortable, too.

Bloggers should:
• 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.

Here at the Institute, personal integrity is Job 1®. But more importantly, our integrity produces results. In the interest of full disclosure, let me list some of the many satisfied clients the Institute members assisted during the last year:

The Boston Red Sox;

George Bush;

Roger Clemons;

William Hung;

Donald Trump;

and many, many more.

The Institute stands ever ready to aid all those in need, 24 hours a day, 7 days days a week.* Call or write today for details on how we can help you too. And remember, you're in good hands with Allstate.®

In sum, let me just promise on behalf of the Institute, that this is the longest post that will ever appear under my by-line, but the subject of journalist ethics for bloggers was simply too narcissistic to pass up.

* When you sign up for the Blogtastic® Premium Plan. Minimum one year pre-paid subscription. Not available in all time zones. Certain restrictions may apply. Check your shorts.

** Thanks to McFreedom for the news stroy/advertisement.