A blogging code of conduct will never deter a jerk

Please don't take this as a flame inspiring snark, but Tim O'Reilly's proposal for a blogging code of conduct is a pointless exercise. You need your wits, not a code of conduct, to survive as a blogger.

Blogging can be a nasty, bare knuckle activity, especially on the local level. Here's my cigarette pack warning based on real world experience: Sleep-costing threats of legal action and job loss may result from blogging.

I'm involved in the Washington DC blogging community and help run a local Webloggers Meetup. I'll share my list of best practices, survival tips, all based on some things I've observed in the DC blogging world.

-- Avoid counter-flaming. If someone leaves a nasty comment on your blog, delete it, ignore it or, best yet, disarm the writer with gentle humor. If the person isn't giving up, moderate. Your regular readers will understand and once the stalker evaporates turn moderation off.

-- Ignore the problem bloggers in your community. These flame throwers love to provoke and hope you will return the attack. They are never your intellectual equal and there's no doubt you can skewer them. But a home run for a problem blogger is to feel victimized, and then use that as justification for revenge, such as publishing the name of your employer and/or make sure your co-workers are aware of your blog. Problem bloggers love to escalate because it brings them traffic.

-- If you are a woman blogging about your personal life, consider staying anonymous. Don't reveal details that may allow someone to figure out who you are and where you work. The haters will work overtime to glean your real identity. If you put your picture on your blog, someone may use that photo in another context. Staying anon is good advice for men as well. But it's a different world for a woman.

-- This one should be obvious but it isn't: Never ever, write about work. Even harmless details can give someone an idea about who you work for. Assume your co-workers read blogs and if they ever figure out that you blog, your URL will turn up in an office email.

-- Attend blogger meetups and other opportunities to meet your local bloggers. Bloggers, because they have capacity and strength to share, often have a generosity of spirit and self-awareness that can lead to wonderful friendships.

-- Develop a thick skin. Blog boldly. It's not the mission of your blog to rid the world of jerks. Bloggers, the good ones, are authentic voices who help humanize this world a little.

Related News and Discussion:

• Civility or censorship? O'Reilly proposes blogging code of conduct
• Douglas Schweitzer: Taking credit for your opinions -- or not....
• Patrick Thibodeau: You won't get fired for blogging* (maybe)
• Keeping Secrets in a WikiBlogTubeSpace World