Blogging Ethics and Etiquette

This series of blogs has introduced many topics to business bloggers. But the two most critical aspects of both your business and your blog will be following Ethics and Etiquette Rules. Ethics can generally be defined as doing the right things; Etiquette is doing things the right way.

Every child is taught to know the difference between right and wrong. As we grow we encounter situations which give us the opportunity to make decisions based upon that knowledge. But soon we learn that maybe it’s okay to bend the ethic rules just a little, we give ourselves permission by saying, “everyone else does this.” Knowing the rules of ethical behavior and following those rules 24/7 is challenging to say the least. But then again no one ever said it would be easy. What we were taught was that following the rules of right and wrong and doing the right thing would be beneficial to us in the end.

Etiquette is how society guides the things we have been taught. Etiquette rules include how we speak, act, write, dress, behave, and treat others and so on based upon societal norms. For instance if we’re playing outside, we dress casually, but if we’re going out to dinner, work, church or a funeral, the etiquette rules on clothing changes.

Now let’s look at our businesses and business blogs. How we handle a disgruntled customer who wants to see us or decide what information we should include in our blog are prime opportunities to be both ethical and handle the situation using the appropriate etiquette rules. As business owners and writers of business blogs, we are confronted daily on both these types of situations.

Two websites/blogs which discuss ethics and etiquette are http://blogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/blogging_etiquette and http://nafasg.blogspot.com/2007/08/blogging-etiquettes.html
These websites offer points that can be helpful to all of us who choose to blog or comment on a blog. The main points of etiquette are to remember that blogs should be informative, can be viewed globally due to the internet, never steal another’s work, always give credit or cite your sources, and post comments that are relevant to the blog. The Ethical point to remember is simple; always be ethical. Whether you are at your business or on a blog make the right decisions even if they are hard, and your business and your blog will benefit. Don’t think like you did as a child, that you can hide behind your business or your blog and that unethical behavior will never be detected. Remember your professionalism, your reputation, your blog, your business and your success will benefit from making ethical decisions and following the rules of good etiquette. Decide which road you will take and don't let an easy decision ruin all that you have worked for.