By Karen Rynes, Director of Marketing

While it seems like the subject is a bit heavy to digest along with 4 days' worth of turkey leftovers, ethics and full disclosure is a hot topic in the blogosphere these days.  It would seem to me that full disclosure and transparency would be a given.  In blogging, just as in journalism, you are publishing your words to the world, therefore, some of the same ethical policies can & should be applied to blogging. 

 By definition, full disclosure in journalism refers to disclosing the interests of the writer which may bear on the subject being written about.  For example, as a reader, you should be aware that you are reading this post on the Jaduka corporate blog and I am an employee of Jaduka.  Obviously, content & opinions generated in this blog are going to be associated with Jaduka company interests.   

By the same token, if I am commenting on another blog, especially if it is in regards to a subject, industry or product within Jaduka’s niche, in the interest of full disclosure I should identify myself & association in my comment…which I always do.

 A blogger's code of ethics includes these 3 policies:  

1. Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
2. Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content. When exceptions are made, disclose them fully to readers.
3. Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.

You can go on for days on the subject of ethical blogging, but the bottom line here is…you’ll never go wrong if you are HONEST!  It is the ONLY policy!

Please check back next week, when I’ll be talking about joining the conversation & commenting on other people’s blogs.  Not only is participating in others’ blogs important to stay relevant on your industry & field, it’s also a great way to meet new colleagues…even mentors.  And of course, feel free to comment if you have any input, tips, posts or articles.  And for those who may have missed them, here's Part 1 and Part 2 of my Social Media Series (in which I discussed "blog writing" tips).  Have a great week!

 P.S. You can check out more on the subject of full disclosure by reading Lorelle VanFossen’s post on Full Disclosure on Corporate & Commercial Blogs or WOMMA's Ethics 20 Questions.