Journalists and blogging ethics

As graduation is fast approaching, I can't help but hear from peers of the extraneous tasks they have ahead of them that include cleaning out Facebook photos and deleting anything that may turn prospective employers the other way. Then it got to me. Aside from Facebook, what other media outlets do we engage in online? Blogs. Yes, I too have a personal blog where I like to reblog pictures and try to refrain from telling the public about anything "too" personal.

Yet, will some of my content return to haunt me later? I cross my fingers that it wouldn't and think how I can wash away all my worries about future employers with one simple "delete" button. Sadly, with that delete button, deletes a bit of me, my history and a huge chunk of my creativity. What if this "creative" side is what employers are looking for?

What to do, what to do? Better yet, what do other journalists do?

Some interesting points I found on Poynter.org about Online Journalism Ethics. In 2006 a group of online journalists got together to discuss ethical guidelines when doing online/web journalism.

Should journalists be allowed to keep personal blogs?

Yes, but journalists who work for journalistic organizations should acknowledge that role. They should also recognize their responsibility to the organization, and review the plans for the blog with an editor, so that any potential conflicts can be discussed. It’s always best to operate on the premise of “no surprises” for your editor or your organization — or your readers.

Is it ever appropriate for a reporter to write anonymously on someone else’s blog or site? Is it appropriate for a reporter operate a blog under an alias?

No. Professional journalists should not write or comment on other blogs anonymously or run an anonymous blog. Reporters are expected to own responsibility for their work, and commenting or blogging anonymously compromises that core principle. If a reporter believes that some anonymity of similar tactic is required — possibly as part of a reporting assignment or a restaurant review — the strategy should be used carefully and in consultation with an editor. And if you decide it is appropriate, consider the plan for eventual disclosure and transparency. This same rule applies to any “journalist”: bloggers, editors, photographers, etc.

Do we need to differentiate between opinion blogs and news blogs?

Remember that a “blog” is only a medium. It’s what you do with it that matters. News organizations should differentiate clearly between opinion blogs and news blogs. Though they may share a format, the driving force behind clear labeling is the content of the journalism, not the format. News organizations should articulate clear standards and labeling for all of their news and opinion, whether it’s on a printed page or in a blog.