Weblogs 'need content warnings

Readers should be warned when they are reading blogs that may contain "crude language", a draft blogging code of conduct has suggested.

The code was drawn up by web pioneer Tim O'Reilly following published threats and perceived harassment to US developer Kathy Sierra on blogs.
The code begins: "We celebrate the blogosphere because it embraces frank and open conversation."
The draft says people should not be allowed to leave anonymous comments.
Blogs which are open and uncensored should post an "anything goes" logo to the site to warn readers, the code suggests.
Readers of these blogs would be warned: "We are not responsible for the comments of any poster, and when discussions get heated, crude language, insults and other "off colour" comments may be encountered. Participate in this site at your own risk."

The draft will now be assessed and amended by bloggers around the world.
The code states: "We are committed to the 'Civility Enforced' standard: we will not post unacceptable content, and we'll delete comments that contain it."
(and who gets to define what is acceptable? Initially, the blog owner. Further down the track....?)
The draft defines unacceptable content as anything included or linked to that is being used to "abuse, harass, stalk, or threaten others".
(which would effectively prohibit the abuse of..oh..let's say... politicians, for example. Or the BBC. Thus effectively neutering bloggers. Get stuffed.)
BBC "news"

It'll be a cold day in hell before this writer signs up to some PC "code of conduct".
A person would have to be a brainless ninny to be unaware of the fact that blogs are something of a free-fire zone after even the most cursory look at a half-dozen or so. The world is full to overflowing with smarmy do-gooder assholes who dearly love to regulate the way others live, who wish to enforce their own standards on adults who are perfectly capable of making their own decisions.
Blogs are the only place where free speech is alive and well and capable of reaching a wide audience.
And this code of conduct, my friends, is most certainly the thin end of the regulatory wedge.

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