Insults and the right to free speech
Bloggers all over are currently discussing the suggestion of a blogging code of conduct, where bloggers are required to refrain from insults and threats, or get their blogs yanked. The debate is generally anti-code, justified by the claim that it is freedom of speech to say what you want, and said freedom is protected by the US constitution. The thing is, we aren't discussing political blogs or racist blogs or pornographic blogs or blogs that in general have some kind of inflammatory material on them. We are discussing blogs much like my own: One person's personal outlet offered to the world because it's a rewarding thing to do (get to write, get to share, get feedback). But on some blogs, commenters are leaving insults and threats, including death threats. The general reaction to this, that I have seen so far, is if you can't tolerate some sicko comments on your blog, you are too sensitive for blogging so just stop blogging. Don't bitch about the internet being...
Comments
Keera - Thanks for including Alice's link. It's a nice way to get to know a little about Alice - who I only know from her comments here.Alice, I hope that you don't mind that I looked at the link Keera so thoughtfully provided. It was delightful! You have some beautiful photos on it and it's set up in a most unusual, to me, fashion. I felt that, though your pictures, I got to know a part of you. A rather nice part, I think. Making your own soap! Was it easy?
Keera - Thanks for including Alice's link. It's a nice way to get to know a little about Alice - who I only know from her comments here.
Ellen
Alice started as a delightful internet acquaintance and became a dear friend. I've even had the pleasure of meeting her in real life. She also inspires me to keep up my blog. :-)
I have more to thank Alice for if she inspires you to keep up your blog. And there's a precedent - we may meet yet. There is always that trip to France. I think it's time to write that email soon.
Ellen