IF YOU READ online journals or listen to a wide range of podcasts, you have already encountered some of the behaviour that irritates some A-List citizens of blogging. Simply stated, some people don't appreciate the shrill voices of others. But there's more--some people want to use a logo or meta code on websites to block the uncouth or unvarnished invective that stirs up hate, prejudice, and slanderous diatribe. That's a commendable goal but you don't need a logo to get the job done. In Ireland, you just send a cease and desist letter, ring up a web host with an alleged copyright infringement, pester the offender with online commentary, co-author link bombs or generate parallel rebuttals on discussion boards. You can also file a hate complaint with your local Garda. The channels exist but some work better than others. If you're going to accommodate a high level of visitor traffic, you're going to attract trolls. I have used several of these tactics also keep offensive people at bay. I don't think you need to sign up for an unenforceable blogger code of conduct to offer a meaningful forum for cross-talk through social media. It's worth trying only if you have some related product or service to sell. But I'm not buying it.
DISCLOSURE: I maintain three distinct online identities, have been evicted from one industry mailing list, and teach college students the art of engaging discourse for academic credit.
Dave Winer -- "Just ignore it. It will go away.
Robert Scoble was upset about a blogging thing. So he just took the week off and walked away.
Tim O'Reilly -- "Draft blogger's code of conduct"
Steve Hodson -- "A blogger code of conduct would be like herding hornets - nice idea but painful to all in execution."
Brad Stone -- "A Call for Manners"
