[Note that this creed is specifically for Personal Bloggers. If you’re a Corporate Blogger you might find this Draft Code of Conduct, Corporate Blogger’s Creed, somewhat tongue-in-cheek but excellent Business Blogger’s Creed and these Legal Guidelines useful.]

What is a Creed?

‘Creed’ comes from the Latin word “credere” — to believe — and is a statement of principles or beliefs. It is different to a Code of Conduct, which is normally enforced or controlled by an industry body. A creed is a totally voluntary adoption of a framework, and often refers to a religious belief system. A belief system cannot be imposed. In this sense, a creed is simply a statement of an individual’s philosophy.

Personal bloggers, by definition, are answerable to no-one, and this invariably leads to widely differing standards of personal blogs. After a considerable and fruitless search for a simple creed I could subscribe to, I thought I’d table what is important to me. Your comments, suggestions and criticisms are welcomed. And if it makes sense to you, why not voice your support by leaving a comment. Who knows, there might even be a need to create a site listing all blogs who voluntarily subscribe to the Personal Blogger’s Creed.

The Personal Blogger’s Creed

I believe in the right to Freedom of Expression, which permits a blogger to write about anything on their mind.

I believe in personal accountability for the outcome of anything blogged.

I believe that a blogger should write only what they hold in their heart to be true; that writing purely for the sake of SEO results or advertising revenue, whether on their own blog or commenting on another’s, is indefensible.

I believe that blogging which succeeds best — and best deserves success — is considerate of the reader, and thus provides meaningful content which educates, inspires, assists and guides; that the supreme test of good blogging is the measure of usefulness to the reader.

I believe that creation is infinitely more valuable than duplication; that where duplication is necessary it should be accompanied by a new thought, an expanded idea, or a valuable discussion.

Your thoughts?

Wait, There's More!

Thanks for stopping by to see what all the fuss is about. I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, and you'd like to be updated whenever I publish a new post (totally randomly, but never more than once or twice a week) you can subscribe - for free - and receive regular updates. To receive updates by email, simply complete the Subscription Form in the top right hand corner of every page or, if you're so inclined, click here for the main RSS feed.

And if you want to leave a comment at any time - even if it's just to say hi - you're more than welcome - just leave your thoughts in the block at the end of every post. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again!

Oh, and before I forget, you really should read my Why I Blog post. It might numb the shock of some of the heretical things I say!

Date posted : October 20th, 2007 by Michael Haupt Last Modified : October 22nd, 2007 / Filed under : Musings / Report a Concern Navigate : Previous post / Next post / Top of Page
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