A voluntary code

General lack of enthusiasm for the Press Complaints Commission director Tim Toulmin’s suggestion that

Blogs and other internet sites should be covered by a voluntary code of practice similar to that for newspapers in the UK

Longrider is excellent on the subject, as is Chicken Yoghurt, who is particularly scathing about the ironies inherent in Former Downing Street spin doctor Alastair Campbell’s view that

blogs were “perceived as a positive development” but “some of the most offensive stuff” comes from them.

As the Adam Smith Institute Blog points out of this proposed voluntary code, ‘there already is one. It’s in the civilities of polite society.’ The Devil’s Kitchen kindly volunteers to sign a code, in his normally civil and polite manner; Mr Eugenides’ comment is eagerly awaited and I’m sure he, too, will maintain the civilities.

After the detailed analysis these guys have put in, all I can usefully add is that, while I hope to maintain the civilities of polite society around here, too, I’m happy to display one of Disillusioned and Bored’s excellent logos (the more restrained of the two).

UPDATE: a truly excellent article by Cleanthes of The Select Society on the topic, comparing blogs with other media.