I first released the PISS code (an Ethics code) for bloggers (under WTFPL) more than a month back, and it sank without a bubble (perhaps a Hobbit was involved) :-) Actually a more reasonable explanation is that I didn’t blog about it.
Whatever, with today’s concerns that the UK OFT is also taking note of sponsored and paid advertisements by bloggers, tweeters and FaceBook users, here is the amended version 2.0 of the code.
The code is basically a modification of the Ethics code for Journalists, proposed by Prashant Agarwal’s on WSJ. The principal difference is the reference to the allegiance to the Republic (of India) and serve its (the Republic’s) interests above all other interests. While I am enamoured of the idea, vision, concept and life of the Republic of India, I do not agree that the interests of the Republic of India will always reflect the best interests of the common man.
The interests of the Republic of India (as of all nation states) are dictated by the administration and in a liberal, sovereign, democratic republic will reflect the interests of the ruling parties at that time. If not so, there need not be an opposition party or ideology and even a Parliament as it exists.
So I was inspired to think of and write out the PISS code (PROMISE OF INTEGRITY SHORT AND SIMPLE code) which I feel takes care of all the issues that a blogger, tweeter or a FaceBook or other social networking forums can relate to.
The current amendment which basically entails introduction of clause (4) of the code would / should satisfy the recent concerns of the UK’s OFT (Office of Fair Trading) as also the earlier guidelines of the US FTC (Fair Trading Commission), even though I am not a resident or citizen of either of them.
But in fairness to all readers, I feel that the concerns expressed by those bodies are reasonable and should be addressed to.
Hence the amended PISS code. The PISS code itself is released under Do What the Fuck You Want To Public Licence (WTFPL) and as the name suggests can be done anything with.
Here is the copy of the PISS code.
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PROMISE OF INTEGRITY SHORT AND SIMPLE (PISS)
Version 02 - January 2011
1. Write on facts to the best of my ability
2. Disclose any possible conflicts of interest
3. Not be influenced by monies, gifts, gratuities or threats from anyone
4. Disclose when 'material connections' exist in reviews or endorsements
5. Remain focussed, unbiased, practice Satyagraha and take utmost care
6. Not ask, request, endorse, demand or encourage release of any information of any nature covered by Official Secrets Act (or its national equivalent), into public domain by anyone who is not authorised to do so by competent authority, except when such information reveals illegal acts of any nature
7. Obey all rules, laws and regulations in existence subject to (6) above
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Any and all bouquets and brickbats are welcome.
Whatever, with today’s concerns that the UK OFT is also taking note of sponsored and paid advertisements by bloggers, tweeters and FaceBook users, here is the amended version 2.0 of the code.
The code is basically a modification of the Ethics code for Journalists, proposed by Prashant Agarwal’s on WSJ. The principal difference is the reference to the allegiance to the Republic (of India) and serve its (the Republic’s) interests above all other interests. While I am enamoured of the idea, vision, concept and life of the Republic of India, I do not agree that the interests of the Republic of India will always reflect the best interests of the common man.
The interests of the Republic of India (as of all nation states) are dictated by the administration and in a liberal, sovereign, democratic republic will reflect the interests of the ruling parties at that time. If not so, there need not be an opposition party or ideology and even a Parliament as it exists.
So I was inspired to think of and write out the PISS code (PROMISE OF INTEGRITY SHORT AND SIMPLE code) which I feel takes care of all the issues that a blogger, tweeter or a FaceBook or other social networking forums can relate to.
The current amendment which basically entails introduction of clause (4) of the code would / should satisfy the recent concerns of the UK’s OFT (Office of Fair Trading) as also the earlier guidelines of the US FTC (Fair Trading Commission), even though I am not a resident or citizen of either of them.
But in fairness to all readers, I feel that the concerns expressed by those bodies are reasonable and should be addressed to.
Hence the amended PISS code. The PISS code itself is released under Do What the Fuck You Want To Public Licence (WTFPL) and as the name suggests can be done anything with.
Here is the copy of the PISS code.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PROMISE OF INTEGRITY SHORT AND SIMPLE (PISS)
Version 02 - January 2011
1. Write on facts to the best of my ability
2. Disclose any possible conflicts of interest
3. Not be influenced by monies, gifts, gratuities or threats from anyone
4. Disclose when 'material connections' exist in reviews or endorsements
5. Remain focussed, unbiased, practice Satyagraha and take utmost care
6. Not ask, request, endorse, demand or encourage release of any information of any nature covered by Official Secrets Act (or its national equivalent), into public domain by anyone who is not authorised to do so by competent authority, except when such information reveals illegal acts of any nature
7. Obey all rules, laws and regulations in existence subject to (6) above
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Any and all bouquets and brickbats are welcome.
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