Blogging with Integrity

So, if you pay attention to other things on this blog other than just my posts, you'll notice a few additions that have been added over the course of the last few months and days.  I want to post about these additions because I think they're important, both for me and the blogging world in general.

I posted a few weeks ago about choosing to be authentic.  I wrote "Authenticity is rooted in the value of integrity and the commitment 'to thine own self be true.'"  But recently I have also made the commitment to blog with integrity not only in relation to myself and my experience, but with integrity to others, their words, contributions, and agendas as well.

Lately, I've been reminded of a few things:

1. There's nothing new under the sun, but yet humanity is constantly evolving. 
2. What I as an individual have to contribute is unique, but it is informed and shaped by a myriad of influences, ideas, opinions, people and factors over which I have only some control.
3. Change and duplication (purposefully or inadvertently) is inevitable.
4. We are responsible for as much of that which we can be aware, and if unaware at first and then made aware later, responsibility applies with new awareness.
5. Admitting a mistake is not a sign of weakness, but an indicator of integrity and strength.
6. Transparency and authenticity are values to be nurtured and used not only for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of others and society as a whole.

Maybe it's the PhD writing talking here, but I have to say I'm bothered by blogs which don't identify or name sources, inspirations, influences, etc.  I think there's an issue with integrity if someone doesn't name (not just provide a "go here" link but actually name it as in "I've been influenced by X. Smith's idea and B. Doe's blog" and so on) where things come from.  It fails to recognize the fact that we are all shaped by others and doesn't show respect for other people's work.  It lacks awareness that we are all inter-connected, our actions affect others, and what we say and do have influence for good or bad.


For that reason, I've signed up to a couple initiatives that are worth taking a look at:

Available at http://www.blogwithintegrity.com

By signing up with Blog with Integrity:

• I assert that the trust of my readers and the blogging community is important to me.
• I treat others respectfully, attacking ideas and not people. I also welcome respectful disagreement with my own ideas.
• I believe in intellectual property rights, providing links, citing sources, and crediting inspiration where appropriate.
• I disclose my material relationships, policies and business practices. My readers will know the difference between editorial, advertorial, and advertising, should I choose to have it. If I do sponsored or paid posts, they are clearly marked.
• When collaborating with marketers and PR professionals, I handle myself professionally and abide by basic journalistic standards.
• I always present my honest opinions to the best of my ability.
• I own my words. Even if I occasionally have to eat them.

And Brene Brown's Free Range Social Media movement holds to the following:

Available at http://www.brenebrown.com/frsm

News flash: I'm not perfect.  

In recent days, I've gone back through and made a few changes in this here blog where I haven't attributed things correctly and I think I found them all.  But as a result, I've made the commitment to join these initiatives in order to keep myself accountable, and remind myself to be aware of other people's influences in my journey and give them proper respect and credit, whether it's for an earth-shattering idea or a simple recipe.  Folks in this world, including you and me, work too hard to not be given credit where it's due.

So, if you see anything on this blog that has inspired you or you want to use, respect my voice and give me credit.  And if you find anything in this blog that looks as if it's come from somewhere else and hasn't been properly attributed, please let me know.

Here's to contributing to building a better world, 

one blog post at a time!