Blog Advertising Code of Ethics

Considering the growing popularity of professional blogging, there is an increasing need to have blog advertising ethics. Bloggers have similar duties as the media. Unlike the latter, however, there is no institution that regulates blogs. Hence, it is vital that bloggers self-regulate. Blogging is more than just writing, expressing oneself and earning money. The writers must know and be reminded that as they participate in media they have the responsibility to promote the good of their readers.
To probloggers out there, we are encouraging you to follow the code of ethics below. You owe it to yourself as professionals and to your readers who look up to you. After all, what sets you apart from casual bloggers is right there in your title – you are PROFESSIONAL.

Principled. I will be principled in my writing. I will practice discretion in determining the topics I will be discussing in my blog. I will also be principled in choosing advertisements I will allow in my website. I will not engage in unethical internet practices such as click fraud. I will make the good of my readers my highest priority and not compromise my principles for monetary gain.

Responsible. I will be responsible in updating my blog. I acknowledge that I owe it to my readers to have fresh content in my website. I will also be responsible in checking the truthfulness of the data before posting it. It is my duty as a professional blogger.

Original. I will be original; making sure that my content is my own. I will not even consider plagiarizing.

Fair. I will be fair when reporting on issues with 2 sides. I will make certain that both sides are properly presented and given the chance to explain or defend themselves.

Exposed. I will expose myself to new thoughts and ideas by reading, listening to people and music and watching the latest trends. I will not allow myself to stagnate as a person and as a professional blogger.

Sincere. I will be sincere. I will write what is true and mean what I say. Lying is not an option for me. I will be objective and unbiased when writing product reviews. I will share my actual experience with the product, nothing more and nothing less.

Straight. I will be straight in my blog and stand for what I believe in. When advertisers ask for a good product review in exchange for favors, I will stand by my morals and principles.

Inspired. I will not write simply for the sake of money. Writing is my passion so I will be inspired, putting my heart into my articles and reviews.

Open. I will be open-minded. I will not reject ideas that differ from mine. I will learn from them.

Novel. I am a problogger with my own identity. I will be novel, differentiating myself from other bloggers in terms of content, writing style and ethics.

Accountable. I will be accountable to my readers. Should I commit mistakes, I will admit them and correct them promptly.

Link Sources. I will give credit to the minds that help me with my work as a problogger. I will link sources to acknowledge their hard work.