Ethical Blogging

Posted by in Bloggers, Blogging | 56 comments


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Updated

This entry was set to private after Alan Ocab & I talked in August 20, 2007 because we felt that the issue should die down quietly. (Click here for more details) . I decided to bring it back after someone questioned my removal without an explanation. Here it is:

It was not my intention to hurt the boy or his family. I apologized to the father and apologies were accepted. However, I explained the purpose of my entry. I mentioned that authorship of the entries posted in his blog should be cited clearly and not posted at the bottom of the entry. It wasn’t my intention to even mention the name but overzealous bloggers decided to spill it out.

At the time I wrote the post, it was not clear who the authors were of some entries. It was made to appear that Carl wrote the entries because the guest authors or bloggers were not cited. I know Carl wrote some of them but not all and it was not clear. As of today, the guest authors (the byline) are now clearly shown after the title of the entry. Hope that clears the matter.

Alan Ocab and I understood each other and that is all that matters.

Responsible bloggers recognize that they are publishing words for everyone to read. Does it follow that they have certain ethical obligations to their readers, the people they write about, and society in general ? The blog’s greatest strength, particularly its uncensored and uncontrolled voice, is deemed its greatest weakness. Most bloggers are against anything that constrain their freedom. But most bloggers also know that The blogosphere runs on customs and norms – on what the community feels is acceptable (The cost of ethics: Influence peddling in the blogosphere). I presume most of you know the common sense rules on the Bloggers’ Code of Ethics . Whatever ethics in real life applies in cyberspace, right?

Now what happens when you face a suspicion that the person who created a blog is misinterpreting the facts?

I don’t care if you are a man pretending to be woman or a prime time woman assuming a young woman’s persona. What infuriates me is when a parent uses their minor child to create a blog and misrepresent some facts! (This is not the same thing as Cessky Pooh where the dad clearly states that his daughter is the voice of the blog.) What gets to me is that it’s unfair to the child. Do I continue to be a spectator of this modern day “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? Some of you just like me willingly share in a collective ignorance of an obvious fact, despite individually recognizing the absurdity. I can’t blame you but think harder.

Is this morally right?

Should I ignore?

Dedmahan?

A few of you know who I am talking about. A few of you raised your suspicions to me . I could easily turn a blind eye just so I don’t rock the boat. In the end, my conscience took control of my “Emperor New Clothes” thinking.

I probed and asked one blogger after he talked with the child and the parent blogger. Guess what he said?

The secret of the blog is the parent. The parent taught the child and then the child writes . So it’s really the child writing.

Huh?

That’s absurd.

It’s still not the child’s blog.

First of all, what kind of values is the parent instilling to the child that fudging the truth is OK?

Secondly, what happens to the child? The child grows up confused and cannot meet people’s unrealistic expectations. The truth will come out sooner or later.

What next?

We continue to adhere to ethical blogging standards.

The moral standards which guide us in real life should be the same standards that we observe in cyberspace. There should be no dichotomy.

Therefore, moral values like honesty, adherence to truth and respect for other people (even your minor child) should also be observed in cyberspace.

I cannot condone blogs like this. There is no fault on the innocent child. Gosh, it’s an insult to my intelligence that some people expect me to believe blindly a questionable circumstance.

I cannot turn a blind eye and ignore an obvious falsehood. This type of blog is not acceptable to the blogosphere.

Pray tell me, would you do this to your own child?

Comments Closed. Everything has been said. If you want to discuss this further, post an entry in your blog. If you have any questions, send me an email



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  • http://tesstermulo.com Prudence

    I think I know which blog you are referring to. Yup, an exchange of some words did convince me that the blog isn’t that of the kid. But I don’t think we can do anything about it. It’s their personal lives, after all. One thing we could do, though, is stop visiting the blog. That’s about it. Yeah, it’s sad that it happens. Maybe the problem is that of perception. In this case, the parent doesn’t seem to perceive it as deception, but rather a curious way to market himself in the blogosphere.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @prudence- We can’t do anything about it now because there is a child to protect. I am just stating my stand and hope it doesn’t happen to any child in the future.

  • http://atheista.net benj

    I just find it really funny. How did they blow their cover?! :P links please. Hehe

  • http://www.alleba.com/blog/ Andrew

    I know who this is and I’ve been suspecting it for a long time. You hit the nail right on the head!!

  • http://riajose.wordpress.com Ria Jose

    I agree that the morals we follow for other aspects of our lives should be the same morals we should adhere to when we blog.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @benj- obvious ba?

    @andrew- thanks. I thought about this really carefully. I am not imagining things and so did the others

    @ria jose- right! We uphold the same morals.

  • http://baklaako.com Baklang AJ

    Hmmm… I think I know who this is. And I agree with you, the child will have a difficult time figuring out his own sense of self. Haaay. The things that some people do…

  • http://feistymomma.com dexie

    it’s just amazing what people do these days. geez.

    good for you for taking the stand.

  • http://dine.racoma.com.ph SexyMom

    You posed the question–will I do it to my own child? No, because I would not like to put my child on the spot, under the probing eyes of intelligent people. What moral values will I be emulating to my children if I live by this standard–if I deceive, if I misrepresent, and if I use my child as a willing victim?

    Just to put it on record–I am smart, I am intelligent, and I know when there is deception. No way will I be taken for a ride.

    Tickle your imagination: what does a teenager talk about? what are the interests of a teenager ? and how does a teenager talk? oh well, this teenager is not a “mikki fudolig”.

  • http://misteryosa.com/ Shari

    Friends and I have been talking about it since the blog became a hit. I’ve always said that I don’t believe for a moment that the kid is the one who blogs, or that if he does, the kid’s parent/s make/s him do it.

    I’ve gone as far as saying that he has no life. And meeting them proved me right.

    I’m glad you made a stand. It’s sad that this has to happen, and we can only hope that it doesn’t happen again.

  • http://mysoulfulthoughts.blogspot.com/ Rach

    I seem to be in the dark here and don’t know who that person is but I think it’s sad when a child is being used in such a way you described.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @baklang AJ- it was more the child that I took pity of.

    @Sexy Mom- We can’t be fooled. The thing is I had to consider the feelings of the kid. But in the end, I thought…heck the kid is going to suffer more with my silence.

    @Shari- I know everyone knew. But I also know you are respectful of people. “Rocking the boat” might put us in a bad light. Yes,the purpose is so that it won’t happen again . Also, in the future if something happens, speak up. Silence also means being an accomplice to this dishonesty.

    @Rach- yes i was sad…that’s why I had to make it known. We can’t allow parents to do this to their child.

  • http://one-twentyone.com lady cess

    ^ me too. i dont what is this blog youre referring to, but id sure like to read it and see things for myself. curious ako ;)

    about your question — nooooo!

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  • http://www.manilamom.com Manila Mom

    Hmm, I think I have my suspicions on who you’re referring to and if I’m right, I’ve been fooled. I really thought the child was doing everything. This is so sad if true. I hope the child is not scarred for life by the deception.

  • http://paraz.com Miguel

    Another factor is GREED. I googled for the father’s name, and all sorts of internet marketing crap came out. Maybe blogger senior is bribing junior with all this dubiously earned wealth.

  • http://vaes9.codedgraphic.com Eugene

    Hmmm… interesting. Minor blogger according to Noemi. Hit blogger according to Shari. I don’t know which blog this is exactly and I don’t read any minor’s blog. But those two clues seem to pinpoint only one blog. Can I dare I say “influential” blog? :-)

    If I’m correct, then that’s really bad of the parent. Pineperahan ang anak. And under false pretenses to boot. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @manila mom- don’t be swayed with what I wrote. You be the judge. This entry is just my stand. In fact, I didn’t expect anyone to comment

    @Miguel- whoa. That’s so sick. Greed? It’s despicable.

    @Eugene- The false pretense is the clincher. Especially since the kid is affected.

  • http://atheista.net benj

    Shari’s dad is coaching her! I knew it. Lol.

  • lemon

    Ms Noemi,

    I think I know who you’re referring to. It’s just so sad and pathetic how a parent can do this to his own child.

  • Pingback: Making Money At Home Through Your 13-Year Old Child | Alleba Blog

  • http://www.brinknotes.org Jeric

    Now, I know who’s this ! Hmmm… I’ve thinking about this also.

  • http://www.brinknotes.org Jeric

    I’ve *BEEN* thinking about this also. :) And by the way, I don’t think that a 13-year old boy who just started blogging last summer would right away blog about MAKING MONEY thru the net. Hmmm…

  • http://www.taintedsong.com Joni

    This makes a lot of sense! I had my doubts since the day I heard about that blog too. I thought that was just me. :D

  • http://www.homeworked.blogspot.com raqgold

    like rach, am in the dark here. i dont know what blog you’re talking about but i admire you for taking a stand. i guess that blog would get more hits with this negative publicity, but let’s hope the kid wont be hurt. i hope the parents would take this chance to look within themselves and take appropriate actions before it is too late.

  • http://scroochchronicles.blogspot.com/ Kongkong622

    I figured you were talking about “that” blog. The title itself is kinda dubious. When you start reading, things get scary. I mean, really, a kid…doing this..and that? Possible, yes. Fair, no way!

  • http://http:/www.ode2old.blogspot.com annamanila

    I heard about this .. but haven’t really checked out the site nor the posts. So I reserve my opinion.

  • http://www.ironwulf.net Ferdz

    Honestly I don’t know whose blog is this minor is, but as a parent of the one you are referring to. It’s like depriving your child’s own voice. Yes she/he writes but it’s mechanical since the parent is the idea behind it.

  • http://www.pinoyblogero.com Karlo.PinoyBlogero

    Me and my friend have been speculating about this ever since the blog has become such a hit.

    We even joked about it telling everyone that it is a conspiracy theory. It seems that our speculation was right all along!

    I feel sorry for the kid. Instead of spreading his own voice, he ends up using the voice of his dad.

  • http://teacherjulie.com julie

    Hmmm…This is interesting…I have been urging my daughter to write posts in the blog that we prepared but she is not ready yet. But to write for her? That would be irrespective of her right not just as a writer/blogger but as a person.

  • http://silkenhut.com/blog Allen

    Finally, someone breaks the silence. I guess a lot of people were suspicious but without enough evidence, no one speaks out. ^_^

  • Hari Skwatir

    If we haven’t got a substantial proof, I think it’s still fair to give the kid the benefit of our doubt. Afterall, blogging about “money making” is no mystery these days. All you have to do is visit similar blogs and mimic them.

  • http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com Aileen Apolo

    My son is a teenager and I know how he writes. From day 1 I knew it was quite obvious who was doing the writing. I’m teaching my child to blog, but on his own terms and based on his own interest. Oh well… :)

  • http://www.tingog.com Nick

    Intriguing, and almost too obvious. And to think, he’s an influential blog?

    But if it’s too good to be true, as the saying goes.. then it’s usually isn’t..

    Now, if it had been the likes of Matt of WordPress fame, who had some street credentials to hang on, and is still young, although, not 13 years old, then I would have believed it.

    Just like those millionaires selling books on making millions, the only reason they’re millionaires is because of the book, not their strategy.. I’m not saying it’s bad to sell books, but as a previous comment said.. if its under false pretense..

    tsk tsk tsk… poor kid.

  • http://www.manuelviloria.com ManuelV

    Wait… it’s really the teener writing? As in, *all* the posts?

    For the longest time, I thought the parent was the one writing all of the ebiz posts in that blog.

    If the teener was the one who really wrote all those posts, then all I can say is he sure can write!

    Who knows? Maybe he’s the one ghostwriting for his dad. He probably just used his dad’s persona in the past, so that he’d be taken seriously online.

    Later on, he probably realized he was better off just being himself.

    Ahem. ;-)

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @lemon- greed is the motivation but don’t they realize how much harm is being done to their child. The child lives in the identity of the parent.

    @jeric- poor child. But as a parent, they should know this is the best for their child. Maybe in their own way of thinking, this is the best for them.

    @ferdz- the child will sooner or later know this is wrong. But since he is young, they are taught to obey their parents.

    @karlo- They should tell his loyal followers to stop defending them. The issue will just get bigger and bigger.

    @julie- yes we help them with setting up the blog. It’s unthinkable for parents to actually write for their child. And for whose glory? whose fame?

    @allen – i spoke to the child in front of Dine as witness. the child could barely talk of the topic I asked.

    @Hari- in fact i said to myself, i should give the child the benefit of the doubt. I actually talked to the child .

    @aileen- you of all people know what a young boy’s voice sounds like. Sure there are kids who are ultra gifted but still they take time to talk of other mundane topics . But not “Making Money Online”

    @Nick- well the blog is influenced me to blog about it

    @manuel- I hope you’re kidding. :)

  • http://atheista.net benj

    I haven’t seen their friends defending them yet. Hehe. Where exactly are those sites located, Noemi? hehe

  • http://houseonahill.net Connie

    Are you referring to this blog:
    http://www.carlocab.com/

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @benj-

    charleslau.com/2007/08/10/the-internet-business-is-best-done-by-young-children/

    @connie- obvious ba?

  • http://houseonahill.net Connie

    top of the search results sya if you google 13 year old make money online hahahahaha

    Calling Bantay Bata!!!

  • http://www.tingog.com Nick

    Maybe now, it can be one of the top controversial blog, instead of being influential.. I don’t need that kind of bad influence anyway.

  • http://atheista.net benj

    What did them in was that the father came with the boy a week ago. Tsk.

    Noemi, the link you gave me had a scary header, not to mention logical fallacies. hehe

  • Jess

    the kid should be interviewed on LIVE TV. Let him blog about “monetization strategies” or a random topic of any of the categories in the blog. That’s the real evidence.

  • http://noneed4ink.com Maki

    Now it makes sense. That’s why when I rad that blog months ago when it was still being discovered, it’s like reading a rip off with respect to John Chow’s articles (I tried comparing it with John Chow’s way of writing). I even speculated how would an early teen have interest in going pro with blogging. (My kuya at that age would’ve spent his time with more studies, crushes, and basketball :P )

    Anyways, for parents, please don’t force your children to blog for you…or even *coughs* make money online under your name.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @connie- is this the responsibility of “Bantay Bata” . Eh the parent will say he knows what is best.

    @Nick- well controversial blogs can be a useful marketing tool.

    @Benj- well you’re the expert in arguments/

    @Jess- true.

    @Maki- I don’t even understand half the contents of that blog . “canonical url”? what is that?

  • emily

    just google the parent. and you will see

    _______will help you start your very own COMPLETE MONEY MAKING WEBSITE that’s 100% ready to capture orders and bring in ENORMOUS PROFITS for you right now … GUARANTEED! Visit: Work At Home

    maybe the father made the site and placed contents from this package.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @emily- if that is true, then the child blogger should have mentioned that fact. That doesn’t make it right. Still a misrepresentation of some facts.

  • http://silkenhut.com/blog Allen

    hey you should take a look at this, especially at the comments.
    hxxp://www.jozzua.com/2007/04/29/a-13-year-old-problogger-and-his-marketing-tactics/

    haha I replaced “http” with “hxxp” to prevent a trackback.

  • http://aboutmyrecovery.com Noemi

    @allen- I made my stand. Everyone has their opinion on my entry whether in my favor or not. Anyone can choose to believe it’s the child’s pure writing skills. or otherwise. I believe the child wrote some entries but the very advanced ones are not his.

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