Ethics for Bloggers by WOMMA

With all the problems of disclosure and ethics in regards to bloggers, advertising agencies and public relations firms, I am posting the WOMMA Ethical Blogger Contact Guidelines-10 Principles for Ethical Contact by Marketers.

Advertising for Success already has a full disclosure policy, but I am adding word of mouth marketing ethical standards as well. Not all apply guidelines apply to my websites, but I wanted you readers to have the full set.

• I will always be truthful and will never knowingly relay false information. I will never ask someone else to deceive bloggers for me.
• I will fully disclose who I am and who I work for (my identity and affiliations) from the very first encounter when communicating with bloggers or commenting on blogs.
• I will never take action contrary to the boundaries set by bloggers. I will respect all community guidelines regarding posting messages and comments.
• I will never ask bloggers to lie for me.
• I will use extreme care when communicating with minors or blogs intended to be read by minors.
• I will not manipulate advertising or affiliate programs to impact blogger income.
• I will not use automated systems for posting comments or distributing information.
• I understand that compensating bloggers may give the appearance of a conflict of interest, and I will therefore fully disclose any and all compensation or incentives.
• I understand that if I send bloggers products for review, they are not obligated to comment on them. Bloggers can return products at their own discretion.
• If bloggers write about products I send them, I will proactively ask them to disclose the products’ source.

Honesty is not optional and deception is always exposed. Ask Edelman.

Tags: full disclosure, blogging ethics, transparency in advertising, word of mouth (WOM) marketing