gor[b] Paul Gorbould: Words and Pictures

The CBC Blogging Manifesto

Over the past few weeks I've had the pleasure of working with a group of CBC bloggers to come up with something we've called The CBC Blogging Manifesto. Many of us are passionate about the corporation, but unclear on how we should tell its stories. With the anniversary of the CBC lockout upon us - an event that divided the corporation but crystalized interest in the blogosphere - we felt it was a good time to try to come up with some common principles. I think it's a good start.

The CBC Blogging Manifesto

Preamble:
If you blog about the CBC, it's assumed that you are doing so out of love and perhaps frustration.

It's only natural. The CBC is a wonderful institution with a long, proud history, going through an interesting and difficult time. By blogging about the CBC your colleagues, senior management, and the public will all be enriched by your expert opinion. Your insight, experience, and will will only help the world at large better understand a corporation that at times appears stodgy, arrogant, and faceless.

For better or for worse, you are representing the CBC when you blog about it. Keep this in mind with every word.

1. Use common sense and don't do anything stupid. Blog to make the CBC better, not to kill it. There are plenty of others who want to do that for us.
2. Ad hominem attacks should be avoided but disagreeing is expected.
3. Be brave.
   Be honest and tell it straight. Talk about new ideas and revive some old ones. Don't be afraid to challenge the “experts,” and certainly not the anonymous ones.
4. Use audio, video and images fearlessly, but responsibly.
   Use judgment if asked to take it down.
5. Acknowledge and link to your sources.
   If it is a rumour, say so. If your co-worker says something you'd like blog, ask them first. If it was another website, link to it. Do your research. Be fair. Get it right. And change it if it is wrong.
6. Blog wherever and whenever you want, but don’t let it detract from your job.
7. Eschew advertising.
   Plugging the CBC, yourself, and your work is cool. Banner ads are tacky.
8. During the next strike or lockout, you may feel urged to ignore any or all of these guidelines. Do so at your own risk, knowing that your words can harm yourself, others, and the CBC itself.

Of course, these aren't rules, and nobody has to follow them. I'll write more about how this came about when time permits. In the meantime... what do you think?