Food Blogging Ethics

Not too long ago, a couple of food bloggers proposed the Food Blogging Code of Ethics. I thought the project was ill-conceived. Now, eGullet is putting forward their own code for food bloggers. I don't think this one is any better.

Ultimately, my objection to these efforts is that it is an attempt by a third-party to define standards of behavior for an individual via a code. The fact that it will serve as a tremendous PR boost to those third-parties raises concerns about their sincerity. I'm not a moral relativist in any traditional sense: I do think there are universal moral truths. I do not, however, think that these universal truths are the sort of thing that can be codified. So far, the attempts have not even shown any sophisticated thinking about morality.

The part that really worries me is that once you sign on to either code, they can change it... and it is your responsibility to opt out if you no longer agree with it. This strikes me as an ethically-problematic model.

Still, the very existence of these efforts create a sort of pressure to sign on to them. Who doesn't want to be known as an ethical blogger? Sign up with us, and you'll have a little badge to prove it!

Screw that.

Here's an alternative:

Make your own statement of ethics. This can be as simple as, "I promise to be conscientious, honest, and considerate in my posting. If you have concerns, contact me and I will address them." Alternatively, it can be complicated, discussing how you will treat disclosures of freebies, reviews, commenting, intellectual property, and the like. Create a badge if you want that states "ethical food blogger" or "read my ethics statement" or whatever. Have that badge link to the statement on your own site. This is honest and it gives you control over your own ethics statement.

If there is interest, I'd be happy to put up a variety of draft language (I have both a law degree and a Masters degree in philosophy with a focus in moral theory) and some sample badges. I don't want people to link to these things, but I would be happy to serve as a resource for bloggers (food bloggers or otherwise) who want to create their own ethics statements.