Blogging, Writing, and Journalism

I am not a journalist.  Let me repeat that.  I’m not a journalist.  Not a journalist.  Not. A. Journalist.

There’s been a lot of debate both within the HR blogging world and the world in general about endorsements, disclosures and bloggers being held to the same standards as journalists.  You might have seen that last week the FTC came out with some new disclosure guidelines – which include bloggers.

Since the FTC has announced the new guidelines, I wanted to take a moment and share with you my thoughts on the subject.  I’m not a journalist (oh, sorry I already said that.)  HR Bartender is not the Wall Street Journal. Whoops! Sorry again, that’s probably pretty obvious.

Folks, HR Bartender is a blog.  According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a blog is “a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.”  That makes me a blogger.  In addition, I’ve published articles, written SHRM white papers, authored an ASTD Infoline, and have a couple of books in the Library of Congress.   That makes me a writer.

IMHO, the difference between journalists and bloggers is whether or not they merely present the information or make an attempt to interpret the information.  Journalists present (unless they’re on FOX News).  Bloggers can also present but they can also interpret information.

Just because I’m a writer and not a journalist, that doesn’t mean I don’t know HR and other issues that impact the workplace.

I have an obligation to do my homework and present what I know to be true.  I need to write within my area of expertise.  I don’t believe I should just blurt out any thought that jumps into my head.  I have to be able to support what I write.  Otherwise, I wouldn’t have a lick of credibility.  And, no one would read the blog.

I’m sure this won’t come as a surprise to anyone but what seems to be at the crux of this matter is money and/or gifts.  The idea being, if a blogger takes money or a gift it could impact what they write. It’s a touchy subject and I can see the many sides to the topic.  Here’s a hypothetical example:  Let’s say I’m a blogger (which I am) and I like bacon (which I do.)  Some company sends me a package of bacon.  Lots of different questions to consider:

  1. If I didn’t ask for the bacon, but the company sent it anyway…am I obligated to disclose or write about it?
  2. If I agreed to try the bacon, am I obligated to write about it?
  3. If my mother sent me the bacon, and I want to write about it…do I still need to disclose where the bacon came from?
  4. If I try the bacon, it tastes terrible and decide not to write about it…does it matter?
  5. If I try the bacon, it tastes terrible and I do write about it, does it matter that I got the bacon for free?
  6. If I like the bacon (even though I didn’t pay for it), should that really change what I write?
  7. If I like the bacon (and it was a gift), is it important to disclose it was a gift?
  8. Is there a difference in disclosing and/or writing about a $3 package of bacon versus a $300 netbook?
  9. Does it situation change if the company sent cash versus the actual product?

You can see this is a massive state of confusion.  But don’t worry . . so you’ll always know what to expect from HR Bartender, I’ve posted at the bottom of the Home Page a Blog Disclosure Statement (PDF).  It outlines the principles HR Bartender has and will continue to embrace and guide our operation.  I really appreciate your support and comments and would never want to jeopardize your readership over a package of bacon.  Money, gifts, and trips do not and will not change the level of expertise that goes into what I write. Period.

What’s important to me is that you know I value your readership.  The goal of HR Bartender is to provide a friendly place to discuss workplace issues and offer tips and resources related to work.  I include culinary tips to add some levity and share my passion for food, drink, and travel.  So, now that this nonsense is behind us, let’s all have a great time and talk a little business together.

(Editor’s Note:  In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to emphasize that no bacon was exchanged for the writing of this post.  I did however drool on my keyboard a couple of times.)

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