In March of 2007, Tim O’Reilly founder of O’Reilly Media assembled a list of seven ideas to serve as a code of conduct directing bloggers’ posts and interaction with other bloggers, in the wake of threats made to another blogger. Tim O’Reilly is quoted as saying, “I do think we need some code of conduct around what is acceptable behaviour, I would hope that it doesn’t come through any kind of regulation, it would come through self-regulation.” So, fellow bloggers, take advice from Mr. O’Reilly and basically, treat your fellow bloggers as you would like to be treated.

1. Take responsibility not just for your own words, but for the comments you allow on our blog.

2. Label your tolerance level for abusive comments.

3. Consider eliminating anonymous comments.

4. Ignore the trolls.

5. Take the conversation offline, and talk directly, or find an intermediary who can do so (should things get heated).

6. If you notice another blogger behaving badly, tell them so.

7. Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person.

Although the rules of conduct came about because of threats made to a fellow blogger, they are a great set of guidelines for all bloggers to follow, fostering an open, accepting blogging community.