CIPR social media code of conduct

David Brain's blogged about it. So has Simon Wakeman, plus Stuart Bruce and David Philips. I know other PR bloggers who are interested in the issue but not members of the CIPR.

I have added my own views in the respective comments sections but it seems to me that industry interest is definately coming to a head.

There is probably no better time than the present to get all interested parties to sort out a CIPR code of conduct for social media.

This needs to happen now and I am willing to get involved.

What's the next step? Stuart, am I right in thinking you are underway with a draft?

Comments

[Constantin Basturea]

Simon, I left a message on Stuart's blog saying that if you want to start working on a draft for the guidelines (without waiting for CIPR to set up a wiki), you can use the New PR Wiki.

I can start a separate page/group for this project and I'll set up an edit password, which you can share with other people interested in participating.

Just let me know :)

[Simon Collister]

Thanks, Constantin.

I've been meaning to drop Stuart a line about this.
Simon

[Ian Green]

All,

I think the wiki is the right starting point because it is so democratic and captures the spirit of social media, especially so as the CIPR has still not given any guidance.

Simon and myself differ about many things, thank God, but we both agree that what we are dealing with, in Web 2.0, is like trying to navigate the Jam Buttie Mines of Knotty Ash - especially when they don't exist (best metaphor I can think of, but perhaps you are too young to remember the Diddy Men).

My gut feeling is that social media is self-governing and self -censoring.

Like Churchill said, and I paraphrase: "Democracy is not the best form of government we have - but it's the best on offer."

I wonder what he would do?

[Philip Young]

Constantin's offer notwithstanding, I would be happy to host the debate on the Mediations wiki. The reason I make the suggestion is that it might be useful to develop a code that reflects UK concerns and is largely forged by UK practitioners - perhaps the New PR wiki could bring together suggested codes on a global perspective. (I am well aware of the contradictions in suggesting a national code in media that knows no boundaries, but I do think it has to be framed in a context that reflects the aspirations of the CIPR which are identifiably and disctinctly British).

[Simon Collister]

I think in the circumstances Philip's offer may be the best starting point for a number of astute reasons.

I'll in touch with all concerned!

Stuart, am I right in thinking that you have already started a CIPR woking document?

[Constantin Basturea]

Philip, Simon, I understand perfectly if you want to host the discussion/drafts on the Mediations wiki. Still, I'd like to note that the New PR Wiki is hosted by a British company [1], while the Mediations wiki is hosted an American company :) [2]

[1] http://www.digital-crocus.com/
[2] http://pbwiki.com/tos.php

[Mark Rogers]

This is an excellent and timely idea - I would be happy to contribute to a social media code of conduct. We have some work we have done for clients we can contribute. Where do we start?