Here's the code:
As a result of some serious and publicized online behavior problems (death threats, etc.) some folks, one in particular, have even taken it upon themselves to create and support a "Blogger Code of Conduct", complete with silly badges and long lists of what to do and what not to do.
Apparently, we must remind ourselves of basic good human behavior. Is this really anything more than basic common sense, deserving of a code of conduct? We think not!
Furthermore, what Tim O'Reilly has stated in approximately 2100 words, we can sum up in four simple words. I wonder, will those people who need to be reminded that civility is important actually read pages of text on how to behave?
On the contrary, before they can even choose to not read our message, they have already received it. The simplicity is staggering: Don't Be an Idiot. It cannot be ignored.
If you feel inclined to send a message to your blog readers and commenters, here's a banner, or badge if you insist on the web 2.0 term, for you.
It covers everything from being an ass, to spamming, to link dropping. In fact it carries over into real-life as well. You can't go wrong with this one. Feel free to use it on your own blog and in your own life, as you see fit:
And if you feel that someone you know has done something that violates this basic credo, feel free to send them to this page: Don't Be An Idiot
For the record, this is not intended in any way to belittle or trivialize the events that lead up to this movement, namely the threats and abuse that Kathy Sierra received. That must have been a horrible experience for her. However, even Kathy has stated that a code of conduct cannot work.