Statement of Principles

The Online Integrity Statement of Principles is simple:

Private persons are entitled to respect for their privacy regardless of their activities online. This includes respect for the non-public nature of their personal contact information, the inviolability of their homes, and the safety of their families. No information which might lead others to invade these spaces should be posted. The separateness of private persons’ professional lives should also be respected as much as is reasonable.

Public figures are entitled to respect for the non-public nature of their personal, non-professional contact information, and their privacy with regard to their homes and families. No information which might lead others to invade these spaces should be posted.

Persons seeking anonymity or pseudonymity online should have their wishes in this regard respected as much as is reasonable. Exceptions include cases of criminal, misleading, or intentionally disruptive behavior.

Violations of these principles should be met with a lack of positive publicity and traffic.

Much of what is contained in here is common sense. I post with a pseudonym, but use the same one at all the sites I visit. No need for sock puppets here. I don't give out private information and honor requests for anonymity from those who email me with information to post. You'll often see me cite to anonymous emailer, who happens to be the same person each time. I just use that monkier to give him credit for finding stories or sharing views that I hadn't noted though I think I might have to call him the Black Knight from here on.