The Journalist's Creed

Walter Williams, the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism wrote the Journalist’s Creed in the early part of the twentieth century.

I believe in the profession of journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds best -- and best deserves success -- fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world. 

I was wondering what we learn from the journalist's creed as a corporate blogger?

One, that a corporate blogger's goals are different from a journalist.  A corporate blogger has to consider the goals of their company.  However, I also think there are times when journalists have not always kept the public's trust.

Two, a blogger gains authority and credibility if they write clearly and with accuracy and fairness.

Three, an audience will desert them quickly if a blogger writes untruths on a consistent basis, and is discovered.

Four, corporate bloggers will suppress the news. Corporate bloggers have responsibilities to their company.  Revealing product information even if it would provide more information to an audience could be a requirement of working for a company.  The demands of a company may limit what a corporate blogger will reveal to their audience.

Five, bloggers must reveal their connection with partners, employers, and customers.  Corporate bloggers can certainly be paid by someone who the blogger writes about, but if the blogger declares the relationship its okay.

Six, bloggers are often quickly critical of others if they think there is cause.  Having an independent voice in blogging really does help bloggers.  An independent voice adds credibility and authority in corporate blogging.