A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Cox of the Media Bloggers Association for my radio show. He suggested bloggers should have a written editorial policy, like newspapers do. Not only would this would go a long way toward avoiding lawsuits, but it would also help alleviate many of the concerns some organizations have toward bloggers.

Therefore, here is Brainshrub.com's editorial policy:

Brainshrub.com is a progressive political blog that features counterpoints to encourage critical thinking. It is also a journal of my own activism. "Happiness to the people through good blogging" is the underlying ideal behind each post.

Brainshrub.com is a website for grown-ups. Opposing viewpoints are encouraged and vibrant discussion is valued. Personal attacks are not.

Godwin's Law is enforced here: First person to compare another to a Nazi, loses the debate.

This is a "Safe For Work" blog. Unless done in context of art, there will be no nudity or graphic depictions of sex.

With some exceptions, such as humorous anecdotes, I do not blog about the following topics:

1. My employers or co-workers.
2. My friends and family.
3. My sex life or personal relationships.

Disclaimers:

1. Since 2005, I've been volunteering at WPVM-LP, 103.5. A community station dedicated to corporate-free media. My main duties are opening the station for the DemocracyNow! feed from Pacifica Radio. I also produce my show "Tips For Political Bloggers" there.
2. I was once a precinct-captain for the Democratic party. I should add that I didn't want the job, and my term ended in 2007. I am not otherwise deeply involved with the Democratic Party or a political campaign. (If this changes, I will say so here.)

Copyright policy:

All rights reserved. You are allowed to copy up to four paragraphs of this blog for your own site, provided you link back to the original source. Anything more than that, please ask permission.

The answer will usually be "yes".

Comment posting policy:

By and large, comments are unmoderated. Registered users are able to edit their posts after-the-fact.

While I can't be held responsible for how readers comment in a blog post, I reserve the right to delete:

• Blatantly prejudiced, unproductive comments toward any group of people. (i.e. Racism, homophobia.)
• Graphic depictions / descriptions of sex.
• Spam.
• Linkjacking.
• Threats of violence to any individual.
• Copyright infringement.
• Revealing personal information of a non-public figure.
• Libleous comments.

If you feel any post on Brainshrub.com has been unfair to you or your organization, here are the steps you can take:

1. Leave a comment. Your point-of-view is valued and will not be deleted as long as it does not break any of the commenting guidelines mentioned above.
2. Send an email to brainshrub at gmail dot com with the subject: "I have a grievance". That subject title will flag your email for special attention. Please do not use "I have a grievance" for political disagreements. It is only for those who feel I have libeled, infringed on a copyright, or, grossly misrepresented an individual or organization.

Last edit: 07/12/2007 @ 22:44 EST.