It is possible to get yourself into a lot of trouble very quickly with your blog. In the time I've been blogging I've heard about cases where people have lost their jobs, upset clients, created problems in their marriages, broken relationships with family and friends, and even gotten themselves arrested - all becasue of things they published on their blogs.

Internet is Forever

I tell people that they shouldn't post anything that they don't want to become part of their own permanent record. While the adage, "The Internet is Forever" may be a bit of an exaggeration, once things are out there on the web it is often very difficult to make them go away. Between Google Cache & the WayBack Machine things on the web can be remarkably persistent. I generally advise people not to post anything that they don't want a future potential boss to have a print out of alongside your job application. For my own posting habits I just keep one rule in mind. Don't Be Stupid So far that's worked for me. Unfortunately "stupid" can be a very subjective term and that rule may not be enough for some folks. On the good news side, the folks over at the Evangelical Alliance have gone back to the Bible for inspiration on some more refined blogging guidelines.

Ten Commandments of Blogging

I first heard about the list in this Information Age article . And while it may not be exactly right for everyone, these are some very good guidelines that will keep you out of the most serious pitfalls that can result from blogging while stupid. Here's their list:

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity.
2. You shall not make an idol of your blog.
3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog.
5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes.
6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings.
7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind.
8. You shall not steal another person’s content.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour's blog ranking. Be content with your own content.

It is an interesting take on the original Ten Commandments . What do you think? Are these good blogging guidelines?