On standing up and ethical blogging.

I know some of you have issue with my methods, and that's understandable, I've been struggling with it myself after I released my anger in my first few posts. The biggest issue I have with Momdot.com and Trisha Haas is again, this is not a one time mistake. Searching through her blog I found countless examples of her mocking people she deemed inferior to her. What I have a larger issue with is her including photos of these people in her posts. These people all have family, friends, and most importantly feelings. Does it seem that far fetched that any of these people, or their families, or friends might come across these posts? Is it likely they'll feel humiliated or embarrassed? Has it occurred to her that I might be one of the people in her posts, or maybe it's one of my family members or friends?

Trisha seems to have bullying down to a science. Target a person, prey on their insecurities and vulnerabilities, then get their clique to all chime in validating their initial observations and perpetuating the cycle. The cycle can be broken only when people stand up and say "This is not OK". The thing that Trisha fails to recognize is that we are all imperfect, we all have insecurities and vulnerabilities, and that includes her. If she doesn't want others to exploit her weaknesses and vulnerabilities then why do the same to others? It's cruel and the hallmark of someone woefully insecure and spiteful.

So is ethical blogging simply being FTC compliant? It's not, although full disclosure should be mandatory in the instance of product reviews, ethical blogging should be more than that. Many of you bloggers from all walks of specialty have the responsibility to set an example. When you behave in a manner that you wouldn't want to be treated in you send a message that it's OK and "fun" to be cruel to people and that's just not right. It has nothing to do with being PC and everything to do with being a decent human being. More importantly for you mommy bloggers, aside from setting an example for your followers, you should be conscious of setting a good example for your children. Just remember, all of the banks and brokerage houses are FTC & FDIC compliant but they bankrupted the economy, jacked up rates to force people into foreclosure and bankruptcy, and ruined many people's lives. Are they compliant based on the laws and regulations? Yes. Are these actions ethical? No.

That being said, I want to point readers to blogs that I have a great deal of respect for in handling this topic. Although I might continue to fight fire with fire, they are handling it in a manner that should be the standard for blogging and I applaud them for being brave enough to stand up and say enough to this sort of unethical blogging:

She's More Than A Number

Autie at More Than a Number has started a petition to speak out against Trish's cyberbullying of a teenager and urge sponsors to drop their support of Momdot.com. I urge you all to please sign the petition and include the signature link when you email sponsors and PR companies. The petition can be found here:

Momdot Petition

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NetworkingWitches

One of the first bloggers to tackle this issue and stand up, amazing!


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MonkeyMayhem

A beautiful girl with a beautiful blog!


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DelTheDad

He knew and dealt with the mean-spiritedness of Trisha and the whole momdot.com crew long before Trisha's "airport people" post.

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MyLooneyVerse

Another blogger to stand up early against Trisha's cyberbullying.

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If I have missed your blog please feel free to post it in the comments and I will add it to this list.