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August 12, 2005
Who has ethics? Everyone and no one
There is a bit of media play about the fact that the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) is preparing to offer guidelines for editorial ethics, Folio: explains the association's efforts. As a former board member of the ASBPE, I applaud the group for its efforts. But it is worth mentioning that ASBPE was among those silent when ethics were hitting the fan in the cases of advertisers trying to leverage ad-muscle against content last May. ASBPE was also quiet during the Time/sources debate too. It's is a fine association filled with talented people, but it's not hard to see why ethics are so easily brushed aside when few jump to their rescue before the boiling point. ABM came out with a statement on May 25th about ethics and referred all to the editorial ethics vetted by our councils. In the coming weeks, ABM will also offer publisher ethics that should set the standard for publisher behavior - apparently a growing concern, since we still need groups to reaffirm ethical standards while so many have them, yet discount them.
posted by Steve Ennen
August 12, 2005 | Permalink
Comments
It's misleading, and an unfortunate slap, for Steve Ennen to criticize ASBPE for being "quiet" and "silent" in the face of recent ethics controversies. These characterizations make it sound as if ASBPE's inability to rapidly respond to these incidents was somehow premeditated.
Unlike the resources-rich ABM, which employes Ennen as a full-time media spokesperson, ASBPE has no substantive staff. Except for association management support and help from some great part-time consultants, we're all volunteers trying to do our day jobs.
The fact that ASBPE received positive media coverage from Folio for its decision to revamp its ethics guidelines is a cause to celebrate (as Paul Conley did in his blog), not a reason to carp on the shortcomings of a small organization.
Perhaps the real problem lies with our industry. I can't tell you how many editors I know whose publishers won't invest in their professional development by providing memberships in ASBPE, allowing them to promote publishing excellence through our annual competition, and sending them to our conferences and workshops.
Instead of throwing bombs at ASBPE, ABM should urge its members to support ASBPE by encouraging editors to join and learn from us. Perhaps then we would have a thriving organization that is able to rapidly respond to the issues Ennen raises.
Posted by: Ira Pilchen | Aug 18, 2005 12:27:01 PM
Steve,
I second Ira's comments. But I also think it's a good thing when an organization is challenged to stretch itself, and your comments have done that. They've stimulated some discussion among the ASBPE officers about how we can support members faced with ethical dilemmas, advertising pressure, and the like.
Martha Spizziri
Vice President, Boston/New England Chapter, ASBPE
Posted by: Martha Spizziri | Aug 19, 2005 5:55:49 PM
