10 Responsibilities of Bloggers

Responsibility means many things to many people.
What is responsibility for me, may not be for you.

There is no doubt that we all have responsibilities.
We all have social responsibilities too.
As Bloggers, this is more pronounced as we have a say and a reach.

Blogging and responsibility are connected.
When we are Blogging, we are in a position for making a choice to blog.
In a way, Blogging is at the cost of something else...
In my case, I have sacrificed, ignored or postponed other responsibilities just so that I can blog!

Blogging is a responsible activity.
Bloggers do have responsibilities.

As per my views, the following are some of the responsibilities of Bloggers:

1. Correct Info- Bloggers need to share correct facts, data etc. in their Blog. They need to cross-check and verify the information before posting.
In case they have shared any misleading or incorrect statements, info or comments, on being informed, they should update their blog.

2. Due Credit to Sources- Bloggers must accord proper credit to the sources. Pics, quotes, research data etc must be ably supported with links to the original idea-proponents.

3. No Plagiarism Please- Plagiarism speaks poorly about the talent and nature of the plagiarist, while robbing the original writer of her/his fair share of credit and honour. In case a post's idea has been 'inspired', a link to the original Blogger's post is much required.

4. Authoritative Info- Bloggers must present info about what they know very well e.g. their immediate neighbourhood, areas or items available in their city's vicinity etc. These are facts that a Blogger has grown up with and can share with all and enhance their knowledge.
Imagine if all of us do this, we can share much info and lesser known facts about our India.

5. Unbiased & Honest Views & Reviews- Bloggers must try out the products/services first and then present their unbiased and honest views & reviews.
Many times (especially while writing for contest or sponsored posts), buttering up is prevalent.

6. Respect Fellow-Bloggers- Flaming, war of words or misbehaving with fellow-bloggers is a no-no. Blogging must be to win over and maintain a happy Bloggers family network.

7. Respond to Votes & Comments- Blogging requires mutual reciprocation. Time may not permit us to reply to all. We must make a sincere attempt and try to respond to at least some of the votes & comments, especially those that require answers to queries.
More in my post- VOTES & COMMENTS.

8. Adhere to Blogging guidelines- Blogging, for some of us, is cathartic and has no rules. But, we must follow the guidelines, in case we are blogging for some prompt or contest.

9. Blog regularly- Our posts are like fuel and energy for our Blog. Not blogging means being unfair to our Blog and followers.

10. Spread Positivity, Hope & Confidence- Our Blog must share success stories, goodness, love, and earns brownie-points to inspire and cheer.
Why spread hatred, communal violence, controversy, cause anger, resentment or fear?
Let us take care never to demean our country. While focusing on problems, let us also share solutions and strive for resolution.

I have always advocated- WE-POWER.
It's great when we WAKE UP...
Words are powerful. We can change the world. As Bloggers we can Write To Make Things Right.
Bloggers have the power to address dilemmas- viz decide Charity or Empowerment?
We can Blog To Feed A Child
We can share Quota of Experiences of Bloggers.
Bloggers can click and share pics and info and shame people or inform about correct behaviour, habits viz. Sanitation And Hygiene- #SwachhIndia, No Spitting etc.

These are my honest and personal views. 
Trying to uphold the points in my list :)
This is not an exhaustive responsibility list. 
My opinions may not match with your views. 
Having submitted my PhD thesis on Corporate Social Responsibility recently, I feel I am qualified enough to comment on related topics concerning social responsibility :)

Do you feel that Bloggers have a Social Responsibility? Please share in the comments below.