Hamdillah ala Salama, Alan

Not ready for Web 2.0

The head of my department has spoken, and it's not good news I'm afraid: I'm not allowed to write anything about my work or link to any of my articles in this blog. Unfortunately it's a decision I have to accept under our rules.

I can, however, keep this page going and link to my favourite blogs. I can also make posts of a non-BBC nature. And I can blog my stuff on Flickr. So that's something.

Waiting

There's been some internal debate at my office about the necessity/advisability of me having this blog, and at the moment I'm waiting to see if the powers that be can come up with some clear parametres for any blogging activity I might undertake. Sorry for the delay.

In the meantime, I am becoming ever more acutely aware of the news values of blogs in my work at the Middle East index on the BBC News website, so at least my own list of blogs is serving a useful purpose.

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Originally uploaded by masser.

My first picture on Flickr to go past 1,500 views. I wonder why.

DOs and DON'Ts and DON'T KNOWs

I've been doing a bit of research about what is and isn't possible for me to do on the web in some pretty precise BBC guidelines for editorial staff, such as myself, about what they can and can't do in private blogs.

If you're not identifying yourself as BBC staff and are talking about personal interests, you can pretty much do what you want.

If you are identifiable, like me, the main points are that you're supposed to "behave well" when blogging and must abide by the corporation's editorial values and policies in your posts. You can discuss you work for the BBC in "ways that benefit" the corporation, but mustn't reveal confidential information about it.

You also need to tell your manager, which I've done, and include a disclaimer that says you're not speaking on behalf of the Beeb, ditto.

It continues: "Unless there are specific concerns about the nature of your job, you are free to talk about BBC programmes and content on your blog. Consult your manager if in any doubt."

Well, obviously working on the Middle East there are plenty of concerns - it's one of the most controversial subjects we deal with - so I still need to clear that one up with my bosses and work out what's permissible. However, in the guidelines for managers section, it says they shouldn't take an unnecessarily restrictive approach. But:

"In some cases individuals may be dealing with matters which are so sensitive (that sounds like me) that rules may have to be set on what they can and cannot talk about on their personal blog.

"For example those involved in factual areas should not advocate a particular position on high profile controversial subjects relevant to their areas."

Fair enough, but I'll have to wait and see what they say.

PS, I liked the line in the guidelines: "You should not use your blogs to attack or abuse colleagues" (only in person, then!)

First faltering steps...

I'm not going to be posting much to begin with. I work in the mainstream media specialising in the Middle East, but I'm a bit of a novice as far as blogging is concerned. The main thing for the moment is to have somewhere where I can put the blogs that I read by other people, so I can learn the art.

I've got a flickr site which may bit a bit more interesting!
Flickr: Photos from masser