In the Forrester report, Blogging: Bubble Or Big Deal?, I encourage bloggers to have a "code of ethics" or a disclosure statement to establish trust with their readers. Of course, this isn't absolutely necessary, but just as journalists abide by a set of rules, I believe it's helpful for bloggers to do the same.

Please edit as you see fit, but edit with care.

Links to example policies are also included below.

Sample Blogger Code Of Ethics

1. I will tell the truth.
2. I will write deliberately and with accuracy.
3. I will acknowledge and correct mistakes promptly.
4. I will preserve the original post, using notations to show where I have made changes so as to maintain the integrity of my publishing.
5. I will never delete a post.
6. I will not delete comments unless they are spam or off-topic.
7. I will reply to emails and comments when appropriate, and do so promptly.
8. I will strive for high quality with every post – including basic spellchecking.
9. I will stay on topic.
10. I will disagree with other opinions respectfully.
11. I will link to online references and original source materials directly.
12. I will disclose conflicts of interest.
13. I will keep private issues and topics private, since discussing private issues would jeopardize my personal and work relationships.

Originally from the Forrester Best Practices report, Blogging: Bubble Or Big Deal: When And How Businesses Should Use Blogs.

Example blogger code of ethics/disclosures

Rebecca's Pocket
bbrown.info
Joho the Blog - David Weinberger's blog disclosure
Rhetorica Press-Politics Journal
Desirable Roasted Coffee Code of Blogging Ethics
Cyberjournalist.net
Ted & Karol's Personal Web Site: Vorlon Whispers
C.O.B.E: A Proposed Code of Blogging Ethics By Martin Kuhn

Equally important are guidelines marketers should follow when contacting bloggers in the first place. WOMMA (the Word of Mouth Marketing Association) developed a set of guidelines, which can best be summarized as: "Consumers come first, honesty isn't optional, and deception is always exposed."

Link to Charlene Li's Blog.