ESPN Public Editor Jim Brady in his latest filing noted many journalists "rightfully see social media as both an opportunity and a trap," and the conundrum has "left media organizations awkwardly grappling with how to manage the interaction between journalists and consumers." Social media guidelines are "quite broad and rely on common sense more than on a strictly defined set of rules." The "basic philosophy is a combination of 'Don’t be stupid' and 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'” But common sense "should prevail on both sides." Brady: "There’s nothing wrong with readers proffering well-stated, respectful criticism." While the line between "respectful and blunt is sometimes blurry, especially in written form," ESPN employees "should err on the side of caution." But Brady asks, "What about when criticism isn’t polite or respectful?" There are "plenty of controversial and provocative things said every day on ESPN’s TV, radio, print and digital properties, so that would suggest a pretty wide berth for ESPN staffers in social media." Brady: "That’s a good thing." But "how can media organizations push their journalists to use social media to better engage with readers, then tell them they must look the other way when faced with abusive comments?" Each ESPN personality "needs to find his or her own comfort zone when it comes to dealing with trolls." The company's social media policy "does not directly address" personalities blocking users. Brady feels that "trying to avoid blocking is probably the best plan." Meanwhile, Twitter this week "launched three new features to allow it to curb abuse better," a "hopeful sign that Twitter is finally taking steps to deal with the abuse that has plagued it for some time" (ESPN.com, 2/13).
