[Foundation-l] NPOV as common value? (was Re: Board statement regarding biographies of living people)

Anthony wikimail at inbox.org
Wed Apr 22 16:57:53 UTC 2009


On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 12:46 PM, Anthony <wikimail at inbox.org> wrote:

> On Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 11:21 PM, Brianna Laugher <
> brianna.laugher at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> 2009/4/21 Michael Snow <wikipedia at verizon.net>:
>> > The Wikimedia Foundation takes this opportunity to reiterate some core
>> > principles related to our shared vision, mission, and values. One of
>> > these values which is common to all our projects is a commitment to
>> > maintaining a neutral point of view.
>>
>> I find it a bit strange to talk of Wikimedia Commons as having a NPOV
>> policy.
>
>
> Should commons allow images which are biased?
>
> More concretely, in terms of photography, should photographs adhere to the
> standards of ethics adopted by photojournalists?
>

Here's the NPPA Code of ethics:

   1. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
   2. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
   3. Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording
   subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to
   avoid presenting one's own biases in the work.
   4. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special
   consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or
   tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an
   overriding and justifiable need to see.
   5. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to,
   alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
   6. Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images'
   content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any
   way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.
   7. Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for
   information or participation.
   8. Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek
   to influence coverage.
   9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 all deal with neutrality.  Should they apply to
photos made for commons?


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