Freedom of Speech in the Societal Web

In the Societal Web contributors expect to be able to speak feely - to "say it as I find it" - on matters, when challenged on what they say some will demand the right to say whatever they like in whatever way they like, defended on the grounds of Freedom of Speech. In this globally connected internet world we need to take notice of local laws and traditions as well as cultural diversity. More than that, we also keep aware of them as the restrictions on Freedom of Speech change for reasons of political expediency and social necessity. When we write in some forums there are also local rules and codes to keep in mind and some take a narrow and some a wide view. But how can we know, as our content is distributed around the world via search engines and mirror sites. What I write here is linked via Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Ecademy and so on, each with their own rules and culture. So, what should we aim for? What is better?  - a narrow freedom or a wide one?

What is freedom?

The dictionary defines freedom as :

the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint • absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government. • the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. • the power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity. • unrestricted use of something. • archaic familiarity or openness in speech or behavior. ORIGIN Old English frēodōm (see free , -dom ).

So, "Freedom" is an interesting word, for it implies that things are unrestricted - and therefore that Freedom of Speech means that you have a right to say anything in any way about anyone or anything. Some then choose to interpret any restriction on that 'freedom' as an attack on themselves (as speaker) personally and on their rights. One person's rights don't have more power than another's - the right to speak freely doesn't mean that the right not to be (verbally) attacked is somehow diminished, both must co-exist. Whilst Freedom of speech is critical, everyone must take sufficient care to ensure that in discussing the subject that they don't cut across other people's  rights.  It might be better to consider that in the Societal Web we all have an equal right (freedom) of expression in discussions. People have a right not to be abused or insulted, attacked or have their reputations besmirched through carelessness and that means taking great care when talking about individuals (or generic groupings that can identify individuals, or be interpreted as identifying individuals) as being a member of that group. When interacting in the Societal Web there seem to be three principle things that matter: Firstly, there are 'rules of engagement' - Terms and Conditions of membership and the Ethos or culture of the Network. Personally, I've yet to see anywhere in the various rules of engagement I have seen that curtails my Freedom of Speech in my interpretation of that term. Secondly, that what I write is permanent, so I need to take care to ensure that my comments will stand the test of time. Thirdly, that comments can be read in isolation from the context of the threads around them, that means I need to provide context whenever the subject I am discussing becomes context dependent.

Guidelines for the Societal Web

1. Discuss the principles and not the person in public - it only takes a quick scan to check after all and small changes are normally enough to make that shift.
2. Be ready to listen to and respond quickly to feedback. If someone is upset by what is written then they are upset, whether they should be or not. Seek to rewrite what has been said in a way that deals with the cause of the upset. Almost always it is not a disagreement of principles that causes upset but the manner of expression of that disagreement.
3. Support the people who do this well, recognise that there are people who do it less well than others, and for whom a helping hand is likely to be more productive for the future than the a big stick.
4. Recognise that different forums have different rules, play by the rules for the rules of the forum are what makes the forum work for everyone else. If you disagree with the rules then engage with those who set them and argue for change (usually in private). Accept the consequences of what is said, even if unintended,

This is new media and we all are learning, Everyone will get it wrong sometimes.