If you're a legacy journalist, a citizen journalist, an independent blogger, or anyone else practicing journalism in the broadest sense of the word, here's an idea that can help you gain credibility and earn trust: Take the TAO Pledge and display the TAO Seal on your website, blog, printed page, newsletter, or wherever. It's a promise to your readers, viewers or listeners that you will be Transparent about who you are, Accountable for your mistakes, and Open to other points of view.

I can’t get the ‘TAO of Journalism’ idea out of my head. Brilliant work!
Scott Bedbury, Chief Executive Officer, Brandstream

I am 100% on board as I believe in those principles as well. While I can't speak for every Spot.Us reporter....If they aren't ready to be transparent, I don't think they'd use our site.
David Cohn, Director, Spot.Us

I think TAO is a great idea, and focuses on just the issues that matter to us - transparency, openness and accountability.
Martin Moore, Director, Media Standards Trust, London

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A seal is a way to provide a sense of oversight without bringing in licensing bodies or the government....the program can be flexible enough to work for all of the various organizations and individuals that make up the emerging media landscape.

The equivalent of a Good Housekeeping seal would be given to both old- and new-media organizations signing on. Public complaints could be brought against any organization in violation of TAO standards.

The initiative is aimed at anyone practising "any form of journalism in the broadest sense of the word."

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