I’ve always admired the surfer’s ethos: based on a love of nature and fun, it eschews the usual macho/aggressive BS that often accompanies many athletic activities.
Instead, surfers uphold the values of respect, community and “sharing the stoke.”
In Ocean City, NJ, The Surfer’s Code is literally posted at the access points to the town’s dedicated surfing beaches. My fellow dudes and dudettes, I submit to you that this code could serve as a social media web surfer’s code as well. Here’s what it says (with my personal annotations in [brackets]):
Respect the beach, ocean and others [respect the web, communities and others]
The surfer closest to the peak has right of way [the netizen who hosts the community has right of way]
First to her or her feet has priority [first to post has priority]
Stay out of the way of riders on waves [don’t spam — period]
If in doubt, don’t paddle out [get to know the community BEFORE leaving comments]
Be aware of currents, jetties and other riders [listen, read and learn]
Hold onto your board [hold onto your web identity]
Clean up after yourself and others less thoughtful [be the peacemaker in forums, blogs and communities]
Always aid another surfer in trouble [defend community members from ad hominem attacks]
Share the water, your knowledge and your stoke [share your virtual space, your knowledge and your enthusiasm]
Give Respect to Gain Respect [’nuff said!]
What do you think? Is this a worthy code for social media practices?