HONcode: Comments on the guidelines for applications

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Certification for collaborative Websites / Websites with Web 2.0 elements

As the internet continues to evolve, so does the Foundation's methods, operations, and plans of action. To make the certification of websites with collaborative and web 2.0 elements even more efficient and streamlined, we have created the HONcode Web 2.0, an adaptation of the eight HONcode principles, which focuses on the dynamic interaction between internet users and developers.

For HON, a close partnership with patients, internet users, medical professionals, and web developers is vital. We greatly value feedback from you, closely taking each of them into account when making our decisions. Therefore we would very gratefully appreciate it if you could provide us with your comments and feedback regarding your thoughts on each of the principles, as adapted to the web 2.0 guidelines (HONcode web 2.0). Thank you very much.

If your website falls under the category of a collaborative website, one that contains web 2.0 elements (see definition below), the certification process will be a bit different from the regular one. It will especially focus on the special features and functionalities of web 2.0 platforms.

The Foundation has developed a set of guidelines to make the certification process of collaborative websites more streamlined and efficient. For more than 8 months, HON has carefully solicited information from Internet users and webmasters to develop these new guidelines, called HONcode Web 2.0. These guidelines are in addition to the original eight HONcode principles, taking into close accoun the demands and complexities of the various web 2.0 platforms.

Please find at the bottom of this page some simple templates which you can use to aid you when making your own set of guidelines.

To speed up the review process and to ensure approval of your site, please read these guidelines carefully and make sure that your web site follows all the principles of the HONcode concerning collaborative websites.

Does my site fall under the “collaborative Website” category ?

Collaborative websites are defined as such: websites having discussion forums, social networking sites, file sharing sites, wikis and blogs, among others. We define Web 2.0 as all sites/platforms where the user can interact with the content and / or with others. The platform must have a charter to use the following principles and must be accessible to all and from the home page.

What are these guidelines all about ?

These guidelines are a framework/template for you to establish your own website's set of rules and regulations. It is up to you to use them to establish the Web 2.0 guidelines relevant to your website, with maximum transparency.

For example, principle 7 asks if the moderators are volunteers or not. If your forum is moderated by persons who are employed by your organization as well as by volunteers, simply state this: "Our forums are moderated by paid employees as well as volunteers."

In addition, we recommend you supplement this with a set of Netiquette rules. You can edit your own Netiquette rules or use already existing Netiquette rules to inspire you. Please find at the bottom of this page, two examples of netiquette rules. If you use these, please do not forget to cite them as appropriate.

Your HONcode Web 2.0 charter should explain how your Web 2.0 collaborative application is operating according to the general principles detailed below, the goal being to be transparent regarding the production process of your collaborative platform.

Principle 1 - Information must be authoritative

It must be clearly stated if the platform is moderated or not. The qualifications/credentials of the moderator(s) must be clearly stated. The true names of the moderators are not mandatory. Moderators may use pseudonyms. The frequency of the moderator’s visits of to the website must be given.

It must be stated that all users are by default considered as non medical professionals. If otherwise, it must also be stated.

It must be stated that if a health professional gives medical information as a platform user, his status as a medical professional must be identified.

It must be clearly stated that platform users and moderators must behave at all times with respect and honesty.

It must be clearly stated how the moderators intervene and how platform users may be banned. It must be stated if platform users are warned or notified before being banned.