Mr. Anonymous (Federal Way): I have not seen so much sarcasm and negativity from a “single” source since; I don’t know…your prior column…

In your most recent hit piece on Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Hall, you make numerous accusations. Since I do not know who you are, I decided to do the responsible thing and call the boss over at your paper, the publisher. I was interested to find out the accusations you were opining on came from an “anonymous letter.”

So, we now have an “anonymous columnist,” making accusations on behalf of an “anonymous letter writer.” Don’t you just love quotations, “Mr. Anonymous?”

See, quotations are these little things you use when you’re citing something said by someone else, but then again, how do we have confidence in anything you say?

Enough with my attempt at humor, “Mr. Anonymous,” what you do on a weekly basis serves no public interest. It does not elevate public discourse. It is rude and snarky and does not speak for the more than 93,000 people who call our community home. Furthermore, after the mayor’s office received quite a few phone calls from real residents asking whether what you do is ethical or should even be allowed (we understand the first amendment ), we decided to look into the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

Surely a paper who wins as many awards as this paper touts has heard of the SPJ Code of Ethics? Well, uh oh…there is a bit of a problem…you, Mr. Anonymous, seem to be in violation of a bunch of those little codes.

In case you have not had a chance to review the codes, do not fret, here is a link to their website: spj.org/ethicscode.asp.

Since I am already writing, let me point out a few you may want to consider the next time you decide to write a hit piece.

Journalists should: Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.

Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.

Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources. May want to pay attention to this one!

Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources that may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted. This one too!

Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.

Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.

Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content. This is fairly important as well!

Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.

Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate. When you write things that are untrue, it matters!

Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.

I would like to point out: “The code should be read as a whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable.” -SPJ

While you are not required to follow any of these guidelines, you should consider the thought that went into creating them and stop acting like a gossip columnist in a tabloid paper.

Steve McNey, Federal Way mayor’s office