Professional wordsmiths have mastered the art of articulating and using words in the right context. This has enabled them to command significant authority from passionate readers. They have the ability to make the reader feel, see and experience a situation by their choice of words. Consequently, they capture and fascinate the mind of the reader. For this reason, they are required to have professional ethics and moral standards to match the expectations of the reader.
Wordsmiths should operate under a framework provided by a regulatory body in order to uphold moral integrity. The regulatory body such as the society of professional journalists (SPJ) provides a platform of controlling and promoting equality among wordsmiths for instance the Society of Professional Journalists.
The body also provides an assurance to readers that they will get quality work and that are up to standard. In line with the mandate of this regulatory body, wordsmiths should champion for truth, dignity and integrity in their work hence keeping in mind that they are working in the public interest of the readers. They should act fearlessly even if they are of the unpopular view (Collins 155).
They should be unbiased and independent. Additionally, they should seek primary sources of information and be accountable for any collected information. Wordsmiths should avoid misinterpretation of facts and should not distort information. When wordsmiths submit their work for consumption by the readers, they subject themselves to public scrutiny in terms of standards, quality of work and moral integrity.
They, therefore, should diligently consider these factors when they are executing their work. Wordsmiths face a dilemma between speaking the truth and reducing harm i.e. if wordsmiths speak the whole truth, then harm is inevitable. Essentially, there is a delicate balance between the two factors. Due to the freedom of speech and press, wordsmiths have a leeway on the choice of their words.
The public has put emphasis on publicizing as the best enforcement mode. Streamlining the wordsmiths is purely at the discretion of the public. Wordsmiths should carry out dissemination of information cautiously and in a modest manner. Moreover, putting a spotlight on the wordsmiths regarding their ethical conduct and integrity is a key component in fostering truth and holding them accountable for their reporting.
Wordsmiths should also assess the impact of their work on the public and act diligently when undertaking their work. This, in turn, affirms assurance to the reader that his or her concerns are considered. Additionally, the wordsmiths should avoid misinterpretation of facts at all costs and provide the correct context. This will enable the reader restore confidence on information disseminated by wordsmiths.
Wordsmiths should not be controversial and should avoid lurid curiosity. They should also be creative thinkers and provide an independent opinion. Wordsmiths command a following of readers; this gives them a heavy load and responsibility of both entertaining the readers by being relevant and writing facts without any misinterpretation.
For instance, in the book “The Veil of Heaven” the wordsmith has skillfully selected a choice of words, which vividly bring out his line of thought (Collings 7). He has also employed figurative speech to describe the prevailing situation. Most of the readers never question the integrity of the wordsmith; they consider them to have mastered the art of writing. Readers never understand that sometimes wordsmiths also document their own positions or interests regarding a particular issue.
This may lead to partial examination of situations to suit particular segment of readers. This impairs the interpretation of facts hence giving distorted information to readers. The wordsmith’s stand should not be realized when he or she is writing. This gives that article neutrality and allows readers to draw their own opinions and in accordance with their individual understanding.
However, various issues pose a challenge to wordsmiths first; some principles may cause conflict for instance accountability and independence. The wordsmith is required by the readers to be independent and at the same time accountable. This poses a great challenge to strike a balance between the two. By being independent means, no one should influence the wordsmith when writing to give a true and honest opinion and on the other hand, he or she should accountable on sources of information and claim responsibility.
Secondly, the wordsmith should provide true reporting and should minimize harm that the information may cause. This is also a major limitation because providing true information and at the same time, minimizing harm is very difficult. Achieving this is hard without compromising one of the two factors.
Thirdly, wordsmiths face a lot of pressure from the public in regards to writing topics that are favorable and soothing at the expense of writing real and inevitable facts that are unpopular. This can make their articles not sell and lower their public admiration and popularity. Due to this, wordsmiths tend to avoid controversial topics and issues in the society so as not to damage the public image.
In conclusion, wordsmiths should be individuals of high moral integrity and should take responsibility in all their articles, materials and publications. They should be fair, neutral and unbiased. Readers rely on the honesty, independency and accountability of the wordsmiths when reading their work and they put a lot of trust that the wordsmith was free and fair when he or she was critically examining the subject in question. This in turn will enhance readership and popularity of the wordsmith.
Works Cited
Collings, M. Wordsmith: A Science-Fantasy Novel, Volume One: The Veil of Heaven. Maryland, MD: Wildside Press LLC, 2009. Print.
Collins, T. Wordsmith — Writing a Way Home. Virginia, VA: Ravens Yard Publishing, 2003. Print.