Well-known New Zealander bloggers are split on the idea of joining an organisation that holds them to a set of standards.
Nicky Hager signs a copy of his book Dirty Politics for David Farrar at Radio New Zealand. Photo: RNZ
The Online Media Standards Authority (OSMA) has been up-and-running for a year but only one blogger has said he will sign up to it.
The authority's code of standards calls on members to distinguish comment or opinion from fact, not to encourage discrimination against anyone, or to deceive readers in their posts.
David Farrar, who runs the right-wing Kiwiblog, said the perceived reputational gain has led him to apply to join.
He said his membership as a blogger would be a bit of a test run for both himself and the OMSA.
However, others behind political-leaning websites such as The Standard and The DimPost said the biggest barrier to signing up was the $500-a-year fee.
