The BBC reports that Tim O'Reilly has called for a code of conduct for bloggers in the wake of the death threats received by Kathy Sierra.

Whilst I dearly hope it would help, I'm with Euan on this.

First, there is no evidence that those making the threats are actually bloggers. Second, do we really think that someone willing to make such threats would give a tinker's cuss about a code of conduct - whether they'd signed up or not.

IMHO, codes of conduct are only useful for reminding existing communities of their responsibilities when you actually have the power to do something when they get broken. In this situation, the policing is best left to the relevant authorities. As Kathy has discovered from the comments to her post, she's not the first and I'll wager that she won't be the last, with or without a code.

Saying that, Tim's had a taste of the wisdom of the mob and it has obviously left a nasty taste, so fair play to him.