Well this sucks
The fantastic World Weary Detectibve blog ("Metropolitian Police detective London UK. A view of life from the thin layer between you and the underclass.") has been shut down by its author.
We reported on WWD back at the start of the year as one of the better new, London-based blogs but now it seems it's all over, thanks to the Met:
On Friday 3rd March 2006, the Management Board of the Metropolitan Police Service issued the following statement to all members of staff:
'Recently the organisation has become aware of a series of web-logs or blogs - where authors - claiming to be police officers - have offered their views on a number of issues in a highly personalised, often controversial manner.'
This statement is followed by 'guidance' on writing blogs. In summary, this states that although 'blogging' cannot be stopped, the 'impact of expressing views and opinions that are damaging to the organisation or bring the organisation into disrepute' must be considered. Disciplinary proceedings may be considered against posters of material that may be (among other things) defamatory, offensive or otherwise inappropriate.
As a result of that, the man behind WWD decided to post his last missive earlier this month, saying"It is with deep regret and great sadness that I must announce that I will no longer be submitting posts to this blog. I cannot challenge New Scotland Yard. I am weary indeed and cowardice is my bedmate. The protection of my family must take precedence."
The good news is that he's working on a book.
