Does the Globe think some content is more equal than others?

Interesting confluence of news out of Morrissey Boulevard today. On the one hand, we have boston.com editor Teresa Hanafin saying a blog written by a boston.com employee and posted on boston.com doesn't have to meet the same journalistic standards as other content on the site.

On the other hand, we have the Globe ordering tech columnist Hiawatha Bray to refrain from commenting on non-technology issues in his offhours on non-Globe sites.

The first case involves the Boston Dirt Dogs site and the question of whether its "scoop" on Nomar Garciaparra rejecting a Sox World Series ring was based on a hoax. Hanifin's comments come in an e-mail to Boston Sports Media Watch's Bruce Allen. The second involves anti-Kerry comments Bray made on a blog and mailing list. Referring to that case, Dan over at the Phoenix says:

Bray, in his posts, not only raised but answered questions about his neutrality. But he doesn't cover politics, which means it's questionable as to whether he compromised his professional neutrality. It might be different, for instance, if he'd written online that Steve Ballmer is the Anti-Christ.

Moreover, Media Matters presents no evidence that Bray campaigned for, demonstrated for, or endorsed anyone. Rather, he was expressing his opinion. Should he be able to? I say yes, but his editors obviously disagree.

More Hiawatha Bray/Swift Boat comments than you can shake a stick at