Ethics code for online writers
Readers have the right to expect:
Original content. All content is the original creation of the author except when clearly attributed, such as by quotation marks, citations and credits.
Respect for intellectual property. All text, photos and other media from outside sources is republished only with the explicit permission of its owner or as authorized by an applicable license (e.g., Creative Commons), with the exception of brief quotations from written works in the context of discussing those works.
Links where credit is due. Where the creator of content referenced on this website has made it possible to link to that content, a link is given here. Where the content is not directly linkable, as in a book, a full citation or link to a general information page will suffice. In general, links are favored over reproduction of content.
Disclosure of comps. Where a free or discounted product or service has been accepted, a corresponding disclosure is made.
No quid pro quo. Before accepting an invitation for a free or discounted product or service, the author advised the provider of that product or service that favorable coverage would not be provided in exchange for the comp, and that all reports on the product or service would represent the author's actual opinions.
Disclosure of conflicts of interest. Where the author has a relationship with the subject of coverage beyond a casual or typical customer relationship, that relationship is disclosed. Financial and employment relationships, including those of close friends, associates and family members, will also be disclosed.
Disclosure in the first instance. Where disclosures are required, they are made in the original entry on the subject. Repeated disclosures will not necessarily appear in subsequent entries in the same series. However, where separate discussion of the same subject occurs, reacknowledgement is made with a separate statement or by linking to the original disclosure.
Fact checking. The author of any factual statement has made a good-faith effort to confirm the accuracy of that statement. Statements of opinion, however, are just that.
Corrections. Where factual errors are discovered or reported, corrections will be made promptly by editing or in a subsequent entry.
Faithfulness to the historical record. Except where overriding legal or ethical concerns prevail (such as when remedying an invasion of privacy), substantive changes and corrections will be made in such a way as not to distort the historical record: by noting "edited to add" or the equivalent, or by making clarifying statements later without changing the original.
Fair comment (for website operators). This website allows registered users to comment on the content contained herein. Free and fair comment will be permitted so long as it is civil and conforms to this website's terms of service, including this document.
Terms of service (for website operators). This website abides by a published list of rules that cover, among other things, participatory conduct, use of anonymity, and consequences for violations of the terms. It can be found by clicking the "Terms of Service" or equivalent link on any page of this website. Anyone posting on this site agrees to these rules in the act of registering to participate. Further, this site may operates on a platform (such as Blogger.com or WordPress.com) that has a separate terms-of-service document. This site adheres to those terms.