My Code of Conduct:

I wish to be transparent about how I create content and my compensation.

Journalism Ethics:

I follow the general rules of journalism ethics, but I do want to stress the following:

  • I strive to be give content that is thoroughly researched, cited and grammatically correct.

  • I always try to use facts as fairly and accurate as possible.

  • If I accuse any party for wrongdoing, I will try to lay out the fact and include the accused party’s explanation.

  • I try to write my blogs with attention to detail and consideration of its subject and their content at all times.

  • I acknowledge the individual’s rights to be respected personally and maintain their privacy.

  • I make sure that the sources who wish to be anonymous are anonymous – also after the content is publicized – as long as I know the true identity of the person and the motives behind the wish to be anonymous.

I operate solely as a Journalist/storyteller. Therefore, my views will be restricted to the content that I share.

Sourcing:

I credit my sources by their names and, when possible, provide a direct link or retweet to their commentary. In other words, I don’t plagiarize. I do not use others' work and pretend it is my own. I declare my sources and explain who they are and what they do for a living, making it easier to judge my sources ’ motives.

Compensation:

I am not contracted or compensated by any organization for my services.

I don’t buy or own shares or stocks in companies I write about.

I do not own the rights to music or content I share on my website.

No one pays me to say – or not say – certain things on my blog or other media platforms – be they words, sounds, pictures, or videos.

I don’t accept money, free products, discounts, free trips, or anything of value from the companies I write about, and I don’t engage with their boards or advisory boards.

I cannot accept payment or gratuities from vendors asking for sponsorship in exchange for promotion.

Boards & Networks:

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at Downing_Veronica@outlook.com.

Best wishes,

Veronica G. Downing

Special thanks to Pernille Tranberg, author of TrustMark for News - Why Non-Biased Digital Content Needs Transparency, for providing the template from which this disclosure has been adapted.