The Digital News Publishers Association Code of Ethics For LivingTricky.com
PURPOSE: Company associates at LivingTricky.com will uphold the highest ethical standards in the conduct of Company affairs. The intention of this policy is that each associate will conduct the Company’s business with integrity and comply with all applicable laws, without considerations of personal advantage or gain.
The following is a summary of the Company’s policy concerning (1) gifts, favors, entertainment, and payments given or received by Company associates, (2) potential conflicts of interest, and (3) certain other matters:
GENERAL POLICY APPLICATION
Gifts, Favors, and Payments by the Company: Gifts, favors, and payments may be offered by the Company to others, provided they meet the following criteria:
- They align with accepted business practices.
- They possess limited value and are not perceived as bribes or payoffs.
- They are in accordance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
- Public disclosure of the facts will not bring embarrassment to the Company.
Payments, commissions, or other compensation to or for the benefit of associates of customers (or their family members or associates) not required by a written contract are against Company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received by Company Associates:
- Associates shall refrain from seeking or accepting gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments without a legitimate business purpose, for themselves or others. They shall also avoid seeking or accepting personal loans (other than conventional loans at market rates from lending institutions) from any individuals or business organizations that engage in or seek to engage in business with the Company, or that are competitors of the Company. In the application of this policy:
a. Associates may accept common courtesies usually associated with customary business practices for themselves and their families. These may include:
- Lunch and/or dinner with vendors, occasionally including spouses, if the invitation is extended by the vendor.
- Gifts of nominal value from vendors, such as calendars, pens, notepads, knives, etc.
- Accepting tickets to events (such as sports, arts, etc.) is acceptable if offered by the vendor and the vendor accompanies the associate to the event. Such tickets should not be solicited by the company associate and must receive approval from the appropriate company officer.
- Overnight outings are acceptable when individuals from other companies or the vendor are present. The associate must obtain prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
- Receipt of alcoholic beverages is discouraged.
- Gifts of perishable items typically given during the holidays, such as hams, cookies, nuts, etc., are acceptable.
b. Stringent standards apply to gifts, services, discounts, entertainment, or considerations of any kind received from suppliers.
- Day outings, such as golf, fishing, and hunting, are acceptable with prior approval from the appropriate company official. The vendor must be present, and participation by the associate’s family members is not acceptable.
- The use of a vendor’s facilities (vacation homes, etc.) by associates or their families for personal use is prohibited. In the event the vendor is present for the duration of the visit, such a situation is acceptable, but limited to once per year and for a brief duration, e.g., a long weekend. The associate must obtain prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
- Accepting cash or cash-equivalent gifts, such as stocks or other marketable securities, of any amount is never permissible.
- Management associates should avoid accepting gifts of significant value from those under their supervision.
Conflicts of Interest:
Associates should steer clear of situations that involve or may involve a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of the Company. In all interactions related to customers, suppliers, contractors, competitors, or any individuals or entities engaged in or seeking to engage in business with the Company, associates should act in the best interest of the Company. Any potential conflict of interest should be promptly and fully disclosed in writing to their manager. Such conflicts may include:
- Ownership of a significant interest in any external enterprise by an associate or a member of their family, which is engaged in or seeks to engage in business with or competes with the Company.
- Holding positions such as director, officer, partner, consultant, or managerial or technical roles with an external enterprise engaged in or seeking to engage in business with or competing with the Company. Exceptions to this rule may be approved by the Chief Executive Officer of LivingTricky.
- Acting as a broker, intermediary, or similar role benefiting a third party in transactions involving or potentially involving the Company or its interests.
- Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or personal relationships, that may deter an associate from acting in the best interest of the Company.
Confidential Information
The disclosure or use of any confidential product information, decision data, plans, or any other information that could be detrimental to the Company’s interests without prior authorization is prohibited. The misuse, unauthorized access, or mishandling of confidential information, especially personnel information, is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action against an associate, including immediate termination.
Compliance: Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action against the associate, including potential discharge. Any Company associate who becomes aware of a violation of this policy must promptly report it to the appropriate level of management. Each vice president and company officer of LivingTricky is responsible for compliance within their area of responsibility. In case of questions or concerns regarding any aspect of this policy, contact the corporate Vice President Human Resources.
Social Media Guidelines: Introduction:
The following guidelines provide an overview of our policy regarding social media use. These guidelines are straightforward:
- Use sound judgment.
- Remember that nearly nothing you post is genuinely private.
- Recognize that you represent a professional image.
The most important thing to remember about social media is this: When you publish content on Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms, you are not sharing it with a select group of “friends” or “followers.” You are essentially stepping up to a microphone and making public statements that will be recorded indefinitely and potentially broadcast to a global audience.
While most people may not immediately notice your remarks or shared content, some will. If you happen to post something particularly provocative, newsworthy, offensive, or shocking, millions of others may tune in instantly.
Importantly, your intent when hitting “publish” doesn’t matter as much as what people perceive you meant. Perception is reality. So, always exercise good judgment.
Understanding Social Media:
In the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic communication, social media encompasses a wide range of platforms and methods. Social media includes all forms of communication or content posting on the Internet, whether on your own or someone else’s blog, journal, personal website, social networking sites (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Instagram, YouTube, and wikis), web bulletin boards, chat rooms, or any other form of electronic communication, regardless of association with or affiliation to the Company.
Familiarity with and Adherence to Company Policies:
Ensure that you are well-acquainted with and adhere to this policy and all other policies outlined in the Employee Handbook to ensure that your social media activities align with these policies. Inappropriate postings that include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, or other inappropriate or unlawful content will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Exercise Caution in Posting: You are personally responsible for the content you post.
