Geek Citizens News:
Code of Ethics

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 open, independent, critical – also towards myself – and to avoid hidden agendas. 

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

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

• I try to write my blog as balanced as possible and not to make too sensational headlines, so my content lives up to the promise in the headline.

• 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. 

Sourcing

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

Compensation

I am employed by Jodelle Studios. Other revenues come from my Patrons on Patreon.  

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

My pension and savings are administered by a financial institution. I have no knowledge or influence about their choice of securities. No one pays me to say – or not say – certain things on my blog or other media platforms – be they words, sound, pictures, or video. Unless it is sponsored. It will be disclosed in the video, post, or tweet that it is sponsored.

I don’t accept money, free products, discounts, free trips, or anything of value from the companies I write about. I don’t engage with their boards or advisory boards. I will accept a t-shirt or item of small value - less than $80. If I make an exception to these rules, I will disclose it fully. 

If I am to review a product, I will borrow it for a week or two and give it back – unless it is worth less than $80. If I make an exception to these rules, I will disclose it fully. 

Boards & Networks 

I sit on the following board of directors or advisory boards – all unpaid at Jodelle Studios

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at geekcitizensnews@gmail.com

Best wishes, Scott Loftis (Owner and Writer) 

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.