Code of Standards
Words Have Impact Code of Standards
- Our fiduciary responsibility is to the client, first and foremost. We conduct our business in their best interest, unless that interest would conflict with what would be ethical.
- We will only work with a client if we think there is a good “fit”—that is, we can be sure that we can do a professional, high quality job and receive payment in return.
- Fit, or lack thereof, will never be determined on the basis of race, sex or sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or culture.
- Producing hate speech, libelous speech, or text that could cause direct harm will, however, automatically be deemed a “poor fit.”
- We only accept projects that we can fulfill in a timely, professional manner. If a project is outside our area of expertise, we will do our best to recommend another professional with the skills and ability to take on the project.
- We will not take on a new client that is a direct competitor with an existing one without first determining if there is a conflict of interest. We will not take on a new project if the deliverables being developed would introduce a conflict of interest with existing projects.
- We will always abide by all applicable intellectual property and business law—whether or not there is an NDA in force.
- All work will be original. We will never plagiarize or pass off someone else’s work as our own. Ever.
- We will meet all reasonable deadlines on all projects.
- We vow to work with clients to determine what reasonable deadlines for any given project would be, and set expectations appropriately.
- If, during a course of work, it becomes apparent that a deadline cannot be met (because of some unforeseen circumstance, for example) we will notify the client as soon as this becomes apparent, and at least 24 hours before the deadline occurs.
- If a deadline cannot be met, and after we inform the client, we will always give the client options—for example, to deliver the work done to that point and charge only for the work done or to proceed with the work under a new deadline.
- Clients have the final word as to the shape and content of the deliverable (unless it would be a violation of “fit”). This will not prevent us, however, from providing advice, direction, feedback, or education when we feel appropriate.
- We promise to bill promptly. We never introduce any “hidden” fees or charges for work that was never discussed and agreed upon ahead of time.
- Deliverables belong to the client and the client only. We do reserve the right to use some items in our portfolios and/or promotions (such as client logos, or pieces of written work). When we use client’s work for these purposes, we will inform the client and give them the right to request that material not be used.
