Internet Marketer's Code of Ethics

This has been well received by most of the marketers I associate with. It has gotten some great feedback on my blog. I present it herewith to all of my fellow Warriors...

And, yes, this is the way I conduct my business.

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It has come to my attention and the attention of many of my Internet Marketing colleagues that a huge percentage of people in our community are operating in an unethical, often illegal, manner. In our own spheres of influence, those of us who still believe in "white hat" (ethical, honest) practices are taking to task those we know who are leaning to the "dark side" (dishonest, deceptive, unethical practices).

Naturally, we white hat marketers are being resisted and even upbraided by those on the dark side who continue to pander to the but-it-makes-me-more money-this-way mentality who are more interested in short-term profits than business longevity.

Some of us are fighting mad about it. But, let's take a benevolent position for a moment and assume that part of the problem is that an "Internet Marketer's Code of Ethics" has not been published. We'll give the dark side the benefit of the doubt and ask them to adhere to a code. Then, if they don't, they will have shown us all who they are and we'll have a document to point to; we'll be able to say, "Mr. XYZ marketer has violated these points of the 'Internet Marketer's Code of Ethics'."

General Conduct

1. I will not knowingly misrepresent myself or the products I am promoting.
2. I will not knowingly deceive my customers.
3. I will, at all times, treat my customers, my clients and my peers with due respect as they have earned and deserve.
4. I will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
5. I will honor all guarantees and issue prompt refunds according to the terms I have stated without question.
6. I will support and promote this Internet Marketer's Code of Ethics.

Promotions

1. I will refrain from using deceptive and/or misleading headlines, email subject lines and testimonials.
2. Headlines, subject lines and testimonials will be relevant to the product I am promoting and relevant to the content of my promotional materials.
3. I will avoid high-pressure and/or manipulative sales tactics.
4. I will deliver everything I promise in my sales materials.

Communications

1. I will inform my prospects and customers of the frequency of communication they can expect of me.
2. I will adhere to those expectations.
3. I will treat all communications to my customers and prospects as if I am communicating with them in person.

Miscellaneous

1. I will never deprive someone of an affiliate commission they deserve or have earned.
2. I will abide by the license restrictions for all resale products I acquire.
3. I will not engage in excessive, irritating or deceptive entrance/exit popups.
4. I will address all customer service/support requests in a timely manner.

This code will no doubt be questioned and it will, as a result of the normal course of human emotion and reaction, evolve. But, we have here a starting point from which to proceed.

If you are in agreement with this code, tell every marketer you know about it and get them on board. It's our business to take care of our business. Post your comments and suggestions and feel free to contact me directly. It's time to take a stand.