ETHICS STATEMENT
My name and content isn’t the most known on the internet (or in the world) by any means, but I truly value the relationship I’ve built with a global community over the past several years and hundreds of creations.
Sponsored content is extremely rare with me. If I choose to work with a specific brand/client, it will always be because I actually use the product or service myself and genuinely trust the brand/client to provide excellent customer service and support. More importantly, I will always make it abundantly clear that such content is sponsored. If I don’t explicitly say that a video or product is sponsored, then it is not sponsored. Simple as that!
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In general, I prefer not to create sponsored work or receive free products. If I do partner with a brand/client, you can bet they’ve seen this page and that I’ve been able to build a relationship with them over an extended period of time based on mutual trust and understanding.
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Beyond that, I think it’s important to question the purpose behind a sponsorship. For me personally, a sponsor should support and enable what I do, not constrain or control it. Ideally it’s a win-win-win situation for the viewer, the brand/client, and myself. My content and/or creations have never been and never will be an extension of any brand or client’s marketing department. Anything I create for a brand/client or individual has been specifically ordered or requested by the afore mentioned person or entity.
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Most of the equipment and/or products I use, discuss, and create are purchased by me, but sometimes I will rent or borrow equipment. Occasionally companies will send a product to me free of charge, and I will always clearly state that it was provided to me at no cost on whatever medium I am using or discussing said product. Usually the reason I accept these offers is simply due to practicality – I don’t have an unlimited budget and sometimes there are things that I’m curious about or that I’ve been asked for my opinion on, and I would go broke pretty quickly (after the video, these products are either used regularly, returned, or donated).
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Offering free products or services never guarantees a positive review (or even a review/video/post at all). Just like with sponsorships, I’m extremely selective about accepting anything for free and will only do so after discussing this Ethics Statement with the brand or client.
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All that being said, there are a few additional non-negotiable points I’d like to share for the sake of clarity. I’ve made all of this info publicly available to viewers and brands alike so that we’re all on the same page:
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My work is my own. I create and produce each product (physical or digital) or video based on what I’m excited about and what I think will be relevant/helpful to my audience at that time.
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My reviews are always as objective as possible and my opinions are always my own.
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I will only submit previews/mock-ups as requested by the brand/client for the purpose of revisions upon placement of an order. No exceptions.
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I have full control over my calendar. While I’m happy to work collaboratively when possible when it comes to scheduling, no outside party can pay or otherwise influence me in return for scheduling priority.
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Just because a product is provided to me at no cost does not mean I will review it or feature it in a video. I do not make videos or product review posts in exchange for free products or services.
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I only work directly with reputable brands/clients and individuals who request custom design services.
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I prefer to avoid “preproduction” versions of products/software and prefer to use what will actually be delivered to other customers.
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It’s appreciated when companies offer information about their products/services, but I will only include what I think is relevant and necessary in any videos or posts that I create.
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On that same note, I will work to seek answers for anything about a product/service that I don’t fully understand to make my videos as accurate and helpful as possible.
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While it usually makes sense to include certain links in video descriptions or social media posts, I retain full control over what is shared on my accounts across all platforms.
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I never include additional social media promotion in any sponsorship agreements without prior arrangements (Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, Etc).
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YouTube’s “includes paid promotion” option will be checked any time a video features a product or service that was provided at no cost, even if it’s not an official sponsorship. Additionally, any social media post will contain similar notation of such.
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I’m more than happy to let others share my videos/podcasts/content, as long as the post links directly to the original video uploaded to my YouTube channel or podcast stream. Videos may not be re-uploaded elsewhere. Any image shared must contain the appropriate creator credit back to me.
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If I find myself considering a sponsored campaign that includes other creators, I will work to confirm that there is a representative mix of genders/ethnicities/orientations.
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I do not guarantee any number of views or any amount of audience engagement on any videos or posts. As much as I want everything I create to “perform” well, there are too many variables beyond my control for me to make any claims regarding potential viewership. But I do watch/preview all of my videos/posts before publishing, so I guess I can guarantee at least one view.
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Side note to that: I do find it funny when brands asks for a video or social media post to “go viral.” If I knew how to do that, why wouldn’t I make every video or post a viral sensation?!
Thanks for taking the time to read and understand my Ethics Statement. This probably doesn’t cover every scenario under the sun, but it should give you a pretty solid idea of how highly I value the integrity behind what I do and the relationship with anyone who takes the time to check out something I’ve made.
Ultimately, I just want to keep having fun making content, and that sustainable fun disappears without these guidelines. If you’re a creator yourself, please feel free to take this Ethics Statement and make it your own. As my friend Tom says, "It’s ethical to steal my Ethics Statement!"
-Tim