Golden Principles

As a freelance writer/journalist...

 I will subscribe to principles of...

Judeo-Christian Ethics. 

I will focus on human beings when creating my work. 

While working, I will I  love my neighbor as myself and treat others the way I want to be treated. 

and

 

Confucius' Golden Mean

This means, moral virtue is found in the appropriate location between two extremes. 

Image- Norman Rockwell's  Golden Rule

Stay TUFF

No matter what topic, situation, product, event, and service I cover as a journalist, I will employ the TUFF model. 

This means, when writing, I will be...

TRUTHFUL

UNBIASED

FULL

and

FAIR

I will maintain sensitivity and openness when faced with diverse viewpoints, events, or situations. 

As a journalist, my focus is to create and maintain awareness and fairness, never bias. 

I will communicate honesty.

Op-Ed journalist for the New York Times Nicholas D. Kristoff, I feel displays this well. 

I admire his integrity as a journalist and will emulate him, especially when writing on difficult topics. 

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/nicholasdkristof/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=Kristoff&st=cse

Values of a Professional Writer

As a journalist, I will rely on truth in all actions and interactions.

Truth will be a categorical imperative, meaning it is universal law in my work as a writer. 

I will focus on creating and maintaining honest and complete articles and stories

I will use discretion when choosing stories and focus on openness and fairness. 

When writing on something I am unfamiliar with or disagree with, I will employ sensitivity and integrity and follow through with honest, well-rounded work. 

I will not stand for dishonesty, disrespect, irresponsibility, or unfairness, especially to achieve personal success or goals. 

I will treat others the way I want to be treated. 

Code of Ethics Preamble

A professional journalist must deliver the truth to in order to create and maintain an enlightened public. 

Thoroughness, fairness and honesty should prevail when composing stories.