Business Ethics Statement

This business ethics statement explains my approach to the ethical issues faced by individuals providing information on websites, particularly when linking to articles and information on external sites. A major ethical issue is "free" products, articles and information which has prompted this statement. On a wider scale, business ethics is growing in importance generally.

Introduction

This ethics statement relates to the Derek Stockley web site and its various component parts. The statement outlines the current policy on the design and presentation of information and articles, and inferences users may draw from the information provided. It should be read in conjunction with the Privacy, Copyright and Disclaimer pages on this website.

"Free" information and products - "Affiliate" programs

Many websites offer "free" information and products. However, sometimes the "free" information is offered as an inducement, that is then followed by specific products being offered. Often these sites are linked to "Affiliate" (they are also called "Partner" or "Associate") programs where a commission payment is received if you "purchase" the referred product.

Sometimes the possibility of commission being paid to the referring site is explained in the article. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes, it is hidden away in a long and detailed privacy or legal statement.

I believe that you should be informed if your actions generate a commission for a third party.

I provide links to external sites. Some of them operate "Affiliate" programs.

Please be assured:

I only recommend sites on the basis that I believe (at the time the site was reviewed and included) they provide worthwhile information and content which complements or adds to the information provided on my site.

I am not affiliated with many of the external "affiliate" sites listed on my site.

If I am an "Affiliate", the fact that I am an affiliate will be clearly stated in any recommendation or reference I make. It will not be "hidden away" on a legal notice on another page. The fact that I might receive a commission will not have influenced my recommendation.

Your support of affiliate sites is appreciated as it provides income that offsets the high costs involved in keeping this site up-to-date and relevant.

Like over 600,000 other web sites, I am an Associate of Amazon.com. If you purchase a product by using one of the links provided on this site, I may receive a commission from the sale.

Google AdSense Program

My site has been accepted by Google Inc as a participant in the AdSense program. On selected pages, advertisements inserted by Google will appear. An example:

These advertisements are selected by Google under their own quality processes. Some of the ads are for charitable organisations. To assist in covering the high cost of maintaining this site, I may receive a commission if you "click through" to a commercial site. See also: Disclaimer.

If you would like to develop and place your own advertisements in search results and on web pages like mine, you can join the Google Adwords program at: .

If you would like have Google place advertisements on your own website, you can join the Google Adsense program at: .

Please note: I may receive a small commission if you use these links to join either program and generate a minimum level of traffic with the selected program.

Baner Advertisements

This site does carry banner advertisements. Please see the: Disclaimer.

Commercial arrangements with partners

For strategic reasons, and in order to offer an extensive range of services, I do "partner" with other commercial organisations. In such cases, I may receive remuneration for marketing and other consulting services provided by me through the partner concerned.

Partners are clearly identified. Financial consideration is clearly implied through the description of the service listed.

Clients

To assist in Search Engine Optimisation/Marketing, links from this site to client sites may be provided. A linking on this site can be beneficial.

See also: Disclaimer.

Link Exchanges

A valid search engine optimization technique involves exchanging links with other websites. I approach other sites and other webmasters approach me. I only exchange links with high quality sites which I personally review. See also: Disclaimer.

Professional Conduct

I keep up-to-date by a variety of means, including the internet. I access resources and advice at a variety of locations, including various Australian and international professional associations.

See: Various Links I Use

I was fortunate to experience a professional grounding early in my working career. See: Continuous Improvement for a fuller explanation.

I am eligible for membership in many professional associations.

Although I am not a member, in regard to a code of conduct normally required of professional membership, I aspire to: Code of Conduct for Institute of Management Consultants (Australia)

If you would like to further explore the Ethics topic, see: Open Directory - Ethics Management

Comments

If you wish to comment on this statement, or raise a relevant issue, please: Contact me.

If you are one of the many visitors to this page refered by a search engine, I would appreciate your feedback. How does my ethics statement compare? Have you discovered something in your research that could be added to this page? Please use one of the email addresses below to let me know. Thanks.

Ethics Statement Changes

This statement may be amended. If this occurs, any changes will be displayed on this page.

This page was last reviewed on 1 September 2007.