A media company's challenge is to give its users what they want in a way that leverages the unique power of the medium. Part of that power on the Internet is the ability to bring buyers and sellers together; in doing so, the company must maintain a clear line between content and commerce. Ethical considerations such as clearly distinguishing editorial content from commerce content are of the utmost importance so as not to confuse or deceive users.
We have developed guidelines that set out certain minimum standards and fundamental rules in order to uphold our credibility. This policy addresses issues such as the receipt of gifts or services by CNET Networks employees from companies we cover, the trading of shares in companies we cover, and the distinctions between editorial and advertising content:
CNET Networks will disclose business relationships in editorial content whenever relevant
As part of our corporate mission, CNET Networks has business relationships and investments in and from a number of companies in the industry. CNET Networks editors disclose business relationships whenever relevant, specifically in any editorial content where a CNET Networks partner or investor is a primary subject. Ordinary advertising relationships, content distribution agreements, and service contracts do not require disclosure.
Ads will be labeled as ads
CNET Networks generates revenue in part by selling advertisements in the form of banners, sponsorships, special advertising sections, and cobranded services. Advertisements or links that differ from the standards specified by the Internet Advertising Bureau are labeled advertisement, advertiser links, sponsor, or sponsored links to avoid confusion. A number of advertisements do not need labeling because they are obviously ads.
CNET Networks will disclose the business model
CNET Networks receives referral fees from merchants when we match buyers with vendors. All merchants in CNET Networks' price listings pay to be listed. Some merchants pay a premium for placement order or prominence.
CNET Networks will not review its own services or services with which it has a business affiliation
It is CNET Networks' policy not to review its own services or services provided by entities with which it has a business affiliation that goes beyond the purchase or delivery of goods or services in the ordinary course of business for both CNET Networks and the other entity. We do review or comment on competitors to these services. In these instances, we publish a disclaimer acknowledging our relationship to a competing product.
CNET Networks employees should avoid any appearance of impropriety
All CNET Networks employees go out of their way to avoid any appearance of impropriety in regards to securities transactions or inside information about any company we cover. CNET Networks doesn't prevent employees from investing in their financial future, but all employees avoid any activity that might be perceived as speculation or misuse of information obtained at work.
Employees may not accept gifts of value
CNET Networks editorial employees are required to refuse benefits that could cause the giver or others to perceive that CNET Networks is beholden to another company. This includes accepting gifts, travel, and tickets to entertainment or sporting events.
Labeling content from external sources
CNET Networks labels content to indicate the source in cases where the information published was not generated by CNET Networks' editorial staff.
Corrections
We are committed to correcting quickly any errors in fact or interpretation. No error brought to the attention of an editor or a reporter will be allowed to remain in a CNET Networks article. Everything from a misspelled name to a gross material error will be corrected in a story's original file so that no inaccuracy remains in our permanent archive. We will also provide clarifications of stories that contained no clear error in fact but whose wording or headline is open to misinterpretation.
Employees may not keep products or services
Editorial employees often solicit products for review. To avoid the appearance that these products constitute gifts, no employee can keep any hardware for more than six months. Free accounts to online services will be closed after the review is published. Software does not need to be returned, but cannot be resold or used for commercial purposes.
Linking to external sites
CNET Networks may link to non-Networks content that could be considered offensive by certain readers. The use of a hyperlink never constitutes an endorsement of a company, a product, or an opinion. The use of the hyperlink does not imply that CNET Networks agrees with the content being linked to and provides no guarantee that the content contains accurate information. CNET Networks editors are under no obligation to link to any site.
