Simple answers to ethical and editorial questions.

Yes: Go for it — no restrictions

No: Forget about it — no exceptions

Maybe: Let's talk about it —ask your program manager

Accuracy

Should I correct errors in articles after they’ve gone live?

Yes

Should I get rid of the original error, like it never existed?

No

Can I use pseudonyms?

No

Competition

Can I write for the other guy?

Maybe

Can I link to stories at other news sites?

Yes

Gifts & Freebies

Can I accept small gifts like a cup of coffee, a t-shirt or a ride home?

Yes

Can I accept modest gifts like a book or flowers?

Maybe

Can I accept big gifts like airline tickets or a laptop or a fancy lunch?

No

Can I keep review copies of things such as books and CDs and DVDs?

Yes

Can I sell stuff I get through work, like on eBay?

No

Blogging

Is it OK for me to have a personal blog?

Yes

Can I link to stories I’ve written for Patch from my blog?

Yes

Can I act like I represent the views of Patch Media on my personal blog just because I work there?

No

Photography and Visual Embeds

Can I steal an image from another website?

No

Can I link to an image from another website?

Yes

Can I change the size of an image?

Yes

Can I crop an image?

Yes

Can I add things to or alter news photographs or videos to make them more interesting?

No

Can I manipulate photos to make a “photo illustration,” as long as I clearly label it as such?

Yes

Can I stage a news photo or video?

No

Can I pose people for a photo or video for a feature story?

Yes

Can I run a photo or video without any credits, even if it’s just a file photo?

No

Can I publish photos or videos of things that may disturb people, such as dead bodies?

Maybe

Can I embed a video from Twitter, YouTube or Facebook?

Yes

Can I use a screenshot of a video from Twitter, YouTube or Facebook?

No.

Fairness

Can I express an opinion in my news stories?

No

Can I express an opinion about a subject I’ve reported on in a labeled commentary?

Yes

Can I do business with people I cover regularly?

No

Can I own stocks and bonds and other investments in companies or businesses I cover?

Maybe

Can I be a member of professional groups, trade organizations, fan clubs and community groups?

Maybe

Can I write about groups of which I’m a member as long as I reveal the exact nature of my affiliation?

Yes

Can I accept awards from groups I’ve covered?

No

Can I post comments on other websites if I use my real name and not an obscure username or sock puppet?

Yes

Can I cover a group or business in town if my spouse or partner or a member of my family is involved in it?

Maybe

Miscellaneous

Can I link to a profit-making site in a news story, for example a site that sells chocolates in a Valentine’s Day story?

Yes

Can I link to a profit-making site that advertises on our site?

Maybe

Can I link to a naughty or disturbing site if it’s relevant to the story and I give fair warning?

Maybe

Can I threaten someone with bad coverage if they don’t give me information?

No

If I’m doing an investigative piece, can I hide the fact that I’m a reporter from people?

Maybe

Can I drink alcohol when I’m covering an event?

No

Can I run for political office?

No

Do I have to respond to readers’ emails?

Yes

Should I respond to comments posted on my articles?

Yes

Can I attack commenters who are critical of my article?

No

Can I accept invitations to speak in front of groups or on radio or TV shows?

Maybe

If I do a speaking engagement, can I accept payment?

No

Can I volunteer or donate to charity?

Yes!

Can I quote a user comment that’s posted somewhere on Patch in one of my stories?

Maybe

Can I show an interviewee or profile subject the text of a story before it’s published, or let them review quotes they’ve given?

No

Do I risk getting fired if I lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize or abuse my position as a Patch journalist?

Yes