ReadWrite’s reporters must adhere to industry-standard ethical principles regarding reporting. This signifies that our editorial team places significant emphasis on seeking the truth, safeguarding sources, reducing potential harm, and consistently aims for precision and transparency in all our published content.
As a foundation for the professional behavior of our editorial staff, we rely on the guidelines established by the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics.
Sourcing guidelines
At ReadWrite, we maintain stringent sourcing standards. Our reporters will always provide clear explanations of our sourcing methods and make every effort to safeguard sources’ confidentiality when it is appropriate.
If you are a communications professional or are communicating with us in an official capacity, we adhere to the following definitions:
On the record
By default, when conversing with reporters and editors at ReadWrite, the conversation is considered “on the record.” In this mode, anything you say may be recorded, attributed to you, and quoted in our reporting.
We typically expect corporate communications professionals and individuals speaking to us officially to be on the record in nearly all cases. If you wish to deviate from this default, you must explicitly state your reasons for doing so each time.
On background
Conversely, when a conversation is conducted “on background,” your statements are attributed more generally — such as to a “company spokesperson” — and we do not specifically identify you as the source. If you are a corporate communications professional communicating in your official capacity, we will not attribute you as “a source familiar” under any circumstances.
Going “on background” involves an agreement between you and the reporters or editors at ReadWrite. The standard rules of such an agreement apply: you may propose going on background, and we will accept or decline your request. If we do not explicitly accept, there is no agreement. This means:
- You cannot send statements to ReadWrite reporters, assuming they will be treated as “on background” without prior agreement.
- You cannot dictate how a statement should be attributed without prior discussion.
- You cannot use phrases like “background, not for attribution,” as we do not accept this terminology; it is equivalent to “off the record.” Please be explicit in your intentions.
A key point to remember: you must request and receive our agreement every time.
Off the record
The concept of “off the record” is straightforward: You converse with us, and we agree not to use any information from the conversation in our reporting unless we can source it through other means.
Like going “on background,” an “off the record” conversation is based on an agreement. If we disagree with the terms, the conversation is not considered off the record.
We do not readily agree to off-the-record discussions with corporate communications professionals or individuals speaking in official capacities unless there are specific justifications.
Corrections, updates, and content removal
While we strive for accuracy in our reporting, occasional errors may occur.
If we identify a mistake in a story, our editors will promptly issue a correction. This correction will remove the inaccurate information and explain the error.
There are instances where additional information becomes available after we’ve published a story, extending the narrative or providing clarity without necessitating a correction. In these cases, we may choose to add or modify elements of the original story. Any such updates will be indicated at the bottom of the article, along with the time of the revision and a note explaining the changes made.
Furthermore, we may remove content if it is deemed to infringe on the intellectual property rights of a third party, violate other third-party rights, or breach applicable laws or regulations.
Diversity and inclusion statement
At ReadWrite, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that the strength of our organization lies in the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our team, contributors, and audience.
We are committed to:
- Celebrating diversity: We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic background. We recognize that diverse perspectives enhance our creativity, innovation, and understanding of the technology industry.
- Inclusive content: We strive to provide inclusive content that reflects the breadth and depth of the tech world. This includes highlighting underrepresented voices and stories, as well as addressing issues related to diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
- Equitable opportunities: We are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for growth and development within our organization. We actively seek diverse talent and are committed to fair and unbiased hiring, promotion and compensation practices.
- A safe and respectful environment: We pledge to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all team members, contributors, and readers. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Continuous learning: We understand that fostering diversity and inclusion requires ongoing education and awareness. We are dedicated to continuous learning — individually and as an organization — to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Community engagement: We actively engage with our community to ensure their voices are heard and valued. We welcome feedback and encourage open dialogue on issues related to diversity and inclusion.
- Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions. We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our diversity and inclusion efforts.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, we aim to create a tech-focused media platform that reflects the richness and complexity of the technology industry and the world at large. We invite you to join us on this journey as we work together to make a positive impact on our industry and society.
We value your feedback
Your input is essential, especially if you are concerned about our ethical standards. If you encounter anything on ReadWrite that appears questionable or doesn’t align with our standards, please don’t hesitate to inform us. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
