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CODE OF ETHICS
The North American Guild of Beer Writers exists to encourage writing that is informed, accurate and fair-minded on the subject of beer. Members are asked to uphold professional standards through conduct that is legal, fair and honorable. This code is meant as a guide for self-governance.
- Avoid conflicts of interest. Examples of conflicts of interest include (but are not limited to) the following: a) Writers, while employed in a public relations or spokesperson capacity, also writing about clients, client's products, client's competitors, or sponsoring organizations, in an editorial capacity, without also disclosing current employment; b) Soliciting paid advertisements with promises of favorable reviews for clients or advertisers, thereby compromising the objectivity of an editorial writer, freelance contributor, or reviewer; c) Writing about an event, company or product in which one has, had, or expects to have a commercial or financial interest without disclosing that interest to readers.
- Write with direct, first-hand knowledge or experience of your topic, unless relying on a qualified source for information. If relying on second-hand sources, such as a corporate brochure or press kit, indicate that in the text.
- Indicate when a story or review derives from a press trip or other complimentary entertainment or travel. Avoid soliciting favors, gifts and other preferential treatment from brewers, brewpub operators, and other vendors. Small tasting samples and ordinary courtesies of business life are not meant to be prohibited.
- Give attribution if your work borrows from, or is based on that of other writers, and as needed, list bibliographical or online references in your work. Members should be prepared to cite sources and fact-check attributions, including facts in direct quotes.