Why did we develop a Code of Ethics?

There is no documented, credentialed standard for web design, and we know as well as you do that choosing a web designer can be a gamble. There are so many facets to ethical, competent web design that the average person can't possibly be expected to think of them all!

The best you can do as a consumer is to understand the competencies, experience and standards for performance of any web designer you are are considering hiring. That's why we have documented a Code of Ethics: to help you to make an informed decision about our intentions for you, our business, and your potential 'buying audience."

Ready? It's a bit formal, but we think the occasion calls for it:

WMYS WEB DESIGN CODE OF ETHICS

As our guiding force, we believe in and commit to the following principles:

Integrity

• We will use client needs and interests as our guiding force, and will not knowingly recommend choices which may have a potentially negative effect for you or cause you harm. Neither will we knowingly recommend choices which are not in the public interest.
• We will not intentionally mislead you, nor fail to inform you of things you need to know in order to make the best choices for your business.
• We will not take advantage of your lack of knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of creating your website.
• We will not make promises that we do not have the reasonable expectation of being able to deliver on, and will honor our guarantees in the most liberal manner possible.
• We will not take on tasks that are outside our scope of ability, and will instead recommend a qualified service provider to accomplish this work on your behalf.

Transparency

• We will make our background and experience transparent, and will not misrepresent our references or testimonials.
• We will inform you clearly of any necessary or helpful elements which are NOT included in our contract with you.
• We will be clear from the beginning about the amount of information we will require from you in order to complete tasks in a satisfactory and timely manner.
• We will help you to consider cost containment options, maintenance costs, and options for long term growth and expansion of your online presence.

Adherence to Industry 'Best Practices'

• We will perpetuate the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all elements that we recommend for your website.
• We will, to the best of our ability, help you to ensure that your site complies with industry standards, including those of website accessibility.
• We will make no intentional attempt to manipulate search engine results, and will not use deception or manipulation as a basis for marketing messages and SEO. We will adhere to current common-sense guidelines published by Search Engine Officials for safe SEO practices.
• In designing your website, we will engage in "best practices" that serve public interest.
• We will not place misleading information on your website.
• We will obey copyright laws with respect to text, images and graphics.
• We will not knowingly recommend a course of action which might create legal problems for you.

Assignation of Decision-Making Authority

• Insofar as it is appropriate to do so, we will respect client authority over the services we provide. We will assist you in obtaining the knowledge necessary to retain that authority in actuality, rather than in appearance only.

Client Confidentiality

• We will honor our confidentiality promises to clients.
• We will give you the full benefit of our knowledge and ability, irrespective of any other client with whom we are also working.