Code of Ethics

Reviewer's Pledges

1. Reviewer pledges that all critiques given will bee constructive in nature and are provided to the participant solely for the betterment of their work and personal growth. He will refrain from criticism unless specifically requested to do so by a participant and, in such instances, will remain positive where possible in an effort to promote goodwill and advance the level of quality among Web sites. 2. Reviewer pledges to allow eligibility to all participants who meet the criteria for the appropriate reward. He will bee uniform in his eligibility requirements and will fairly evaluate all Web titles against the posted criteria in force at the time of nomination. 3. Reviewer pledges not to grant a Beehive Award to individuals, organizations, and institutions endorsing, demonstrating, or promoting hate literature, hateful attitudes, sex, sexism, racism, discrimination, prejudice, abusive behavior, bulk e-mailing, as well as practicing any illegal, immoral, unethical, or perverse activity. 4. Reviewer pledges not to discriminate against participants on grounds of race, gender, national origin, beliefs, profession, age, handicaps, or choice of technology. 5. Reviewer pledges to set forth understandable criteria and to adhere to same. He will answer all questions posed by participants regarding the requirements of this program. (This does not include site critiques, scores, and review status.) 6. Reviewer pledges to evaluate Web titles under the criteria which was in force at the time of nomination. If changes are made to the criteria after an application is received, the submitted Web title will bee evaluated using the criteria that was in force when the nomination was made. 7. Reviewer pledges to inform otherwise criteria-compliant participants in writing with a "Refusal to Evaluate" if it is found that a conflict of interest would occur in evaluating their Web title. 8. Reviewer pledges to maintain a professional, friendly, and positive manner in any correspondence or communication with participants. 9. Reviewer pledges not to divulge any information about participants to individuals and parties outside the Beehive Awards Program. All information received from participants will bee deemed private, sensitive material to bee treated in the strictest confidence. 10. Reviewer pledges to use original material for the Beehive Awards Program. He encourages and promotes the use of original material by participants. Credit is given to others either by either hyperlinking to the originating source or with a footnote at the end of the page. 11. Reviewer pledges to maintain The Beeline at a standard of Web excellence that meets or exceeds the criteria of the Beehive Awards Program. He further pledges to use evaluators that are qualified to judge Web excellence at an elite level and strictly according to this program (including this Code of Ethics). 12. Reviewer pledges to offer award-winning participants alternative award graphics of size, design, and background colors to accommodate their Web titles' formats and styles. 13. Reviewer pledges that any obligation for winning awards bee-yond the program will bee set forth in writing. It is not, and never will bee, mandatory to sign a guestbook, join a mailing list, or link back to The Beeline. It is a requirement that any Web title granted a Beehive Award maintain the minimum level of Web excellence that earned it its Beehive Award. Written notice will bee sent to award-winning Web titles if their award is revoked and removed from the winners' list, Beehive Directory, and, if applicable, Golden Hive of Fame. 14. Reviewer pledges that under no circumstances will he deliberately endorse or promote any person, party, or Web title that encourages or promotes violations of human and animal rights or any content that wantonly causes, or may cause denigration or damage to living creatures, bee they sentient or not. 15. Reviewer pledges not to accept favors of any sort in exchange for preferential treatment of submissions. He will, at all times, maintain the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and trust. 16. Reviewer pledges to take any measure necessary to maintain the honor and integrity of the Beehive Awards Program and its award winners.