DECLARATION FROM POETIC SOLUTIONS

All Evaluators at Poetic Solutions agree to advance and promote the Website Evaluator Code of Ethics in order to ensure fairness to all Applicants for the Web Design Poet Award and to maintain the honor and integrity of our program.

We agree to post Awards Criteria and to adhere to it. Any modification in the program will be announced two (2) weeks prior to final publication with notices posted on site so all potential Applicants can view and understand the proposed changes. We agree to evaluate websites under the criteria in place at the time of application.

We agree that all critiques given will be constructive in nature. We will refrain from criticism unless specifically requested by an applicant, and in such instances, will remain positive in an effort to promote goodwill and advance the level of quality among Internet sites.

We agree to be uniform in our eligibility requirements and to fairly evaluate all submitted sites/pages meeting our Criteria.

We agree not to discriminate on grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, profession, age, mental or physical handicap, or any other reason which is not globally viewed as an illegal trait or manner of conduct.

We agree to immediately inform any Applicant in writing, of a Refrain to Evaluate if it is found that a conflict of interest would occur in evaluating his/her website.

We agree to maintain a professional, friendly and  positive manner in all correspondence and/or communication with all Applicants.

We agree to evaluate all submitted sites within four (4) weeks of receipt of submission. If this deadline cannot be met, we agree to suspend submissions until we can again work within this timeframe. In the case of bulk submissions from "Award Submit Services" this deadline clause is not applicable.

We agree not to divulge any information about any Applicant to persons, groups, or agencies not directly connected to the awards program, and only then for the purpose of evaluating submissions and notifying winners. All information received from Applicants via e-mail submissions or submission forms will be deemed private.

We agree to encourage and promote the use of original material for awards programs criteria and evaluation processes.

We agree to maintain any website that includes an awards program to a standard that meets the criteria of the award/s given.

It is not, and never will be, mandatory to sign any form of "guest book" or to join a mailing list.

We agree that we will not grant an award to, or in any other manner endorse or promote, any website that endorses, promotes or contains content which is considered globally to be illegal or discriminatory whether it be against human nature or wildlife.

We agree that we will not accept favors of any sort in exchange for preferential treatment of submissions. We will at all times maintain a high standard of honesty and integrity.

Submitted January 7, 2000.