V!VA's Code of Ethics

As representatives of V!VA Publishing Network, the writers of V!VA Travel guides will serve as “travel critics,” as ready to comment critically as to praise. Writers will report in the public interest, with travelers as their primary responsibility and business owners as their second responsibility, working to V!VA’s Code of Ethics:

1. Writers will never accept perks or special treatment in exchange for a favorable review. Any writer found to be doing this will be automatically dismissed and forfeit their right to any trip expenses or payment.

2. Writers will present reviews that are objective, honest, fair and factually accurate. Writers will be helpful to the reader and will assist them by writing descriptive commentary that helps to guide the traveler to places that may best suit his/her preferences.

3. V!VA publications, including the website, will not be used as a platform for personal attacks or vendettas. Any material found to contravene this rule will be removed from the site and the user account de-activated.

4. Writers will use multiple, reliable, verified and independent resources when preparing materials.

5. Writers will consider a broad range of varied user opinions when creating reviews and will not be unduly biased by their own preferences when writing up places.

6. V!VA will not be responsible for opinions expressed by travelers. Reviews written by website users do not represent the opinion of V!VA Publishing Network. Comments placed on the website are personal opinions and will not be removed unless they are considered to be personal attacks (see point 3).

7. V!VA will not encourage illegal or immoral activities (for example, child prostitution, environmentally damaging activities), or enable their practice.

8. In remote spots, writers will consider the level of infrastructure available for tourism when writing their reviews. V!VA supports responsible and sustainable tourism.

9. Writers will not plagarize the work of others.

10. Writers will provide a sense of value in their reports and comments will be qualified. For example, “the best hotel in town” needs to be qualified. Who is it the best hotel in town for? Backpackers? Luxury travelers?