Ethics & Standards

It’s Not You It’s Me Media (INYIM) is a hybrid entertainment and editorial platform covering music, film, fashion, and pop culture with a smart, stylish, and culturally fluent point of view. Our Ethics & Standards codify how we earn — and keep — reader trust while celebrating creative communities.

We believe great culture journalism is fearless and fair: independent from outside influence, transparent with readers, and respectful of the people and art we cover.

1) Independence & Integrity

• Editorial firewall: Advertising, sponsored partnerships, affiliates, and business priorities do not control or pre-approve editorial coverage. Editors have final say on all content.
• No pay-for-coverage: We do not sell reviews, news placement, or favorable opinions.
• Access ≠ endorsement: Event credentials, advance screeners, and review copies never guarantee coverage or tone.

2) Conflicts of Interest

• Disclose or recuse: Writers and editors must disclose material conflicts (personal relationships, employment, investments, paid collaborations) to the assigning editor. When appropriate, we will recuse staff or add a public note to the story.
• Gifts & perks: Nominal value items (e.g., water, tote, snacks) are acceptable at events. High-value gifts, exclusive merchandise, or significant freebies are declined or returned; if retention is editorially necessary (e.g., a review unit), it will be disclosed.
• Freelancers: Must follow the same rules. Editors may request additional disclosures prior to assignment.

3) Fairness, Accuracy & Attribution

• Fact first: Claims must be verifiable. We cite original reporting, official statements, or on-the-record sources.
• Quotes & credits: We quote accurately and credit original outlets, reporters, photographers, and creators.
• No plagiarism: We do not copy, lightly rewrite, or aggregate in a way that obscures an originator’s work. Transformation must add context, analysis, or original reporting.

For our verification approach, see Fact-Checking Policy.

4) Sources & Anonymity

• Named sources preferred: Attributions bring accountability and clarity.
• Anonymous sources — rare and justified: We allow anonymity only when necessary (safety, professional risk) and with editor approval. We provide enough context for readers to assess credibility without compromising a source’s identity.
• No rumor laundering: We do not publish blind items or speculative claims dressed as reporting.

5) Reviews, Opinions & Cultural Critique

• Honest, informed, humane: Reviews should be rigorous but not cruel. We evaluate the work, not the person.
• Access and freebies: Complimentary tickets, screeners, and albums do not influence our verdicts. Where material support is provided (e.g., travel or gear loans), we disclose as appropriate.
• Perspective matters: Criticism may include cultural analysis and lived experience; it must remain fair, contextual, and transparent.

6) DEI, Representation & Harm Minimization

• Inclusive lens: Culture is global. We pursue a range of perspectives and avoid reductive tropes.
• Language care: Avoid slurs, demeaning descriptors, or needlessly graphic detail. When sensitive topics arise, we add content advisories when useful.
• Right of reply: When coverage could impact reputation, we seek comment with reasonable timelines.

7) Photography, Video & Visual Ethics

• Truthful visuals: We do not manipulate images or video in ways that materially alter reality. Standard editing (crop, exposure, color balance) is fine; compositing or content-altering edits are not.
• Captions & credits: We caption accurately and credit photographers/rights holders.
• Event content: Respect venue rules and artist rights; obey embargoes and watermarks where agreed.

8) AI, Tools & Transparency

• Human-led: AI tools may assist with transcription, research organization, or headline ideation. They do not replace human reporting, analysis, or judgment.
• No synthetic facts: Drafted text is verified by editors and writers before publication.
• Disclosure: If AI materially shaped a presentation or package, we’ll note that.

Details live in our AI Usage & Transparency Policy.

9) Social Media Conduct

• Voice ≠ bias: Staff may maintain personal voices online but should not undermine INYIM’s credibility or pre-report outcomes.
• Corrections travel: If we materially err in a widely shared post, we correct and note it on the relevant platform(s).
• Safety first: Do not doxx, harass, or encourage pile-ons. Screenshots and embeds should preserve context.

10) Corrections, Updates & Takedowns

• Fix it fast: When we make an error, we correct the article and add a clear note describing what changed.
• Updates: We label substantive updates (new statements, outcomes, data).
• Takedowns: We generally correct rather than remove. In rare cases involving legal/ethical necessity (privacy, verified hoax, court orders), senior editors may decide to unpublish with a note.

See our Corrections Policy for procedures.

11) Sponsored, Branded & Affiliate Content

• Clear labeling: Sponsored/partnered content is labeled at the top with language readers can’t miss.
• Editorial independence: Sponsors do not review or control independent coverage.
• Affiliate links: We may use them where relevant; they never change our editorial decisions. Disclosures accompany such links as appropriate.

12) Legal & Safety Considerations

• Defamation & privacy: Claims about living persons require elevated sourcing and legal awareness. We avoid publishing personally identifiable information that is not in the public interest.
• Embargoes & NDAs: We honor embargoes we agree to. We avoid NDAs that limit independent editorial judgment.
• Security: For sensitive communications, we can facilitate more secure channels on request via Contact the Newsroom.

13) Editorial Process & Accountability

• Assignment & editing: Pitches are assigned by editors. All stories are edited for clarity, accuracy, and style; headlines may be adjusted for accuracy and reader usefulness.
• Attribution & bios: Bylines reflect actual contributors. Author bios and social links should be accurate and up to date.
• Masthead & contact: Our editorial contacts and tip lines are available via Contact the Newsroom.

14) Our Cultural Compass

We’re not a political desk — we’re a culture publication with values. We champion creatives and free-thinkers, defend artistic expression, and treat people and their work with respect. We interrogate power dynamics where they shape culture, avoid sensationalism, and give readers context that adds light, not heat.

How to Reach Us

Questions or concerns about this policy? Reach the editors via Contact the Newsroom. We read every credible inquiry and respond as capacity allows.

Related policies: Editorial Guidelines, Fact-Checking Policy, Corrections Policy, AI Usage & Transparency Policy, Contact the Newsroom.