Disclosure
Disclosure Page
MISSION STATEMENT
My mission is to enlighten, educate, and entertain through the content I create personally and for my clients.
CONTENT CREATION CODE OF ETHICS
I will always strive to avoid inadvertent errors and never purposely distort the truth.
I ensure that headlines, photos, videos, and soundbites accurately reflect the content they are attached to.
I avoid bias and stereotyping by race, sex, age, disability, or social status.
I actively watch against corporate, big tech, organizational, or governmental abuses of technology that compromise individual privacy or restrict freedom.
I encourage discussion, give voice to respectfully dissenting opinions, and admit and correct my mistakes.
I disclose all instances where financial consideration has been exchanged and never say anything in exchange for payment that I wouldn't know otherwise.
I am an unapologetically proud native Texan.
SOURCES OF FUNDING VS. EDITORIAL CONTENT
I do not participate in sponsor messaging in my editorial content. I do sell pre- and post-content ad reads. Sponsors have zero input into the editorial creation of my content and are entirely unaware of the individual posts, photos, and videos they are sponsoring.
In other words, my ad sales and content creation efforts are entirely independent.
PROFESSIONAL OUTSOURCED CONTENT PRODUCTION
Because I am experienced with various content production processes, including video, photo, and written content, I often produce custom content for corporate clients. In this capacity, I act the same way that a professional photographer, marketing consultant, or video production company would, and these corporate engagements have zero influence over the content of this site or my social media posts.
LEVERAGING AI & ML IN CREATIVE AND BUSINESS PROCESSES
In my pursuit of delivering unparalleled services and content, I am invigorated by the limitless possibilities that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies offer. My dedication to innovation and excellence empowers me to integrate these advanced tools into various dimensions of my work. Here's how I harness AI and ML to enhance my productivity and creativity:
Business Processes & Strategy: I employ AI and ML algorithms to streamline my business operations and develop strategies that are not only efficient but also proactive. By analyzing trends and data, these technologies enable me to anticipate market changes and tailor my approaches to meet evolving demands.
Client Communication: I leverage AI-driven tools to ensure effective and timely communication with my clients. These tools help me better understand their needs and provide personalized responses, fostering stronger relationships.
Copywriting: My content creation process is augmented by AI technologies that assist in generating ideas, creating drafts, and refining content. This ensures that I consistently produce high-quality, engaging, and relevant material.
Photography: AI and ML tools play a pivotal role in image editing, enhancement, and organization in photography. These technologies help me achieve the perfect balance of lighting, color, and composition, elevating the visual appeal of my photographs.
Video: My video content benefits from AI and ML in various aspects, including editing, sound design, and content analysis. These tools enable me to deliver polished, impactful videos that resonate with my audience.
Content Creation: I adopt a hybrid approach to content creation. Some of my content is initially sourced using AI, which I then meticulously edit and refine to ensure it aligns with my high standards and unique voice. In contrast, other pieces are entirely conceived and created by AI technologies, showcasing these tools' innovative and diverse capabilities. Additionally, I take pride in still creating some content completely on my own, relying on my creativity and expertise to produce authentic and engaging material. In every instance, I rigorously review and enhance the content to ensure it meets my commitment to quality, relevance, and engagement.
I believe in transparency and ethical practices, which is why I am open about my use of AI and ML technologies. These tools do not replace my creativity or humanity but enhance my capabilities, allowing me to deliver superior services and content. As I continue to explore the potential of these technologies, I remain committed to leveraging them responsibly and innovatively, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of marketing for the food, beverage, and outdoor lifestyle industries.
PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCES
From time to time, I am hired to represent brands at trade events, speak at conferences or private events, and serve as a brand spokesperson. These relationships will always be disclosed when necessary, and in all cases, I will adhere to the Code of Ethics from this site.
I Don’t Name Current Clients
Due to non-disclosure agreements and good business sense, I don’t name current clients when sharing stories, tactics, and strategies. Some brands mentioned may or may not be former clients or brands I've worked with on projects. This ensures confidentiality and maintains professional integrity.
AFFILIATE REVENUES
Since I discuss products in my content, I provide links and references regarding product availability and pricing. I utilize links that pay a small commission when readers or viewers follow through and purchase a product. These links are inserted into the content after it is authored and submitted for publication. In other words, I insert the affiliate links when I would already be linking to a product anyway to generate revenue.
SPECIAL NOTICE CONCERNING FTC REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CONTENT CREATORS
The Federal Trade Commission has well-established guidelines concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. These guidelines address endorsements by consumers, experts, organizations, and celebrities, as well as the disclosure of meaningful connections between advertisers and endorsers. The Guidelines include examples to illustrate the long-standing principle that "material connections" (sometimes payments or free products) between advertisers and endorsers – connections that consumers would not expect – must be disclosed. These examples address what constitutes an endorsement when the message is conveyed by content creators or other "word-of-mouth" marketers. The Guidelines specify that while decisions will be reached on a case-by-case basis, the post of a content creator who receives cash or in-kind payment to review a product is considered an endorsement. Thus, content creators who endorse must disclose the material connections they share with the product or service seller.
This page serves as public notice that all "material connections" between myself and those I produce content about are in compliance with FTC regulations. Notification of relevant disclosure will be posted within the post of each piece of content where disclosure is required by the FTC.
This site and other sites I produce content for contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using many of the links in my articles.
I deliver creative and marketing services as a consultant for compensation. While several companies have compensated me for my services as a photographer, videographer, content creator, word-of-mouth marketer, or social media consultant, at no time have I been paid for the express reason of giving a favorable review or analysis of a company's product or service. All opinions expressed in any online channel are mine and mine alone and are not influenced by compensation or any client's opinion.
This section of this page will be updated as needed based on the terms of this FTC directive.
CLIENT WORK & WORK FOR HIRE
This disclosure does not cover content I create for clients. For any disclosures relating to work I create for third parties, please see that party's legal or PR team.
Last updated: 07/07/2024