Reprint (with permission) of Matt Levenhagen article discussing the role of ethics in your business. Great reading:

One of the things that really strikes me about the internet is the diversity of people. There are soooo many different people from different backgrounds, countries, religions, etc. it’s astounding. All in one place called the World Wide Web.

With those differences comes something else that we will never excape. Since the beginning of time, man has struggled with the forces of good and evil. And with that comes the difficult to define the line that seperates the two.

Where do we draw the line when it comes to ethical uses of technology, programming and marketing… Where do we draw the line when making a decision if manipulating something or using a resource to bend the rules is wrong.

The problem is not really hard to pin point. People are selfish creatures. Many of us think of our selves before anyone else… some of us take into consideration others… some of us don’t at all.

You want money and will do anything to get it (well not all of you…).

Pursuing online opportunities can sometimes seem like a solitaire journey with not many people being effected by your efforts. I think that is very much opposite of the truth. The truth is the World Wide Web is spun tight and one flick of a thread can shake the whole web and cause effects… like a ripple in a pond.

And that is the way we should look at our work online. Many people just think of themselves. And that I guess is understandable. The internet draws people that are looking to make a fortune, to make a quick buck, to do whatever it takes to bring in the dough. These people have vision I’m sure, but it is directed in a very narrow path with blinders and does not take into consideration the ripple it is causing…

I’m a believer that one needs to have this sort of vision to a degree. That’s how we reach our goals. To have a burning desire and to focus all our energy to attain it… BUT we cannot lose site of the entire web…
When you run into something that seems like it might be a little spammy or just doesn’t sound ethical or right, you should ask yourself some questions:

1. Can I live with myself… many of you don’t care because you just want the money… OK… I know, I know… Matt, you are such a softy. I was going to tell you about this great script, but YOU have ethics (sticking out tounge)…Alright I’ll look at the script! Maybe just this one time… “I am not saying I’m perfect folks, but I do try and hold to some basic standards (white hat).
2. How does this effect my neighbors online? (everyone is your neighbor; one click away)
3. Is this something that promotes the good of the internet and will create an environment that promotes a better web? Does this have a negative impact?
4. Do I understand what the internet is and where my place in it is? You may not… figure it out. It is a web. It is a place to hold & find information, to buy products & services (eCommerce)… to communicate. Will I disrupt that purpose?
5. Will this short term gain be worth the long term price? Am I building for today or for my future? Will doing what I’m doing now actually destroy opportunities to make money elsewhere down the road?

You see… let’s take search engines for instance. You have to admit they play a vital role online… What if we do something that makes that piece of the puzzle problematic? Do you not think that will have an impact…
I always try and think of myself as the surfer (and that’s not to hard, because I am one… what would I want?)
If we are part of the solution… If we don’t work against the system and instead help it… If we make decisions that are good for the public & business online…

…Won’t it provide you MORE opportunity?

Ethics will be ignored because the internet is populated by humans. And there will always be humans that will want to do things the hard way, manipulate and cheat the system…

At the same time, maybe if enough of us cared… We could make the internet a better place for us all and in the long run create better technology and more opportunity!

Imagine what the Search Engines could do if they took all the energy they use fighting unethical webmasters to create a better engine and experience for us!

I want to make money too. But I also have sight. I see the potential if we all work together for the common good.
Will I walk that fine line myself. Probably… I like money I must admit… But I will ask myself those questions…
It’s at the very least something to think about…