Luster Network Code of Practice

Here at Luster Network, we’re all about reporting on everything to do with media in a way which is fair, balanced, and ethical. Our staff follow our code of practice in everything we do, to ensure we can review, report, and analyze in a way which is fair to everyone involved – while still empowering our staff to share their honest opinions, and report on what needs to be reported on.

The code only pertains to Luster staff’s conduct in regards to their work for either GameLuster or FlickLuster, and does not cover their activities elsewhere, such as social media or any other publications they work for. Below is our code of practice, topic by topic.

Copyright

All images and video used in our content is either sourced ourselves, or is otherwise available for use in reporting, such as through press releases or promotional material. In the event that we otherwise cannot source images or video, we will ask permission from others for use of theirs. This does not apply to embedded videos, as any views will go to the original creator. Any use of screenshots/clips from a video game or film falls under the definition of “fair use” in US copyright laws. All content created by Luster staff is expected to be original, and we have a strict zero tolerance policy on plagiarism.

Accuracy 

At Luster Network, all of our news is reported with due accuracy, as according to all available facts at the time of publication. Facts are cited to reliable sources, and all statements/quotes are cited to whomever said them (i.e. “PlayStation 5 will have no loading times, claims Sony”.) Writers’ opinions and own thoughts are clearly indicated and separated from fact. Being knowledgeable in their field, news writers are permitted and encouraged to include their own analysis in their reporting, as long as it is made clear that this is speculation rather than proven fact.

Impartiality

Our news is delivered with due impartiality. In ordinary circumstances, our news writers do not favor one side in their reporting. Exceptions can be made on a topic-by-topic basis, particularly when dealing with stories on abuse and discrimination, in which case their language may indicate that these are negative. Furthermore, news writers are permitted to share their own beliefs in a news article, but must indicate this clearly, using a subheading. As a diverse group of writers and content creators, our opinions vary, and therefore the opinion’s expressed in the work of our staff do not reflect Luster as a whole

Defamation (Libel and Slander)

Sometimes in our reporting or feature writing we have to say things which may reflect poorly on an individual or organization. When we cover a subject which may lower the reputation of a certain party, Luster will reach out for comment. If comment has been given elsewhere, Luster will include that in our reporting, so the party’s defense has been put forward. Depending on the severity of the subject, our reporting can be published before the concerned party has responded to our request for comment, and updated should they get back to us. Otherwise, we will give those involved a reasonable amount of time to respond before publication. The same applies in opinion pieces, in which staff are permitted to share their honest opinion (which may reflect poorly on an organization/individual) so long as the staff has indicated that this is their personal belief, and has stated how they formed this belief by citing evidence.

Speaking to sources

When reaching out to others for an interview or comment, staff are expected to deal with them fairly and not engage in behavior that constitutes harassment. This includes ceasing contact when asked to desist. If a conversation is being recorded, staff must disclose this, and say how the recording will be used (i.e. for a podcast, or just for note taking.) Children under the age of 16 should only be interviewed with the consent of a parent/guardian.

Conflict of interest

Luster Network does not receive compensation of any kind in return for reporting or reviews. Under usual circumstances, Luster staff are not permitted to cover a story in which they know an individual or work for a company involved (exceptions can be made if it is required/relevant to the piece.) Similarly, Luster staff may not review a game/film/product if they personally know an individual involved with its creation. At GameLuster, we do receive review copies of games, but this does not influence our score, and this will be disclosed in the review.

Exceptions to these rules

Exceptions can be made at the discretion of editorial staff, but only if it is in the public interest. This public interest would typically refer to exposing a company or individual of serious impropriety. Even if exceptions need to be made, staff must have made the best efforts to comply with the code of practice initially – a breach is only permitted in extraordinary circumstances.

 

If you believe that any piece of content Luster Network has published fails to meet these editorial standards, please do not hesitate to contact rhiannon@gameluster.com, and we will look into the matter.