Ethics Question at DVinfo.net

Jim Wharton · December 18th, 2003, 09:09 PM

I recently offered to do a marketing video for a friend that went into a partnership in a new business after being forced out of her recent employment. This is a small manufacturing company just like the one she left. We are prepping the shoot and will be completed with the project in a couple of weeks.
NOW, the guys at the other company are in need of the same type of marketing materials plus training videos as well.
Is it ethical to do both??? If I can do it without sharing info back and forth I think it would be okay........
Any thoughts??

Bryan McCullough · December 19th, 2003, 02:07 PM

Unless you agreed that you wouldn't work for a competitor, then your free and clear.

Stylianos Moschapidakis · December 19th, 2003, 05:10 PM

This is a tough one; but, I think that if I were you, I would ask my friend how she feels about you working for the other company. This may sound naive or cliche but being honest will give you more than it may take from you.

Robert Knecht Schmidt · December 19th, 2003, 05:16 PM

It's a good dilemma because it represents the classic selfish/selfless dichotomy.

As Bryan says, from a legal perspective there's probably no barrier. From a personal perspective, you stand to profit from one road and your friend stands to profit from the other road--it's up to you to decide which is more important to you.

And as Stylianos points out, it's also an issue of transparency--is your modus operandi one of secrecy or full disclosure?

Jeff Donald · December 19th, 2003, 06:58 PM

There is a potential for many conflicts and not to mention, damage to your reputation. I do work for a large, multi-national consumer products company. If I ever did work for one of their competitors, and they found out, I would never do work for them again.

Jim Wharton · December 20th, 2003, 09:08 PM

Thanks guys. Decisions....decisions.....

December 18th, 2003, 09:09 PM	#1
Jim Wharton New Boot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Crestline, Ca Posts: 21	Ethics Question I recently offered to do a marketing video for a friend that went into a partnership in a new business after being forced out of her recent employment. This is a small manufacturing company just like the one she left. We are prepping the shoot and will be completed with the project in a couple of weeks. NOW, the guys at the other company are in need of the same type of marketing materials plus training videos as well. Is it ethical to do both??? If I can do it without sharing info back and forth I think it would be okay........ Any thoughts??

December 19th, 2003, 05:10 PM	#3
Stylianos Moschapidakis Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cambridge, MA/Crete, Greece Posts: 189	This is a tough one; but, I think that if I were you, I would ask my friend how she feels about you working for the other company. This may sound naive or cliche but being honest will give you more than it may take from you. __________________ Stelios G.M.

December 19th, 2003, 05:16 PM	#4
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	It's a good dilemma because it represents the classic selfish/selfless dichotomy. As Bryan says, from a legal perspective there's probably no barrier. From a personal perspective, you stand to profit from one road and your friend stands to profit from the other road--it's up to you to decide which is more important to you. And as Stylianos points out, it's also an issue of transparency--is your modus operandi one of secrecy or full disclosure? __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

December 19th, 2003, 06:58 PM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	There is a potential for many conflicts and not to mention, damage to your reputation. I do work for a large, multi-national consumer products company. If I ever did work for one of their competitors, and they found out, I would never do work for them again. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

December 19th, 2003, 02:07 PM	#2
Bryan McCullough Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 842	Unless you agreed that you wouldn't work for a competitor, then your free and clear.

December 20th, 2003, 09:08 PM	#6
Jim Wharton New Boot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Crestline, Ca Posts: 21	Thanks guys. Decisions....decisions.....