Everything I do as a professional creator and creative services provider stems from, and reflects, who I am. Like many creators, I am my brand; my personal and business reputation are one in the same. If you’re thinking of buying any of my creative works, or deciding to hire my services, you’re also considering entering into a relationship with me.

That’s something I take seriously. I put a lot of value in the fact that you’re interested in me and my work, and that you’re taking the time to do your research.

To help you in that regard, I offer this statement of ethics and principles (in no particular order) as both a brief introduction to my personal and professional standards and morals, and as a method of accountability.

• My ethics and principles stem from my creed, which is adapted from the works of Garth Ennis:
  • Judge a person by their deeds, not how they look
  • Don’t suffer fools
  • Do the right thing
• A corollary, from the works of Aaron Sorkin: “I want to be a comfort to my friends in tragedy. And I want to be able to celebrate with them in triumph. And for all the times in between, I just want to be able to look them in the eye.”
• Similarly, quoting Mike Watt: “…you get a kink in your neck looking up at people or looking down at people, but if you look right across your shoulder, you know, right at your peers… there’re no kinks.”
• The Matthew Wayne Selznick encountered online is the same Matthew Wayne Selznick met in person. I don’t have an “online persona,” and you’ll never read, hear, or see something online from me that I wouldn’t also say to your face.
  • Because subtlety is easy to miss in online communication, I strive for direct and forthright written content, especially on social networks. What I say is what I mean; nothing more or less.
  • Do not “read into” my words or actions. If my intentions and motivations aren’t clear to you, please ask rather than assume.
• I operate with transparency in as many areas as is practical and possible. If there’s something related to my creative endeavors or creative services you’d like to know and I haven’t already discussed it publicly… ask me.
• When I recommend a person, it’s because I know them, like them, and trust them. Similarly, I only recommend products and services I’ve personally used and like.
• Regarding the use of Large Language Model and Generative Artificial Intelligence, including tools, services, and software that employ such technologies as a service, I follow the “do my laundry, don’t design the clothes” approach:
  • I do not employ generative AI products or services in the creation of my own creative work (to include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, articles, music, and art). Creative work attributed to me is my own.
  • I employ generative artificial intelligence products and services to assist in the execution of tasks and in the creation of tools that enhance and augment the execution of tasks.
• I treat others with respect until the moment they show they’re undeserving.
• I consider consumers of my creative works to be my peers.
• I’m a secular humanist whose political views skew far left.
• If you disagree with any of the following, we simply shouldn’t work together.
  • Denounce white supremacy.
  • Women who become pregnant have the sole and inviolate right to make their own informed, private decisions regarding their bodies, health, and future.
  • Love is love.
  • LGBTQIA2S+ lives matter.
  • Black lives matter.

This is not an exhaustive list; I’ll no doubt add to it and refine it from time to time. I expect others to abide by these same ethics and principles, favor those who do, and may discard those who behave contrary (be it toward me, or those I love) to a similar standard.